今日は今シーズン一番の冷えだそうで、公園に向かう途中手がかじかんでいました。窪地へ上る階段の手前にいたら、川沿いの道を行くヒナ・セナの姿がかすかに見えました。
It was the coldest morning this season. My hands were freezing as we headed for the park. Just before going up the stairs, I thought I saw Hina and Sena passing the road in front of the woods.
Coming out of the woods, yes, I could see them clearly. Taiga got excited and I had to run all the way up this steep road (I am not used to shouting loud enough to be heard).
古代家の林の向こうへ行ったので、どうやらいつもの場所へ向かっているようです。その場所と古代家の林の間には車が通る道があるので、タイガを捕まえて更に走り。
When we reached the top, I saw them heading towards the usual spot. Since there is a public road between that place and this wooded area, I had to catch Taiga and run more with her.
やっと追いつけました。
At last, we caught up with them.
通路の向こうにタイガが移動したので、ヒナが追いかけようとしています。
ここがいつもの場所。
Our favourite spot.
Taiga moved to the other side of the passage and Hina was eyeing her.
何と、通路を軽く飛び越えてしまいました。まるで岩場を飛び交う甲斐犬のような光景でした。体が重いタイガには到底できない軽業です。
Suddenly, Hina jumped across the passage, just like a Kaiken running over rocky slopes chasing the prey. I have never seen Taiga performing this kind of feat - she is too heavy.
金網の向こうの野球場から飛んできたのか、野球ボールが転がっていたので試しにヒナに見せたら喜んで加えて走り回っていました。時折私の足元にボールを置いて行くので、初めて甲斐犬と「持ってこい」の遊びができました。
ここで遊ばせると皆生き生きします。
They always look so happy in this place.
Beyond the wire fence lies a baseball field and I found a ball. I gave it to Hina who was getting all excited. She even dropped the ball at my feet as if to say "throw it for me". Even as a puppy, Taiga was never interested in fetching, always preferring to play with pieces of branches and wanting me to chase her for it.
タイガはウッドチップの山の周りを一人で駆け巡っています。自分より体力のある若い子たちとひととおりじゃれると、よく一人ではぐれ行動をとるようになりました。
Taiga's favourite woodchip mound. When she is with younger individuals, Taiga knows that her strength falls short and tends to play alone after the initial greeting.
こういう光景を見ていると、年の近い者同士を飼うのも良いアイディアだなと思います。仲良くできれば一日中、遊び相手がいる。
こちらは体力が有り余っている二人。
These two have inexhaustible energy.
When I watch these two playing together, I feel that Taiga might have been happier if she had a sister or brother of a similar age.
帰宅してハミガキ・オヤツの後は爆睡していました。この青系のホットカーペットカバーはもう一か月ほど使っていますが、タイガの足の裏でだいぶ汚れてきました。以前はタイガがオシッコを漏らすたびに洗濯して替えのカバーを出していました。今は一日５回の散歩の効果で全然漏れがないので、カバーは汚れるまで同じものを敷いたままです。
After coming home, we had a toothbrushing session followed by a treat. Taiga then fell asleep in front of the TV. This electric carpet cover has lasted for about a month without requiring a wash, thanks to the 5-times-a-day walk regime. So, I conclude that she is not exactly incontinent. In her old age, the bladder wall has become less flexible and she has to urinate more often. This happens with humans, too - I had it for several years when I was going through my menopause. In my case, the problem disappeared afterwards but, with Taiga, I am prepared if it lasts for the rest of her life.
