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No more blues: Bella hiked 5 miles at Post Falls Community Forest

    bella on spokane river

    Things have been so positive around here lately, that I had ChatGPT write me a blues song about not having the blues anymore:

    Well, I used to have those doggone blues,
    Feeling down and worn-out with no good news.
    But now my pup’s got a spring in her step,
    After surgery, she’s healed, no more feeling inept.

    No more doggone blues, no more sorrow,
    My pup’s healthy, ready for tomorrow.
    We’re hitting the trails, hiking five miles,
    Gone are the worries, replaced with joyful smiles.

    There was a time when she couldn’t even stand,
    Her health was immobile, it was hard to understand.
    But we found a way, we fought through the strife,
    Now she’s bounding and leaping, back to her vibrant life.

    No more doggone blues, no more sorrow,
    My pup’s healthy, ready for tomorrow.
    We’re hitting the trails, hiking five miles,
    Gone are the worries, replaced with joyful smiles.

    I remember those days of endless tears,
    Watching her suffer, it was my greatest fear.
    But we made it through, we held on tight,
    Now we’re free to roam under the blue sky’s light.

    Her tail’s wagging, her spirit’s high,
    No more pain, no more need to cry.
    We climb those hills, conquer every peak,
    With each step we take, the blues grow weak.

    No more doggone blues, no more sorrow,
    My pup’s healthy, ready for tomorrow.
    We’re hitting the trails, hiking five miles,
    Gone are the worries, replaced with joyful smiles.

    So if you’re feeling low, don’t lose your hope,
    Hold on tight, find a way to cope.
    Just like my pup, you’ll find your groove,
    No more blues, just happiness to prove.

    Maremma sheepdog hiking near the Spokane River in Post Falls

    Our 5-mile hike at Post Falls Community Forest

    We had the blues for a very long time. With Bella recovering from TPLO surgery, we were bound to the house.

    No hiking.

    No adventuring.

    No nothing.

    We had a string of joyless, frustrating days for months. Months.

    That’s over. As I write this, Bella is snoring softly at my feet, recovering from a 5-mile hike at one of our favorite hiking trails in Post Falls.

    Bella the Maremma sheepdog walks through deep grass on the Yellow Trail at Post Falls Community Forest

    The community forest is a network of trails that’s connected to Q’emiln Park, which encompasses 78.5 acres. There’s a swimming beach but dogs aren’t allowed on it.

    That’s OK because there’s all kinds of access to the Spokane River along the wooded trails, and Bella loves the unlimited supply of drink.

    I love holding sessions on this trail session, too, because it has endless features that lend to the adventure spirit of you and your dog together. I love it so much it’s included in my guide to our favorite hikes that are close to home.

    My recent session there was for the cover-winner of the 2024 Paws of the Inland Northwest calendar contest but you’re just going to have to wait and see Zeevah at her most adorable.

    What’s really making my heart sing today, though, is the fact Bella hasn’t missed a beat since she tore her canine cruciate ligament on Dec. 23.

    She still knows “hold your pose” and she is every bit as majestic as she ever was.

    Bella of Big White Dog Photography holds her pose on a rock at the Post Falls Community Forest

    If not more so, considering what’s she been through these last six months.

    All around the circle

    It’s short and sweet this week as I’m turning around two projects and getting ready to launch a second photo contest for this year.

    We’re just waiting on approval from the nonprofit’s board before we make any big announcements so y’all keep that under your hat for a hot minute.

    The pet photographers blog circle is short and sweet, too, as many of my friends and colleagues are shooting the lights out before it gets too damn hot for summer. We’re writing about “blue” this week.

    Start with Las Vegas dog photographer Nicole Hrustyk of Pawtraits by Nicole, shares her top tip when photographing black dogs.

    Click the link at the bottom of Nicole’s post to continue through the circle. When you find yourself back here to Bella and I back on the trails, no longer singing the blues, you know you’re home.

    Right where you belong.

    And if you’re looking for an adventure that’s close to home, download that hiking guide:

    Maremms sheepdog hiking to Quartz Lookout at Mt. Spokane

    Find your next adventure

    Download your copy of our 5 Favorite Close-To-Home Hikes and subscribe to the Big White Dog newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about news, promos and model calls!

    Author

    Dogs. Adventure. Outdoors. These words set Angela's heart afire. Angela Schneider, an award-winning writer and dog photographer, documents the story of you and your dog and the adventures you take together. Your portraits will be a statement piece in your home, art that will make your friends and family beg to hear its story.

    2 thoughts on “No more blues: Bella hiked 5 miles at Post Falls Community Forest”

    1. I am so happy to read that Bella is back on trail duty! I know how frustrating it can be (and nerve-wracking) doing the slow recuperation dance. Enjoy!

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