Day 9: The Wild is Calling

Today the big event was The Wild Is Calling Hike. This was a triumph for Sage in many ways. She was completely off leash the whole time, and played with a range of other dogs, from a tiny mini-Australian Shepherd to a Doberman. She was appropriate with each one, had an enormous amount of fun, and came every time I called her. She was a total pleasure to hike with!

The hike led across the meadow, over Wenner's Creek, into old growth forest, up and down hillsides,  along "elk highways"  and down to the Yachats River, then back on a de-commissioned logging road.

Making new friends before setting out  

Lulu the Poodle couldn't wait to meet Sage

Sage, Hank the Yellow Lab, and Lulu quickly became fast friends

Harmony, Mini -Australian Shepherd 

Sage doing a sterling recall at a flat run before we hit the trail

Big rewards for coming in such an exciting situation

The trail gave the dogs lots of opportunities for navigating obstacles - jumping fallen logs, fording creeks, etc.  

 We climbed up a ridge with stands of cedar, hemlock and fir.

 Sage, Hank and Lulu were the most vigorous players, charging up and down the slopes and chasing each other endlessly. They were perfect play partners - and lost no time in connecting with each other and getting going.

We had to watch out for our knees, but their brakes were good, and no-one got hurt.

Rowdy got a lesson in rowdiness when he ran smack into Hank The Tank. He had been a rather rude player before, but from that moment he was a changed dog. Hank taught him respect in one lesson!

Rowdy leaves his mark.

 Hank has the usual Labrador love of water

Come on in, the water's fine! 

Betty loves to share her excitement.

Sage ran and ran, until her tongue was heading towards her knees

Rowdy pretended to be a Disney coyote 

Sage and Hank plunged into the river together

The dogs loved scrambling  and leaping up the steep, elk-made track from the river  

Olive takes a breather

The energizer bunny is still going strong

Betty doing a long jump over two fallen alders

Sage takes the jump in stride

A rare moment of rest

Sage came every time I called, however much fun she was having!

What  a great dog!

Snack time for everyone

Photo ops.

Sage's good friend Lulu, and her people, Anna and Jim 

 We made our way back to the house, and all the dogs got a Frosty Paws ice cream (made specially for dogs) - a great way to end a wonderfully fun afternoon.

Sage passed a big test today. She engaged in full-on play with other dogs, but was also very responsive and came running to me whenever I called her.

Of course back home she was ready for a big nap before dinner. After dinner, she went straight back to sleep.  I think that is all she'll be doing till tomorrow morning. What a great dog she is - I love how active and fun she is outside, and how calm and easy to be with inside. She's a winner!