The Walk

Katie and I went for a long walk today. These walks apparently are very interesting when seen from her point of view. For me, it's usually just walking the dog; a pretense at exercise. Sometimes I manage to notice the weeds and flowers, both new and dead, on either side of the road. I know, in reality they're all weeds but weeds and flowers are like beauty; it's all in the eye of the beholder. Then, of course, there's the leavings from other dogs whose owners seem to think they're adding something worthwhile to the local environment by not picking up after their dog and these require "watering" by my delicate little lady. During the season, pinecones catch my attention and occasionally come home with me to add to the winter decor.

Since we walk on a dirt road, I give most of my attention to watching for cars and trucks so I can make sure she's safely off the road when they pass us. Sometimes, though, I watch the sun and the clouds play across the sky and there's always the occasional bird who vocalizes to let me know that we too are being watched. Today, while Katie made one of her stops, I watched a caterpillar crossing the road. I have to wonder if, were I to go back in a couple of days, he'd have made it all the way across yet. Or, if he'll be on a platter tonight at some bird's family feast.

Katie, on the other hand (or paw), finds a great deal to interest her on these walks - every rock and twig is of interest. I remember once some years ago, a man walking along the same trail we were on was watching Kate as she stopped to sniff every couple of steps, and he remarked that she was reading the newspapers and memos left by other dogs. She stops to check out crawling critters and new plants that I didn't even notice and she'll sniff all the way around the tree that a squirrel just ran up or down. Then something six feet ahead catches her eye and we're off. We'll catch what she missed on the way back. She loves these walks. She sees her harness and she's ready to go. For me, it's just a walk, "same old, same old," --- to her it's all a brand new, exciting adventure each and every time she takes it. There may be a lesson here.