Our Slow and Steady Walk

The sun came out from behind the clouds this afternoon, looked real nice through the window. It's still got that January chill in the air but a sunny day is a sunny day. I figured we ought to take our walk while we could. As soon as I even looked at the hook where the leash hangs, Buddy's ears perked up. He knows. He came right over and sat by my feet, looking up at me. His tail wasn't going crazy, just a slow, steady thump-thump on the old wood floor. He's not a puppy anymore, and I guess I'm not a young man anymore either. We're a good match that way.

Putting on my coat takes a minute or two longer than it used to, and he just sits there. So patient. Never whines or gets antsy, just waits for me to get ready. Once we're out the door, it's the same story. He's just amazing, he never pulls on the leash. Not once. I've seen other folks getting dragged down the street by their dogs, but not him. He just walks right there beside my left leg, matching me step for step. If I have to stop to catch my breath for a second, he stops too. He'll look up at me with those big brown eyes, like he's asking 'You okay?' It's a comfortable rhythm we have.

We don't go on big adventures. Our whole trip is just down to the corner where the big oak tree is, and then back home. It's far enough for my old knees and probably for his old legs too. We take our time, there's no rush. Today we saw Mrs. Gable getting her mail from her box. She smiled and gave us a big wave. 'Hello Arthur, hello Buddy!' she called out. Buddy's tail gave a little happy wag, he likes Mrs. Gable. She always tells me what a well-behaved boy he is. I think he knows it too, he always looks a little proud.

Sometimes on the way back he'll stop to sniff a particular patch of grass for a long time. I don't mind, I just stand there and let him. Gives me a chance to just look around at the neighborhood. Watch the cars go by. It's quiet. And it's just nice having him here with me. The house can feel so big and empty since Martha passed, but having this little guy here... it makes a difference. A huge difference. Just his presence, you know?

It's not just the walks. It's having someone to talk to, even if he doesn't talk back. Someone who's always happy to see you when you wake up in the morning. A reason to get up and get dressed. This walk, it's part of our routine. And the routine is important. It keeps us both going I think. He makes sure I get a little fresh air and I make sure he gets his dinner on time. It's a good deal for the both of us.

Anyway, we got back inside and he went for a long drink from his water bowl. I took my coat off and he was already circling in his bed by the heating vent. He's fast asleep now, probably dreaming about sniffing that patch of grass. It was a good walk. Yeah, a real good walk.