I've posted before about how Bailey likes to go cruising, despite the obvious difficulty he has with his hind legs and back. (Because he's still very mobile and not in any pain -- not to mention loving his independence -- he would not like to be in, nor would he benefit from, a wheelchair.) In Montana he was always scooting around the yard, checking things out, and doing so with more energy than you'd expect from a little old feller (we think he must be 14 at least).
Oddly, once we moved to New Hampshire his cruising seemed to diminish, and he spent more time on the front porch than in gallivanting about the yard. This fall, however, he's returned to his usual pastime with a venegeance -- as if the cool days have reminded him that winter is approaching and he'd better get going while the going's still good.
Both Alayne and I noticed he had picked up the pace, and every evening he now leaves the porch and heads out towards the fir tree (with blind Dusty in his den at the base). Alayne got these photos the other day. His course is never a straight line, because there are so many things to capture one's interest along the way, like this:
(That's our wireless weather station in the photo.)
Then he heads behind the tree and comes around the other side:
Before turning west and heading to the fenceline, where he finds something else interesting to sniff:
Now he's on the move again:
But then stops to ask Alayne, "Who are you looking at?"
And finally, on the home stretch back to the porch:
As long as Bailey still likes to go cruising, we know he's doing just fine!
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Still 2nd place as of Sunday -- but it's close!
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It was thanks to all of your amazing votes that we won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the final Shelter Challenge of 2009, and we came in fourth nationwide in the first Shelter Challenge earlier this year, winning $3,000. So this is serious money and can really make a difference for our disabled animals! Please help us win this round of the contest by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
Keep on cruising, Bailey! Love watching you on the move!!!
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | October 27, 2010 at 01:10 PM
Maybe with all that green grass at the end of October the little guy thinks it's spring and needs to crank up for the year.....go Bailey!
Posted by: Peggy S. | October 26, 2010 at 08:31 AM
What a cutie Bailey is. I just love his spunk! Go Bailey! And yes, I also see another dog peeking around the tree trunk behind Dusty. The trees you have on the property are wonderful...big and shady for the crew. What a life! :)
Posted by: Ann | October 25, 2010 at 06:17 PM
Bailey is 14 ("at least"), WOW!! Way to go little man. You keep truck'in around the yard. Move it or loose it is what I have heard. (I know you are just keeping an eye on Dusty, making sure he is ok in his little hide out.) Keep up the good work while the weather holds.
Posted by: Anne in Florida | October 25, 2010 at 01:17 PM
Bailey's jaunt reminds me of the little old schnauzer we have. He is having hindquarter weakness issues and frequently paces. I think he feels better when he's moving. I wonder if Bailey feels better as he moves along too. Maybe there is some inner wisdom that tells them to move so their muscles don't completely atrophy. Who knows.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | October 25, 2010 at 07:45 AM
Isn't there another dog head poking out from behind that tree? Seems like someone else is there besides Dusty. And Bailey seems to get a really good workout with his stolling. Looks like a long way for a little fellaow with bad legs. And how are the cats doing in their new digs? And what about Margaret? How is she?
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | October 24, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Love Dusty in his den, and love cruising Bailey too. Thanks for blogging Steve.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | October 24, 2010 at 09:17 PM
How cute!!
Posted by: Leila - Washington | October 24, 2010 at 08:39 PM
Go Bailey Go!!
Posted by: Marla from KC | October 24, 2010 at 08:09 PM