This is Bob.
Wherever I go, he goes too.

If I step outside to grab the mail, he’s there.
If I wander into the kitchen or the garage or out to the yard, I hear the soft rhythm of paws behind me.
If I go on vacation, so does he—tail wagging, eyes bright, ready for the next adventure.

Bob doesn’t follow out of obligation or fear.
He follows because he wants to.
Because to Bob, freedom doesn’t mean running wild.
Freedom means being with me.

Every few hours, we toss the ball. On weekends, we creek-stomp and chase ripples in the water. And now, on vacation, we’re hiking new trails carved through towering trees and warm mountain air. Bob takes the lead—not just out of excitement, but to clear the path, sniff out the snakes, check every sound. He watches the world so I don’t have to.

I carry the extra water. He brings the sense of wonder.

We make a good team.

Yes, we follow leash laws when we’re in public. That’s respect—for the rules, for others, for the spaces we share. But the truth is, Bob doesn’t really need one. Not because he’s perfectly trained. Because he’s perfectly loyal.

At home, at a rental, out in the woods—he stays near when asked, wanders when it’s safe, and comes to a dead stop when I say “no.” Not once has he bolted. Not once has he chosen distraction over obedience.

I never taught him that. I never had to.

Bob made a choice.
He chose me.

That’s what trust looks like.
That’s what freedom looks like when it’s built on love.

People talk about dogs needing fences, gates, commands, and crates. And sometimes, sure, they do. But with Bob, all it took was connection. Presence. Time spent truly being together. And somewhere along the way, we became not just human and dog—but a kind of unspoken unit. No leash needed, just loyalty.

He doesn’t follow because he’s afraid of being left behind.
He follows because he never wants to be far away.

So yeah, this is Bob.
My shadow, my hiking buddy, my quiet protector.
And in every step, in every moment, he reminds me:

True freedom isn’t found in running alone.
It’s found in walking beside someone you trust,
and choosing—again and again—not to leave. 🐾💙