A walk in our canyons with Sadie

It was awfully cold this morning, but Cliff and I put on our coveralls and went to the woods, for Sadie's sake.  Running around in the pasture and woods is the brightest spot of her days, and we hate to disappoint her.

This is the most hyper-active dog, outside, that I've ever had.  In the house she's laid-back and sedate, only asking to be petted every once in awhile.  But outside, she runs in circles as fast as any greyhound.  I don't turn her loose in the yard because I'm afraid she'll go off chasing something, or someone; but once we're in the pasture, she is set free.  Buddy sometimes runs past us on his way to hunt forest creatures, but he's gone in a flash.  Sadie will follow him just a little way, then return to us... knowing I'll reward her with a little piece of hot dog for not running away. 

I do think she's calming down somewhat when we're on our walks.  Perhaps she's just now getting used to such freedom, and realizes she'll get the chance to run every day.

She's back to Science Diet dog food.  She eats it with such gusto (about three cups a day, for a 22 pound dog) that I hated to force the Purina dog food on her, although I'm sure she would have done fine.  Sadie's worth the expense, and Buddy will eat up the Kibbles and Chunks, so it won't be wasted. 

I still can't help but wonder what Sadie's previous life was like.  She's one year old and as well-behaved as any dog I've owned.  I'm sure there were children in her life before, judging by the way she adores my granddaughters.  Why would someone have gotten rid of her?  Perhaps they couldn't afford to have her spayed, or maybe they had to move to an apartment and couldn't keep her.  Whatever the reason, their loss was my gain.  And Sadie loves her new life in the country.