For years I have dreamed of dog sledding, but since I live in Florida, that has never seemed very probable. Now, since I am always on the lookout for more activities for my dogs, I recently began playing with the idea of teaching them to pull, even though we don't have snow for sledding. I plan to teach them to pull me on a bicycle - a sport known as bikejoring. Maybe someday I will be able to take them to the snow and really sled, but for now, they can help around the farm. This should be a fun sport to keep them busy from time to time, and also provide a new activity for children visiting our farm, who would love to take a ride in the wagon behind a team of Border collies. Right now, our cows are in a neighbor's pasture, which means that I have to drive or hike over there, toting feed, cleaning supplies, and milk buckets. The dogs always help me put the cows and goats where I need them, and this morning, I decided that they could help me even more. Willow has taken the most naturally to pulling, so far. She is the one who tends to be hyperactive, anyway, so more exercise is a major benefit to her. She pulled the wagon through the woods, up the hill, and a short distance down the road with a great attitude. She is even learning left and right. It's beginning to look like she may be my lead dog. Flora tagged along, little knowing what was in store... She wasn't as enthusiastic as Willow when I hitched her up, but she just laid down in the shade and bided her time while I loaded the milk into the wagon. The cow milk (almost a gallon) was in a tote with a tight-fitting lid, but the goat milk (about a pint) was just in the bucket. I carefully wedged it in with the other buckets. Flora tagged along, little knowing what was in store... She wasn't as enthusiastic as Willow when I hitched her up, but she just laid down in the shade and bided her time while I loaded the milk into the wagon. The cow milk (almost a gallon) was in a tote with a tight-fitting lid, but the goat milk (about a pint) was just in the bucket. I carefully wedged it in with the other buckets and hoped it wouldn't tip over. Off we went. All went well as she trotted down the paved road with the wagon, until she turned onto the trail downhill through the woods. Willow was going the wrong way, so I called her back, stopping on the paved road while Flora pulled the wagon down the trail. Next thing I knew, I heard this loud, ominous rattling and realized that Flora was dashing full speed down the trail, with the wagon careening wildly behind her. I yelled, "Whoa!" and took off after her. A few paces further on, she stopped and lay down, looking back at me with a mischievous, tired grin. This is what I found in the wagon... Yep, my bucket-wedging job couldn't handle that wild ride through the woods. I decided not to cry over spilt milk, got Flora up, and headed down trail again. She wasn't too enthusiastic, even when we got to the driveway, but she pulled the wagon right up to the deck. They both did a good job. I look forward to this new learning adventure!
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AuthorMy name is Alayna Feldman. I have been greatly blessed and am thankful, first and foremost, to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who has saved me. I am also deeply thankful to my parents, who have raised me in a stable, safe, loving home and taught me about what is most important in life. Archives
February 2022
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