November 5. Today I’m thankful for my Missy. (Well, I’m always thankful for her but I am especially thankful today.) She is my adorably cute little Shetland Sheepdog aka Sheltie.
I got her a year ago in October from the local shelter. She had just been surrendered minutes before my parent’s got there. The shelter hadn’t even gotten her checked in or anything and she was just sitting in the lobby/desk area. Apparently she had been surrendered for excessive barking (which Shelties are known for commenting on everything!) and not being housebroken. Well, she was housebroken in just a few days once she came to our house. My mom knew that I had always wanted a Collie or Sheltie. I have always been a lover of Lassie, and Lad of Albert Payson Terhune fame. So Mom did an amazing thing and showed up to my work during lunch with this cute, scared bundle of fur. She is two and a half years old and so smart! I have a hard time keeping her mind occupied. Ever since the day she came home, she became the joy of my heart!
After choir (which she waited so patiently in the car,) we drove down to Chico’s Bidwell Park. After wandering around on some of the trails in lower Bidwell away from the massively popular One Mile Recreation Area, we moved to Upper Bidwell Park and did some serious hiking. I’ve never done much exploring in that part of the park until today. It was glorious! 
Missy is wondering why I told her to stay and why she couldn’t hunker down out of the wind.
We reached the top and took a much-needed break.
She looks like she is on Shetland Island with all the wind blowing through her ruff and coat.
Are you coming mom?
Heading home! She’s such a happy girl.
mulled thoughts...and cider 