Happy Canada Day! It’s been a while since I’ve done a post, life has been a bit busy and hectic. It’s ironic that so much of our society is centered towards self care, slowing down and enjoying the little things yet we glamourize the chaos of being busy. It’s an interesting dichotomy that I have somehow never found a balance to.
This last weekend I had the incredible opportunity to take a dog named Eli out for a hike. Our first adventure was on Saturday where we went for a casual hike and hangout. Eli was definitely a little uncertain at first of who this crazy lady stealing him was but he quickly settled when he realized that I was taking him to a big open field full of new smells and people. He walked beautifully and would stick close to your side, he doesn’t like when you’re out of sight. Saturday was so much fun that I asked on Canada Day if I could steal him again. This time he settled much quicker in my car when he recognized me and together we went on an adventure.
This adventure was unique in so many aspects. We started our hike and this time it was just him and myself. He was a bit quieter, he stuck closer to my side and would often come over and lick my hand. As we walked we decided to pick up the pace and go for a sprint over some hills. Eli and I both loved the fast pace of this and continued sprinting and jogging for quite some time. After a while in the hot summer sun we decided to turn around. I failed to notice the parking lot that I had blindly parked in, expecting my memory to do the work for me. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. We walked around aimlessly trying to gather a sense of direction, at this point Eli was so happy to slow down the pace and trotted happily by my side. After a few more kilometers Eli decided he needed a rest, we sat together on a park bench and for the first time all day I truly took in everything around me. A beautiful view of the city, bees buzzing around me and an adorable adventure partner beside me. Though a long way from the car, I felt a sense of peace. Eli taught me to slow down, that there is no shame in needing a break when things become too much.
After another hour of walking around aimlessly trying to find my parking lot, we came across a coyote, a family of deer and no car within sight. So I did the most logical thing; called my mom who thankfully came to get a very tired dog and girl and bring them across the park to the right parking lot. Long story short to say that it’s okay to slow down and to speed up when the timing is right. No one can say but you, so listen to your brain. It’s smarter than you think, and if all else fails? Get an adventure buddy like Eli.
Lessons From the Shelter 