We live on long dirt road, much like others around Orange County, with a few other homes which all have 10+ acres. The surrounding trees and streams are lovely so the walk is cathartic.
In the 21 years here, each dog has walked with me down this gravel road.
Initially it was Emmett, and then Spike. I walked and the dogs followed. Spike was always behind me - no leashes necessary. Never did I have to worry about him chasing any deer, squirrels or get lost from sniffing the surrounding trees. When Emmett passed away from old age, Spike continued to walk with me, just the two of us walking about a mile.
Thomas and Emmett 1988
Emmett and Spike 1992
Dexter and Spike 2007
When Carly picked out Dexter from the pound, and he was no longer a small puppy, both dogs followed me without incident. Arthritis slowly consumed Spike's body but he persisted. Although each walk became more difficult, Spike followed until he couldn't walk the distance any longer. He stopped at strategic spots to rest, knowing that I would be back on the return home. It was our special time together.
Dexter continued this tradition after Spike passed from old age. The routine never changed. However, Dexter in his old age, became so arthritic that I sometimes had to pen him to prevent him from following me up the hills, for his own good. On one day, I thought that I should just let him follow me. I assumed that he knew what he is capable of and what his body can endure.
I walked up the long hill, to the top of the road, off the gravel and proceeded down the asphalt road for a longer walk. I turned my back, did not see Dexter and thought he would go no further than the mailboxes. I had no idea that on my return down the gravel road he had walked further than I could have imagined.
As I passed Dexter and heard the rustling leaves, I saw him struggle to get up to greet me. Dexter was waiting for me under the trees at the corner of the asphalt and gravel road. He had walked to the top of the long hill, past the mailboxes to the drive of a nearby neighbor and waited. His loyalty to our walk brought tears to my eyes. It was our last walk together. He passed about a month later.
Dexter 2010
During Dexter's older years, I did not let the newer, younger dogs walk with us. Sam, and then Chico, did not practice following me during our walks. I did not feel comfortable that they would stay in line so to speak, like our other dogs. And since Dexter's passing, I just didn't want to try - until this morning.
Sam and Chico 2013
Their reactions were reminiscent of Emmett, Spike and Dexter. Once Sam and Chico realized that we were going out of our boundaries, off our property, they were so excited. Their tails wagged and they barked excitedly. Sam kept nibbling my hand as if to hold it.
We walked the same path I walked with their predecessors. Down the drive, to the left, past the stream, up the hill, down a hill, up a hill to the end of our road and back home. Amazingly all went well. They kept up with me and did not stray off. Until the return home.
At the top of the final hill they both disappeared. I whistled for them both but neither Chico nor Sam came. Surely they both knew these woods and would get home - probably before I did. No sooner had I turned around, here came Chico running at full speed as if to say, "Wait for me. You aren't going anywhere without me!! Here I am." But Sam did not come as quickly.
Trying not to worry, I headed home with Chico only to find Sam meeting us at our driveway and wet. I am sure he strayed to find his beloved stream of water for a quick dip as Goldens do love water.
Sam and Chico 2013
In all, I am pleased. With more walks and practice, Sam and Chico will eventually follow tradition. Our family dogs have always walked with me.
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