Category: The Ravine

Well friends we’ve made it to November! 

Fall festivities are winding down and we have some time to paws and reflect before turkey season is upon us. Since we have a minute to recover from pumpkin spice and tricks or treats – I’ve decided now is as good a time as any to fess up. Yes my friends, it is time for me to admit that I have been keeping secrets! I know – I know, friends should not keep things from each other, but I like my Canine Adventures to be full of danger and intrigue – nothing sad. Alas, it is time to come clean.

Truth is…I have not been feeling very well. It is nothing overly serious. Over the past month or so I have had to take a few trips to the dog doc. She checked me out and is not 100% sure what the problem is, but has me trying out various types of antibiotics. My hoomans became nervous about it and got out their google machines to try and diagnose me. That led to more supplements and vitamins. I do not think I am any better and I know I am not any worse. 

The upside to having to take all these medications is that my hoomans try to hide the pills in my treats. The even-better-than-that-side is that they are really good at it! So, I guess you could say – I have been getting a lot of extra goodies lately! Isn’t it interesting how that little change in perspective is already helping me to feel better? 

Since my normal hiking routine has been interrupted due to my health issues, my everyday busyness slowed waaay down. I had some extra time for “self-reflection”. I realized being happy or sad is a choice. I discovered that I have all the power over any situation to be cheerful, excited, angry, or offended. I can be joyful, bored or downright MAD! It is all up to me. It is a choice. I could lay around and whine about my situation – or I could look forward to those delicious pill pocket treats that smell like chicken and taste like BACON! 

The other thing up to me is if I share these feelings with my hoomans. We don’t always know what is going on with each other. My Gram used to say “lift the roof of any house and you would be surprised what you find inside”. I always wondered what she meant by that…now I think I FINALLY figured it out. I think she was saying that from the outside, a home might appear peaceful, orderly, or ideal. But beneath the surface, each family has its own unique struggles, routines, and untold stories. That is why it is so important to always be patient and kind. We never really know what is going on the inside of someone’s doghouse. 

So friends, as we move into the month of gratitude take a moment to come clean and share with others when things are bothering you. A lot will be going on this month. The weather is gonna get chilly, family will be gathering or traveling. It might get a little hectic. The good news is, when you are feeling some type of way – you have alllll the power over how you respond. And when in doubt, remember in a world where we can be anything…it is most important to bee kind. 

Bark at you in December! 

Your friend, 

Hello friends!

Well it is happening…the first colorful leaves are beginning to fall and I could hardly believe my ears when I heard the first rumbles of the big yellow bus rolling down my road. I guess it is time to accept that summer 2024 is in the books. 

Since we are headed into a new month, I decided to change things up from my usual adventures and headed to the big river to visit my cousin Abby. It has been awhile since I’ve hightailed it over in Abby’s direction. As we made our way down the backroad, my dog hair whirled through the vehicle – mimicking the flutter of my tummy in anticipation. 

Once I got there and sniffed hello – Abby took me straight down her path to the river. I splashed in without a moment’s hesitation – my first mistake! Turns out Abby’s river is WAY different from my creek. It is deeper, wider and has a strong current. Since I jumped in with all four paws – I could not touch my toes on the bottom. I had to swim with all my might to battle the current and make my way to land. 

Abby, who is much taller and more experienced in fighting the current, didn’t realize how a smaller dogo like myself might struggle. I made it back up the river bank, and other than some water up my nose – I felt pretty good. It wasn’t long after I made it safely to shore when my other cousin, Wags splashed in. I tried to warn her about the current, only I was too late. She jumped right in without warning.

Sometimes that happens. We dive feet first into something without sniffing out whole situation. We can become distracted by our enthusiasm and take a leap without considering all that comes with the decisions we make. It all worked out for Wags and me. We both battled the current and made it out of the river. In fact, our timing could not have been better since the hoomans were just sitting down to eat! (Shout out to Uncle Chris for the scraps – thanks man!)

So friends, as we go into a fresh season that brings new opportunities, be sure not to get pulled under by all the current events. Take some time to inspect the situation before you commit yourself to taking a deep dive. It can be easy to get caught up in all the things our friends are doing and naturally want to do them too. We just need to make sure we have the time and talent to pull them off successfully. 

I hope you have a fantastic September. Take some time to enjoy the season and don’t let the current of the busy events pull you under.  I’ll bark atcha next month!

Your friend, 

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, 

Hello friends!

I am sooooo excited that June has arrived that I can hardly keep my tail still – and when my tail wags my whole body gets in the groove. My hoomans kicked off the summer season with a weekend of cookouts and yard games. My whole family was in town for the celebration. They even brought the newest member of our pack – my little nephew Disco! 

If you were to look at Disco and me – you would think we are complete opposites. Disco is tall and lean. He has a sleek wiry body and is super chill. As you know, I am stout, overly muscular and need to keep busy (so I don’t get myself into trouble). But as it turns out – we are more the same than we are different. Disco was rescued from a shelter just like me – and we both like to chase, fetch and eat hot dogs! We are best pals.

 I was a bit nervous about my nephew coming to visit. He is a city dog and I was not quite sure what he would think about being out in the country. Disco does all his “free running” in a dog park. I don’t mind the dog park but think it would be better if it wasn’t fenced in. Anyhoo, I was overjoyed when my pal Disco joined me off-the-leash for a woodland hike. As he followed me down the tree lined trail, I started thinking…it sure is nice having a freind along. 

With Disco by my side, everything that used to seem ordinary took on a whole new shine. I showed Disco all my favorite spots, like the secret beach where wildflowers grow, my special thinking log where I plan out my canine adventures, and I even showed him how to cool off his belly in the creek. Disco seemed to love the woods just as much as I do and that made my tail wag even faster! 

Once Disco got used to getting his paws wet – he surprised me and started playing fetch in the creek with a rock! I wasn’t too sure about this game. It takes a lot of concentration and courage to dunk your head into the water. Once I summoned enough nerve to give it a try – I found out it was pretty fun! I would have never thought of that game if Disco hadn’t shown me. Turns out even the world’s best canine explorer can discover something new with a friend to show me the way.

So friends as we begin to embrace a new season of summer time and all that comes with it – I encourage you to bring a friend along on your next adventure. The ordinary can become extraordinary when shared with a friend. Who knows what you may discover. You may even learn a new trick or two! 

I’ll bark at you again soon – your friend, 

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Throughout the summer I will be posting my favorite wildflowers along with other random #dogthoughts. 

Hello friends and hello to the month of May!

The flowers are bloomin, trees are starting to pop, and the underground critters are on the move. As you know, this is one of my favorite times of year…digging season! I love digging – especially now that I have learned some restraint. Unlike last spring when I got in a bit over my head. If you haven’t read that story yet, check out Diggin In from my springtime adventure last year.

Now that May is finally here, I get to sink my paws into the thick muddy dirt and enjoy some long overdue dig therapy. As I nudged my nose into a gopher hole – I realized how much I have missed spring. Sniffing out the underground critters, rolling in the fresh cut lawn, and watching the ferns unfurl to create a new forest floor. 

It was while I was in one of my dig therapy sessions that I realized…spring is half over! A full thirty days have gone by and other than a few holes in the yard – I don’t have a lot to show for it. I’m pretty sure I went on adventures. I think. I know I went on at least one with my hooman. I vividly recall it because she brought along my pink squeaky ball (my hoomom doesn’t usually bring toys on walks).

The day was unusually warm and we headed down to the ravine toward the creek. My hoomom was squeaking all the way as she navigated the slippery slope (she only has two legs so it takes her longer to climb – poor thing). Once we got to the bottom, we began our game of fetch. She throws – I retrieve. It works for us. It was then, while I was in mid-retrieve splashing through the creek, that I got a whiff of something. I set the ball down (only for a second) and when I returned – it was GONE! 

My hooman was yelling, “Go get it! Go get it!” and I began to panic. I splashed this way and that – running and bouncing through the water. Eventually I realized the current had taken my ball and moved it down the creek. Although I was happy to have my ball back, the whole experience got me thinking… if you take your eye off the ball – things can disappear right from under your nose!

I think that is exactly what happened to the month of April. One minute I was lazily snuggeling on the couch with teddy, and the next minute spring had almost passed me by! 

So friends, as we head into digging season – keep your eye on the ball. Set a goal to find time every day to appreciate the wonder of springtime. Prioritize just a few moments to notice the world blooming and changing around you. Before long, we will be in the lazy hazy days of summer and spring will be gone for another year. So pay attention – or you may find yourself up a creek without a ball! 

Enjoy all the wonders that May has in store. Drop me a comment and let me know how your celebrating spring.

Bark at you in June!

Your friend,

P.S. As you head out for your May adventures, take a look at my May Wildflower Guide of what is blooming in my woods. I hope it will inspire you to get out exploring the wonders of springtime.

Hello Friends! The snow has melted, the crocus are blooming and my hoomans have put away their snowshoes. Old man winter is packing up his ice and snow and handing the reins over to springtime. Trees are budding, birds are singing and the forest is coming back to life! This is one of the most exciting times of year, but with all this change around me – I can not help but wonder…have I changed too?

I have been a bit slow on my reporting lately, and finding time to share these adventures every week has been a challenge. I used to carve out special time in my week just to share my adventures, but even with all this daylight savings – I can not seem to work out enough time to send out my reports. It seems more than just the TIME has changed. 

This story marks the 45th Hiking Jack Canine Adventure – that is a lot of exploring! Sharing stories on a weekly basis has been a lot of fun, but lately it has me wondering…have I bitten off a bit more than I can chew? This notion was going to take some extra attention – so I wandered down my tree lined trail to think this over. 

As I was sitting on my thinking log, I noticed some white tailed deer bopping around the brush on the other side of the creek. Since I prefer to do my deep thinking alone – I gave them a low growl. When that did not phase them – I barked out a  “get-the-heck-out-of-here” warning. The deer just stared at me. Well, if my barks are not ferocious enough then a chase was in order. 

I hopped up on all fours and raced across the creek. I chased the deer deep into the woods barking all the way. “That should do it”, I thought. Now I can think in peace! As I wandered back to my thinking spot, I realized I needed to cross the creek again. The water is pretty cold this time of year – so to stay dry, I balanced my way across the creek using a log as a bridge.

Balancing usually comes second nature to me, but this time I felt a little off kilter. I teetered across the log, stepping carefully until I made it across. I flopped down in my thinking spot and began to chew on why I feel so off balance. Sometimes in order to be our best – we have to find balance. If we are feeling off – we may have to give some things up. Changing with the times. 

So friends, as we prepare to welcome spring and all things new, I welcome the chance to recalibrate and change my weekly reporting – to sharing my Canine Adventures monthly instead. As we move into a new season, I encourage you to find your own thinking spot and take a moment to check your balance. You may find that like the seasons – it could be time to make some changes of your own.

I hope you have enjoyed my weekly stories. I look forward to continuing to share my Hiking Jack’s Canine Adventures monthly. 

Bark at you in April!

Your friend,

Woof – what a week friends! Our Michigan temps dropped so it was at least 20 degrees colder this week! Old Man Winter blew in a fresh blanket of snow too…grrrr! While I usually enjoy snow, that brief spurt of warmer weather put a little pep in my step. I was starting to feel like spring was on its way. Now, with four inches of snow and a wicked chill in the air – I’m feelin a bit on edge. The below zero windchills had me locked in doors with nothin to do but nap. Once I had my fill of sleep, I became bored. That’s when it happened…I dropped the ball. 

I have a toy basket that is full of all kinds of balls, chews and stuffys. So when I get bored, I usually have plenty of things to play with to keep me busy. I am a Jack Russel-Beagle-Hound, so I try really hard to keep my energy under control. Only this week, I accidentally destroyed all my stuffy toys. I am not sure what came over me – I just could not stop myself. I tore into those stuffys, ripping and tearing. Covers were torn, stuffing was flying – until I emerged victorious with the squeaker from each of my toys. Ha! Take that purple spider! Stick it Mr. Crocodile! 

Then my hooman entered the room. Evidence of my pent up energy was all over the living room. She was not impressed. Instead she told me that she wasn’t going to buy me any more stuffys if I could not take care of them. This was very upsetting news. As I watched my hooman walk around the house, picking up shredded pieces of stuffys past, I started to wonder if other canines have ever had this experience.  

So I barked out a call to my nephew Disco. Disco is newest pup to our pack. He is a black and white (versus a white and black like me). He is a bit taller and a lot leaner. He was rescued from a shelter in Michigan but is originally from Tennessee. That means he has a laid back southern kinda vibe. I wanted to know if Disco had ever had that out-of-canine experience where he just got into destruction mode and couldn’t stop. Since he is still a pupper, I felt like I might have a pal that could relate to my predicament. Sure enough, Disco shared with me his love for chewing remote controls. He knows it is wrong – but said sometimes the temptation to chew gets the best of him. 

This got me to thinking…regardless of how hard we try to be good – sometimes we just drop the ball. For Disco, temptation for those tasty remotes was just too much and he lost control. For me, my energy overwhelmed me and I became reckless. Sometimes we just make bad decisions and before we know it – stuffing is everywhere. 

So friends, as we go into a new week, let’s remember we all make mistakes. We can try our hardest to exercise self-control and resist temptation, but inevitably we will drop the ball. When that happens, know you are not alone. Give yourself a break, start over and try again. 

Bark at you next week!

Your friend, 

Hello friends! This week brought record breaking warm temps to my Michigan woods. Which means it was time to get back out exploring! It is VERY unusual to hike down the ravine in February. Usually my trail is full of ice and snow so I have to keep my adventures closer to home. But this week I was able to wander down the hill to see how the January snow storms changed the woodsy landscape.

It’s always a surprise to see how Mother Nature changes the forest after a long winter. Sometimes the creek gets pushed to carve deeper into the hillside. Sometimes the snow and ice move old logs around and create new rapids. Or in the case of a big snow melt, I can expect to find springs that pop up to deliver freshwater to the creek.

As I trotted down my familiar trail, daydreaming about what adventures lie in store – I was shocked to discover my usual path was MISSING! Mother Nature can be a trickster but certainly she did not steal away my favorite trail…did she?

Massive trees covered my usual route. As I squeezed my way around an old cypress tree, the mud began to squish between my paws. The detour had me a bit nervous since the ground felt soft and unstable. Just as I got back on course, I discovered yet another obstacle. This time, a giant hemlock, next a downed pine tree. Turn after turn I discovered more things blocking my path, and I had to keep rerouting – veering off my normal trail. 

At first, the new way of doing things was exciting. But eventually it became tiring, reconfiguring new unfamiliar directions. As I wiggled and worked my way through downed trees, I realized my old path was gone. Hiking in the ravine will never be the same and I am going to have to get used to finding a new way. 

Sometimes adventures are like that – obstacles get put in our way and we have to overcome the barriers. We get forced in new directions and it is up to us to figure out our way through. Eventually I made it up the hill and back to the house. My hooman was there with a towel to dry off my muddy paws. It was nice to be back home warm and dry. 

So friends, as we head into another week…keep pushing on. Mother Nature will put up roadblocks. When she does – keep trail blazing! Obstacles are inevitable. We may not always feel like we are on solid ground. Our paws may get muddy, and we may find ourselves wishing for simpler times. But know that as you work to forge a new path, your effort will pay off and eventually you will find your way back home. 

Bark at you next week!

Your friend,