A great start

We went up to Sunol Regional Wilderness for the usual New Year’s Day trek.

I really wish the rest of the bay area would get on board with the East Bay parks leash rules. Off leash,  if under control, in all undeveloped areas. Unless otherwise posted, of course - wetlands, bird breeding grounds, etc. We always meet such well behaved dogs. In such a large area that also has cattle, coyotes, squirrels, etc., you do need to actually, you know, train your dog or spend many hours chasing it. Also, because of the size of the parks, there is no social or spacial pressure. No forced interaction. Everybody just keeps moving. I think it is very sad that the simple act of being off leash is a novelty to so many dogs. Freedom should be the rule, not the exception.

People, cows, and dogs. And no one died.

It was just an amazing day. So much clearer over there than on the bay side. Low-60’s had everyone comfortable. Warm enough that no jackets required and cool enough that no miserable dogs.  

Except, perhaps when asked to pose.  

Or leave the cow shit alone  

And, hey, that goes for coyote shit, too.  

How about we just take all shit off the menu?  

I guess their priorities change as they age, too.

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays.
Let's hope this year is a bit smoother than the last one!

Related Posts:

  • Zoe Hates Puppies! A Photograhic Lesson In Canine Body LanguageDouble Trouble! Today I have some photographs of canine body language to share with everyone! Zoe has always sort of disliked puppies, they are just not her thing. She thinks they are really annoying and after dealing with to… Read More
  • Do You Ever Feel Like You're Being Watched?Do you ever feel like you're being watched? .... or maybe followed?I think they're still there!!!Phoenix was photobombed by an adorable group of ducks looking for snacks. Unfortunately, I don't carry duck food on me. These li… Read More
  • Reward Based Dog Training Really Works!Zoe, recalling off hunting bunnies.We've all heard that saying "the proof is in the pudding", right? Well it's really true. It's hard to believe someone about something unless you see the thing for yourself. Reward-based trai… Read More
  • Focused!It's really rare that I capture Phoenix looking at something else. On this day, there was another hiker and a dog coming our way. Phoenix has to keep an eye on other dogs because they could be big and scary. Usually she will … Read More
  • Beauty After The Rain!I think the sky after a good rain is one of my favorite things about Oregon. We are hoping for another day like this one in the photo above. It's been nonstop raining for too long! How is the weather where you are?… Read More