Stella's Stellar Day!

Every once in awhile, you know the day is going to be great. Yesterday was not that day at the beginning. I wanted to take Stella on a long walk/run, but she was not cooperating. The "heal" training was not kicking on and I ended up being pulled for 2.5 miles. We tried stopping at the lake for a diversion, but to no avail. By then Stella was done. She was limping a bit from a bur in her paw I later discovered, so we headed back home. Richard and I had decided we wanted to head to the mountains to see the Fall colors and take Stella swimming in Lake Estes. By noon we were on our way, with Stella refusing to sit in the back of the car. She insisted on standing and we soon discovered why: Stella gets car sick on twisty roads! There was doggie saliva all over and we quickly stopped before anything happened or came up. We finally made it to Estes Park, along with the other millions of people there for the Elk Festival and to see the Fall colors. Our quest: a parking spot by the lake. Here is where the day got better.

Parking spot found, picnic lunch included with a dog bone and a renewed sense of the day! It was beautiful out and we were ready to walk. For some reason Stella was transformed. She healed on her new lead as we walk by lots of people walking their dogs. She was totally disinterested in the charging Elk, even after we had to JUMP the safety barricades as the males went after the females. As we made our way back to the picnic area - behind the Elk barricade - she was awesome! We sat down to eat, Stella chewing on her bone and part of the happy family! She ignored the dogs walking by, the children sitting near and even the people stopping to say,"Oh what a cute dog!" Yes she has the cute factor down!
 
The day was getting better. We decided to get away from the Elk and walk around the lake to find a good swim area. Mission accomplished after 30 minutes. A great "beach," lots of sticks to throw and a HAPPY puppy in the water. Our day we getting so good. Stella, swam, chased sticks and was in heaven.

We finally left and yes we had to stop for doggie car sickness. Once home Richard cleaned the car ( part of my Birthday present) and I got dinner ready for Stella. I was just amazed at how well she did with all the stimuli all day and her ability to adapt. She is and will be even more an amazing family member.

Notes from today:

• Stella did great for 8 hours in the yard with all her toys. I did not.
• She likes to "eat" Dandelions, the seed spheres. It's FUN! OMG, I will have tons of these horrible weeds next year in the backyard!
• Stella goes crazy in grass! We get into the park and she runs like there is no tomorrow, tries to jump - I have to keep her focused ha ha - and rolls around.
• We were told she hates doggie beds.She stayed in her crate with no padding. I bought one today, put it down and she not only laid on it but literally buried her face in it in joy! Another new life experience for our new baby!! My heart broke and soared at the same time.

It's been a good couple days! Photos from Estes are not downloading. Sorry, will try to recover!