I’m a great believer of quality of time rather than quantity. But I suppose my dogs don’t really believe my philosophy cause they want both quality as well as quantity. I try to dedicate at least one day a week for an outdoor activity with them but it’s been pretty challenging cause it’s tick season.
Another issue I face when bringing Louis and Emmie out is that I feel that there is less and less places that is really dog friendly these days. The waters of the more obscure places are also not as clean. As for now, I’ll still bring them to Changi beach cause it’s one of the few places that have deserted stretches of beaches during weekdays and I can unleash them for some swimming and running.
My dogs would play fetch in the water. Louis is the hard working cocker that goes and retrieves the stick no matter how far you throw it. Emmie doesn’t want to swim too far out so she’ll wait till Louis is half way back before trying to steal the stick from him!
I think I may have said this before but watching them run around so care free and absolutely happy is very therapeutic. Dogs are such wonderfully affectionate creatures that are simply excited to be able to run around the water and sand, dig some holes, chase me around and enjoy the simplicity of living.
Here’s something to share with you about dogs that was forwarded to me.
THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY DOG
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
- Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
- Take naps and stretch before rising.
- Run, romp and play daily.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you are not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shade tree.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout, . . . . run right back and make friends.
- Bond with your pack.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Long after you are gone, remain a memory in your master’s dreams.
And here’s a video of the day out I had with Louis and Emmie at the beach!
Here’s the youtube link: http://youtu.be/sxh7jBilCw8