Canicross - The Dog's View
Posted on October 19, 2012
The smell on the wind today is of snow. The coolness in the air is the kind that raises my hackles and brings new scents to me, promising trails and running which will gratify my growing anxiety - my instinct to run and travel forward.
I sense the energy around her, too. She places the harness over my head and attaches the line which connects us physically. We become the same in our purpose and I cannot contain my excitement. I leap up and lick at her face, sharing this perfect idea! Now, we will run, together.
She guides me out in front of her, asking me to lead - and I do. We set a pace which I can feel is exhilarating for her and it causes her to make that wonderful sound while showing her teeth! A good sound with such a positive, healing energy. I feel it too! I look back at her and open my mouth, showing my teeth slightly, my eyes lit - a mirror to her goodness.
My pace slows a little and she falls into the same rhythm. The running begins to sink into the very middle of us, clearing out everything which needs to go - leaving room for only the best thoughts and feelings. My heart is strong and I can feel it become a pounding partner to my breath. Her two feet land in perfect timing behind my four.
I run when I play sometimes. In circles, in small sprints from here to there - sometimes I zoom and cover the whole yard without stopping; but it’s not the same as this. This purposeful travel straight down a trail, discovering what’s around each corner and then continuing further forward, is what feels natural to me. The feeling of the harness and the chance to put force into it with all my power gives me a release which I don’t achieve running out of harness. It satisfies my muscles in a way that nothing else can. It makes me feel more like myself - athletic and powerful but void of anxiety.
I love when we are almost back to our territory. She digs in to somewhere deep inside her, rising up with one last burst of speed. She cannot keep up with me, though! When I sense her pace picking up, I put everything I have left into the harness and lurch forward pulling her along!
She will stop now and bend forward slightly, taking in long breaths. I can hear her heart and it beats loudly but her mind is much quieter - I can’t hear the nervous energy circling around her as it was before we started our run.
I like to sit in front of her and listen as her heart slows to a normal pace. She always touches my head roughly, and I push back at her and circle her and rub my scent around her legs - she is mine. I am hers and we are one pack. We are a powerful and satisfied pack who have traveled together.
The water is always waiting for me and I drink it with fervour. She drinks, too - and then offers me food.
Our hearts have slowed and my eyes are closing and rest is coming. She touches my ears and top of my head and it makes me feel safe. I close my eyes and begin to sleep. I will dream of running, again - I can never get enough of running.
Wouldn't you love to experience this with your dog? Maybe your pace would be a nice walk - that works too!