Legging 'em Up

Buff and the ATV

This time of year typically finds me running my dogs with my bicycle on dirt roads that wind through hay fields near my home getting the dogs in shape for the finals. It's always hot and dusty, and requires loading up bike, dogs and water before heading out on a few miles of focused run.

This morning, I simply stepped out of Big Barbie, (my RV,) unleashed my dogs, retrieved the ATV, and took off. Mirk is from Wales, Buff from Ireland, where most distance is covered beside an ATV. On a cool, damp morning like this one, they both reveled in the run and the weather. Both dogs brightened measurably at the sound of the engine. It was all new to Star, but he followed the other dog's lead and outpaced them with his long, athletic strides, loping easily beside me all the way.

The practice sheep are about a mile away, and our first stop to turn them out for the day. From there we looped over the sod farm on a wet, dirt track, through tall grass and across the irrigation ditch. We turned back on to the main road, and hit another gear to finish strongly with the dogs running flat out. 

Legged Up

I am a far cry from the dusty hay fields back home, but the intent and the process are the same. The dogs get out, and cover as much ground as possible to become conditioned and fit. The fact that everybody involved loves it is a just icing on the cake.