Friends along the way . . .

I have a few canine friends on my trips to and from work. I think their excitement to see me has something to do with the bike since they don't seem too interested in the many cars that are also passing by.

Princess the Chow Mix always greets me

when I arrive at work with a very happy face.

There is the little Chihuahua mix that races me along his fenced in yard. His house is on a main street, busy with commuting traffic. I can see his little ears perk up when he gets a glimpse of me on my bike and just as I reach the corner of the fence he darts out and races me to the end of his yard. At the end of the yard he stands and watches me continue down the road

wagging his little tail and tongue handing out looking as if to say "hey come back"!

Then there is the scrap yard Blue Heeler. The first time she charged her fence and let me know that this was her yard, her road, her world! I called out to her "Good Morning Busy Girl" - but that didn't change her mood. This happened over and over, each day until one morning I caught her sleeping in! As I was just about passed the yard, I called out to her "Hey Sleepy Head" - she jumped up and ran to the fence only to see that I was already down the road. Since that day, I see her from time to time - and when she does come to the fence, her bark is more of a "Hey how are ya" - I guess I spoiled the game.

Just passed the Blue Heeler's yard are the two goofballs. These two always get riled up when they see me, one runs in one direction the other in another direction. Sometimes they bark at me, sometimes at each other, sometimes they don't know what they are barking at. It does put a smile on your face!

Then there is the little old canine who has a pet cat. This cat follows this old dog down the road and I've discovered that the dog can't hear anything so I have to be really careful not to startle him. But if his cat is with him - the cat gets him out of the way - it's amazing to watch. One morning I rode by and the cat was laying next to the dog in the morning sun sleeping.

Mr. Grumbles, Max

And last but not least is Max (affectionately called Mr.

Grumbles) who greets me every morning with his grumpy, grumble, grumble. Princess makes up for his crabby nature.

And when I arrive home, I'm surrounded with wiggles and kisses from my three canine companions, Petie, Copper & Penny. Although I think the kisses have something to do with the salt from my sweat :)

Petie & Copper waiting for

my return home.

Enjoy the ride

Kath