Love this column, just as I love walking that big lovable dog you write about. Rain or shine it's exactly as you described, a chance to take in the greenery, the sky, the flowers, the hillsides; to just be in the moment and not preoccupied with obligations and concerns. And while other dogs can be a bit unpredictable (unless she's off leash at the dog park, where 99 times out of a hundred it's a happy meeting), it's always a treat when she rolls around with Fern or Amber, her neighborhood girl posse. And in a nice bit of kismet, I'm in Madison right now, watching the Brewers with Ruthie (Brewers just scored first!) and it's bring your pup to the park night in Milwaukee. Some great shots of happy dogs who got in free and don't have to pay for beer.
As a former dog walker I can tell you, the dog maketh the walk. People who don't train their dogs are boners and make everyone's lives less fun. It's not even hard! Just get them to do something you want- treat. Repeat. Also I'm going to need way more parentheticals in order to continue to read these essays. Not enough by far.
I agree with everything you say....except .... you knew it was coming: until we got our little Cavaliers. I was always a big, or medium dog person until these two guys (well only one is left now). They are the sweetest breed on the planet. And maybe it's also because I'm older and don't want to pick up poop that's the size of a can of coke. But anyway, great post and dogs are better than sapiens.
I too, applaud the double parentheticals. It makes up for the unorthodox spelling of camaraderie, which (full disclosure) I originally typed as "cameraderie.".
Unfortunately we don't have a dog these days. Too much time away. We do however live across the street from a park and its popular walkway. I often sit and watch the dogs and their humans go by just waiting to admonish those who don't pick up their dog's poop. I know one of these days I'm going to pound too hard and break our picture window then I'll be the one admonished.
Dog walks are the best! My favorite kind of walk. And aw, Matilda - I remember her - I had no idea! But, yes, if the dog goes crazy -- now, that is not a fun walk. I've definitely done a few of those too -- and learned to avoid other dogs if at all possible. It was like being on high alert. I see a dog a block away, turn left! Cross the street! Oh no, two dogs! Turn around! Run! :)
Loved this. Our dog is nuts and won't ever lick anyone's face...but he's still pretty awesome. Thankfully he still keeps us safe from the Postman who is always apparently out to get us.
The best part about walking Bean is when we pass a house that posts a new pun on a chalkboard by the sidewalk every couple of days (@PunnyInPalms on Instagram). Unfortunately, as discussed in the comments of your previous essay, we are moving out of the neighborhood and I'm really going to miss those puns. I don't think Bean will miss the part when I make him pose for photos next to the chalkboard though. As for the worst part about walking Bean, well, let's just say he doesn't politely sniff the butts of other dogs ... but instead barks incessantly at them. Yep, I'm the guy that has to cross the street when another dog is heading our way. Oh well.
Dogs are the best. I too prefer big dogs. Although I have to say, big dogs means big poops. Big warm stinky poops. Even now, even though it’s been years since I’ve walked a big dog, I can perfectly imagine one’s poop in my hand.
Love this column, just as I love walking that big lovable dog you write about. Rain or shine it's exactly as you described, a chance to take in the greenery, the sky, the flowers, the hillsides; to just be in the moment and not preoccupied with obligations and concerns. And while other dogs can be a bit unpredictable (unless she's off leash at the dog park, where 99 times out of a hundred it's a happy meeting), it's always a treat when she rolls around with Fern or Amber, her neighborhood girl posse. And in a nice bit of kismet, I'm in Madison right now, watching the Brewers with Ruthie (Brewers just scored first!) and it's bring your pup to the park night in Milwaukee. Some great shots of happy dogs who got in free and don't have to pay for beer.
As a former dog walker I can tell you, the dog maketh the walk. People who don't train their dogs are boners and make everyone's lives less fun. It's not even hard! Just get them to do something you want- treat. Repeat. Also I'm going to need way more parentheticals in order to continue to read these essays. Not enough by far.
I agree with everything you say....except .... you knew it was coming: until we got our little Cavaliers. I was always a big, or medium dog person until these two guys (well only one is left now). They are the sweetest breed on the planet. And maybe it's also because I'm older and don't want to pick up poop that's the size of a can of coke. But anyway, great post and dogs are better than sapiens.
Dogs are better than us, and "poop the size of a can of coke" is an image that will stay with me for a while. A warm, squishy can of coke.
ha ha!
Having not grown up with dogs, I'm a bit dog neutral. But I do love the double parentheticals in your first paragraph!
I too, applaud the double parentheticals. It makes up for the unorthodox spelling of camaraderie, which (full disclosure) I originally typed as "cameraderie.".
That's a word. It's when you make friends with a camera.
Marilyn Monroe had that gift. Me, not so much.
Unfortunately we don't have a dog these days. Too much time away. We do however live across the street from a park and its popular walkway. I often sit and watch the dogs and their humans go by just waiting to admonish those who don't pick up their dog's poop. I know one of these days I'm going to pound too hard and break our picture window then I'll be the one admonished.
Dog walks are the best! My favorite kind of walk. And aw, Matilda - I remember her - I had no idea! But, yes, if the dog goes crazy -- now, that is not a fun walk. I've definitely done a few of those too -- and learned to avoid other dogs if at all possible. It was like being on high alert. I see a dog a block away, turn left! Cross the street! Oh no, two dogs! Turn around! Run! :)
My dog is literally too mean to be allowed on walks in public, so we just go on walks in the backyard
He’s lucky we feed him…
HAHA he’s mean but he’s cute
Loved this. Our dog is nuts and won't ever lick anyone's face...but he's still pretty awesome. Thankfully he still keeps us safe from the Postman who is always apparently out to get us.
The best part about walking Bean is when we pass a house that posts a new pun on a chalkboard by the sidewalk every couple of days (@PunnyInPalms on Instagram). Unfortunately, as discussed in the comments of your previous essay, we are moving out of the neighborhood and I'm really going to miss those puns. I don't think Bean will miss the part when I make him pose for photos next to the chalkboard though. As for the worst part about walking Bean, well, let's just say he doesn't politely sniff the butts of other dogs ... but instead barks incessantly at them. Yep, I'm the guy that has to cross the street when another dog is heading our way. Oh well.
Dogs are the best. I too prefer big dogs. Although I have to say, big dogs means big poops. Big warm stinky poops. Even now, even though it’s been years since I’ve walked a big dog, I can perfectly imagine one’s poop in my hand.