The Biggest Ball a Dog Has Ever Seen
Dogs are dogs.
Some bark at squirrels. Some bark at delivery trucks. Some bark at the wind. And every now and then, a dog may look up at a hot air balloon and think, “That is the biggest ball I have ever seen.”
We understand that barking is a normal part of life with dogs. It is not something anyone can fully control, and every dog has its own personality. Some are curious. Some are cautious. Some are brave. Some are convinced they are in charge of the whole neighborhood.
That is part of what makes dogs so much fun.
During our yearly commute up to Kalispell Montana and the Flathead Valley, we stopped in Telluride Colorado for the Telluride Invitational Balloon Fest. Over the weekend, we noticed something that made us smile. There were dogs everywhere, walking with their owners, sitting outside of shops, up early on the fields with their families watching the balloons inflate, and enjoying the morning like everyone else.
With around 15 balloons on the field, it was a beautiful sight: colorful balloons, mountain views, happy people, and plenty of four-legged spectators who seemed perfectly content to be part of the show.
Curious dog watching a hot air balloon from inside the basket
Dogs and Balloons
Hot air balloons have a way of getting everyone’s attention.
Kids point. Cameras come out. Neighbors step outside. Cars slow down. People wave. And sometimes, dogs look up and try to figure out exactly what that big colorful thing in the sky is supposed to be.
Friend? Visitor? Giant toy? Suspicious floating object?
We may never know exactly what they are thinking.
But what we do know is that many dogs seem curious more than anything. At the event, the dogs we saw were calm, well-behaved, and happy to be out with their people. They were not afraid of the balloons, wandering around looking up at the colors in the sky. They were one of our favorite parts of the morning event
That is one of the things we love about ballooning. It does not just create a flight for the passengers. It creates a moment for everyone nearby.
Dogs and families enjoying a morning hot air balloon event
Ballooning Brings People Outside
One of the best parts of hot air ballooning is the way it brings a community together.
When a balloon shows up, people notice. They step outside with coffee. They bring the kids out to watch. They take photos. They ask questions. They wave from porches, yards, roadsides, and fields.
And sometimes they bring their dogs.
We love that.
Ballooning has always been a people business for us. It gives us a reason to meet locals, visitors, families, photographers, landowners, and curious neighbors. Some people have followed balloons for years. Some have never seen one up close. Some just happen to be in the right place at the right time and end up with a story to tell.
That is part of the magic.
Dog watching hot air balloons during a colorful balloon event
Every Dog Is Different
Of course, every dog is different.
Some dogs are relaxed around balloons. Some may bark. Some may not care at all. Some may think the balloon is the most interesting thing they have ever seen. Some may prefer to stay inside and guard the couch.
That is normal.
We never expect every dog, or every person, to react the same way. Hot air balloons are big, colorful, unusual, and not something most people or animals see every day. A little curiosity is expected.
But after seeing so many happy dogs out around the balloons, it reminded us that ballooning can be a positive, joyful experience for more than just the people in the basket.
Sometimes the spectators on the ground enjoy it just as much.
Dog watching hot air balloons in mountain event
Planning a Montana Balloon Flight?
At 2 Fly Us, we offer personal, small-group hot air balloon flights in Montana’s Flathead Valley near Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.
Most flights take place at sunrise, when the air is typically cooler and calmer. It is a peaceful, memorable way to start a Montana vacation day.
If ballooning is on your bucket list, this may be the summer to cross it off.
Call 602-525-4282 to talk with us personally, or use the Book Your Ride button to start planning your Montana balloon flight.