Code: Walking dog – upnorthvoice.com

I was fast asleep in my “Comfy Chair,” but I felt something touching my forehead. The sensation continued to grow, and it actually woke me up. I groggily opened my eyes, and staring at me were my two dogs. They were practicing “Canine Hypno-Control!” I intuitively knew what they wanted: Go for a walk! A few things get dogs crazy excited: Go for a walk, dinner time, the doorbell ringing, potato chip bag crinkling, when their owners come home, and any noise at night! I completed my transition from napping to awake and told my wife I was taking the dogs for a W.A.L.K., spelling it out. The dogs became very animated and excited! I found out that they had learned how to spell walk. I’ll have to develop a new code for my furry codebreakers.

Getting ready to W.A.L.K. the dogs (Oh, I just remembered they broke that code.) is challenging. I have specialized equipment for walking them even though I have trained them to walk off-leash. I dress appropriately for the weather. I have dog-walking clothes for all types of weather. Freezing, snowing, ice on the roads, warm and hot weather as long as the blacktop temperature on the road remains in the 60’s. I put on a tool apron with many accessible pockets for my doggie equipment.

One pocket is dedicated to mall doggie treats, 3 calories each. I can give them out liberally. I keep a miniature air horn to scare away pesky bears, bobcats, or cougars. I have never come across these pests on my walks, but just in case. I take a leash just in case we come upon trucks on the road from work done on homes or the roads. Of course, in cooler weather, I have a pocket for tissues. A critical pocket keeps bags to pick up any puppy presents that may be deposited along the way. Additional pockets are loaded with gloves, headbands, and a small rain parka. I have a variety of walking/hiking shoes & boots. With my attire on to match today’s weather conditions, it’s time for a few stretches, and we are on our way.

Charlie takes the lead in the first half of the walk, and Cali stays with me. We have specific stations for taking a break and having a treat! If I have time, my schedule determines the distance, one mile or more. The dogs love going for a walk, and sniffing interesting scents is a regular habit. What makes them most excited is when a neighbor is out walking or working close to the road, I usually ask if they want to pet them. If they do, the tails signal the happiness my dogs are feeling. When we turn to go home, Cali takes the lead, and Charley stays by me. I guess they worked it out between themselves.

Once we return home, the dogs usually begin the Zoomies; they run around and around, jump on each other, and finish off their pent-up energy. Once in the house, I take off my attire and settle into my “Comfy Chair!” by that time, both dogs have consumed gallons of water and have already fallen fast asleep on the couch or floor. They are happy, it was a good day!

“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 11/17/2023 Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer.”joelmvernier@aol.com