Chance

Chance has always been a mama's boy. Since our Golden Retriever, Spenser, passed away in 2008, we've become even closer. He looks to me for cues about everything: when to eat, when to potty outside, for walks, for bedtime. He usually doesn't make a move unless he clears it by me first. Chance is the epitome of a velcro dog.

Yesterday as I put on my tennis shoes and clothes to get ready for my nature walk with my camera, Chance knew that if he played me the right way, he would get to go. Yeah, he played me like a fiddle with those sad brown eyes and hopeful expression. Off we went to the wooded area that runs parallel to our street.

I'm a huge proponent of leashes, especially in neighborhoods. But when we got to the woods, something told me Chance would really enjoy being off-leash for a while. Against my instincts, I took the leash off. As soon as the leash was removed, his face lit up and he began to explore. Have you ever seen a dog beam with joy? It's a beautiful thing, man.

I love this dog. If ever there was a soul mate from the animal kingdom for me, Chance has to be it. He is the gentlest creature in the world. My chihuahua, Sparky, is pretty mean to him a majority of the time and Chance patiently puts up with it. I keep telling him he's bigger and he should let Sparky know it, but he'll quietly take Sparky's violent outbursts by turning his head or moving his paw away. Gentle Ben has nothing on Chance.

Chance never strayed far from me at all. If I felt he had gone too far, all I had to do was call his name and he'd come trotting up to me with a look on his face that said, "Yeah mom, I'm here! Need something?"

Perpetual motion. Even though this shot is out of focus, I love how he is eagerly putting that nose to work. Though what he would do if he caught a rabbit or something would be interesting to see. I can't imagine him harming a soul.