I thought this post would primarily be about Seamus, our 6 year-old love of a chocolate lab…and in large part it will be.
Happy to be leash-free at the soccer field!
But as I rolled the title
of a “Leash-Free Life” through that place in me where words and images rise up, the metaphoric component of it
encompasses so much more than the fact that, yes, our dog does lead a leash-free life down here in Mexico…shhhhh…. don’t tell the animal control officer! Oh—that’s right, there are none!
Seamus…once a city dog relegated to the confinements of our San Diego backyard, ‘sentenced’ to sit around for hours on end waiting, hoping, puppy-praying for that next walk—Could there ever be enough of them??? now has more freedom and independence than he possibly could have ever dreamed of.
Seamus still lives in a backyard, but now a tiled one with a palapa roof, pool, and open side-gate.
Seamus kickin’ back in his palapa-covered backyard
He has free reign to come and go as he pleases—and he does, all day long. The only thing around Seamus’ neck in his new, Mexican life is a collar—no leash required.
Irresponsible pet owners? No, just living the good life in a small town where everybody knows each other including your pet—
where there exists this natural law of life without constriction and over-regulation.
 Seamus enjoying his leash-free beach walk |
I think of all of the other ways we live a ‘leash-free’ life here and there are many….
1. Horses roaming through our front yard
View from the kitchen window!
2. Freely enjoying a beer on the beach—AND your dog can be next to you—off leash!
3. No noise-ordinances. We moved here with our daughter’s full drum set, our son’s keyboard & violin, one acoustic guitar, two electric guitars, a collection of tambourines, congas, and other various hand-held noise makers and we have never once had a complaint…no neighbor, no police officer knocking on our door telling us to quiet it down. We are respectful of course but can also can play freely without concern of being ‘too loud’…Heck, we live right next to a rooster farm!
4. Sampling rum, tequila and wine at the Puerto Vallarta Costco! Yes, they actually have booze sample carts! A toilet paper one too, but we haven’t tried that one.
Frank having a good ol’ time at Costco!
There are so many more examples of living the ‘leash-free life’ that get beautifully blended into the fabric of our new lives here, ones I will surely write about.
I am grateful for these multiple and welcomed changes in our individual and collective lives. My children are free, my dog is free, my husband and I feel happiness, joy and freedom like never before.
Alright, I’ll say it…we truly are living the dream, on a permanent vacation in our own little paradise.
 Seamies and I hanging together at The Reds dance class |
Living the life!
It is wonderful to have personal freedom again!
Yes it is! Unlike any other we have knonwn!
Looks like you are off leash also. Looks awesome. Viva Mexico.
Indeed we are Jose!
Life is good, no— great, and if you and your family ever decide to come down, we’d love to show you around…
🙂
Hi Katie…I wanted to stop by and say hello….I love your blog – please write more!
I found you just now through On the Road in Mexico but I have also heard of your lovely family from Shannon at A Little Adrift…..I am moving my family – me, hubby, 8 year old son and 2 old cats, to the area this October…..we unschool our son so I have been seeking out fellow homeschoolers in the area. Shannon mentioned you guys and here you are! Love the serendipity! I would love to chat to you if I may about a multitude of things and wonder if I can email you? I am at elin@elinmorgan.com
I am so inspired by your joy…..
Best wishes
Elin
Thank you Elin! That is the ultimate feedback, that you are inspired by our joy…
You will see for yourself.
🙂
Katie
Nice story Katie. Love the pictures. I’m glad you and your family are enjoying themselves. We recently had a renter two doors down from us move out. She called Animal Control on me and my neighbor every time we were out in our yards with our dogs off their leashes. Glad she is gone! Enjoy!
Hi Wes!
Thanks for stopping in to say hi!
Wow, what a great neighbor, eh?
I likely won’t be seeing her down here in this neck of the woods…
Dogs off leash, horses and roosters too!
Ha!
Hope you and the family are well…
Katie
🙂
Great to read about your move to Mexico. We have a lot in common. My husband just retired January 4th 2013 at age 55. I home schooled my kids through Heritage Christian.. I loved it! We left our San Diego home of 24 years and moved to Nuevo Vallarta in a Jeep Wrangler, dog, cat, and 6 buckets on the back. Although we have been coming to MX on and off for years, and had bought our condo 6 years ago, it was a huge move for us! We love how social and friendly it is here in Mexico.
Hi Barbara,
Our stories sound so similar… how grand!
Would love to hear more and keep in touch.
Feel free to message me at maestra333@yahoo.com
Cheers,
Katie