Walking the Dog
Ranked #13,220 in Pets & Animals, #350,395 overall | Donates to Humane Society of the United States
Walking The Dog
Jersey and Styx (aka Boo Boo) go everywhere with me. Jersey has been on two-week canoe trips in the Canadian wilderness. Boo Boo has sat in the bow of a 14 foot fishing boat and pointed out ducks, moose, bear and deadheads as we navigate the 14 miles down the Oba River to fishing camp.
As I write, they are napping at my feet. But make the slightest move towards the door and they are ready.
Dogs can teach us all a lot about the rhythms of life if we just pay a little attention. Whether you live with a hero dog like Lassie or a mutt only a mother could love, listen up!
The Top Ten Reasons To Walk The Dog(s)
Or ... Blowing The Stink Off
My dogs mean this a little more literally than I do. But I do notice that as I allow daily worry and concerns to creep in, I begin to smell. A walk with the dogs down along the creek, even a short walk, and I'm fresh as a daisy.
2. It keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.
If it's true that movement creates momentum and momentum creates flow, then putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how mindless, is literally the first step in movement and towards flow. Let your dog lead and all you have to do is keep moving.
3. It's a moving meditation.
While my body is doing all the work, my mind is allowed to wander in directions it needs to go and finally become silent. Your dog won't be asking a bunch of questions and keeping your mind active.
4. It's cheaper than therapy.
Dogs are great listeners.
5. Your body will look and feel better.
If an improved cardiovascular system and a toned body isn't enough incentive, don't do it for yourself, do it for the dogs.
6. You'll notice things only your dog can point out.
Jersey and Boo Boo have hearing and a sense of smell that are far superior to mine. I've come to rely on them to point out wildlife I would have normally walked right by.
7. Ice Cream!
The hot fudge sundae you'll now be tempted to stop for seems little more justified. Dogs are a cheap date. They like plain vanilla.
8. Without movement and fresh air, dogs, like the rest of us, can become a little testy.
A daily walk can save you repair bills on furniture, boots and shoes, and anything else you dog uses to cure her winter blues. Jersey's personal favorite is playing "keep away" with my $200 hiking boots.
9. If you've been walking your dog regularly, yard clean up is a lot easier.
Those little and not so little surprise "bombs" you hit with the lawnmower are not fun.
10. By developing a strong bond with your dog, she may one day share the importance of turning around three times before lying down.
For Dog Lovers
Express Your Dog Passion
The Heart of Dogs
From Those Who Know
For the Love of a Dog
"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that." ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth Dog Words of Wisdom
"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them." ~ Phil Pastoret
"There is always a treat in your future. A walk, a snack, a bone, a nap, a doggie treat from the trash man, a doggie treat from the meter reader, some left-over potato chips from the UPS driver's lunch... Expect abundance." ~My dog Styx (Boo Boo)
"If something you rolled in bothers you, shake it off. Then shake it off some more." ~My dog Jersey
"You can say any foolish thing to do to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'" ~Dave Berry
Pampered or On Duty?
Is your dog a member of your family, taking his or her meals with you, securing a place of honor on your bed or couch, and getting a new wardrobe each season?
Or is your dog a working dog, with his own environment and set of chores, perhaps a bed in the barn or kennel, and tin bowl for kibbles and scraps?
Life With A Dog
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~Roger Caras And Just For Fun...
Come Again!!
Thanks for Joining Us
We Hope You Enjoyed Our Lens
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Please Share
Jersey and Styx (Boo Boo) and I would love to hear more from you
-
-
serendipity831
Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:42 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens! Jersey and Styx are lucky to have such a loving parent. :)
-
-
-
serendipity831
Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:42 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens! Jersey and Styx are lucky to have such a loving parent. :)
-
-
-
gatornic15
Apr 25, 2012 @ 7:05 pm | delete
- My dogs always enjoy their walks too.
-
-
-
bloomingrose
Apr 25, 2012 @ 3:50 pm | delete
- Very lovely lens, pinned to my Dog board. My dog Buckwheat was a working dog when he came to me, he actually worked cattle. Now he is just a lover boy. But since he really needs a job, his walks are so important. You inspired me to take a break from Squidooing and take him out for a nice walk - it will do both of us good. Angel Blessed!
-
-
-
gottaloveit
Mar 31, 2012 @ 8:31 pm | delete
- Dropped back by with blessings this time. I love your dogs and I love your attitude!
-
-
-
VickiSims Mar 18, 2012 @ 12:50 am | delete
- Enjoyed reading about the great reasons and benefits for walking your dogs. I can totally relate! My 2 dogs and I walk every day for many of the same reasons rain or shine.
-
-
-
awakeningwellness
Feb 11, 2012 @ 5:52 pm | delete
- Weather permitting I walk my dogs everyday and it is always an adventure in nature that we all enjoy. It is one of the best times of the day for all of us!
-
-
-
gottaloveit
Dec 7, 2011 @ 12:56 pm | delete
- Another lovely article. My 6 dogs, 1 confused cat, and 1 even more confused bird will approve.
-
-
-
RenaissanceWoman2010
Apr 15, 2011 @ 4:08 pm | delete
- I really appreciate and enjoy your writing and presentation style. I'm missing my wonder dog, Babe, the boxer. She brought so much life into my life. I think it is time for me to bring another dog into my life. Shhh.... don't tell my kittens! ;-) Wonderful lens!
-
-
-
DebMartin
Apr 16, 2011 @ 11:19 am | delete
- I loved the photo of your cats in one of your off-the-grid lenses. I hope they can accept a new pup. I lost my Jersey Girl last fall and I still think of her every day.
-
- Load More
by DebMartin
Most of my inspirations come from my wanderings though Northern Michigan and Ontario when I am attached to only the moment I am in during my travels. I... more »
- 27 featured lenses
- Winner of 19 trophies!
- Top lens » The Tilley Hat, The Best Hat Ever
Explore related pages
- The Health Benefits of Walking as Exercise The Health Benefits of Walking as Exercise
- Fitbit Gruve Strive Comparison Fitbit Gruve Strive Comparison
- How Do You Mend A Broken Leg (Femur)? How Do You Mend A Broken Leg (Femur)?
- Tale of the Tarred Trio ~ A Thanksgiving Trauma Tale of the Tarred Trio ~ A Thanksgiving Trauma
- Virtual Walk Across America Virtual Walk Across America
- Best Hands Free Dog Leash Reviews Best Hands Free Dog Leash Reviews