She Believes She Can Fly

The moment my husband and I start packing for a trip, Dagney becomes a permanent appendage. Her awareness to details astonishes me. If we are packing food in the ice chest for a cabin trip or loading supplies into the motorhome, she demonstrates her excitement for an adventure through her sudden interest in our every move. Otherwise, she is usually a bed ornament curled in the pillows asleep or watching out the window for an intruder into her yard.

I once thought her enthusiasm for travel would evaporate after days of being restricted indoors. At our home, Dagney uses a doggy door that provides access outside where she chases birds, roams the gardens, or lays in the rocks absorbing the sun. Her ability to wander is limited when we travel. 

Though she is a sweet canine, she displays evidence of her wild instincts whenever another dog appears requiring her to be on a leash if we venture outside our fenced backyard. I feared she would rebel from the constant restraint of a leash, but as long as she can accompany us on our adventures, she is content.

A week ago, we packed our RV and began a trip. Our first stop was a golf course. Though Dagney is not allowed to run on the plush greens, some rule about dogs on a golf course, she loves to ride along in the cart when permitted by the management. I think of her as my good luck charm because golf can be a stressful sport but every time I look at her content smile, I relax.

Day two we parked at an Alpaca farm which due to her proclivity to chase anything on four legs mandated a short leash. She seemed to understand because at the door to the RV prior to exiting she paused and lowered her head knowing the inevitable leash requirement would be enforced.

On the third day, we pulled into an RV resort in Newport, Oregon. Pacific Shores presents scenic vistas of the ocean within a short distance and numerous walking paths, perfect for dogs and their companions. Until we climbed down the stairs leading to the sand, we were unaware that below our temporary residence was a private beach. By private I mean accessible only to occupants of the RV resort. On this day, it was virtually uninhabited. At least we saw no other dogs.

After a stroll at the edge of the surf, we climbed some rocks protruding from the water and explored life forms stuck on the sides and in every crevice. Dagney remained oblivious that the still life existed but enjoyed jumping from rock to rock, wading in the shallow pools, and periodically chasing seagulls until the rope became taunt. From the top of the rock mound, my husband and I observed a vacant beach and realized this provided an opportunity, the first in many days, for Dagney to run unencumbered.

When I bent down to unhook the latch on her collar, Dagney remained sitting as trained but excitement at the possibilities sent a tremor through her body; she understood what was about to happen. The moment I said free dog, she sprung into motion like a racehorse leaving the gate at the Kentucky Derby. She was free.

I imagine her first thought encouraged her that those seagulls would now be attainable. She sniffed logs and peed on each seaweed pile she paused beside, ran from one to the other, and claimed the beach as her domain. My camera captured every moment as we laughed at her lighthearted exuberance. Every so often, I called her back, so she wouldn't stray beyond the reach of my voice and to remind her that boundaries existed.

On her return the lens captured an image I have titled, She Believes She Can Fly. When flipping through the images that evening, this one revealed pure love. If I tried a thousand times to replicate it with the simple photo technology of my smartphone, the endeavor would be unsuccessful. It shares Dagney's love of nature, liberty, the beach and me, for she was running toward me. 

Humans believe dogs are domesticated, and they are to a point. However, there exists within their spirit a desire to run, roam and reunite with their roots. As I walked in the sand a peacefulness consumed me and in reflection, I think of the look on Dagney's face and believe that is what it feels like to run free but yet be in the company of loved ones. That is freedom.

Look at me, my soul is wild and free. When will you understand that it is what we all are meant to be. - Author unknown

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My retirement hobby is to write stories that make readers laugh and appreciate the love of their furfriends.

Belief Statement: Humans make life too complicated. If we want to appreciate life, watch a dog for a day. They don't over think problems, perseverate on the impossible, worry about outcomes, or hold back affection. They see what they want, sniff it, lick it, roll in it and accept it.