I love to walk my dogs

Really, I love it. It used to be a chore. And it still is sometimes. But if I can make time for an hour a day with each dog, then I love it.

It's a bit like going to the gym for most people - once they're there, on the machine, or whatever, they're enjoying it. I'm not a gym person. I do not like to exercise with other people. I do not like to exercise period! So why would I want to share that with others? Why would I want someone to see me all red-faced and sweaty? So I have to trick myself into exercising. Dog walking fits the bill.

And it satisfies my need to multi-task. Ever since I worked in the help desk world, I have been unable to do only one thing at a time. It's just not possible to accomplish anything if you're not multi-tasking, in my book. So when I walk my dogs, I'm getting exercise, they're getting exercise, I'm training them, they get out in the world. It's a beautiful thing.

And they're better for it. Charlie was all out of sorts yesterday because my busy schedule required that I walk the dogs at the same time. This is not ideal. It means that they both have to heel at my side until we get to a park so that they get a sniff break. I can't really do any training exercises because if I mark good behavior from one, the other will think that their current behavior is marked as well. Once I'm a better trainer, I know I will be able to do that, but right now, not possible. Anyway, it's a little tense to walk both dogs, so while they get exercise, they don't get much else.

And they deserve so much more!!! They need one-on-one attention from a human being. They may be dogs, but they're bonded and loving and good.

I did my volunteering at the shelter today. Walked/trained an awesome pit bull (one month ago, I would never have even tried). Then walked and put Zorr on the treadmill. He loves to run. He loves to do anything I ask him to. He loves.

Then I talked with a few potential adopters, trying to give them a sense of who the dogs were. Sometimes, I mentally put myself in the dogs' place, in the kennel, looking out at the folks walking by. I wonder what they're thinking. What assumptions they're making.

Then I rushed off to watch my son quarterback a middle school football game. I'm so proud. Not that he's the QB, but that he's in it. He's a good student and an athlete and just a good kid. What more could I ask.

Tomorrow's another day, sure to bring surprises and joy and sadness. Let's hope some dogs find homes.