On the Trail With Bigun, Again

It's been MONTHS, but after three physical therapy sessions, doing the prescribed exercises, and two full prescriptions of anti-inflammatory medications, Bigun got to take me on a walk along the trails. It was such a gift. I just love watching that waving tail above those skinny little haunches as he examines every scent. I was afraid perhaps he would feel more exuberant than I was able to control with him off-lead, but he was the perfect gentleman. He would bound about twenty yards ahead, glance back to make sure I was coming up behind -- and wait if I was going slower than he'd expected. (Meanwhile I was stepping very carefully to make sure I was using proper posture, keeping my abdominal muscles engaged, and watching for slippery patches.)

We made it all the way over to Big Finn Park, and then around the reconstructed soccer fields (now fenced in with black chain-link, astro-turfed, and skirted by asphalt walkways to the new bleachers). Bigun took in the surrounding area scents while I mused on the improvements.

(I know the money was slotted for the improvements over five years ago, and the expenditures do help the local economy, but I also know that the Parks and Recreation lost its maintenance budget this year, and all our parks are falling into disrepair.)

Still, this was my first walk with my favorite canine sidekick, and I wasn't going to let the "big picture" get in the way of my happiness. Bigun could stay in the moment, and so could I.

In the end, I think we covered just about a couple of miles -- maybe a bit more. Now he's napping; in fact, I am the only member of our little family that is not napping. I think I will do my exercises, and then maybe start back on knitting that dog sweater -- cause the cold weather has arrived and we've got lots more walking to do.