I woke before sunrise, loaded "the kids" in the van,

and headed to the railroad tracks.

A truck was already parked in my spot.

No fear. Big dogs are here.

I was in a little rush, not wanting to miss the sun peeking.

I grabbed both leashes and walked hurriedly over the tracks.

My precious Maxwell was not ready for the pulling.

He toppled over on the rocks on the beach side of the tracks.

My heart broke. He is getting old, and couldn't get up from the position in which he had fallen.

I told him I was so sorry, caressed and kissed his soft, sweet head,

and helped him upright himself.

He did not hold the toppling against me, and forged onward to the beach.

There was a fisherman out in the water throwing his weighted net in hopes of finding something good. This only added to the beauty of the moment.

I took the dogs off their leashes. They wandered happily, sniffing excitedly within a few yard radius of where I sat. I like to think that this close proximity in which they feel comfortable wandering ..... is because they love me.

There were no clouds this morning. The sun seemed to rise more quickly today. How did the Earth speed up its spin for the break of this day?

Madeline and Maxwell were more interested in the passing train.