The bad weather has finally ceased and warm air has excited us all. Sticks have been placed in a pile on our five acre property and the doggy doo, once hidden by the snow, has been uncovered and properly disposed. Play sessions and walks have grown in length and intensity. The whole pack loves being out now that the weather is breaking. With the warm weather, the slippery surfaces have begun to fade and Langston’s three legged adventures of skating across the constantly reoccurring ice, had faded.
The week of wonderful weather continued so we decided to plan a hike the upcoming weekend. Saturday arrived and we awoke and started getting ready for the hike. The one thing I had not even considered was Langston. I was aware that we were only hiking with Halle and Noodles, but did not think about, in detail, how this would affect my buddy. Langston had not been able to work with us for over a week because of our current project. Now we were loading up our hiking packs (which he is very familiar) and Halle and Noodles. He refused to lie down and sat by the door. This was heartbreaking. Joshua and I both really needed to go for a long hike in the woods for our own psyche. Halle and Noodles also deserved this privilege. Langston, since the amputation, has not been able to walk more than 1 mile. It was still very difficult to leave Langston behind, the friend that has always accompanied me in the woods.
Our van loaded, off we headed to the woods. Tears shed for the first half of the drive. I couldn’t erase the picture of Langston, confused and sad as to why he was being left behind. The other upsetting topic in my mind was that the night before, Langston coughed. The coughing has continued since Friday night. Cancer in his lung is beginning to bother his breathing. This seemed to come out of nowhere. This hike, though joyful, was beginning to feel like a life transition. I was leaving behind my friend, my hiking companion and moving on. Guilt ridden, but also realistic I acknowledge that this unfortiunately is life.
Entering the woods, after the first mile, I was able to clear my mind and enjoy the moment. I was walking with my wonderful husband, Halle, and Noodles. The weather was pleasant for a February afternoon. We walked a little over 3 miles in about 1 hour and realized that we, as well as our close to 10 year old Halle, were all a little out of shape. We haven’t hiked a distance in awhile. We arrived home and played outside for another hour with Langston and Cadet. Even though I was heartbroken for leaving my best friend at home for a hike, he seemed untouched. Dogs are amazing in dealing with life. They roll with the punches without much complaint.
Needless to say, I am aware that Saturday was a transition. My friend is getting tired. He is losing his everyday drive. He is coughing. Cancer is progressing at a faster rate than I had ever expected. We still play fetch. We still walk, but change is apparent. He is beginning to lag behind; he is beginning to lie down for awhile between throws. I know I must prepare myself. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that I will always treasure what I had with Langston. He will forever join me on my hikes. Maybe not in a physical presence, but he will always be with me.
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