Archie, Chena, and I went for a get away hike out to Boy Scout Lake. Although it’s not much of a hike, it was nice getting outside for awhile.
While out on the trail, we rounded a corner and ran smack dab into a ptarmigan and her chicks. The dogs went nuts. Archie took off at a full sprint for the mother and the chicks scattered like pinata confetti into the woods.
After, there was nothing but silence. I stood in the trail dogless. I called for both Chena and Archie and eventually heard the jangling of collars and tags — but only Chena came back. I continued to call for the yellow hound dog, but there was nothing to be heard in woods even the birds had gone quiet.
Chena and I began walking back toward the lake but had no luck. I’d come out to the lake to escape my problems and it seemed all I’d done was create a brand new set of them. I couldn’t believe that Archie would run away, yet I knew he loved chasing animals. Whenever he saw rabbits or squirrels, he automatically bolted in their direction. I’d even seem him stalk ravens in the backyard.
When I had almost walked back to the lake, Archie charged up the hill with a huge grin on his face. “Don’t worry mom!” He seemed to be saying. Well, thanks. Why couldn’t you just stay put? Still, it was hard to be angry now that he was back with me. There was no sign of the ptarmigan…
