Life's a Beach

When Nicole suggested we take our hounds to the beach, I thought sure, that sounded like a nice way to spend a couple hours. Bury our toes in the sand, soak up some rays, listen to the waves, and catch up on "girl talk."

Uh, not quite.

How did I not know that taking a dog to the beach is like taking a kid to Disneyland? As soon as Hazel felt the warm sand beneath her paws, she started digging and pawing with obvious doggie delight, spraying sand behind her like a fire hydrant. I kept her on leash because when you adopt a greyhound from Golden State Greyhounds you sign your name in blood swearing that you will never, EVER let your dog off-leash in a non-fenced environment. Greyhounds are sighthounds with excellent vision that spans a good half mile. There's always the risk that they might sight something of interest, like a squirrel or bird, and bolt without warning. And at 45 mph, they're not likely to be caught. 

But the leash didn't hinder Hazel in the least. When the surf first crashed around her legs, she jumped a good three feet with surprise. And then, I witnessed the purest joy I've ever seen in a dog. She was doing zoomies in the surf, barking and doing the Downward Dog pose, inviting me to play and chase after her through the water, soaking us both. She rolled in the sand, dug some more, dozed next to her BFF Nadeen, ate a bacon treat or two, and then repeated the process. Nicole and I didn't do that much sitting or talking--the day had gone to the dogs, but in the best way possible.

When we left the beach four hours later, Hazel and Nadeen were dripping wet, covered in sand, and exhausted. Come to think of it, so was I.  On our way to the car my girl kept plopping on the beach trying to nap. It was like she just couldn't muster the energy for One. More. Step. It was clear that she had had the most awesome day ever.  

And I had, too.  Watching my goofy girl experience such absolute canine joy was like the parent who watches their kid light up on that first magical trip to Disneyland; there's nothing like relishing the happiness of a loved one, be they two-legged or four. 

It was indeed the most awesome day ever.