Being Stalked, Fiordland-Style

Hazel, the labrador belonging to Jazz and George, inspired me to create this slideshow.

She was stalking me, desperately wanting me to kick/throw/or otherwise turn her tennis ball into a projectile that she could chase.

The Intensity of her Stare, as she followed me around the small farm I was house-sitting, made me smile some.

I returned from Dunedin, and one night later, there I was house-sitting … in the most beautiful place.

4 horses, 1 dog, 1 cat, 10 sheep, and 10 more chickens, and tired as I was, I loved it.

There was this really deep bath, and a fireplace to weep real tears over.

Thank you, so much, to Jazz for asking me, and George, who accepted it.

Saying Goodbye ...

I remember ... trying to be too much in the world or, perhaps, of the world while my dog companion of so many years was dying.

I had Sandie for 15 years.  She was old for a long time and she was a soul-mate of mine.  One of the best.  I carried her on and off our beloved beaches for another year after she couldn't walk up and down the dunes or along those pathways that led to the sea.

Perhaps I kept her alive too long, I really don't know but I still remember the day the vet 'put her to sleep'.  Sandie dog wasn't ready.  Nor was I. 

I had been planning to bury her alone but I arrived at my Dad's, my dog dead in my arms, crying so hard that I couldn't speak.

Dad said, 'Oh Annie', and then he set to work, digging a massive hole, deep into the clay under his vegetable garden, while I sat there with Sandie dog in my arms.  I wrapped her up in my big old woollen jersey then Dad and I said goodbye to her.

She was my best friend ... for a very long time.

I loved this story of Denali.  So much.

There's no easy way to say goodbye to a friend, especially when they've supported you through your darkest times. Made possible by Patagonia Generous support from: First Descents, Ruffwear and Snow Peak In order of appearance: Ben Moon & Denali Producer: Ben Moon // Moonhouse Directed / edited / written: Ben Knight // Felt Soul Media DP: Skip Armstrong // Wazee Motion Pictures Second Camera: Page Stephenson Co-Writer: Katie Klingsporn Wet Camera: Justin Harris Sound Recordist: Jim Hurst Music Supervisor: Ben Knight and Chris Parker Sound Mix: Justin Harris Narrated by: Ben Knight Music by: Chihei Hatakeyama, Images of a Broken Light — www.chihei.org Music by: Odesza, It's Only [feat. Zyra] In Return, www.odesza.com, courtesy of Counter Records 2014 Still Photographs by: Ben Moon, Lisa Hensel, Carli Davidson, Miranda Moon, Vivian Moon, Jean Redle Dawn Kish, Lisa Skaff, Pete Rudge, Kristen & Ian Yurdin, and John Sterling




Venetian Dogs ...

In Venice, there were gondolas, canals, a million tourists, some rain, one very kind woman who stopped to ask if we were lost (then gave us directions because we were).

There was affordable pizza, a gift (or two) for Miss 9, from Julie and another from me.

And there were dogs, more than adept at beating the pigeons to tourist food ...