Ramsayy goess too Banff - Roadie

There can be no excuse.....but the loss of Maynard Duck (nee Nagel) has been a devastating experience that has kept me from adding to my blog. Today was a top-ten day for Ramsay as we spontaneously decided to spend the day in Banff.

The morning started out with a 6km run (after a pre-dawn wake up and a hearty breakfast of course!) Ramsay has become so good at running with us, doesn't get distracted by all the smells or sounds, he remains focused on the task. He was barely tired and still ready for more so we decided a peaceful hike in the mountains would be a great adventure for all of us. We are quickly getting bored of the familiar surroundings of dog park and the weather was perfect for a longer outing.

Ramsay was a little uncertain at first as he was out of his element. He is used to being greeted by dogs and their pets at River Park or Doggy Day Care and seldom sees two-legs out on their own. I was frankly both surprised and impressed by his low growls at the approaching people eager to oogle my dog. People never cease to amaze me. My 100lb dog is warning you to stay back and that he is uncomfortable with the situation and yet they remain ignorant to his body language and continue to put their face to Ramsay and pet him as if he could be no threat. I know that he would not harm them and that I have full control of him but that is not the point. Anyway, once we were able to get away from the crowd and get further into the trees; Ramsay had an absolute blast. He spent most of his time with his nose to the ground taking in the various wild animal smells but on the way back he tested his gangly legs weaving in and out of the hillside trees. It brings absolute joy to my heart to see him so happy and I found myself laughing out loud at the show he was putting on.

We went into the townsite to meet Ryan and Becky for dinner. We figured a walk along the shops with the dogs before hand would shorten their time in the car and give them an opportunity to socialize. Ramsay continued his behaviour from before, growling and pulling away and nearly pulled Patric into oncoming traffic so that he could maintain his distance from the disrespectful people. Once he settled down from all the chaos, he seemed to really enjoy himself and the attention he was attracting. I never get tired of hearing how handsome and beautiful he is....yes...yes he is.

With all the hair-falling and ridge-raising stress, we figured locking him in the car for a few hours was safe. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and awesome conversation with my brother and his wife. We returned to the car to give Ramsay his supper and we quickly learned that, at any stress level, food is a hug and is always welcomed.

He was most grateful and appreciative for the adventure!

But all good things must come to an end!!!!

We promised the boys that we would come back soon. Good behaviour deserves a reward.

~Traci