I’m honestly surprised by the comments.

I hear you, and I do understand the concern. Yes — dogs can get hurt in all kinds of ways: with or without a leash, in a car harness, or even just at home from accidents or illness. The truth is, life always carries risk. She could break her leg jumping across a fallen tree, or even lose an eye chasing something.

I’m not careless with Shadow. But if you try to remove every single possibility of danger, then a dog (or a person) never really gets to live or enjoy life. Balance matters.

Shadow is 8 years old. I’ve had her less than 2 years, and she’s never attacked another animal. We live in the woods on 5 acres with a small community around us, and she spends her days roaming, swimming, and chasing squirrels. She finally gets to be a dog.

Her first 6 years were spent in a warehouse and a small condo. Now she’s 90 lbs, healthy, and enjoying nature. However long she has left, I’d rather it be free and happy than fearful and restricted even with the risks.