Stories…

There is one story that my Dad tells that shows the true companionship and loyalty our K9 friends have towards us.

He tells us about one time he was out biking with Penny (his dog) and he unfortunately took a bit of a tumble. Banging his head a bit he had to stay still and lye there until he was able to get everything back together. Sensing that Dad was hurt penny came over and got down to the ground and cuddled up with him, a way of ensuring that Dad would stay warm. for those of you who have yet to meet penny she is a dog that when let off her leash she rarely will stick around, so to see her stay by his side when there was more than an opportunity to run was a sight in itself for dad to see.

I really like that story, essentially because it is such a simple description of how much we mean to our pets and the unconditional loyalty they show us.

Today I went for a bike ride, my bike being out of commission I decided to take Tammy’s even though it was quite small. My buddy Jackson was just as excited as I was as he is my regular bike companion and it has been way too long since we have gone out. I was in the mood to hit some dirt jumps and do some tricks so off to my secret little area we went.

The trails were packed down all nice and there was a crispness in the air that only the fall season can bring and we were both loving every minute of the ride. My final stunt I chose to go off a two foot drop, onto a nice smooth transition.

I backed my bike up the trail, making sure I would have enough speed, adjusted my helmet, looked down at my boy and with a silent nod we were off. My bike smoothly riding over every root and the plushness of the suspension soaking up every little jarring movement, I looked down at Jackson and I could see the excitement in his eyes, I knew he was feeling the rush just as I was. Off the cliff I went able to tweak my bike to the side showing my invisible audience a little style and landed nicely with my back tire then my front quickly followed.

Unfortunately I landed into some loose sand that I seemed to overlook when checking out the landing, in dug the front tire and instantly I was airborne. Over the handle bars I went and landed on the ground with a earth shattering and back cracking thud.

Everything was silent I attempted to gasp for air but I could not inhale, all my body could do was produce a horrific moan, due to the wind being knocked out of me. I stayed still lying on my stomach eyes open all I could do was feel the dirt on my eyelids as I blinked.

Into my line of sight came my boy, my buddy, my Jackson he stood by me, not able to say a word I looked up at him hoping to make eye contact letting him know I appreciated his presence. As I did I saw his rear end, he wasn’t even facing me, he was actually munching on some fresh grass that was growing beside me.

He then turned around, I though thats right buddy, your a good dog… and lifted his leg and peed on the previously mentioned patch of grass, I guess his urge to urinate overwhelmed his concern of my well being.

By that time I had recovered enough to lift myself off of the ground, dusted off as much of the dirt that I could and looked at my tracks to evaluate where I went wrong. I Got on my bike and peddled home, not a word was said to my stupid dog, no eye contact was made.

All that I could think about was the story my dad tells about Penny and her loyalty, and the fact that my dog, when I was injured and in need decided that it was more important to pee and eat than to comfort his owner.

All I have to say is, You use to be cool Jackson…use to be cool!