Hiking.

I have taken Valkyrie hiking with me for years. She is an amazing hiker. In the past I have let her run off leash, even in places that say a dog needs to be leashed. I would try to find parks that had signs posted saying "dogs must be under owners control" so that we wouldn't be breaking the law. I figured she would expend more energy running loose than going at my much slower than canine pace. But recently I have had to face reality- Valkyrie does not get along with all dogs. We have been lucky that in the past we never had any really negative encounters with other dogs. But I am not willing to take that risk anymore. Valkyrie is a leashed dog now. Permanently. I love her too much to take chances with her life. There are way too many chances for circumstances beyond my control when out in the woods. I really thought that Valkyrie would pitch a fit when I kept her leash on her but she was a perfect little lady. No pulling at all. Perhaps she is finally growing up. Or perhaps it's all the hours spent on little walks near the house working on leash manners. Whatever the reasoning, I love it. I love hiking with my girl.
My nine year old dog still acts like a puppy. She has limitless amounts of energy. She could go all day as long as she is with me. Exercise is great for her anxiety too. The more tired she is the less likely she will be anxious when I leave the house. And the exercise is of course good for me too. I'm still slightly out of shape from my surgeries but I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. I love working the hours that I do because it leaves my afternoons free to go hiking with Valkyrie. Crossing my fingers for beautiful weather the rest of the summer and fall. Not too hot and no rain on my days off. I'm not asking for much!

My best friend.

My best friend. She is a pit bull. But she is so much more- She is the other half of my heart.

Today is Valkyrie's gotcha-day. I don't normally celebrate this day since I know her exact birthday.  Nine years ago I took a really crazy adventure to pick up Valkyrie. She completed my heart when I met her. I wasn't exactly in a good place in my life then. I certainly wasn't in a good place to be getting a second dog, a puppy no less. But as soon as I met Valkyrie I knew we were meant to be together forever. We have been through so many tough times together. And we've been through good times too. Every moment of joy or sadness over the past nine years Valkyrie has been there with me. She is my heart. My constant companion.

Helping mommy heal after surgery.

"If you're alone, I'll be your shadow.  If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.  If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow.  If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.  But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. "

Beautiful girl.

  
“Some dogs come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave pawprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

Bliss.

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." 

 

Unconditional love.

 

 "Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you.  They are not perfect but are always perfect for you."

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."