Bella Freedom

My year old Labrador Retriever 'Bella' was set loose to play this afternoon. Snow had come.

In the past, she ran the moment I unleashed her. But never too far from me. She was just playing with her temporary freedom but not wanting me to leave her site.

Today she was more bold. Faster and farther from me she ran. Little interested was she in where I was. The snow was intoxicating for her or perhaps the unencumbered space. As always, she bolted immediately for the creek nearby. My hope for solild ice proved short lived. Soon her near white fur was dark with mud.

Finally, after thirty minutes or so, I enticed her to venture near me. Quickly I leashed her and walked her home. She seemed not the least bit chilled. I on the other hand was beginning to find the temperature painful. My hands alternated between holding onto the leash and clutching onto the warmth in my vest pockets.

Once home, Bella was taken directly to her kennel in the basement. A dry towel, electric heater and brush awaited her.

Click the pic above for the large version. Also, two more pics from today's romp: Bella Bounds & Bella Burrows. And here's a pic from a few days ago I Photoshop'd for my desktop (1024x768, black, centered): Background Bella. Enjoy.