The dog said ‘no.’

After two, two-hour walks this weekend, Maggie refused to walk up another hill. She just sat down, and only moved when I turned in the other direction. Apparently, I’ve exhausted the dog. Her ‘hybrid vigour’ is not so vigorous anymore. Maggie is nine, and I suppose that’s getting up there for a dog, although she’s always had so much puppy energy. Last night, she was quite stiff and barely moved off the couch. I’m hoping it’s just stiffness from lack of exercise and not something more serious like arthritis. I don’t want to make her sore, but on the other hand it’s awesome to have a walking buddy and I want to have her with me while the opportunity exists. She was regularly walked, but I’ve been told by friends and family that my walks are ‘killer’ and now the dog seems to be agreeing. So…shorter, evening walks this week while it’s hot. May also start walking from work again to a downtown LRT station. In spite of what I said in my last post, I already miss my paths.

11:30AM/16C

First big walk since I moved on Monday. Well, not quite true. I did have an errand to run in the ol’ neighbourhood on Wednesday, and I was able to add a stroll through the woods near 98th Ave. Today, Maggie and I started out mid-morning and spent two hours in Whitemud Creek Ravine. Beautiful and cool at first, but less autumnal than the last couple of days. The sun makes the difference. Although the ravine is familiar to me after countless dog-sitting gigs over the years, there were a few unusual sights and sounds this morning. Heard some kind of pheasant or grouse, and just before entering the ravine, one giant, weird-ass caterpillar, which Maggie happily did not eat. Bit of a judgement call, take a picture or re-direct Maggie’s attention. Opted for the shot, and Maggie kept her appetite for squishy things in check. The caterpillar was relieved; his little antennae thing deflated when Maggie lost interest. Looking forward to a few more long walks this Labour Day weekend. Don’t miss my old stomping grounds. Yet.

12:55PM/12C