SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Some of you know that my dog (and reluctant hiking partner) Ted is recovering from hip surgery. It can fairly be said that, due to his quirkiness, he is WAY behind the curve, as his vet tells me, but he has recently decided he probably does still possess a functional right rear leg. I announced this quietly here a week and a half ago, but then Ted took a week off from recognizing his leg and I despaired that he would ever use it again. Now he's settled into a routine of using it quite a lot, especially when walking over difficult surfaces, which is all we have around here, or in water.

So today we went to Railroad Canyon, a popular hike in the Black Range of southwestern New Mexico. Parts of it, unfortunately, are now in a burn scar, and this time of year, before things have begun to leaf out and bloom, the area looks rather bleak--especially when the sky is overcast, like today. But the creek is still lovely.

By now, more than two months after Ted's surgery to remove the head of his right femur, he is accustomed to me rewarding him for climbing stairs. He has widened this expectation to include stepping up onto a curb, or picking his way up a steep incline in a trail. Thus the "gaze" photo: Ted had traversed a small hill with great concentration, and then turned to face me for his reward. (He got it).

By the way, if you're not into dogs, you're missing something. Ted has been my sidekick, and I his, for over 12 years; that's more than a lot of relationships between people nowadays, and likely more rewarding than some. His sole interest in life is making sure I'm okay. All right, he also likes treats. If you look closely, you'll see my silhouette reflected in his eyes.

Ted's gaze

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The pretty creek

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A rather useless corral

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Burn scar

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Again, the always pretty creek

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UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

A very nice set! My crew, however, believes that Ted deserves double kudos (8 paws up) for the rehab and training you to respond to "that look".

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Considering Ted's mindset, he deserves all the kudos people can offer. In the end it really was up to him. It broke my heart to think that I might have unnecessarily crippled him for the rest of his life, even though my decision to have the surgery was based on the pain I saw he was having. It's been a tough road, and I believe it may have aged me more than him. I appreciate your kind attention.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

I’m really glad Ted is using the leg. If he’s happy, you are happy. Nice pictures.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

You couldn't have phrased it better. And if he's miserable, so am I. Thank you!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Go, Ted!

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I'm so glad Ted is feeling better and back to hiking with you!!! Enjoy your adventures. Love the expression on that face!!

Really nice composition on the corral photo.

Hugs and kisses to Ted and Leaf!!!

Dodie

crafterwantabe Loc: Mn

Beautiful pictures, way to go Ted. He is a beauty....

phv Loc: Goleta, California

Ted’s gaze says it all. He is thinking “we are in this together and I’m happy I’m with you!”. Great shot and story. Keep up the good work. After losing my golden of 12 years last year, I still weep, but I have two other goldens to fill the void. Dogs are incredible.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you for your encouragement.

cwp3420

He is certainly a handsome fellow. I thought of you and Ted when I saw this.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thanks, friend. I have missed him terribly on hikes.

I too like the corral and may play with it in Lightroom, doing a B/W conversion; the colors are so drab. So much for NM sun though I'm not complaining as it can be so intense before the trees have their leaves to offer shade. Like today.

For your viewing pleasure, here is a shot of Leaf minus her head (I was being pragmatic, avoiding a distracting background, and anyway her face was frowny). Also here is a shot of my overlooked other child, Oliver, who at age seven became instant uncle to a fuzzy brat (that would be Leaf). He looks like the one in your photo so I thought you'd like to meet him. He too just showed up at my house when he was tiny; when I first saw him skitter across my porch I thought he was a baby skunk.

Partial Leaf

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Big fat Oliver

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SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Yes he is, through and through. Thank you.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I am sorry about your golden. Ted too is 12 and I cherish every minute, knowing I can't have him forever. Thank you for your comments, and for looking.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Yes, he's a looker all right. Thank you.