Now that fall is officially here, you are likely seeing more dog owners out and about taking power walks or running with their dogs given the cooler weather that makes it more enjoyable to be outdoors.
Dogs serve as wonderful exercise companions and can provide just the motivation you need to get out the door.
Fall is Rhonda Kelemen’s favorite time of year to take her three dogs out on walks.
“I love the scenery, the change of leaves and the coolness,” Kelemen said. “I can’t tolerate heat when I walk.”
Companion
One of her companions named Roscoe, a Chihuahua mix, spends the day with her at work as a manager at Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies and Adoption Center in North Coventry, Chester County. Her other dogs are Fleck, a Great Pyrenees mix, and Tugg, a German Shepherd.
“Tugg is a ball chaser, Fleck is lazy and Roscoe just eats, sleeps and goes to the bathroom,” she said with a laugh. “When he came in as a rescue he attached to me.”
Kelemen just returned from a two-week trip to the Outer Banks where she got in a lot of time on the beach with Roscoe.
“He loves the beach and walking,” she said.
Time and intensity
Due to health issues that limit the length of time and intensity of her walks, Kelemen prefers flat walking areas when taking her dogs out for exercise.
“I like to take walks around my neighborhood and I do trails at a park in Exeter Township where it’s woodsy with paths,” she said, adding she is a resident of Birdsboro, Berks County.
She enjoys taking in the scenes on her walks when she takes one dog out at a time.
“I love nature and it gives them a break from our lawn,” Kelemen said.
Dogs inspire her
She admitted she likely would not get out moving as much if it wasn’t for her dogs inspiring her to get out the door. At Diane’s Pet Center Kelemen often hears stories from customers that center on their dogs.
“They love to talk about their pets and show pictures,” she said. “They mostly take them everywhere they go — they treat them like a child.”
As for Kelemen, Roscoe helps clear her mind and calm her.
“I can pick him up and he’ll stay on my shoulder,” she said. “He sleeps with me under the covers every night.”
