The Trail Dog

Cubby after a day of exploration - cc photo by J. Delp

“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog.” ― Charles M. Schulz

Over the past several years, I have spent a lot of time outdoors. I am an avid hiker, explorer, aspiring photographer, and average (to below average) fisherman. As I mentioned in Rejuvenation of the Soul this time outside has helped me manage stress, rest and maintain a healthy perspective. 

I'm not "unsafe," but in recent years I was finding myself deeper and deeper into wilderness areas on my own. My wife and daughter like being outdoors, but long tough day hikes (without a restroom) or camping trips (without a restroom or shower) are not their thing. It took a bit of convincing, but about three years ago I received the family blessing to get a dog to accompany me on my adventures. Enter Cubby -- an Australian Cattle Dog (a.k.a. Blue Heeler).  A herding breed, cattle dogs are intelligent (though sometimes lake common sense), loyal, tough, and able to handle heat --important in the Australian Outback, or Arizona. The original heelers were actually a cross between and English herding dog and a Dingo (a wild Australian dog).

Cubby has proven to be an exceptional, and quirky, outdoor companion. He is capable of running circles around me for an entire day without being phased. He loves rivers and streams, learns quickly, and follows my commands (we have done quite a bit of training together). He is pretty tough to fish with as he wants to swim out and chase the line. It's manageable on a river, but on small streams I spend a great deal of time trying to keep him out of the water so he doesn't scare the fish. He loves to chase rocks and, if he gets bored, will roll them around with his nose, as if herding. Cubby is very attached to me and not keen on strangers -- he would rather they don't touch or talk to him. The best approach for anyone outside our immediate family is to ignore him. Australian Cattle Dogs are definitely not a breed for everyone. 

Even for someone, who likes the quiet and solitude of the wilderness, it's nice to have a companion on trips. Cubby keeps an eye on me, let's me know well in advance if there are any potential issues (approaching people, animals, etc.) and he is a great listener. We have logged a lot of silent miles and he doesn't seem to hold any resentment about the absence of conversation. It is pretty hard to beat the unconditional love a good dog on the trail!