Dog Blog

I’m going to tell you about one of the best days of my life. If you aren’t a dog lover, stop reading now. Also, who are you and why are you reading my blog? Please reexamine your priorities in life.

Last weekend, I got to go along with Andy to an organized “Swedish Vallhund walk” (that’s Higgs’ breed). There’s usually one a month, but I’ve missed the past two. This time, I was determined to make it.

Lucky for me, this one had the biggest doggy turnout yet. There must have been around twenty dogs, most of which were Vallhunds. ALSO, FOUR PUPPIES!

It was nice of the German Shepherd to show up for scale purposes.

Everyone congregated in a field up on Wright’s Hill in Karori before setting out on a short walk to another field.

Just look at that puppy!

Higgs decided to lounge and let the other dogs come to him.

And that puppy again!

My favorite shot of all has got to be this sniffing circle.

There was some cute sharing going on, too.

Once everyone was there, we headed up the path. The views toward the coast were wonderful.

But I liked the dog view better.

Here’s Higgs mid-flight. That bulldog on the left was his new best friend, or “stalker,” as the owner liked to say.

So. Many. DOGS.

Some of the dogs took a brief detour but dutifully came running back when we all called for them, making for a very cute shot.

When we got to the field, it was time for some serious playing and ball chasing (including the balls belonging to the overwhelmed dogs that happened to already be there).

The smallest puppy got a little too into the game.

Ouch!

Higgs and his buddy spent some quality time together.

And everyone got to drink out of some delicious mud puddles.

We continued on along the path that skirts Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.

It got pretty muddy, which the dogs loved.

More good views awaited. What a gorgeous day!

We stopped at a viewing platform to try and get a group shot. I love this one of me and Higgsy, even if he does look like he hates me.

I borrowed this next shot from one of the Vallhund dads who had his camera.

You try getting an excited group of dogs to pose for you and see what happens. All considered, this shot is pretty great.

As we neared the end of the hike, two of the puppies decided to get in as much tussling as possible before having to go their separate ways.

Look at these faces!

Soon after, all the dogs were reluctantly dragged to their respective cars, but Higgs got one last minute to romp with his friend.

Goodbyes are never easy, but there’s always next month to look forward to!