This is my favorite time of the day. It energizes me for whatever daily activities lie ahead. Every morning, with the exception of severely inclement weather (we get a lot of ice in the wintertime here in Western Massachusetts), each dog gets an individual two mile walk. It’s our special one-on-one time together.
James usually starts things off. Since he’s the first one out the door, he and I typically watch the sun rise over our neighbor’s pastures as we stroll quietly along, taking in the beauty of the pink sky and listening to the chirping of birds flitting from tree to tree and the trickling of water flowing in the streams. James is the perfect companion, walking by my side – our strides matching one anothers. He seems to float along, his head and tail held high. He loves our time together as much as I do. Once back to the house, he settles in with a biscuit while the other dogs get their walks. He knows the routine well.
Lily is usually next. Her walk is more of a training walk. Lily has been with us now
for four months. She’s a quick learner and responds well to instruction. Since her arrival in August, we have been working on loose lead walking at my side. This skill is essential for the therapy dog visiting she will be doing. She has come a long way with this training. In the beginning, the woodland sounds of the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, the neighbor’s horse grazing on the hillside and cows gazing at her over barbed-wiring fencing were a severe distraction. In this short amount of time, she has learned to pass right by these, knowing that her walk with me will go on much longer if she just keeps walking alongside me. She, too, wants to walk her two miles.
Annabelle usually takes the last shift. At this time of the year, by the third walk, the sun is brightly shining and it is much warmer. Annie has come so far with her ability to walk as a companion. It took her a very long time to settle into loose-lead walking. But, now she has it. She knows the difference. Now, the walks are fun as we walk in rhythm together down the road to the bridge by the neighbor’s cornfields. She’s beginning to flow, as James does. Her head and tail held high – with a joyful smile on her face. Once Annie is done and we’ve joined the other two awaiting dogs, the pack heads out to the backfield to romp freely as I prepare their meal.
By 8:30, we’ve all had breakfast, including me. I’ve walked six miles. I feel great – and I’ve had meaningful bonding time with each of my wonderful dogs. I start every day with a smile on my face. Who wouldn’t… dogs are great fun to be with!
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