| Snowdance |
The holiday season is a time of giving. For me the holiday season extends
all winter with the gift of snow and the memories of gifts the animals
who shared my life have given me. One of the most memorable was
given to me by Emily and Boomie on a snowy night in January.
The snow had started coming down and the wind kicked up late morning
and continued through the afternoon into the night. About 9 PM I stood
out on the deck of the house to find the wind settled down and the snow
turned from fine sand to big billowy feathers. There was not a soul
outside and if you stood still you could hear the sound of your own
breath.
I went back in, threw on a warm coat, gloves and some boots, got the
leashes and hooked up the dogs. Trisha looked at me as if I was out of
my mind and said, "Mom, you're not really going out in this now are
you?" I replied that it was a perfect time to walk to the lake and let them
run because no one else would be crazy enough to be out there. She
shook her head and walked away as only a teenager could. Boomie and
Emily anxious to go practically pulled me down the stairs as we went out
the door. They loved the snow and they loved to go to the lake, so this
was a double treat for them.
The lake by where I live sits in the middle of a large field bordered on 3
sides by forest. It is perfect for long walks. With its beauty and wildlife
the lake is a constant source of joy for my K9 companions and me. It
was slow going because the snow was almost up to my knees and the
roads leading to the lake were not plowed nor would they be until the
next day. Half way there the snow stopped and the full moon shone
bright and clear.
When we arrived I was relieved to see that the lake had not frozen over
so I had no fear of letting them off lead and watching head out onto thin
ice and fall into the icy water.
I snapped off their leashes and they bolted from me into the night leaping
and playing in the newly fallen snow. They tunneled and rolled kicking up
small blizzards as they frolicked and shook themselves. I saw them in the
distance run in large figure 8's, the symbol of infinity, chasing each
other, as moonlight glinted off their fur. In the silence of the night they
ceased being dogs and embodied the form of their wolf ancestors, the
free wild animals made of powerful muscle, sinew, and bone, one with
the earth, and masters of their territory. I stood spellbound watching
their snowdance until my fingers froze and I could no longer feel my
feet. One customary whistle and they headed for me with love and
gratitude in their eyes for their time in the field.
Back at the house they became the old furry couch potatoes that share
my life. They sleep now beside the fire and I am grateful for the gifts of
love and service they give to me and Trisha everyday of their lives. I am
blessed that they have shown me the snowdance of their ancestors. I am
also grateful that once upon a time long ago, one of their free and
beautiful ancestors gave up their snowdance, their place in the true, wild
natural world to be of service to man. Every time the snow flakes fall, I
am reminded …
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