While organizing my photo library I came across this one, from a year ago, in the archives. We had a 5 hour hike in the mountains that day. Kona probably put on twice as much milage as we did with his extra exploring as we hiked. As soon as we got home, he had dinner and promptly fell deep asleep on the sofa, no doubt dreaming of chasing the geckos that scurry across the trail from time to time.
One of the things I miss most is how happy Kona was to explore on our hikes, especially because he was so terrified of everything when we first adopted him. Our very first attempt at a walk ended up with me carrying him back up the driveway, after he froze in fear. As he learned to trust us, we ventured further and further and Kona began to love exploring. These small victories are rewards to the heart.
You gave that boy the world.
We only wish we had the time with him to give him more. Thanks Ben.
Kona was well loved.
Sam
Only as all pups should be. Thanks Sam and Happy New Year to you!
hope you had a great start to 2012 :)
Thanks Jasmine, BamBam and Eski, hope you have a Great year too!
Lovely post – thanks for sharing!
Our dogs love to hike too and it’s so wonderful to see the joy they have when frolicking in the woods.
Thanks for dropping by Christine. There’s a certain happiness from watching your dog romp in the woods for sure:)
The puppy and now Kona – what a delightful way to start the new year. Kona will always be in our hearts, we knew him so well through your pictures and writings. I love the way you helped him come out of his shell and become the GRRRReat Golden he was meant to become. And those pictures of the puppy under the lemon tree – she is about the same size/coloring as our Astro!
Thanks Valerie and the Crew – Charm, Romeo and Astro. We need to see some pics of Astro.(You can never have too much puppy cuteness:)
What a wonderful post – we’ve been very bad blog neglectors this past year and I have tears now from reading your Sept. 3 tribute to Kona – for some reason, I had no idea that you had lost beautiful, amazing Kona. Am belatedly so sorry and know how much you must miss him. You worked wonders with him, and then he worked wonders with humans who had tremendous physical challenges. Hope you guys have a happy and fruitful 2012 – we often listen to the wonderful music you guys make!
Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie, Avalon and Miche
Thanks Sammie, Avalon and Miche. We know about being neglectful bloggers, having been rather sporadic bloggers ourselves:) Thank you for your condolences, we do miss Kona very much but enjoy many memories he left us with. Have a GReat year yourselves! M&S
Love your unpayable work with Goldens… and your photographs!
All the best for the new year.
Thank you Cesar & Happy New Year to you too!
What a nice way to start the new year – a beautiful picture of Kona. We’re so glad that he was so loved and had great adventures with you both. Best, Rusty and Bo.
Thank you Rusty & Bo. Hope you have a Great 2012!
Love this photo and hearing about the 5 hour hike. Ah! So glad Kona had found his spirit to explore and had overcome some of his previous hauntings.
So nice to find these photo gems.
Big hugs!
Sierra Rose
Thanks Sierra Rose, it is a treat to come across them every now and then.