My lab Zack is going on fourteen now, and I used to take him on long walks through the woods close to our house. However, as he’s gotten older (me too) the time between walks got longer and longer. I could see the sadness in his eyes as he watched me while I worked on the computer, and every time I got up he would follow me around, hoping I would open that closet door and get his leash.
Finally, one fine spring day here in Wisconsin I not only made him happy, but myself as well. When I pulled that red leash out of the closet he starting prancing around the house, looking more like a three-year-old than a thirteen-year-old. When I opened the car door to let him in, it took him a while to get up into the backseat, but he finally made it. Even though it was still a bit chilly, I rolled down the back windows so he could put his head out the window and sniff whatever scents dogs can when a car is going 40 miles an hour.
When we got to our favorite spot, he took off running when he hit the ground. I always try and find a spot where we’re alone so he can do just that. The day was perfect---cool and clear, but with a hint of the upcoming spring in the air. I wish I could have run like he did, but it was just as exhilarating walking around among the trees and creeks. He still did his usual thing---he would run about 50 yards in front of me, then wait for me to catch up before he’d take off again.
After about an hour of exploring old, familiar territory, it was time to go back. This time I had to help him up into the car, but I didn’t mind. I knew he would sleep well that night…and so would I.
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