Walk my dog every day

I think that’s a sign. And she doesn’t usually. I need to be giving her more consistent attention. It feels so difficult taking out an hour a day to walk her, but she really deserves it. And so do I, come to think of it.

What’s hard is understanding this as a priority in the middle of a new relationship. It’s way too easy to deprioritize her in order to spend more time with my new friend, but she’s really one of the most important relationships in my life right now.

I should honor that on a daily (or at least as daily as possible) basis.

Went on another walk today (that’s 14 out of 16 days!) and definitely seeing progress! Even when she gets anxious seeing another dog I can get her to focus back on me, if only for a moment. This timing stuff is really tricky, but she’s been too good for me to give up now.

I think it would do us both good if I started us both with a little jog to tire us out, and then walked past all the dog-ridden houses last. Hmmm ….

... now if only it could actually tire her out. (Why didn’t someone tell me Boxers were such high-energy dogs?)

I’m thinking of getting some in-line skates and do the Cesar on her.

But the walks are good for me too, making me feel more in touch with my neighborhood, less of a stranger even after these 7 years. Geez I need to get out more!