One of the unexpected perks of having a dog is spending more time outside. I wouldn't have guessed it would make a big difference, because I commute on foot, I walk around campus during the day, and I participate in outdoor sports like running and biking.
But having a dog means spending time outside in a specific way that I am really enjoying. I'm not telling myself that I have to walk faster because my meeting starts in six minutes. I'm not pushing myself to hit a particular pace or distance. I'm just-- being, outside.
Sandy likes to go fast and then stop to sniff, which is usually pleasant for me too. We often do a bit of running, interrupted when she gets a whiff of something interesting. A couple of times a stranger has watched us running and said to me, "Who's taking whom for a walk?" I love it, though -- 30 seconds at an 8:30 pace is fun and invigorating, and also I'm not going to complain when we stop to catch our breath. There's evidence that even short bursts of running have health benefits, but I'm not doing it because of the science. It's just a happy way to start the day: running, pausing, running again, and then catching our breath in the morning sunshine. Not since I was a kid have I lived a life in which I routinely stand underneath a tree and turn my face up to admire the sun shining through its leaves.
There are some dog owners who are emphatic about teaching their dogs to heel, and not letting their dogs set the pace during walks. To them I say: whatever, guys. I enjoy my lively and curious little dog, and our stop-and-start walks work well for the two of us. We are getting acquainted with the neighborhood dogs (some friendly, some not) and with their owners (here too: some friendly, some not).
If you're walking near Gladlyville U and you see us bounding down the street, be sure to wave.
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