Thursday, March 24, 2011

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.


9 comments:

Lisa Gordon said...

He is just beautiful Gail.
Amazingly sweet and expressive face.

Barbara said...

He's gorgeous! I'm so glad you were able to let him off the leash safely. There's nothing like that joy in their eyes.

manatakacottage said...

Beautiful dog and gorgeous photos.

Shug said...

A beautiful dog...They all love that little taste of total freedom...
Our daugther has a cocker spaniel and they keep him on a leash at all times when outside...He has gotten loose two times this past month and took off like a rocket...after all of us going around the block numerous times and no luck at finding him, we returned to their home and there he was.. Sitting quietly in front of the door...
funny!
Blessings,
Shug

Charlotte Wilson said...

Oh what would we do without our dogs! He is a beautiful creature!

Starla said...

That mane just makes me want to snuggle in close!
I'm glad you showed the photos that weren't perfect. So often I go out with Rusty (our obnoxious Australian Cattle dog that I love to pieces (but don't tell anyone.....It's my job to be annoyed at him!) and don't take pictures because they aren't what I think they should be. Instead, I need to try and capture the joy he has being off leash (which he gets to do once we hit the dirt).

Rosie Grey said...

So beautiful, Gail! I love his face and I really can imagine how his face lit up!

Michelle said...

I enjoyed this post about your big guy. Chance sounds like a sweety! Makes me think of our Moses, the way he's patient with our little bully. We always feared letting Mo off the leash until we visited Dallas and took him to a dog park. He was awesome there.

Today we took both dogs to a soccer field to chase balls and run at their own pace, since Mo is older and can't walk as fast as Spot. He looked so happy, trying to run like a puppy.

Kerri Farley said...

He is GORGEOUS! And that last "motion" shot is a fave! WOW!