So I have this AMAZING black lab named Jasper.  He's around 4 years old, and the most loyal, loving, protective dog I've ever had the opportunity to own.  Over the years, he's become my running buddy.  Living out in the Sandhills in SE Kansas, he would always go out with me, which I enjoyed.  I not only enjoyed his company, but I always felt a little safer with him right beside me.  Out there, we had bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes...even the occasional mountain lion sighting.  And, of course, the occasional strange guy driving around out in the middle of nowhere, checking things out.  That always gave me a creepy feeling.  He and I have walked, jogged and ran countless miles out there together.  And he NEVER tires!  These runs were special to me, and I believe it's how he and I formed much of our bond over time. 

Jasper and I have an amazing connection.  An understanding.  It's all in the eyes.  And I just melt when he puts his head on my shoulder...it feels like a hug.  And sometimes he will still try and curl up in my lap.  All seventy pounds of him!  Like he's still a pup or something.  Crazy dog.  

Jasper, for the past few years, has been allowed to roam several acres around our place near the Sandhills.  He is accostomed to coming and going as he pleases, exploring and running and chasing rabbits to his heart's content!  

Recently, however, Jasper's life has changed dramatically.  We moved back into our home in town, temporarily.  Now that our two oldest daughters are developing "social lives", it just became quite obvious that we needed to be a little closer to town...and not have to drive 50 miles to town and 50 miles back each day.  So, we are sadly putting our place in the country up for sale, and living in the home we still own in town until we find land and a place a little closer to town.  

So, Jasper's days of running free came to a screetching halt.  During the day when we are gone, he is confined to our back yard until I can get home and take him for a walk or run.  

Here's where the trouble starts... 

Typically, out in the country, whenever Jasper and I would walk or run, he was right beside me, every step of the way.  Now, being in town, with all the new and different smells and animals and people and cars...well, he is also having to get used to being confined to the dreaded LEASH! 

Jasper has never been on a leash, except for vet visits.  He has no real "leash training".  So what would normally be a nice, enjoyable outing for the both of us, sometimes ends up in a sort of tug-o-war between the two of us.  He's a big boy, and STRONG!  When he wants to go after something or check something out, he's gonna do it.  Or at least TRY.  

He's doing better these days.  Either that, or my arms are getting stronger at holding him back when he gets a wild hair. He's learned to sit when we come to a crossing, which really gives me hope that he's going to submit to this whole leash thing completely at some point.  HA HA! 

Here's a pic of my handsome boy...

Those caramel eyes just melt my heart!  =)