The Walk Home
Some dogs walk next to you. Some dogs walk in front of you. And then there are the dogs that walk with you.
This is a Blue Heeler. These dogs are also known as Australian Cattle Dogs. These dogs need to work, or they get easily bored and then trouble start…
This Blue Heeler was walking back home with her owner. Her name is Penny. Tom’s ex-girlfriend chose Penny’s name. Tom and Penny were walking home on the Vancouver Seawall after playing for a good half an hour chasing the Freebie at the park. It was an excellent chase and now it was time to go back home. Not only there was a bond, Tom and Penny are a team.
I’ve seen Blue Heelers who think the leash is a tool to direct their owners. They drag you down the street with their eyes locked on whatever is catching their interest. But not Penny. Tom wasn’t gripping the leash like it was a lifeline. He was holding the leash to guide Penny.
The leash wasn’t tight. The leash wasn’t loose. It was just right and that’s the difference between a partnership and a power struggle.
I’ve walked with dogs who think they’re in charge. They yank, they stop, they want to make sure you know who’s in control. But Penny? She wasn’t trying to prove anything. She was just part of the team.
Camera: Canon 7D ISO 1600 and 1/250
Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4 @200mm and f/5
Processed with Darktable: https://www.darktable.org/