The Joy Of Walking With My Dog

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Health (128)      Exercise (54)      Walking (9)      Walk (2)      Dog (1)     

Sometimes I wonder if I decide to take my little dog for a walk or if he is the one who makes the decision. We usually go for a walk after tea but occasionally earlier in the day. There are days when we don’t go for a walk. That is not because my dog is too tired or too busy. He always has the energy and enthusiasm for a walk.

My dog watches me and picks up any little signs that we could be going for a walk. If I change into my comfy sneakers he sticks his nose on my shoes and nuzzles at the laces. Is he trying to help me tie them? His nose actually makes it more difficult for me because it gets in the way. He skips around and heads to the front door and waits hopefully. If I reach for his lead which is kept on a shelf by the front door he gets so excited and bounces up and down.

Once outside he heads for the gate and there is no doubt he is so happy we are going for a walk, at last. He doesn’t mind if we turn left or right as long as we are going for a walk. He sniffs just about everything we come across. Some things obviously have a very interesting smell to a dog because he will stop and sniff and sniff. Then we are off again until he comes across the next thing with an irresistible scent.

I am glad my dog encourages me to go for a walk. I know the exercise is good for my physical and psychological health because I have read heaps of information telling me so with statistics and research to back up the claim. Also I just feel good. I love being out in the fresh air, especially now summer is past.

When I drive somewhere I don’t have the opportunity to notice all those details I see when I am walking. In a car I am unaware of the scent of the pepper trees, pines and gums. From a car I am oblivious to the calls of various types of birds. As well, I don’t smile at people and say hello.

The fact that I enjoy walking with my dog encourages me to walk at other times. Sometimes I walk to the main street which is less than fifteen minutes walk away. If I have a couple of items to return to the library or one or two ‘holds’ to pick up I may walk rather than take the car.

When I need just a few things from the supermarket and the weather is conducive to taking a walk, I don’t get the car out.

Yesterday the weather was perfect for using leg power rather than the car to get to my friend’s house. The more I walk, the more I feel inclined to do it and the easier it is.

I am glad my dog is so enthusiastic about going for a walk. He motivates me to get out of the house and I enjoy the exercise.

# Dog
# Exercise
# Health
# Walk
# Walking

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