Dog Park adventures

At the dog park: the small dog section was deserted, so we went into the LARGE dog area, where Gizmo more than held his own. 

           In fact, when a huge Great Dane entered, Gizmo leaped at his shoulders as part of an overwhelming, energetic, playful welcome.  Then, led by a Sheep Herding dog, they all ran around, with Gizmo, runty legs notwithstanding, was usually in second place directly behind the bigger leader.  Atta boy, Gizmo.

         On our regular walks, which clock in at around 40 minutes and, if I am early enough, involve taking a right up Mesa View to Monterey, a busy highway.  The earlier I start, the less likely I am to see other pet owners or anybody else and sniff fumes of passing cars and trucks..

         The start of the walk is entirely uphill, meaning the toughest part of the walk is at the beginning.  Then, when the owner is a little tired, at the end of the walk, the return is entirely downhill and much easier.

           Gizmo proudly walks beside me while I listen to my IPod, which has captured news shows, the Prairie Home Companion and other delights.

         Today, an early rise got us walking at 6:15 am, which meant that the walk began with the sun just below the Eastern mountains and ended with a bright, cold, cloud-free day.  We strode along, two living creatures attached by a leash and love, in a civilized part of the desert but essentially alone.  A calm and pleasant experience. 

         “Like all dogs, Skip was colorblind. He made friends easily with people of all races and origins. The town was segregated back then, but as we know, dogs are a whole lot smarter than people. 
”My Dog Skip” (2000), narrator Harry Connick Jr.