The Magic of Cooler Weather (and a note of sadness)
DH lets Kimber sit in the front yard by herself sometimes. She sits right in front of the picture window of his office, so she can see him and he can see her, and since his office is right near the door, he can quickly go help her when she wants to come back in. (She needs to be boosted up the front porch steps.) These days, walking is so hard for her, she never goes more than 10 feet from that spot.
Yesterday, the temps were in the 50s, with a nice, brisk wind: perfect labrador weather. Kimber wanted no part of being inside. When DH looked out the window and didn't see her, he trotted outside- and discovered she was halfway to our neighbors' house! We live in a rural area, everyone owns multiple acres. She was sniffing her way through the tall grass that separates our two lots- it's a good 100 feet from our house. She was in zero danger- it's nowhere near a road- but of course she needs to stay where he can see her. He coaxed her back to our front yard. A little while later, she was gone again! And this time, she had made it all the way to the neighbors! They watch her when we're gone, so this is very familiar territory for her- but it's farther than she walks almost ever!
DH called her and she was deaf (insert eyeroll). He had to physically go up to her and grab her collar to come home. Silly Kimber! When she got home, she took a long nap. It's exhausting being Dora the Explorer!
We can't be mad at her for wandering a bit; her world has gotten so small, and it's lovely that she *wants* to explore. Each day is a gift.
On a sadder note, a 9 year old labrador owned by a colleague had to be PTS this week. He suddenly lost all mobility, in the space of less than a week. The vets think it was an aggressive brain cancer. His owners are devastated. Kimber and this lab used to play in their youth; it's heartbreaking to see her old buddies cross the bridge. Run free, sweet Scout. May you find lots of squirrels to chase.