Weekends at Alycienda With My Dogs
Introduction
Every weekend, I look forward to one simple routine: heading to our farm with my dogs and my partner. Those afternoons between three and five o'clock are the highlight of my week. The air is cooler, the sun is softer, and my four dogs are free to run, explore, and simply enjoy life. Watching them play while I sip coffee, with my partner by my side, has become my favorite escape from the busyness of the world.
We call our place Alycienda, a mix of my eldest dog's name, Aly, and the word Hacienda. The land itself came from my parents, but my partner and I worked hand-in-hand to build the fence and the small resting house. Alycienda may be just one hectare, but to us it feels like a mansion of joy, freedom, and love. We created it for our dogs, so they could roam freely and live their happiest lives. And most of all, I wanted Aly, who is getting older, to enjoy her days to the fullest.
Meet the Pack
Our pack has four unique characters. The eldest is Aly, the wise matriarch who often keeps the others in line. She still surprises me with her spirit, especially when she dives into the stream to swim and bark at the carabao cooling off in the water.
Aly's daughters, Bella and Bita, are bundles of energy. They race across the fields, chase each other through the hose spray, and stick together like sisters always do. Their laughter-like barks fill Alycienda with life.
Then there's Verna, the curious troublemaker. She loves to dig holes, splash in puddles, and turn even the calmest moment into chaos—in the most entertaining way.
One habit they all share is munching on grass. Its funny watching them stop mid-game just to chew on fresh blades before darting off again.
A Playground of Freedom
With one hectare of fully fenced land, Alycienda is their safe kingdom. The moment we arrive, they leap out of the vehicle, tails wagging and paws racing across the ground. Aly patrols the area like a queen, Bella and Bita sprint around in playful loops, and Verna digs as if she's on a mission.
The fence we built gives us peace of mind—knowing they can explore without limits. And the small house, which we designed and built together, is our retreat. It's where we rest, share coffee, and watch the dogs while talking about life. Alycienda is more than land; it's the result of love, teamwork, and a shared dream.
Water Play and Stream Adventures
Water time is always chaos—in the best way. Bella and Bita chase each other through the spray of the hose, Verna bites at the stream and ends up dripping wet, and Aly watches carefully before leading the way to the stream nearby.
The stream is Aly's favorite place. She loves wading in, swimming around, and barking at the carabao that sometimes shares the water. Seeing her splash with so much joy, even in her older years, fills me with pride. It reminds me exactly why we built Alycienda—for moments like these.
Carabao Encounters
Whenever the dogs see carabaos grazing, the chase is on. Bella and Bita sprint ahead, Verna barrels forward barking wildly, and Aly follows with her steady but determined pace. The carabaos hardly budge, calmly flicking their tails as if to say, “Nice try.”
It's always a mix of laughter and amazement—watching my playful dogs share space with these calm, giant animals.
Why We Go in the Afternoon
We always visit Alycienda between 3 PM and 5 PM. By then, the sun is less harsh, the ground is cooler for the dogs' paws, and a gentle breeze often passes through. It's the perfect time for the dogs to run, swim, and play without risk.
And for us, it's the perfect time to sit by the little house, watch the sunset over the fields, and enjoy our coffee together while the dogs live their best lives.
My Little Ritual
While the dogs roam, I sit with my partner near the small house, sipping coffee. We talk about life, watch the dogs run, and soak in the peace of the farm. The sound of splashes, barks, and even the crunch of grass as they munch becomes a soundtrack to our afternoons.
Coffee at Alycienda tastes different—richer, calmer, and full of meaning. Maybe because it's shared with my best friend in life, while we watch the family we've built—our dogs—thriving in the space we created for them.
Lessons From the Pack
Alycienda is full of lessons. Aly shows us strength and courage, swimming with joy despite her age. Bella and Bita remind us of the beauty of sisterhood and the importance of play. Verna teaches us that sometimes life's messiest moments are also the most fun.
Together, they remind us to cherish freedom, enjoy the simple things, and live fully in every moment.
Heading Home
By the time five o'clock arrives, the dogs are muddy, wet, and happily tired. Before we drive home, we always make sure they've had a bath and are clean. Rinsing off the mud, scrubbing their fur, and toweling them dry is part of the ritual. They may resist a little, but afterward they're fresh and comfortable.
Once clean, they pile into the vehicle—Bella curling up to nap, Bita peeking out the window, Verna shaking off the last drops of water, and Aly resting proudly after her swim. We pack up slowly, the farm behind us glowing in the late afternoon light, and drive home in peace.
Conclusion
Alycienda isn't just a hectare of land with a fence and a house. It's a dream built out of love—land from my parents, turned into a safe haven by the hard work of me and my partner. Together we created it for Aly, Bella, Bita, and Verna, so they could run freely and live their happiest lives.
Most of all, Alycienda is for Aly. She's growing older, and I want her to live every day to the fullest—swimming in the stream, barking at carabaos, and running across the fields like she always has.
Every weekend at Alycienda, with wagging tails, muddy paws, coffee in hand, and my partner by my side, I'm reminded that happiness is built from love, simplicity, and the little routines that make life truly meaningful.