I was gone for 4 days when I went to Cotacachi for the weekend. The dogs here are survivors, so of course they would be fine, but still I worry about all things feeling responsible for these beings who normally spend so much of their day with me. The puppies especially because their whole life so far has been spent on my doorstep, leaving only when the girls come to get them. But that was before I spent 4 days away……
Mali went to the kitchen area pretty much straight after getting out of the truck, just doing a quick check around our home first. Chiripa was the first to come back from the kitchen area to welcome me home, she has become quite attached to me, something I try not to think about, knowing at some point I will have to leave her behind. Scott followed shortly thereafter, the puppies taking the longest to realize Mali’s return also meant my return. Each morning when I open my door, whoever is there waiting for me bursts in, jumping all over me, while at the same instant Mali is jumping over them to get outside. It is a dog fiesta every morning, one that makes me smile. It is an event the 4 days away taught me the importance of, they are my family, they are my support and comfort on the best and the worst days. I love them all.
There is only one duck and one chicken left now, the others went with Javier and Maria during those days of my absence. I feel sad for the duck in particular, he or she seems a bit lost now. I’m not sure why they didn’t take this one as well, they were perfect – 2 matched pairs. Who knows perhaps we will see another lost duck arrive to keep this one company. I have no idea where they are coming from, I have not seen ducks flying anywhere I have been, so to me their arrival is a mystery. The chicken now stops by each morning looking for treats, and because there are no longer so many to feed, I oblige her. Scott and Scrappy have stopped chasing them, well maybe not completely, as they need reminding once in awhile. Scrappy spends little time here now, disappearing until his body tells him it’s feeding time at Gabriel’s restaurant. It’s uncanny, him coming by at the same time each day in anticipation. Scott, I am proud to say is becoming quite a beautiful dog, listening well and behaving much like a gentleman. He just wants to be loved…..
The puppies have grown, they are such happy little girls, spending much of their time on or close to my feet. When I leave for my run now, they must be held, as they believe they should follow me wherever I go. Excitement obvious as the bounce, run and circle my feet threatening to cause me to do a face plant. So they do wander to the kitchen area on their own now, having gone there on a regular basis as well as being attracted to the food source by the visitors eating here. In fact all the dogs, including Mali, who heads there first thing to see what’s being offered, spend more time away from home since my excursion. There is a large group staying here as well now, so these dogs all understand their cute faces will get them treats and head to the kitchen at the first sign of activity.
I missed my hammock and the beautiful scenery that surrounds me. It is very easy to be thankful here, just looking up gives you a sense of magnificence, hard to ignore. I really enjoy being in these surroundings as I think about my life, the lives of those I have become close to, the journey which brought me here and where I may be headed. I have so many questions, there is still much mystery in my world, my past, but it seems much easier to deal with it here, at least on some levels.
For now I am home, a place to feel some contentment, peace allowing forgiveness to permeate my being. Learning to see the world and the people in it who have to make tough choices each day with bold hearts, has been behind much of the purpose for my journey here I believe. Perspective leads to the possibility of a different outcome, sometimes the need to take us out of our comfort zone is imperative.
*** Again I would like to thank everyone who has been sending such supportive comments. If you don’t mind I would like to make a suggestion though, which would be very beneficial for me when reading them. I have noticed about 95% of the comments are on the very first post “The Journey Starts Before I Leave”, however I get the sense from what’s being said, this is not necessarily the post referred to in the comment. May I request that you either mention the post your are referring to, or put your thoughts and questions on the post you are commenting on. I know it is a small thing, but for me it would be interesting and also very helpful to know, making it easier to answer some of the questions.
Again I thank you for the encouragement, the support and the kind words which give the blog purpose, give me hope. A good day to all!!!
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