I was over at Widget's House scooping poop on Friday and watched Travis racing back and forth between the yards, literally leaping over the fences as he went. He was showing off for me, and how better than to take advantage of the deep snow to run a steeplechase course around the building? Travis is an exceptionally athletic and agile dog, and having a fused jaw doesn't slow him down one bit.
I set the pooper scooper shovels aside and went into Widget's House to get the camera. Outside, I called Travis over, pointed to the nearest fence, and said, "Okay, go for it!" And he did. He'd take off on a dead run for the fence, leap over it, hit the snowcover, run about 20 more feet, then stop and spin around to look at me. His face had an expression that said, "Well, how was that?" As he cleared the fence, I'd click the shutter.
Not sure if I got the photo I wanted, I'd say to him, "Okay, let's do it again!" and he'd zoom back over the fence for me. I had him do this four times until I was satisfied I had the photo, though he was happy to keep obliging. Yes, he likes to show off!
His ability to leap fences when the snow is this deep is clearly a "confinement issue" in winter, since he does like to get out and take off if he sees an opportunity when unsupervised. In tomorrow's post, I'll show you our current "confinement solution" for this boy.
"Yay! Woo-hoo, the crowd cheers & claps, ^5's all around!"
What an awesome picture & Travis is an awesome dog! I love how he seemed to know he was being photographed for the next blog. I just know he is so fun to watch.
Keep going Travis!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | March 30, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Travis needs a red cape when he does that. ;)
Posted by: A Arsenault | March 30, 2009 at 03:40 PM
This rates as one of my very fave blog pictures. Thanks so much for making my day Steve & Travis.
Posted by: Carisa J | March 30, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Thanks for sharing such pure infectious JOY!
ps: And Trav's got clearance to spare. But you knew that already...
Posted by: Margaret | March 30, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Great photo. I can't stop smiling.
Was it last winter that Travis "escaped" and you found him at the end of your road ??? He's seems like a wild one but I bet he brings a lot of fun around the ranch! I have saved a video of him where he puff/barks. Too cute!
Posted by: Lynn | March 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Travis has set up his own agility course...just needs some help setting up hoops and mayb a tube-shoot...how about a a teeter-totter...hmmm...sounds like a summer project to me!
Posted by: Laura B | March 30, 2009 at 11:08 AM
What a beautiful sight!
Travis is one of my favorites so I love seeing him in whatever he does but THIS is a real treat!
Posted by: Boundforglory | March 30, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I have been infatuated with sweet Travis from the very first day....can't wait to see how (if?) you have figured out a way to confine him during the snow.
Posted by: Debbie | March 30, 2009 at 07:56 AM
Now that is a great action shot of Travis performing for, "the audience at home." How wonderful that he loves to do that! Yeehaw!
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | March 30, 2009 at 02:57 AM
By the way........where is his stomach tube? Or doesn't he have one? Ev
Posted by: Ev | March 30, 2009 at 01:25 AM
What a blast!!
Posted by: Ev | March 30, 2009 at 01:21 AM
Yup, that's the Travis I love. What he lacks in masticulation, he makes up for in agility! And the reason he looks like he's "flying" over the fences is that he IS; its just that his li'l Angel Wings are invisible. Love you, Travee. Leap for Joy!
Posted by: Barbara Arenal | March 30, 2009 at 12:37 AM
What a joy to see Travis move. Go, Boy, Go.
Posted by: Helen R | March 29, 2009 at 10:23 PM
That is an amazing, beautiful photo! And Travis' ears look like they are up for once rather than straight back. He's a lovely dog.
Posted by: Billie | March 29, 2009 at 09:06 PM
What an awesome action shot. "I do it 'cause I can."
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | March 29, 2009 at 07:44 PM
(holding up a "10.0" sign) :-)
Posted by: Leslee | March 29, 2009 at 07:36 PM