Mara returns to the Mountains

[Orph]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
I truly understand that after a short while (maybe already!) all these videos will start to look exactly the same. I have zero expectation for anyone to view them!

They may seem a bit redundant to you because you are actually up there in the mountains seeing all this for real. But for those of us that can't go hiking in the mountains, or have a pet, these pictures and videos are quite enjoyable.

[Vicus]

This could be a good companion for you and Mara:

Dogo Argentino
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/503...ME8ud_KL-eYAA=

The Dogo Argentino (plural Dogos Argentinos) is an Argentine breed of large dog of mastiff type. It was bred in the early twentieth century in Córdoba in central Argentina, primarily for dog-fighting, but also for hunting large game such as peccaries and pumas.[3]: 146 [4]: 340 [5]: 189 [6]: 140 [7][1] The foundation stock included a fighting dog of bulldog type, a Bull Terrier and a Mastín del Pirineo.[7]: 2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogo_Argentino

https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2...go%20argentino

[wondering]

I wonder what Mara would think of having a companion? I remember that you considered that in the early days of her sight loss....is this something that you would consider, Bill? He looks like he could eat you out of house and home, as they say! 😁 It might be a wonderful thing....

[Mari]

Posted by Vicus (here)
This could be a good companion for you and Mara:

Dogo Argentino
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/503...ME8ud_KL-eYAA=

The Dogo Argentino (plural Dogos Argentinos) is an Argentine breed of large dog of mastiff type. It was bred in the early twentieth century in Córdoba in central Argentina, primarily for dog-fighting, but also for hunting large game such as peccaries and pumas.[3]: 146 [4]: 340 [5]: 189 [6]: 140 [7][1] The foundation stock included a fighting dog of bulldog type, a Bull Terrier and a Mastín del Pirineo.[7]: 2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogo_Argentino

https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2...go%20argentino

I think its a wonderful idea! Any compatible dog would do, ie, a mutt who Mara energetically resonates with. I can see an instant benefit here, in that, although you are doing a brilliant job in helping and guiding her, Bill, it only comes from a human perspective, even allowing how close you are to each other. A companion of her own species will, I feel, do the job far more thoroughly than you ever could, because doggy senses would be at play here - instant telepathy, superior smell, species trust, the first two that we as humans don't possess. Obviously you'd have to acclimatize the newcomer to the terrain, (and I'm pretty sure Mara would play a huge part in this)
At the end of the day Bill, I don't need to tell you that when Mara's time comes, you'll derive a huge amount of comfort from the newbie and a whole lot of new adventures

[Ravenlocke]

“And finally, some light relief — sort of! I've encountered puma scat many times (for non-English speakers, this is the scientific term for poop), but I've never seen a puma itself, or even a print. But yesterday our trail was covered in crystal clear puma tracks that looked very fresh indeed. It was probably just a few hours ahead of us (or maybe less!), and might even have been watching us all the time.

Look at the size of this giant cat's paw: ”


I just wanted to mention that when I first saw this when you first posted this, Bill, it made me remember Spirit (formerly named Diablo?). The big, black cat (panther), that spoke to that lady who is an animal communicator from Africa. I have to find that again on Avalon. I have to find his message again for some reason.

[Mari]

Posted by Ravenlocke (here)
“And finally, some light relief — sort of! I've encountered puma scat many times (for non-English speakers, this is the scientific term for poop), but I've never seen a puma itself, or even a print. But yesterday our trail was covered in crystal clear puma tracks that looked very fresh indeed. It was probably just a few hours ahead of us (or maybe less!), and might even have been watching us all the time.

Look at the size of this giant cat's paw: ”


I just wanted to mention that when I first saw this when you first posted this, Bill, it made me remember Spirit (formerly named Diablo?). The big, black cat (panther), that spoke to that lady who is an animal communicator from Africa. I have to find that again on Avalon. I have to find his message again for some reason.

Here it is:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=gvwHHMEDdT0

And there's a follow up:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=xlHcf6r4HNI

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Vicus (here)
This could be a good companion for you and Mara:
Dogo Argentino
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/503...ME8ud_KL-eYAA=

Thanks for the suggestion! My simple life has enough in it with one dog, and there's really no room for two — without another human to assist. There'd also be all kinds of risks: it might not work out well at all, Dog #2 would need to be a competent and confident mountain dog too, and it also all gets pretty expensive. But I do truly appreciate all the kind thoughts and helpful ideas.



Meanwhile: another day today, and another adventure. This was our fourth day heading up into what I'm now calling Puma Valley. (Note to self: a larger smilie might be needed.)

We came across this murder scene:



...and shortly after, the trail of the suspect:



I'm only a novice puma tracker, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't there on our last hike on Tuesday. It was so clear it was impossible to miss. (At this point I decided we should maybe best turn around and head back home. )

On our return, we needed to negotiate the waterfall (again). There are actually two sections to it, and various ways to navigate it. The water level is quite low at the moment, and I'd NOT try this in the rainy season. (Though in years past, when Mara could see, this was never a problem no matter how strongly this waterfall was raging.)

A small 40 second drama here, when Mara got disoriented trying to find her way out of the waterfall pool. Moral of the story is that it's GOOD to have a calm, well-trained dog who understands what WAIT!! means.

(Mara and I trust each other implicitly, and I do know what she can and can't do, my expectations significantly upgraded after our recent returns to the mountains. I do promise you I'm not an abusive dog owner. )

https://projectavalon.net/Mara_retur...ains_Day_4.mp4 (40 seconds, 20 Mb)

[Bruce G Charlton]

"Mara got disoriented trying to find her way out of the waterfall pool"

Do you think this may have been due to her getting confused about using scent to navigate? In stories of escaping sleuth dogs, the method is always to go through running water.

(I believe it works for escaping witches too )

[wondering]

Mari, Wonderful update on Spirit - thank you so much.

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Bruce G Charlton (here)
"Mara got disoriented trying to find her way out of the waterfall pool"

Do you think this may have been due to her getting confused about using scent to navigate? In stories of escaping sleuth dogs, the method is always to go through running water.

Yes, that might have been a factor. It's extremely rare that Mara gets disoriented like that, even now. Since returning to the mountains, she somehow always knows precisely where a small stream or lake is, and the very best way in and out of it. But the flow of water there was really quite strong, and loud as well.

I only thought I'd share the clip because of the interesting tiny drama. I was right there inches away from her, and could have grabbed her collar at any time. On prior trips I'd had her on a lead while traversing the waterfall, but that makes it quite hard to hold the camera as well.

[Bill Ryan]

A tiny update. We went up to the Puma Valley again yesterday, for the 5th time now. Fiercely bright blue sky, strong icy wind, plenty of colorful new video, but looking just like all the other little movies I've shared. And each time we traverse the waterfall, Mara finds it easier and easier. She just loves every minute of it all, whatever we're doing.

This time there were no puma tracks. I knew what I was looking for, and I knew all the places to look, but there was nothing at all anywhere. That suggested three things to me:

1. I never imagined all this.
2. The earlier tracks were recent, real, and created separately over periods a few days apart.
3. The puma has probably now left the valley.
   

[Ravenlocke]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
A tiny update. We went up to the Puma Valley again yesterday, for the 5th time now. Fiercely bright blue sky, strong icy wind, plenty of colorful new video, but looking just like all the other little movies I've shared. And each time we traverse the waterfall, Mara finds it easier and easier. She just loves every minute of it all, whatever we're doing.

This time there were no puma tracks. I knew what I was looking for, and I knew all the places to look, but there was nothing at all anywhere. That suggested three things to me:

1. I never imagined all this.
2. The earlier tracks were recent, real, and created separately over periods a few days apart.
3. The puma has probably now left the valley.
   

Just my naive musings but maybe that was her/it’s calling card, like I live here as well and can be quite close don’t forget that you share the space? Maybe it let you know that you and Mara are not a danger to her home. Maybe her calling card the print is so you know if you see it again that she’s close and respect her space till she’s done? Maybe she was curious and wanted a closer look having smelled your scent before since you live there. It just reminds me of what they say about sharks being in the water close to bathers even if bathers don’t see them because it’s their home, the water?

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
"No more big hikes," said Bill.
“Your plight of blindness was unplanned.
Oh, Mara, Mara, can't you understand?"
But Mara shook her head.
"Say it again" she said,
"And slowly, please.
No rocks, no lakes, no quinoa trees?
No llamas and no deer to chase,
No return to that magical place?”
“Alas,” said Bill. "You must stay here."
And Mara shed a single tear.
"For always, Bill?" she whispered, "Will it be
That way evermore, for you and me?
Or will there come again some day
When the great green hills will call me back to play?"
Bill bowed his head:
"Some day… some day," he said.

“I smelled a puma on the breeze,”
Said Mara. “Can you tell me, please,
Where was I? I could sense the trees,
The grass, the rocks, the lakes, the streams…
Was this just a wishful dream?”
“It was real,” Bill replied.
“You were right there by my side.
In the mountains, there with me
Though I knew you could not see.”

And Mara shed a happy tear.
“I never thought that I would hear
Such news. My life is blessed,
My blindness was a bitter stress,
And I believed we’d never go
Again to all those peaks we know.”

“Oh Bill,” she whispered, “Will this stay?
The hills will always let me play?”
Bill smiled, and then he raised his head.
“Yes, I promise.”

And it was said.

[Michel Leclerc]

A little sad that I cannot push more than one “thank you” button.

[Debra]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Vicus (here)
This could be a good companion for you and Mara:
Dogo Argentino
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/503...ME8ud_KL-eYAA=

Thanks for the suggestion! My simple life has enough in it with one dog, and there's really no room for two — without another human to assist. There'd also be all kinds of risks: it might not work out well at all, Dog #2 would need to be a competent and confident mountain dog too, and it also all gets pretty expensive. But I do truly appreciate all the kind thoughts and helpful ideas.



Meanwhile: another day today, and another adventure. This was our fourth day heading up into what I'm now calling Puma Valley. (Note to self: a larger smilie might be needed.)

We came across this murder scene:



...and shortly after, the trail of the suspect:



I'm only a novice puma tracker, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't there on our last hike on Tuesday. It was so clear it was impossible to miss. (At this point I decided we should maybe best turn around and head back home. )

On our return, we needed to negotiate the waterfall (again). There are actually two sections to it, and various ways to navigate it. The water level is quite low at the moment, and I'd NOT try this in the rainy season. (Though in years past, when Mara could see, this was never a problem no matter how strongly this waterfall was raging.)

A small 40 second drama here, when Mara got disoriented trying to find her way out of the waterfall pool. Moral of the story is that it's GOOD to have a calm, well-trained dog who understands what WAIT!! means.

(Mara and I trust each other implicitly, and I do know what she can and can't do, my expectations significantly upgraded after our recent returns to the mountains. I do promise you I'm not an abusive dog owner. )

https://projectavalon.net/Mara_retur...ains_Day_4.mp4 (40 seconds, 20 Mb)

You are doing a beautiful thing, Bill. I am watching with awe and respect. So beautiful to see Mara thoroughly enjoy her life with you in those mountains. Every time she drops herself into a stream, such a simple and blissful moment. I can hear her say: thank you, I love my life. It seems that she is developing another sight in taking it all in. What a rich and deserved life that you continue to facilitate with and for her.

I am sure that my boy Hughie who you took with you to the cairn is taking notes right now, saying all dogs deserve to go walking in the wild with their humans and to do it like the gods - no matter the circumstances.

So many adventures and memories to be made! With all of our loved ones. And especially our fur kin.

Thank you for bringing this home



My deepest respect.

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Debra (here)

You are doing a beautiful thing, Bill. I am watching with awe and respect. So beautiful to see Mara thoroughly enjoy her life with you in those mountains. Every time she drops herself into a stream, such a simple and blissful moment. I can hear her say: thank you, I love my life. It seems that she is developing another sight in taking it all in. What a rich and deserved life that you continue to facilitate with and for her.

I am sure that my boy Hughie who you took with you to the cairn is taking notes right now, saying all dogs deserve to go walking in the wild with their humans and to do it like the gods - no matter the circumstances.

So many adventures and memories to be made! With all of our loved ones. And especially our fur kin.

Thank you for bringing this home




My deepest respect.

Dearest Deb, so lovely to hear from you. And of course, I remember little Hughie very very well. I still have his photo.

Our adventures have continued, now with the confidence that the puma has given up and retired to another valley. (No big pawprints for the last 3 trips. )

On Sunday we got further up this very high mountain than I'd ever dared think could be possible. Mara had absolutely no problem. She enjoyed herself from beginning to end, and wasn't even tired. No-one passing her on the trail would suspect for a moment that she couldn't see a thing.









I'd be pretty sure this is some kind of world altitude record for a blind dog. (Our high point was 4270m, or 14,009 ft. But it has to be possible that some dogs in tiny, remote Nepalese Himalayan villages who have lost their sight might live a little higher than that all the time.)

Tomorrow, weather permitting, we're going to see if we can go higher still. It seemed clear that another 100-200 ft of altitude was absolutely doable, but I wanted to be sure we quit (i.e. turn around and head down) when we were winning. I'm 99% sure the summit is out of reach, but it does seems that 1% chance might just somehow be there.

Of course, I'd never force her. And I couldn't do that anyway. We have a great working arrangement: if she's ever feeling tired, she simply sits down.

[thepainterdoug]

wonderful pictures Bill Mara looks loving and loyal.
wow what a different terrain we live.

blessings / pd

[Parsi-X]

Bill Thank you!!!! .. Mara ....what a sweetheart... this is newsworthy of sharing.

[yiolas]

Thank-you for sharing your video with us Bill. I got a little emotional watching it, as it displayed the extraordinary bond that we can have with our beloved pets. It brought up memories of all the dogs and cats that have shared their lives with me throughout my 66 years on this earth plane. What a gift!!

[Pris]

.

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
"No more big hikes," said Bill.
“Your plight of blindness was unplanned.
Oh, Mara, Mara, can't you understand?"
But Mara shook her head.
"Say it again" she said,
"And slowly, please.
No rocks, no lakes, no quinoa trees?
No llamas and no deer to chase,
No return to that magical place?”
“Alas,” said Bill. "You must stay here."
And Mara shed a single tear.
"For always, Bill?" she whispered, "Will it be
That way evermore, for you and me?
Or will there come again some day
When the great green hills will call me back to play?"
Bill bowed his head:
"Some day… some day," he said.

“I smelled a puma on the breeze,”
Said Mara. “Can you tell me, please,
Where was I? I could sense the trees,
The grass, the rocks, the lakes, the streams…
Was this just a wishful dream?”
“It was real,” Bill replied.
“You were right there by my side.
In the mountains, there with me
Though I knew you could not see.”

And Mara shed a happy tear.
“I never thought that I would hear
Such news. My life is blessed,
My blindness was a bitter stress,
And I believed we’d never go
Again to all those peaks we know.”

“Oh Bill,” she whispered, “Will this stay?
The hills will always let me play?”
Bill smiled, and then he raised his head.
“Yes, I promise.”

And it was said.

So glad I stumbled over this thread today (I was waiting for an update in your OTHER thread lol)! I'm a month late to the party. What an incredible story and so uplifting, Bill. You and blindy Mara, together again in your adventures. Beautiful. I can see and feel the gentle, loving care and trust between you two. It's just like a fairytale.
Thanks for sharing!