Millions of Little Doggie Steps

A few weeks ago, we hiked the Y with Ryan's parents. We decided to bring Dodger and Eddie along since Eddie would be going to live with his new family the following week. We knew it would be pretty tough for them - especially for Eddie since he is so little, but we decided it would be worth the try, and if we needed to carry them part of the way, then we would. We have hiked the Y previously with Dodger a couple of times, and though he has been a real champ, we had a carry him for a few of the stretches. With that in mind, we set off up the trail.


We stopped to rest at almost all of the switchbacks- just as much for our sake as it was for the dogs. Haha. But the amazing thing was, we didn't have to carry either of the dogs at all! Eddie needed some coaxing on a few of those switchbacks to get going again, but he did it. I was so proud of both of them! I am sure it helped that they were both celebrities the whole time... everyone was in love with the tiny dogs making their way up to the top. Everyone wanted to pet them and love them. I think Eddie especially appreciated this attention and after a while began looking forward to the next stranger stopping as it might give him the chance to rest or get a ride. At least that was the hope. But we kept him walking.

Both dogs were thrilled to get to the top... but for different reasons. Dodger was infatuated by the view. He sat tall and straight and looked out over everything like it was his own Pride Rock. He looked very regal. Very proud.

Eddie, on the other hand, as soon as we reached the top and I sat down, he climbed in my lap and passed out. Instantaneously. It was pretty funny. This picture was just lucky. We had to get his attention by making noise and calling his name. And yes, it was very bright - thus the wink. Shortly after this picture, a group of teenagers sat next to us. One of the girls asked me if she could hold Eddie, which I agreed to. I lifted the limp little guy off my lap and handed him over. Without hesitation, he curled up on her lap and zonked out. I think he probably would have stayed that way for several hours if we had given him the chance.

The walk back down was a little more adventurous and humorous. Several times Eddie would make a mad dash for any sign of shade and lay down the moment he reached it. He received lots of sympathy-attention, that's for sure. But don't worry. It wasn't animal cruelty. They had plenty of water and rest. It was just a tough experience for the little guy.
When we reached the bottom Ryan gave each of the dogs a drink from the drinking fountain, which they relished. I didn't get my phone out fast enough to get a picture of Dodger, but we thought Eddie's new family would appreciate this one. I was very proud of those little guys. They did so well!

Eddie has now been gone for about 3 weeks. Dodger has really missed him. They became pretty good buddies. Thankfully his new family lives here in area and we are already Facebook friends (thank goodness for Facebook, right? Haha) and we are planning some fun activities for the summer to let the boys romp around again.