I've always been one for walks. I grew up in the country, where walking the dead-end road after school was really, my main pastime.
Walking in the city involves many more diversions, turns and possibility. I like to let whimsy guide me, the route varying according to the fickleness of my feet.
Acquiring a dog only made my walks more pleasant - albeit a little more frequent, a little longer & sometimes entirely dependent upon a need to defecate.
I imagined that Bela and I would amble along, appreciating sights and sounds, never knowing where our path might take us.
Not the case.
They were not kidding when they said dogs are creatures of habit. For the route (different routes according to time of day) must remain the same...or my four-legged friend just won't go.
In general, I honor this apparent need of hers. But every now and then, I'll see something that urges me to deviate from our normal route.
That man lurking next to a tree 1/2 a block up? We're turning left here, missy. An actual barricade - like streetwork? We're detouring, just like the sign tells us to, sweetheart.
I admit that occasionally, I try to re-route her due to a selfish desire. Bela! -- there appears to be the loveliest tree up ahead on the right....can't we go see it?
She simply cannot oblige.
If you try to move her in the 'wrong' direction, her anger emerges in the form of a standoff.
"Hey....walk this way, Béla", I say.
No -- THIS way, Kelly, she replies, her head held high.
While I can often alter her stubborn stance with a bribe (i.e. liver chews), for the most part, I give in.
I put the treat back in my pocket, shake my head in wonder and affection, and continue down the path she has chosen.
Like :)
ReplyDelete