On Dog Walkin’

I love dogs. I’ve written about my pure, unadulterated adoration of dogs. In summation of my last piece, dogs are perfect and must be protected and coddled at all costs. Of the many things dogs need on a daily basis (especially bigger dogs…which are better dogs [I’ll fight anyone on this fact. The bigger the dog the better. If I could get a dog the size of an Abrams M1 tank, I’d take out a loan on my parents’ house for it]), food, treats, cuddles, smooches, love, etc.…the most beneficial for both the dog and the dog enjoyer, is clearly, the walk.

Going on walks is good for everyone and anyone. It’s good for your physical health, it’s good for your mental health, I assume it’s good for your metaphysical health (once I figure out what metaphysics is, I’ll let you know if dog walking is good for it), and dogs love them too! Every single day I take a walk, whether it’s for candy or walking home from a bar, trying to remember if I closed my tab or not, taking a walk makes it a better day.

AND YET I still don’t go for walks on MOST days. Welcome to life as a human, where we actively make our own lives worse for pretty much no reason. Sometimes, though, I get lucky and I get to dog sit for my parents.

Going for a walk with a dog just has a different pace to it. It’s a literal example of something that is about the journey and not the destination. It’s a walk where you (or more accurately, your dog) stops to smell the roses…or the trees…or the poop other dog walkers have left behind (if your dog poops and you just leave it there…well, I’ll see you in hell because that sucks, man). I often times find myself really taking in my surroundings because of this relaxed pace and savoring the fresh air and sunshine…unless it’s raining, in which case walking the dog is a real labor of love.

Another benefit of dog walkin’ is the shared comradery you have with other dog-walkers. It can be as simple as a little nod or a wave of the hand, or it can be as friendly as a stop and chat while the dogs endlessly circle and sniff each other’s butts. Although, as someone who previously had a dog that got along with exactly zero other dogs (RIP Matilda, you were wonderful but also insane and whenever we took you to the dog park, you would foam at the mouth like you had rabies, even when you didn’t have rabies) encountering other dogs can be a stressful break in an otherwise enjoyable stroll.

The last wonderful part of walking a dog is the sense of gratitude you get from them after a nice long walk. They’re so relaxed and happy that you can’t help but feel like you did a good thing…plus occasionally they’ll give you a little smooch or rub their head on you and that’s just the best feeling in the world.

So, what about you? Love walking a dog? Love walking and seeing other dogs? I just wanna hear more about dogs, always.