Cool air brushes my cheeks and wet leaves are beneath my feet. I look down to meet two brassy eyes gleaming up at me. Her mouth is wide and her breath is brisk. I reach down to unfasten her leash and off she hurls down the trail. Her legs are heavy, heart racing, eyes forward, letting go of everything all at once.

Down the trail, up the banks, over by the water she races from one to another. She will give me a swift glance from time to time.. just as if she’s ensuring herself that I’m still there. She darts across the field allowing her inner gypsy soul to unravel.

I feel my smile widening. These days are my favorite. I’ll just walk along the path watching her go. These are the moments that I often take for granted. Becoming so consumed with restrictions, standards, expectations, efficiency, deadlines.. you know what I’m talking about. I become so lost in what I’m expected to be, rather than what I need to be. She always tries to find a way to bring me back. She shows me to let go. She shows me to explore, to let loose, to unwind, escape, and absorb my surroundings. Rather spending time worrying over what’s coming next…she reminds me that life is present. It’s the simple moments such as in this field, taking in nature, and what a beautiful place we live in. I am thankful for her; my first fur-daughter, child, and best friend. I am thankful that she teaches me to better myself. I think we all need time to escape. It’s all in the balance of life.