People walk for different reasons, some for the benefits of fitness, some to discover and enjoy the beauty of nature, and some for a sense of accomplishment. And yet others find immense pleasure in taking their dogs on excursions with them.
Various breeds of dogs have become known for different activities. Pointers are known for their hunting dog abilities, while Saint Bernards are famous as rescue dogs in cold weather. German Shepherds have made their place as police dogs and hounds are used for tracking. Blue Healers are excellent livestock workers and Doberman Pinschers will protect everything you own.
As we hike the trails of the Colorado mountains, we often come across other hikers accompanied by their dogs, 95% of which are a ‘big dog’ breed, such as Labrador Retrievers. They seem to like running down the trails, chasing squirrels, and jumping into mountain streams.
One day while walking with our little Yorkshire Terrier we met other hikers on the trail and the comment was made, ‘Hey, Yorkies don’t like to walk!’
Well let me introduce you to Kokamo, five pound purebred Yorkie, and he loves to walk. No, he lives to walk! As soon as he sees the hiking team gathering, he acts like the Energizer Bunny on steroids! Jumping on my legs, not stopping as if to say, ‘Walk? Yes, let’s go hiking! I like to walk! I can’t wait to walk! Trekking! Trekking! Oh yeah, hiking!
Once in the truck, repeatedly go from the legs on the dash facing forward to the floorboard to get out, then from one side window to the other, side to side, can’t wait. Finally, at the trailhead, you are the first to get out of the truck and take off with no idea which way to go. Once on the road, it goes out 20 yards and back, out and back, never stopping.
Soon, it’s the showdown. Here come the ‘big dogs’ by the way. Who will bully whom, the lab vs. the Yorkie. Both-sided stance, both-side sniffing. “How cute,” says the big dog. “My trail, hover over the big man,” says Kokamo. And they go in opposite directions.
Besides, I know that big dogs tend to be fiercely loyal and protective of their owners and Yorkies, well, not so much. I remember when our previous Yorkie Alex was camping with us when a bear came into the camp at night. He went straight to the bottom of my sleeping bag and just shivered silently – there was no protection there! But I digress.
After a day of hiking, Kokamo lies beside me, exhausted and content, as if in Doggie Heaven on Earth. Yes, Yorkies like to walk, and Kokamo lives for it.
