Swimming Up Stream

Bancha attempts to hold as still as possible. With his naturally colored coat, he hopes to blend in with the woods and foliage around him. Careful not to shake the bush that is right as his side, he listens carefully to Ruse count. Seconds tick by and he can feel the anticipation build in him as he waits for her to seek him out.

In the meantime, he looks around. Better to focus on something other than trying to hide! He sees how animal tracks don't leave good imprints in the icy lazy over the grass and dirt. Upon the trees, he sees how leaves begin to bud, begging for spring to arrive already. And there, just on the other side of the boulder, a chipmunk stare cautiously at him from afar. Instinctually, he wants to bark at the rodent, but holds back.

It is just then that he can hear the crunch of Ruse's paws. Gentle, careful steps as she bends down to peer through the bush for him. Ah, so close! He really had to put his paws over his mouth to stifle the giggles. A few seconds later, she pops out and exclaims 'gotcha'! Bancha squeals, rolling over onto his side with tail wagging furiously. "You're good at this game!" He says excitedly, laughter with each word as he pops back up onto his paws.

BANCHA