Miles of Tail-Wagging Smiles

I had the lovely pleasure of dog sitting the most precious dog today. I’m not sure his owner was going to get him back, actually. But unfortunately I was just watching him until we met at the park to walk. It was a 5.58 mile walk, according to the park volunteers at the park building where there are park bathrooms. 

Mom & Charlie

But before the 5.58 mile walk with mom, Charlie  and I took a 2 mile walk on our own.

It was crisp. It was sunny. It was a great dog walking day. And Charlie was in heaven. He got two walks in two of the biggest St. Louis parks with two of the best people (toot toot) in one day! 

 I couldn’t help thinking that more adults should try to act like dogs. No not animals- Puppies! Eager and happy to walk outside. You know that saying “all you need to know you learned in Kindergarten?” Well you could substitute “from a dog” for Kindergartner- But they both really do have the same vigor for play. And play equals running around outside. 
When an adult runs around outside it’s for a purpose: to burn calories, to catch the bus, to flee from the scene of a crime, to be the last in line to receive 49 cent hamburgers...The only comparable fun movement in the adult world I can think of is freeing their inner dance king/queen at a night club or wedding reception. 

• I noticed two things with that statement: A) When I was little hamburger deals were like 25 cents, and 2) there is no cent symbol on the keyboard. Was there ever? I thought there was. Are these the first signs of aging? I’m blaming it on the 7.58 miles of exhausting walking.

Maybe if I had “forgotten” to bring Charlie to the park, I'd have an amazing workout buddy. Not that “Mom” isn’t a great walking partner…but you really can’t say no to puppy eyes.

Charlie was my therapy dog today. He reminded me of how wonderful sunshine, fresh air, and walks were. And! as my intensive care unit registered nurse roommate informed me, I could lower my systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg by merely petting sweet Charlie.

I couldn’t ask for better therapy. Or a better reminder.To "play."