This dog, Bear…I am so thankful that he is my dog. For whatever reason(s), these last several weeks, the loss of Karl has hit hard, yet again. Maybe because I came so close to losing Bear. Maybe the time I’m spending in the woods, again closer to Bear to reinforce training. Maybe just a cycle of the grief thing. I really don’t know.
It is not that I am sad. It is that suddenly, out of the blue – that Karl is not here – it feels overwhelming.
But, then Bear comes to me or I go to him…or to Bob…or I take photos and peace returns. It is maybe a season, like Winter is a season.
Winter decided to make an appearance. A little late and even later in my corner of Montana and with less ferocity than most parts of the northwest.
This evening, as all was done that needed to be done – and the light was clear – Bear ran and jumped and played in the snow. We were out several times today. It was very cold when it snowed so the snow is like sugar. The sun was out this afternoon and lit the edge of the snow covered trees forming a border of light against dark clouds over the mountains to the east.
As I watched Bear – after our play – resting and watching, snow started falling again…light, medium sized flakes, softly falling.
