Told by Kuma & Written by Lorraine Bossé-Smith
Being a mountain dog, I was eager to explore Texas hill country. My humans were kind enough to plan a trip to Fredericksburg so we could do just that. The drive is a little over four hours from the Houston area, but we stopped in a lovely town called Boerne. They have a great walking path along the river. I got to see ducks and turtles in the water! You can park right along the road, and it was the perfect opportunity to stretch the old legs…and leave my calling card everywhere!
We arranged to stay at the LaQuinta in Fredericksburg, a dog-friendly hotel, but they mistakenly quoted us the rate, and it was outrageous, whatever that means. We left and drove the twenty-four miles to the Kerrville LaQuinta. My humans said they got three nights for the price of one in Fredericksburg…with the same amenities. We drove back to Fredericksburg and walked around town. The drive was so worth it because we discovered a store just for me—and all my canine friends! Dogologie is located at 148 East Main and has the best treats! I pulled out all my best tricks and was celebrated by all. Sadly, we had to eventually leave this utopia of all-things dog.
The trip just kept getting better, though. We drove through the hills, all colored with reds and yellows, and up to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. I immediately knew this was going to be awesome since I saw so many soon-to-be canine friends! We were warned to arrive early as the park limits those who come in. By 11:00 am, they may shut the gates, especially during peak seasons March to June and October to December. The cost is $6.00 per human; dogs are free.
Thankfully, the weather was on the cool side, so my mom and I could about run up the 425-foot pink granite rock. Oh I was in my element! We had a couple of slow poke humans with us, though, but we were nice enough to wait for them. No matter, that gave me time to sniff, swirl, and properly introduce myself to all the other dogs. Dogs are definitely welcome but need to be on their leash. Your humans will want to bring water; you’ll work up a thirst. Enchanted Rock is steep without a specific path outlined. We’ll know exactly where to go—up—but your humans will want sturdy hiking shoes.
At the top, the views of the surrounding area are quite beautiful. We could see for miles. The humans had to catch their breath before we headed down, but that allowed plenty of other people to come say hello to me. Have I told you I have fans everywhere? It’s true. Anyway, we didn’t require nearly as much time hiking down as we did going up. Humans had to go easy on their knees and watch their footing. I napped on the drive back, and good thing. We visited the Kerrville dog park. The park is along the river with ample trees to mark, grass to run in, and plenty of interesting birds flying around. What a day! On the Kuma scale, this rates an eight. We’ll be back. Yeehaw.
Kumaito (Kuma for short) is a multi-tan Shiba Inu, an ancient breed from Japan, who moved from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to Friendswood, Texas. He enjoys running almost every day with his mom, chasing squirrels out of his yard, playing with toys, pestering his brother Edmond, eating, napping…well, Kuma loves about everything and everyone! His mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, was kind enough to help him tell his story. She is the author of seven published books, writes for magazines on assignment, has been seen on national television, and inspires people to live healthy, balanced lives through personal training, life coaching and workshops. You can reach Kuma through Lorraine’s website: www.thetotalyou.biz. Be sure to visit Kuma Dog’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog?ref=hl
You never know what he’ll be up to next!
