Little Elsa, the rescue dog, has been with us for five months. And even with wide open spaces and acres where she can run, we have been walking her on a leash. It was our fear since we did not know her background, that she would run away or disappear into the woods and be hurt or lost. We love her now too much to risk losing her to a taste for freedom.
But we have had dogs here before. Two Golden Retrievers (Peaches and Carrie), Rudy (a misunderstood Pit Bull) and Rozie, our other mixed breed love, who all lived to old age. None of them ever required leash control on home ground since we have ample space right here for long country walks and little traffic to worry about.
One day Bill and I knew it was time to finally set Elsa free to stretch her legs and run with the wind. Removing Elsa’s leash was a terrifying move for all three of us.
Elsa could not believe her luck when the door opened and there was nothing holding her back.
And out she went – running and running and sniffing and sniffing. Oh no! Will she love freedom too much to return?
Out of sight she went with us
calling and calling
and so worried for her safety.
And suddenly,
THERE SHE WAS!
And suddenly
she tore off again, running and running and free!
And THERE SHE WAS
walking in sight of us without a leash!
And again, running and running
and exploring the world.
And finally she was walking with us
and met us at our door.
Home!
All three of our hearts are swelling with pride and love. We have all seen and felt the utter joy of freedom in the shape of a little rescue dog who has probably never felt it before.
Virginia Views 