Sit. Wait.

Hello friends!

Well August arrived right on time. It started out hot and steamy and is slowly cooling down as we prepare for fall. Funny how the weather affects the hoomans. They seem to be scurrying around – almost panicking as they work to squeeze the last few drops out of the summer. They do this in August. I have come to accept it. So while my hoomans race to pack my dog towels for our “last hoorah” – I decided to take myself for a little walk.

I took my usual route, trotting down my tree lined trail and into the ravine for a quick dip in the creek. Before I take any roadtrip (especially in the summertime), I like to sneak in a swim so my coat is nice and wet for the car ride. After I rolled around in the muddy water, I curled up in the ferns to rest for the upcoming weekend with my fun-determined hoomans.

Just as I settled in for a snooze, wouldn’t you know, a hawk began to screech. Now friends, I’m not sure if you are familiar with hawks but they are NOT quiet lovely song birds. They can be LOUD and annoying, and this particular hawk had a very irritating squawk. Since a snooze was now out of the question, I surrendered my nap and set out to investigate what the fuss was all about.

It was then, as I made my way toward the creek, when I saw her…the Great Blue Heron! She was at least three feet tall and majestic! I watched as she elegantly fished along the creek bank. She must have sensed me staring because in one loud WOOSH she jumped into the air and glided away – flying over my head and into the sky.

I could not believe my eyes! Her huge wings cast a shadow over me as she flew higher and higher – then disappeared into the trees. I sat for a long while after she left. A bit taken aback by what my eyes had witnessed. I replayed the scene over and over in my mind. Then I waited patiently for her to return. 

As I sat there waiting, I got to thinking…”sit” and “wait” can be two of THE HARDEST canine commands. Yet, more often than not, once mastered – they can be the most rewarding. I waited quite awhile for Big Blue to return. She never did. But now that I know she is out there –  just the possibilities of seeing her again make my hiking adventures even more exciting. 

So friends, as we scurry around this month, trying to soak up the last rays of the summer sun – let’s try to practice the art of patience. I know it’s hard to do, but give it a try. Take an extra moment to just “sit” and “wait” and you may just be surprised at what rewards are in store. 

I’ll bark back at you in September. Until then, I will see you on the social scene. Check me out on Facebook and Instagram!

Your friend,