Dawnlark Plains how long can i survive with this mentality

Initially startled by Aditya, Eventide flinched and ducked down with his hackles raised, only settling once the man's familiar face came into view. Once they were eye-to-eye, he used a curious paw to bat at his elder's snout, whispering, Play! Aditya's nudge was only strong enough to get him off of his feet for a second, shifting his weight onto his side and almost falling over in the process. Play! he exclaimed, tail wagging a mile a minute. 

The border was so close! If his speedy legs could just make it over without getting caught...