Rice Fields (Again!)

I'm really struggling to keep up with posting when I go on hikes these days, but today was a unique experience that I'm excited to share.  I'm a regular volunteer with the local animal shelter and they allow seasoned volunteers to take the adoptable dogs out now and again for "outings."  This opportunity enriches the dogs' lives and allows the volunteers to have some fun with the dogs outside of the shelter and immediate surrounding area.  Today, Casey and I picked up "Olivia" a coonhound (or pointer?) mix and took her on a trip to Rice Fields.

Miss "loud and proud" was not pleased with the car ride, but was quite happy with the destination. She drooled a good quart before arrival at the hike, but spared us any vomiting in the car. For that, I was grateful!

She was thrilled to be freed of the vehicle and even showed us that she didn't mind wearing a hiking pack. It was too big for her and we didn't need any help carrying her stuff, so we didn't ask her to wear it except to snap a photo, but she didn't mind it at all.

She was marvelous on the hike up and at the top. She even made friends with a couple who was at the top with us. On the trek back down, she caught the trail of some hikers ahead of us and went into full coonhound mode. We apologized (loudly, above her baying) to the hikers in front of us. Eventually, they took a different trail - quite possibly to get away from the hound dog music - and the baying stopped. Who needs raccoons when you can track humans?

I wish I could say we tired her out, but I do think that she enjoyed her adventure. She was desperate to eat my sandwich at the top and still needs to work on her manners in that regard, but is starting to get the hang of "sit means good things come."  Overall, she's a wonderful pup and I so hope that she finds a fantastic home soon.