ADVENTURE ON A TURNING TIDE

We made our way down to the waters edge, a tight group of pals full of anticipation, picking up the complex scent of dog trodden sand and ozone rich rock-pools. The rush of excitement was too much for Betty and Winnie, running straight into the nearest rocky shallow, rambling and sniffing intensely not wanting to miss a single sniff.

Rolo, Ella and Jack stayed dry for the moment, but it wasn't for long, the turning tide was forcing air up out of the dry sand that was home for small creatures, encouraged out of their hiding place by the encroaching tides. An afternoon “High Tea” feast for the wading Sanderlings and Turnstones that were shadowing the ebbing shoreline. Suddenly like a flash Betty flew into play mode buzzing passed her mates to encourage them into responding, Winnie was straight in picking up where they had left off last Friday’s rough-n-tumble. Jack and Rolo took part but when it got too rough they let the others get on with it, Betty and Winnie are in a different league when it comes to this! Ella had seen it all before and kept a tolerant watchful eye on them.

I set off running towards Green Island with the crew staying close to me as we sprinted, getting rid of the excess energy the crew and stored up. After a short distance I bought them to heal, we bonded a while taking a brief rest, then off rambling through the rock pools. All the dogs responded to my every request for their attention, when meeting other dogs, "Greet-n-Go" I called and off we moved, I'm proud of their behavior when they come across other dogs in the midsts of having such fun together they just don't get distracted and then there are focus is on our walk. I continuously recall the group using whistles and signs bringing them close, letting them rome, staying in control. A responsibility I take seriously, checking out the route ahead where possible encounters with other poorly behaving dogs may occur. It's what I'm sure their owners would do themselves.