There’s magic in the air as the first rays of sunlight reach over the horizon, whispering promises of a day filled with adventures and boundless joy. The world is still, early leaves rustle gently in the wind. After a few long stretches and breakfast, the eyes of my adventure companions are gleaming with the anticipation of the day ahead. It’s as if they read my mind. They just know, from the moment I open my eyes, what kind of day this will be. How do they do it?

This will be the kind of day where time slows down, worries fade, and the only thing that matters is our time together. Oona, Mogwai, and Lizzie manage to remain calm as I get ready (while keeping an eye on me), but once I get their leashes and harnesses, it’s their signal to rush to the door. “I’m not staying behind!” they say with their tippy-tappy paws.

We set off while the sun climbs, casting a long golden glow across the forest floor where all three dogs dart ahead, noses to the ground, chasing invisible trails, and leaping over fallen branches. It’s impossible not to smile when you see such unfiltered joy. Tiny black fish capture their attention, but the pier we’re standing on is too high for any of them to dare the jump.

“Let’s catch a stick instead,” decides Oona. I’ll have some tea instead. By the time we reach the lake, the sky is deep blue, the water looks inviting. Mogwai and Oona don’t hesitate and splash into the shallows, their paws create ripples that dance across the surface. I watch them, chest-deep in the cool water, their faces blissful, fur dripping. Moments like this, I think, are what happiness looks like—uncomplicated and a bit wild. Lizzie might have a different opinion as she regrets getting wet instantly.

The trail curves along the lake, guiding us into the woods again, and we follow a path that leads to the river. The sound of the rushing water grows louder, the dogs race to the edge of adventure, but never forget to come back for treats. As the light turns orange, we try to catch as much light as possible before looking for a spot to build a fire.

The flames dance gently, we feel the warmth on our faces. The dogs, although tired from today’s adventures, don’t want to miss a moment, but they too slow down as the light fades. As the fire crackles and the day settles into night, I realize it isn’t just the beauty of the woods or the lake that made this day perfect. It was this—the simple joy of being with them, my dogs, sharing these moments. We had spent the day together, from sunrise to sunset. I hang the leashes and harnesses back on their hooks and off to the land of dreams we go.

Woof!
Fenne & Oona, Mogwai and Lizzie

@dogvision