One of the Neighbors

We have had a blast with the dogs on the beach this week.  Ours are not trained to be reliable off lead, but this time of year the beaches of Hilton Head Island allow off lead, under voice control 24/7.  It is fun to see people and their dogs playing and walking and socializing.

Our timing has been consistent and there are lots of people and dogs who share our schedule.  We will remember the lady who stands in the surf with a bag to collect shells, the gentleman with the running baby stroller and his two Westies.  A couple who was out there almost every day had another pair of Westies.  The Burmese Mountain Dog puppies who love Edge, and their friends the Standard Poodles.  The two men who walk in the opposite way you would expect; one dog on lead and one off - one is  a Lab and the other a Malamute, yes the Mal is off lead and very reliable while the Lab is restricted to leash because socializing is far more important to her than minding her owner.  A very submissive gal, Edge was kind of creeped out by her licks and lowered head.  The woman on a cane who has a Wheaten that is very, very well trained and reliable off lead.  The same Wheaton however is pretty dominant in stature and the only dog that Edge growled at when he offered a play bow and the Wheatie stood tall in response.  Apparently you only get once chance with Edge, he growled but ignored her as soon as her owner called her back.  Lots of dogs love her, oh well there's always the Burmer puppy girl for Edge. It has been fun to stop and chat, acknowledge each other's lovely canine companions and generally enjoy the company of a select few on a daily basis.

This morning as we were walking a woman on a bicycle came up and began to chat.  She said her sister had Australian Shepherds and wanted to know our guys names.  She was heading home today and wanted to be able to tell her sister about Stetson and Edge and how lovely she thought they were.

The beach has previously been a place of solitude for me.  Another spot where I just draw up into my world with my dog.  I suppose this year was different since there wasn't much "running".  I also was lucky to have Dave with me all but one outing.

I am filled with peace and gratitude for all we have been able to do this week.  Glad to be just one of the neighbors down here and not a stranger.