The Ritual of walking My Dog: Paws on the Sidewalk, Leash in My Hand
[frame src=”http://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/My-dog-Ace.jpg” target=”_self” width=”625″ height=”352″ alt=”My dog Ace” align=”center” prettyphoto=”false”]I can be a somewhat undisciplined person. I roll out of bed later than I’d like. I check Facebook way too often. I go running half-assed and didn’t get that blog post written yesterday.
Walking my dog is one area where I’m always dedicated.
It’s my morning meditation, the 20 to 30 minutes per day where my dog has my full attention. before I get distracted.
I wake up, pour a scoop of food in my cat Scout’s bowl, clip the leash and we’re out. ideally around 5:45 or so. It’s light these days. In winter, still dark.
We see the same people every morning.
The guy with the coffee mug and truck. The same 3 at the bus stop. The older woman and her suitcase. The young woman and her standard poodle. The guy with the limp.
We make it to the park most mornings. Ace sniffs the grass, pees on things.
We play like we used to in West Fargo’s Elmwood Park, on those mornings so cold we had to run and play just to stay (almost) warm.
When I got my young dog 8 years ago I’d take him running with a pack on his back.
I’m thankful a walk is just fine now.
It’s peaceful, the town just awakening.
Paws on the sidewalk, leash in my hand.
Friend at my side.
What is your walking ritual like?
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