Carltons Adventure Walk: Hi Maddie, The other morning I found myself at the Richmond Animal League shelter watching the dogs in their kennels and wondering which one I should take out on a hike. They all looked like they would love a hike so I was very appreciative when one of the volunteers at the shelter stepped in and pointed Carlton out to me. He was a young male hound mix, with a friendly smile and wagging tail and I was informed full of energy and ready for a workout on the trails. I was told he pulled a lot on the lead when walking and was offered a gentle leader to help make it a little easier to walk him but after sizing him up decided his martingale would work for us. We walked to the car and I opened the tail gate, Carlton clearly had the idea but nosed around and hesitated for a moment a little unsure then decided and popped right into the back, no problems! We decided on a quiet stretch of trail running between the Nickel bridge and the train trestle west of there for his adventure. On the drive Carlton was busy at the windows the whole time, he seemed mostly to prefer looking out the back at the cars behind us but would occasionally check the sides and every once in awhile his furry head would make an appearance between the front seats. Once we set out on the trail Carlton didnt pull quite as much as expected, he seemed to be a natural at hiking and trotted along beside me as we followed the trail. We spent the first twenty minutes just focused on keeping up a quick pace and covering some ground which Carlton seemed to relish and which I think helped with his good behavior. Once we were down by the river in the more open areas and Carlton was given some loose lead to explore then he did work me a lot harder but I also found that he really liked to stay with me and keep close so keeping him busy and focused on me made the walk easy and I enjoyed his company. We found all sorts of things to investigate the first stop and his favorite thing was the river, he was a little tentative at first pausing once he had all four feet in the water then sinking down on his chest in a play bow and just enjoying the cool water on a warm morning. After that we walked in a little further, Carlton lifting his feet high with each step as if he wasnt quite sure about what was going on but it didnt take long and he surged forward ending up in deeper water and finding himself swimming. That only lasted a couple seconds and I think he was surprised but he was undaunted and we walked up and down the river Carlton splashing around and looking very happy! Being down in the flood plane Carlton spent a lot of time climbing logs and piles of driftwood that had accumulated where the trail had been. Like with getting in the car and exploring the river, Carlton took it slow, pausing and figuring out how best to proceed then having made his mind up went for it. One had the feeling he was experiencing these things for the first time and enjoying a fast learning curve! Climbing the logs took some figuring but making his way over rocky terrain with huge boulders Carlton moved quite quickly and deftly stepping and jumping from rock to rock as he stuck his nose into crevasses and peered over edges to see what was there. When he found the river on the other side he was right in and splashing! Carlton kept busy exploring the muddy flats and beach, rocks and river, river grasses and downed trees and the agenda for the hike back was the reverse of the hike out, fun and energetic! When we arrived back at the shelter Carlton hopped out of the car and onto the curb, he turned around and stood up placing his paws on my chest and wagging his tail looked up to me. I couldnt have received a better thank you! I found Carlton an affectionate and attentive dog, this is what I found most endearing about him is that he wants to be with someone, he wants leadership and love. Like all the dogs I found waiting in their kennels, eager for attention or a walk what he would like most is a home where I am sure with training, daily exercise and place to run and play he will blossom into a wonderful companion. Thank you so much Maddie for sponsoring a shelter dog for a walk, Carlton had a great morning! He is available with Richmond Animal League. If youre interested in sponsoring an Adventure Walk for a rescued dog, please visit canineadventure.net/store/sponsored-walk
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 13:00:01 +0000
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