We have been blessed here in western Massachusetts with beautiful late-autumn days. Knowing another gorgeous day was on the horizon, three of us Berkshire Hills Labradoodle Puppy Buddies messaged one another on facebook last night to set a time to hike today, taking advantage of the mid-forty degrees temperature and bright sunshine.
Four people/four dogs rendezvoused at the trailhead leading to a hike in the hills of Williamburg. The dogs bounced around in true Australian Labradoodle style – on hind legs, like kangaroos (They are a breed originating in Australia. Was there some kangaroo mixed in? I’ve often wondered as they bounce around on their hind legs.) Once they had properly greeted one another, off they ran ahead of us on the trail. Each dog sported an orange hunting vest since we’re in the midst of hunting season around here.
Violet never ventures too far. Within a few minutes she’s back at my side checking in. Then, off she goes again. I was pretty pleased that she had managed to avoid the many streams we had passed along the way. Although I wanted her to have fun, she had just been to the groomer on Tuesday and was so nice and clean. But, sure enough, on the way back, she couldn’t resist a good romp in a deep muddy puddle. Guess she wanted to match up with the rest of her gang that had muddied up right from the start.
Close to the end of our hike, we came upon a nice deep, clear brook. Good for the Doodles to dunk in and rinse off all the mud. Violet’s pals dashed right into the water. Violet, on the other hand, just went as far as the water’s edge and stopped. I was determined that, she, too, would rinse off all the mud clinging to her legs and belly. Finally, after much coaxing from we humans, she joined her Labradoodle buddies for a good rinse. She emerged nice and clean. By the time we reached the car, she was pretty much dried off. Wonderful! Home now, she’s asleep at my feet as I write this post. One happy, tired dog (and human, too.). Great way to spend an afternoon.