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May 5, 2015

Born to Run

In yesterday’s post about on-leash running, I mentioned that Eko and Penny, like most dogs, were born to run. Off leash, that is.  Nothing makes me or the pups happier that a wild romp at the beach Unfortunately, due to a Canine Influenza outbreak,
In yesterday’s post about on-leash running, I mentioned that Eko and Penny, like most dogs, were born to run. Off leash, that is. Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

Nothing makes me or the pups happier that a wild romp at the beach

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

Unfortunately, due to a Canine Influenza outbreak, off leash time has been significantly reduced

Walks, training runs and backyard playdates are all great, but there’s been no replacing a full throttle off-leash run. Over the weekend I heard from my vet’s office that they are cautiously optimistic Chicago is on the tail end of the outbreak.

This is obviously great news, but I’m not ready to bring my two socialites back to their favorite (and busy) dog beach for regular romps. However, because it’s been so long since they’ve gotten to run and because it was a special occasion, I took Eko and Penny to a smaller, less frequented beach. We visited early in the morning and as I hoped, we were the only ones there.

It was glorious.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

They were born to run, and run they did.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

The unbridled joy of both dogs was so great to watch

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

Normally Penny eggs Eko on, but he needed no encouragement this trip

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

After weeks of having a cinderblock (me) attached to them, the pups were overjoyed to finally run free

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, chicago, adventure, dog beach

“Born to fly” might be a more accurate title for this post. I’m pretty sure their paws were in the air longer than they were on the ground

Despite encountering no other dogs on the trip and despite Penny and Eko’s influenza vaccinations, I know I took a small but calculated risk. But I think it was worth it, and not just for those glorious smiles.

I’m taking Penny into the vet tomorrow morning to get spayed. Her recovery is dependent on rest and keeping still, not two of Penny’s strong suits. I know that by running Penny ragged over the past few days I’ll help her have less anxious energy at the vet and have a greater inclination to be a couch potato in the days following surgery.

Now, I just need tomorrow to get here and go by as fast as possible so I can take care of my little girl!

Comments for Born to Run

  1. It’s a breath taking moment to see their happy faces when they have their beach :o) Good luck for tomorrow, send hugs to you all, hope the rest-time is over soon :o)

  2. Victoria says:

    good intentions – running her ragged but if she is like my pups -it didn’t matter – after the surgery they wanted to jump and play just as much and maybe more because i was trying to keep them from doing so – and the cone headgear is a blast too!

  3. Love watching those speed-demons run full throttle-just unbridled joy on their faces! Paws crossed with the spaying and keeping the ‘Penster’ less active during the recovery process. 🙂

  4. Emmadog says:

    The ideal time to get spayed! We are the same way after a trip where we don’t get much if any off leash romp time, we love to tear it up in the yard as soon as we are home. Hopefully the flu is dying down. We have gone to our competitions, but there have been precautions too at the events. Poor Eko and you, having to live with Penny, trying to keep her quiet the next couple weeks. Bailie was a nightmare on the second day!

  5. Kismet says:

    What’s the point of living if you can’t LIVE?

  6. They truly look happy! I hope the surgery and recovery go well.

  7. wishing Penny the best of luck! (and you and Emily too!) All will go well I am certain of it!

  8. nerdgrl (Kim S.) says:

    Years ago the first thing my parents’ mini schnauzer did after coming home from her “fix” was to jump up on the bench in the kitchen. (Per the vet: “Oh, not to worry, she’ll be groggy and not want to move much.” Yeah, right!) Everyone ’bout had heart failure! Thankfully, no stitch breakage. I was so worried with Steffi, she and I slept out on the sofa (this was before she decided mommy and daddy’s bed was better) so I could keep a watch on her. I was sooooo worried. Our new furbaby comes in late June when she’ll be 8 weeks old so it’ll be awhile before her “fixing.” Good luck with Penny!

  9. oh she needed that big romp before her spay. Thanks for being a responsible owner and good luck to penny with the surgery and recovery.

  10. Connie Taylor says:

    When we had our Bentley spayed, she’d go outside sniffing the ground with her new “Ground Penetrating-Cone head” collar! (The photos I took of her head sniffing the ground are too funny, be sure to get some of Penny). I think she’s misses being able to really smell the ground. Good luck to Miss Penny and to the rest of you guys.

  11. Cupcake says:

    Awwww. Good luck, P. You’ll do fine, I’m sure. Don’t let the cone eat your head. You’ll be up and running (literally) soon.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  12. Marcela says:

    Born to fly or run, one thing is for sure, your kids are gorgeous:-)

  13. That beach/running thing looks like LOTS of fun. Please tell Penny I said good luck tomorrow. <3

  14. Elyse says:

    Good luck, Penny! You’ll be fine.

  15. fredrieka says:

    all paw babies are born to run, wag and smile it is up to the pawless parents to bring out the best in us

  16. coastingnz says:

    oh my gosh you captured their happiness completely – fabulous photos and good luck with the next week, oh Penny you poor wee munchiken!

  17. Gail Simburger says:

    Hoping all goes well with Penny’s procedure and recovery.

  18. Eve says:

    Hope all goes well and she recovers quietly!! I know might be too much to wish for! Good luck tomorrow! Sending you lots of patience until she is allowed to run!

  19. I so agree – there’s nothing more fun than watching dogs race and romp around. We’re lucky enough to have a big enough yard that they can do it in the yard when the mood strikes…but nothing like wide open space like the beach.

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