Letters to My Dog

Bosco,

Avid trail runner in the winter and wanna-a-be river otter in the summer, your 6 years of Queensland Heeler insights and adventurous spirit would be totally at home here in the big open wild. All the climbing, rivers and wildlife is wonderful; you would go nuts running around the mountains and hills with me and Benton. Next trip to Montana, you are coming along.

The air might be one of the best things about this place.  The sweet smell of earth takes over and everything seems to be thawing from the winter; so happy to be blooming with each day of spring. The spring weather cycles from rain to sun to wind. A couple days ago I spent the night at the Dabney's ranch in Paradise Valley. We went out to dinner and listened to a group of talented local folk musicians, and watched while other diners got up and danced by the fireplace. Later that night, I walked across the orchard and soaked in the redwood hot tub by candlelight. Surrounded by a cold storm passing through, I sunk into the hot water until it was up to my chin. I was swept up by the mist, rain and wind around me and completely lost track of time. It was one of those nights only a place as beautiful and wild as here that could make that moment so mystical.


Since you can't receive text messages or emails, you may not know who much I miss you. All the fun I've had here in MT just makes me wish you were right by my side. You have been instrumental in supporting my lust for spontaneous road trips, sleeping under the stars, skinny-dipping, and spending days together outdoors doing nothing and everything. You are always my partner in crime for whatever crazy idea I have planned. You have hiked and run miles with me, patiently hung out around climbing crags, willingly put up with my friends, kissed me every time I got done surfing, happy to curl up next to me every night and always proved to have more enthusiasm and skill in the outdoors than anyone else I know.

You are always adept to picking up stray sticks and making sure all the squirrels you meet get plenty of exercise. You manage to always find a willing participant for a good ball throwing or belly rub. You charm your way into everyone's heart and have the strength to bring down even the strongest man to the ground.

And though you have no formal schooling, you have always proved to be wise beyond your years. I can't wait to see you and share more adventures together.



All my love,
Your Mama

ps. Here is a picture of Benton getting strong.