After his afternoon nap on the mantle behind the wood stove, my wife and I took our Bengal Makena out for a walk.
Why don't you join us?
Makena's pelt has very little insulation and he needs a jacket on cold days. We have a plain fleece and we have the heavy fleece with a nylon cover he is wearing here. He needs this heavier jacket when the temps fall below 40. Without the jacket - he heads back toward our home after being out for only 10 - 15 minutes.
We take Makena out nearly every day. Makena loves to hike and frankly, it is usually a high point in my day as well.
He frequently pauses to scan the area around for mice, chipmunks etc.
We always bring some treats with us and here Makena takes a few from his mum's hand
Then he gives mum a head butt....
"Look what I found!"
"What do you suppose lives in there?"
A downed tree presents an irresistible lure. Makena loves to climb - we don't trim his claws so he can get a good grip. The retractable lead is about 25 feet, we let him go as high as he wants.
Makena knows basic commands and listens very well, but he is not trained to simply follow our direction. We often want him to lead us: we want to see what interests him. The path we choose is often a collaborative effort. Makena would stay with us if he was not on a lead but if he saw a Racoon or Ground Hog there is a chance he would focus on that and not listen. For his safety we keep him on a lead.
We have covered a few miles of woods and fields and the temperature is starting to drop. Makena pauses for a yawn, and turns toward home.
My wife and I have talked about what is going on in each of our lives. Makena has gotten his fill of exploring. We have each found some fresh air and exercise. The sun is falling toward the horizon.
Makena took a chill on the way back and let me know with a few longish meows. I tucked him in my jacket for a few minutes till he warmed up and he asked to be put back down. Makena picked up the pace to stay warm as he led us back home.
Finally home, Makena sat by the wood stove to soak up the heat.
My wife and I made dinner.
Thanks for joining us on our walk, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Eric
Why don't you join us?
Makena's pelt has very little insulation and he needs a jacket on cold days. We have a plain fleece and we have the heavy fleece with a nylon cover he is wearing here. He needs this heavier jacket when the temps fall below 40. Without the jacket - he heads back toward our home after being out for only 10 - 15 minutes.
We take Makena out nearly every day. Makena loves to hike and frankly, it is usually a high point in my day as well.
He frequently pauses to scan the area around for mice, chipmunks etc.
We always bring some treats with us and here Makena takes a few from his mum's hand
Then he gives mum a head butt....
"Look what I found!"
"What do you suppose lives in there?"
A downed tree presents an irresistible lure. Makena loves to climb - we don't trim his claws so he can get a good grip. The retractable lead is about 25 feet, we let him go as high as he wants.
Makena knows basic commands and listens very well, but he is not trained to simply follow our direction. We often want him to lead us: we want to see what interests him. The path we choose is often a collaborative effort. Makena would stay with us if he was not on a lead but if he saw a Racoon or Ground Hog there is a chance he would focus on that and not listen. For his safety we keep him on a lead.
We have covered a few miles of woods and fields and the temperature is starting to drop. Makena pauses for a yawn, and turns toward home.
My wife and I have talked about what is going on in each of our lives. Makena has gotten his fill of exploring. We have each found some fresh air and exercise. The sun is falling toward the horizon.
Makena took a chill on the way back and let me know with a few longish meows. I tucked him in my jacket for a few minutes till he warmed up and he asked to be put back down. Makena picked up the pace to stay warm as he led us back home.
Finally home, Makena sat by the wood stove to soak up the heat.
My wife and I made dinner.
Thanks for joining us on our walk, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Eric
