I had no idea how many dogs and owners would show up. The invite was sent out to over one hundred people from James' address book and facebook list, James had received confirmations from some friends and relatives, so we knew some would show, others would be fair-weather enthusiasts, some would flake, and some didn't even respond. He optimistically estimated that at least 15% would show; he had no idea what the true turnout would be. After spending about a year in Los Angeles, Momma knew James had a long list of friends that date back to his elementary days. She was sure one would show up, and she was right. It's amazing to see how hard James works at building a community of like-minded persons. It was a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot run in southern California, who wouldn't want to go? As we sat in the truck waiting the minutes and seconds drew closer and still the parking lot was empty. James had a look of sadness, but was ready to run anyway. He does not express his emotion all the time and its hard to read at times. I know this because I am with him more than anyone. Then a car pulled up. Then another.
We got out of our truck and met the November chill that was awaiting us at Griffith Park for our Turkey Trot. We could already hear Mamba voicing her emotions from the back of her Honda. Mamba is Stephanie and Axel's german shepherd. She is always ready for some action and kind of has the hots for me and Kobe. Kobe comes with us everywhere. It if weren't for this California/Oregon situation, he would be here with us in now.
Jomar and his yellow lab, Nisha showed up! James remembers Nisha from when she was a little puppy always accompanied by Kaya, Jomar's first dog. Nisha was very young when James met her. He did not spend a whole lot of time with her because he was preparing to move back to Santa Cruz, CA. The little he did remember was of joy and love. Nisha went everywhere with Jomar and Kaya. A day rarely passed that they did not laugh and run together, or bike down to the path along the Belmont Shores in Long Beach. Surely she went to the Rose Bowl a good number of times. Jomar loved Nisha, and she returned his love, never leaving his side and always ready to play fetch.
On that morning, November 26, 2010 me, James, momma, four other humans and five other dogs embarked on our seven mile run around Griffith Park. Some of us pushed ahead and some of us trailed behind. Ink and Mamba were the runners up front; Kobe, Nisha and I held firm in the middle, only to have Nisha settle back after about two miles in. She carried a spark the whole way; James would push forward, not getting too far ahead of the pack he always made his way back towards the rear, where he would find Nisha smiling up beside Jomar. Momma spent a good portion of the run with Nisha, too. Momma was truly amazed at how much heart this girl exuded. When the trail was steep and gravelly and Nisha skidded, she got right back up with joy. When the path was muddy in the shade and Nisha slipped a bit, she just went right along, smiling the whole way. Forever living in the moment. A lesson to be learned with every paw lift and tail wag. Jomar never left her side, and she never left his as long as she had air to breathe and a heart to love.
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