It's just never ending

We meant to go on hikes this summer.

I started a list of the ones nearby I wanted to visit with the dogs.

We haven't made it to any yet.

So last night, after a REALLY long day at work, we decided to take some time and go down to the lake and hike the trails to a waterfall.

It was hot.

It was buggy.

It was humid.

But, it was still a nice evening to be outside.

We got everyone in the truck and drove the 4 minutes to the trail (it's right across from the one park we love where there's a pebble beach right at the lake).

I realized on this hike that Bella does not do well on a leash. Around our property it's not terrible, but man, this was a tough hike with her! We brought her on the retractable leash (30ft lead is missing, of course) and she pulled like no other.

We still had fun and I'm proud of my (human) girls for actually hiking it the entire time! We made it all the way and got to the end, just to realize how little water there was!

Bella did however try to climb UP the waterfall, and then slid alllllll the way down the rock wall! I of course panicked, but Steve grabbed her by the harness. Crisis averted.

On the way back the girls found a HUGE centipede. I've never one so big. Then when we stopped at the playground before heading home, Mila found a baby snake! So cute.

No pics to share, only because I purposely left my phone in the car.

Well, this morning, as I was making my rounds of saying bye to everyone, I stopped by Bella's crate to give her head a little scratch.

Right away I saw that her dew claw on her front paw was all fucked up. Like pointing straight out sideways - CLEARLY not right.

Damnit! Steve even clipped both the dogs nails before we left, to avoid this type of situation.

Anyway, we got her an appointment at the vet after work (they are slammed) and they had to pull the nail right from the nail bed. Antibiotics and pain meds since it's an open wound.

And that was over $200.

Ugh.

I had a few more hikes planned for when my mom is in town (so just me, Steve and the dogs can go) and now for the next 10 days, I have to keep Bella's foot from getting infected.