Walking the Dog

1. As Jersey and Styx (my dogs) say, "It blows 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.

"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

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." ~ Woodrow Wilson

"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

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~Roger Caras

Jersey and Boo Boo appreciate the time you have spent on this lens. 100% of this page's earnings goes to the Humane Society. Thank You!