Retirement. My favorite word in the English language.
One day I will enjoy the blessings this event will bring about.
But until then, I will have to celebrate a retirement of a different nature.
Saturday was Union’s last day as an official working sled dog.
We knew it was coming. Even though she still leads, and has enthusiasm, it is time.
She is joining the rank of “house dog”.
Her winter days spent lazily by the wood stove and walking snowy trails.
Her summer being carefree and enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna.
Rustic Russ feels chickens or rabbits will not be an issue for her, perusing about Russ-Stick Acres with the other house dogs:
Scooby – Retired sled dog.
Satch – has been retired since a pup – going on 16.
Zip – active cattle dog and thinks she is in charge of everyone and everything.
Nope, retirement will not be an issue at all for Union. She has been an excellent leader, an integral part of the dog yard dynamics, and has earned her retirement, even though I will miss my main leader.
The dog yard will miss her too.
She has spent nights in the cabin before, but Saturday night, the dogs knew she was gone forever.
There was a low howl emitted the entire night. A goodbye howl.
For they knew one of their pack would be leaving an empty dog house behind, and their numbers had just decreased by one.
Until tomorrow ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
