WALKS WITH MY DOGS

By Wednesday, September 13, 2017 37 No tags Permalink

Morning or evening, rain or shine, it doesn’t really matter much. Walks with my dogs is something I truly enjoy…

WALKS WITH MY DOGS

“Possessive” is probably an appropriate word to describe how protective I am about our walks. I prefer to do it – alone.

My family has learned over the years that I’m not really “into” company when I take them out. Overnight guests will ask, and I try to be cordial as I discourage them from joining me.

Walks in the morning (the earlier the better) is my meditation time. I talk to God, plan my day, and allow the happy-go-lucky attitude of my two Doodles to “center” me for the activities ahead.

“Whoosah” is what I do for our evening walk. They’re both still “high on life” and that elation relieves me of any stress and anxiety from the time I’ve been away from them.

Walks with my dogs gives me the ability to find a sense of balance. If I have something happening in my world that’s trying to take me off track, most times – I’m able to “re-distribute” my life during those walks. When I do something that’s dis-pleasing in my sight, they’re like an elixir – guaranteed to induce love which allows me self-forgiveness.

CONTENTMENT –

Being with them allows me time to appreciate living in the moment. That’s what dogs do – they keep it simple by finding joy in everything they encounter.

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. ~Marianne Williamson

It’s an opportunity for the three of us to experience the world together and strengthen our bond. I learn a great deal about peace, joy and “living in the now” when I go for walks with my dog.

Keep calm and walk the dog ❤️

This is our contribution in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.


37 Comments
  • Pamela
    September 13, 2017

    So many people think of dog walking as a chore they have to do. They’re missing out on so much.

    I too enjoy the reminder to focus on my dog and what we see around us. There are some things you can only notice at the pace of a walk.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      I was once like that – but I have truly evolved Pam. I find myself looking forward to it on my way home from my job.

  • Taryn
    September 13, 2017

    I love my dog walks for alone time as well! Very important to my mental health and mood!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      Right? I am a much calmer person anytime I am around my dogs. Let someone piss me off and I will add an additional walk just for the hell of it. Keeps me centered I tell you.

  • Patricia Broccoli
    September 13, 2017

    I love my walks with Baxter and I truly love the early morning walks the best. He is so happy to be out there and I love that no one else is really around when we walk. The evening walks are a little more social but that is OK since we had our morning alone.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      I actually get up early to allow for additional sniffing, and poking around tree stumps and bushes! LOL They seem to appreciate the fact that I do it too. They are so loving and ask for literally nothing in return. My world is so much richer with them in it – especially when I get to spend time with them alone. Doodle Dad used to walk with us but quickly realized he was the odd human out – so he stopped.

  • Golden Daily Scoop
    September 13, 2017

    I cherish my walks with the Goldens, there is something so peaceful about them. Sometimes my daughters come along with me, we have conversations that we may not otherwise.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      I can understand the walks with your daughter. Those are important too. If I do have a human walk with me it’s generally in the evening. No one gets up as early as we do…

  • Monika & Sam
    September 13, 2017

    That Zen time spent walking the dogs is totally cherished. Like you, I prefer to be alone with them. It’s a bigger plus if we don’t encounter anyone along the way.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      So happy I am not alone in my selfish thoughts LOL – love knowing I am one of the majority!

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    September 13, 2017

    Like you, I prefer to be alone with the dogs in the morning. While our walks are a combination of play time in the yard and walking on the treadmill rather than an actual walk around the neighborhood, it works perfectly for us. I don’t have to worry about some a-hole hitting one (or all) of us with the front end of his/her car because s/he’s not paying attention to the surroundings. And I don’t have to hear the news on tv, either.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      We’ve got our regulars that we pass in the mornings – cars honk, folks wave, but no one really engages in any real conversation.

  • Debi @ RescueDogs101
    September 13, 2017

    I love taking my dogs for a walk everyday. It not only helps us bond, gives then the exercise we need, but gives me quiet time to get my thoughts together from the day. Plus I get to enjoy the sunset.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      Its’s got the be the best relaxation method in the world!

  • Mia the Pibble
    September 13, 2017

    My humom enjoys her quiet time with me in the forest too, but sometimes she has to ask someone to walk with her when it gets too late…there are lots of owls and coyote sightings now!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      OMDoodle Mia – that makes PAWfect sense to me too! You all be careful out there.

  • Jackie Bouchard
    September 13, 2017

    Rita and I definitely enjoy our walks alone – although I do also enjoy when the hubs can join us on the weekends. On those days we go places I don’t go alone anymore – we have several quiet streets in our ‘hood where folks let their dogs off leash, and we’ve been charged at before so now we’ll only go to those (normally nice quiet) streets when the hubs is there to run interference. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      I pray everyday that I never experience anything like that. I would pass out! You be careful out there.

  • M. K. Clinton
    September 13, 2017

    That is so nice. We take the boys to a local park with a one-mile track and walk. It is finally getting cooler and we can enjoy walking much more.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      Today it was 74 degrees after dinner, with a great breeze. We were in heaven. I could have walked to another State!

  • Emma
    September 13, 2017

    What a beautiful photo!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      Why thank you Emma!

  • Rachel & Rooney
    September 13, 2017

    I love everything about this post! It’s so true. Dogs teach us so much about the joys of life and living in the moment.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      They’ve also taught me to listen more. To not feel the need to talk on the phone or even listen to music. Just take in all the sounds and smells. They are great teachers.

  • Kia
    September 13, 2017

    Love this! Walking the dog is so relaxing. It brings him happiness and me too!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      Do you also like to walk “alone?” It’s my favorite thing, even in the tropical storm last weekend (compliments of Irma) – I know we’re going to get wet so I dress everyone appropriately and off we go!

  • The Daily Pip
    September 13, 2017

    Awe, I love this post! I also prefer to walk alone with Ruby in the morning. Love how you refer to redistributing life while walking. I never thought about it like that – but it is so TRUE!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      It is so true! You re-gain a sense of control because you’re thinking it through all by yourself, putting your plan together. It’s PAWsome!

  • Sand spring Chesapeakes
    September 13, 2017

    Enjoy your walks and time alone, nothing wrong with that

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      I do! I guard it with my life I tell you!

  • Marnie
    September 14, 2017

    All these comments are so wonderful and true! I love walking my Aussie, Annie – or is it that she is walking me? One of the embroidered Smarty Paws leashes that my Smarty Paws suggested I make is “WHO’S WALKING WHO?” It’s actually the leash that she prefers!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 14, 2017

      I love that slogan – when I’ve got Jaxson on a solo walk I often wonder myself – “who’s walking who!” Thanks so much for stopping by.

  • Valentine
    September 14, 2017

    Hi Miss Cathy, Jackson & Harley. I am glad that you set aside time every day for it just to be the three of you together. That is your special time that you are right to hold on to & protect. Hugs.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      Oh Valentine, you know us so well! We cherish our times together – it’s the best!

  • Charlotte
    September 16, 2017

    I understand this completely. I love the contemplative quiet time I have with my pup and prefer to go it alone, too. There’s something very meditative/relaxing about it.

    This? Yes. “Being with them allows me time to appreciate living in the moment. That’s what dogs do – they keep it simple by finding joy in everything they encounter.”

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 18, 2017

      AbsoDOODLEtutely Charlotte!

  • Tiffany Bennett-Cuartero
    September 20, 2017

    Miss walking Harley and Jax.