Everything was going really well, so we let the dogs off leash a few times and when people were nearby we would put them back on leash. They would never hurt anyone, but some people are afraid of dogs and we try to be kind pet owners. So we came to the side of the mountain and there wasn't anyone around so we let them run around a little bit. They would go just a little to far for comfort, then we'd call them back and they would come back. Suddenly, a poor unsuspecting lizard crossed the dirt path in front of my dogs and they darted after it. Patrick and I always laugh a little because let's face it, it's funny. But this time when Kiri came back she had two cholla cactus arms attached to her. Right away she tried to lick it and got several needles in her tongue. So Patrick and I spent the next few minutes trying to get these needles out of her. It was really difficult because they weren't single needles like most cacti. Instead, there were clusters of needles attached to one another. So it's not like you can just pull one out. You must strategically decide where you're going to place your fingers on the cluster so you don't get poked, and at the same time try to make your dog hold still. We got most of it out, and even got a large needle out of her tongue. The rest we couldn't get without tweezers, plus she seemed fine so we kept walking the rest of the hike. When we got to where our car was parked we noticed the rest of the needles fell off, thank goodness. Everyone piled in the car and Kiri was panting like crazy. I found 3 more needles in a cluster attached to her tongue. I know it sounds terrible, but really, you wouldn't have known they were there-it didn't even bother her. So I deneedled her tongue and we headed back home. Gotta love big dogs :o) We had a great time!
Awww... poor little puppy! Glad she is okay! It is the BEST weather for hiking!!
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