My husband who has never gotten a chance to spend much time with the dogs because of his work schedule, has taken on walking the dogs as part of his exercise routine and for the quality time with our two packs.
I recently began going with him while he walks the dogs. In watching my husband and his carefree ways with the dogs, I have begun to discover the joy again. Observing how my husband interacts with the dogs, his childlike ways and manner I began to realize what I was missing that was making these walks so difficult for me. My husband isn't plague with having the perfect dog, like I am. Or the embarrassment and shame I feel for not measuring up. He walks the dogs with only one thing on his mind, it is for them. Something that has stuck in my head from reading the same thoughts from a post by, Pamela, Something Wagging This Way Comes.
I used to be very good at that, but somewhere along the way, my head started thinking instead of my heart.
We went again last night and I can feel the shackles on my brain have begun to loosen up. An email between Pamela and I also opened my mind to other possibilities and has begun to shift my perspective along with watching my husband joyfully walk the dogs one after another. That's where I want to get back to. Enjoying the walk time with my dogs and embrace that special bonding time with them. For now I'm a protege learning the ropes again while I begin to break free from my past. In time, it will come back to me, until then I am following my lead dog. My husband.
7 comments:
Awwwww, thank you so much. I had no idea just how hard you were finding this. I'm sorry.
And I'm glad to hear you're finding some light from your husband and your dogs together.
That is a wonderful picture. I hope you and your family have many joyful walks ahead.
It is a great thing that we can all teach each other such simple things. I hope you enjoy your walks more from now on.
A happy dog is a simple joy in life :-) You'll find the joy in walking them soon... just have to let go and let it be.
-Corbin
I too fall into this rut and forget that the walking is for the dogs to get the sights and sounds out and about. It is about the fun and we need to keep reminding ourselves of that. Except when Peter is acting aggressive and lunging at Peter as that is dangerous to him, me and my neighbors. But maybe if I remembered more often that we are supposed to be having fun Peter would be less of a jerk and more like the happy-go-lucky heart breaker I know him to be.
You will get there, because you've taken the first, all important step -- introspectively analyzing the situation. Now you just need to accompany that lead dog on a few more joyful walks and pretty soon, you'll feel the joy too.
Guilty of the same behavior...but getting better :)
Maggie Mae's mom
Dogs are the best therapy around! Just watching their happiness and interest in everything around them should help lift your spirits. I'm so glad that having your hubby walk with them is also helping!
Holly & Khady
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