Back in Cascadia Park

This morning, Kota and I went up on the mountain to Cascadia Park. It’s an amazing place. Very quiet and secluded. They have an unfenced dog park tucked  in the back, so we decided to check that out. You can see by the photos how it’s laid out. Kota was the only dog there.

Being up here with him off leash, it quickly became apparent that I need to work with him on his obedience skills. He does have obedience training. However, the inability for me to work with him in the last three years really shows. Once he gets on a scent, or he sees a chipmunk, squirrel or rabbit, all his focus goes not on me but on the animals. 

I’m so grateful that part of my training him included not chasing wildlife. We have a lot of wildlife in our backyard. However, we do not have rabbits; that was a new one for him. Thankfully, he obeyed me, but I could see him quivering. His actions spoke clearly to me: “ Mom! Let me go. I want to chase!” I am grateful that, despite the fact that I haven’t worked with him on a daily basis in so long, he did behave himself.

I was so excited yesterday: I almost made a fist with my right hand! Two of my fingers appear to have a mind of their own. They are moving over, not allowing me to make a full fist, but it is so much better than it was right after the surgery. Even better than it was a month ago. I believe my therapist has a lot to do with it. She has me doing bicep curls with 5 pound weights, one in each hand. The first time I tried it, it was dismal. I couldn’t even lift my left arm up past my waist. She just keeps encouraging me and telling me that it will get better. She is thinking about releasing me from therapy in two weeks. I have promised her I will continue all the exercises at home until I am able to again reached the top shelves of my cupboards. Her next challenge is a bit daunting. She wants me to start washing my walls. Not that they don’t need them, but I still will not be able to do the entire wall. I’m still trying to get behind the wheel of my truck. That is still quite a ways away I’m afraid.

Well, the bus has arrived to pick us up. This park is only 25 minutes from my home. It was just so nice to escape, for even just a little while.