A Colorado Hike With Shag and a Badger
📍 Home in Evergreen with Shag
My family moved to Evergreen, Colorado, and once we got established, we adopted a chow mix named Shag. At the time, I was in a transitional period — signing up for Navy service and later starting work at a technical company — and having Shag around added a sense of companionship during those busy, changing years.
🥾 Exploring Colorado’s Incredible Trails
If you’ve ever spent time in Colorado, you know that the trails here are stunning. One day, my girlfriend and I planned a hike near Eagle, Colorado, on a scenic trail leading to a peaceful mountain lake.
Shag looked bored at home, so we brought him along. The trail wasn’t too difficult and there weren’t many people around, so we let him off-leash. He was in heaven — exploring the bushes, checking out side trails, and sniffing new smells.
🧺 A Perfect Picnic by the Lake
When we reached the lake, we unfolded a picnic blanket and unpacked the goodies we’d brought, including plenty of treats and water for Shag. He played fetch enthusiastically and even took a dip in the cool lake to beat the midday sun.
It was a perfect Colorado day: quiet, refreshing, and full of simple joy.
⚠️ The Curious Dog Meets a Badger
On our way back, Shag lagged behind, investigating every rustling bush along the path. At one point, he became fixated on a particular patch of shrubs — hopping, barking playfully, and darting about.
Suddenly, a badger emerged, looking decidedly unhappy. Shag, being curious but unaware of the danger, didn’t immediately return when we called him.
Before we could react, the badger lunged with lightning speed and bit Shag’s leg. Shag let out a sharp yelp as the badger scurried off.
🩹 First Aid and Important Lessons
We rushed to Shag’s side. Thankfully, we had a basic first aid kit: I cleaned his wound as best I could, wrapped his leg, and helped him limp back to the car — even carrying him part of the way when he tired.
Back in Evergreen, we headed straight to our trusted family vet. Shag was clearly in pain, but the vet cleaned and stitched the wound properly, redressed it, and prescribed medication for pain and infection.
🐾 Reflection and Preparedness
Shag bounced back quickly and was soon his fluffy, loving self again. But that day taught us some valuable lessons:
- Always keep dogs leashed on mountain trails, even friendly ones like Shag (a long extendable leash can help balance freedom and control).
- Pack a more complete first aid kit for hikes, including treatments for minor wounds and inflammation.
- Watch for wildlife like badgers — they can appear when you least expect it.
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