Life on the Golf Course – Part 4

We remember this past April fondly for several reasons. But before I tell you why, I want to share with you some local folklore. You’ve been hearing the name Tahquitz (tah quits) Creek Golf Course a lot in my blogs and posts. It’s the name of the golf course where we live and walk. What does Tahquitz mean, you ask?

Legend has it that Tahquitz was once a guardian spirit over all shamans, of the native Cahuilla Tribe who have inhabited this valley for over 2500 years. However, he turned evil and began using his powers to harm the Cahuilla people. Their chief banished him to the canyon now called Tahquitz Canyon where he roams as an evil spirit hunting for people’s souls.

Fortunately, we have not encountered Tahquitz on our wagon-walks, thus far. I credit Morgan for keeping us safe. They say that dogs are very intuitive, sensing danger that humans cannot. Things like storms and earthquakes and even tsunamis.

On some of our wagon-walks Morgan will suddenly start barking for no apparent reason. I don’t see anything or anyone near us. But a few seconds later we’ll turn the corner on the golf cart path and discover a dog and a human companion not far from us. On some walks we’ll see little desert cottontails running for cover. These desert rabbits like living on the golf course because they eat grass. In his younger days, he and Angel Cody loved to chase after them. It was funny to watch as they were never quick enough to catch one.

But there are times when Morgan barks when nothing is there. No dogs. No rabbits. Nothing but him barking. Could he sense the spirit of Tahquitz lurking close by? It’s these moments when I feel lucky to have Morgan protecting us.

We remember this past April fondly because it was the last time that it rained. For several days storm clouds covered the San Jacinto Mountains, entirely. The runoff surged down Tahquitz Canyon flooding the wash running through the golf course. With so much water the mallard ducks moved in with their ducklings. Morgan loved watching them from creekside.

April was important to me because seeing him so happy and full of energy, I began to trust that Morgan was going to be with us for a much longer time than I previous thought. This was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I was really able to enjoy our time together. I could fully delight in the adventures we were still having.

We’re all fortunate to have our canine guardians to protect and guide us through these challenging times.

;
10 replies
  1. June
    June says:

    Awww sweet Morgan. Your such a good boy. Keep on keep on protecting your dads.
    Yep, Cashew is the same way. If he wasn’t on the leash he’d chase the bunny rabbits & squirrels too. And he likes fetching tennis balls in the lake across the street & swimming with the ducks.

    Reply
    • Dan Perdios
      Dan Perdios says:

      Thank you so much June. I know Cashew is the same way. He sounds like a Golden at heart. I’m glad he is there for you as well. Thanks for sharing him with us.

      Hugs,
      Dan

      Reply
  2. Casey Criste
    Casey Criste says:

    Great tale, Dan. I remember Tahquitz Canyon very well. I also remember the road getting washed out in a big storm quite often. And when it comes to our animal friends detecting things we cannot as humans, you are spot on. I lived in California for 40 years up and down the coast, and every time something was about to hit, the animals (cats or dogs) would behave squirrely and even start darting about like sparks. Every time this happened I would head for the nearest door post for protection. And then the earth would start shaking! I love California!

    Reply
    • Dan Perdios
      Dan Perdios says:

      Thank you so much Casey. This one was fun to write. And it’s true. if we pay attention the animals will guide us humans. The weather here is finally cooling off. FYI – I’m working on a novella that I plan to self-publish. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for commenting.
      Love to you always,
      Dan

      Reply
  3. Bill Hronek
    Bill Hronek says:

    Excellet article & I agree with you about dogs sensing things/events before us that we don’t acknowledge or even forsee!
    Sometimes one wonders if the meaning of dog spelled backwards means god & that is why then have that extra sense! Who really knows …take care!
    Bill Hronek

    Reply
    • Dan Perdios
      Dan Perdios says:

      Bill! It’s so good to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words. This one was fun to write. I agree about dog spelling god and that’s why they are special. They sure have saved my life. You take care as well.
      All the best to you – always.
      Dan

      Reply
  4. Blaine Schettler
    Blaine Schettler says:

    Just found your site. Love it that you have such a great life experience with your Golden’s.
    They are quite the companions
    We currently have three. Ariel, her hubby Maveric and there baby Coca. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs

    Reply
    • Dan Perdios
      Dan Perdios says:

      Thank you Blaine,

      Glad you found my site. 3 of them at once. What a treat and a joy. Mine have pretty much been one at a time because I travel so much in the summer. Except for this summer. Next blog will be coming soon.

      Best,

      Dan Perdios

      Reply

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