The Long Walk and Angus

March 5, 2007. Yesterday we went back to the Burnaby Lake trails and started walking. We usually go for about an hour and 2.5 K outbound and then back again. Today was very different as we just kept going and going. It ended up being about a 3.5 hour, 11 kilometer walk. Wow, was I ever tired at the end of it. I flopped down beside the truck with almost not enough energy to get in.

During the walk we met all sorts of people and dogs. There were people walking together, there were people walking with dogs and even more amazing, today I got my first distant glimpse of a huge animal that Tom and Renee called a horse. Now, I have been called a horse before because of my size, but those guys are huge compared to me.

I met a squirrel as well as a flock of ducks. They didn’t want to come and visit me and wouldn’t let me come and visit them either. The weather cooperated nicely, it was pleasantly mild and cloudy but it didn’t rain.

I had another new experience where I walked over the top of a small dam and then on the other side I had to walk down a flight of steel grated stairs. I was not too sure about them as I could see right through them, but, I did finally make it down ok.

Towards the end of the walk, we were passing by a large field and there were people there flying several radio controlled airplanes. They made a high pitched whining sound that bothered my ears.

Today Tom took me out on the park for a 40 minute run and after the first toss; I brought the ball back, got within thirty feet of Tom and dropped it. Then I flopped down on my side not moving. I think I’m still tired from yesterday. I found my second wind quickly though and turned it in to a long run. I obeyed all my commands and did a great job today.

After breakfast, we arrived home and what did my astonished eyes see. Was that another sheepdog on the park? Yes, I think it is. We have to go say hello, we just have to. Tom took me over and introduced me to Angus. He is actually a bearded collie, which is a Scottish sheepdog, and a distant relative of mine.

Angus is seven years old and not overly friendly to me. He is tolerant, but is not too happy with my youthful exuberance and energy. One big difference between us is that Angus has a big long bushy tail, which I unfortunately stepped on when he was lying down. He was not at all happy about that. I’m sorry Angus, I’m just not used to these tail things, and mine isn’t there as you can see.

Finally it was time to go and Angus got back in his car and Tom and I headed home. I’m going to grab a quick nap before we go and meet Renee for lunch. Boy is she ever going to be surprised by my visit.

Later in the evening, I got another big surprise. I heard a knock at the door and there were Caitlin and Matias here for a visit. This is awesome. Caitlin had a big surprise for her Dad as well. She talked him into coming outside and there sitting at the curb was a new car that she and Matias had just bought. It is a shiny Grey 2007 Ford Focus.

Everyone was very excited about the visit from the two and even more excited about the new car. I’m not too sure about it though. I’m a little nervous about that open door, because it doesn’t slide like my door does.