ANOTHER WEEK WITH DOUG THE DOG

 POST # 670

If there is one thing that Doug is very good at, it's his ability to give me the look.  The look means, "isn't it time to go for a walk, Paul?"  He has certainly perfected this look, and you can see it displayed proudly as he stares at me while lying down on one of his favourite beds.

So there is only one thing to solve this problem, and that is to take him for his daily walk around the neighbourhood.  There are always plenty of things for Doug to sniff as we stroll along, and it is a pleasant and relaxing exercise for the both of us, at least most of the time.  But occasionally we encounter another four-legged critter along the way, and Doug makes sure to let it know, that he is the boss.  His bark is usually enough to let the other critter know that it would be best to allow some space as we continue to walk on by.  So far, we've never had a bad encounter, but I am always careful to keep a tight hold upon his leash, just to be on the safe side.

Our walk continues, and each day is unique as we stroll along the road together.  We sometimes come across another human who knows Doug, and then there is plenty of tail wagging taking place as we approach them.  Doug gets a few pats on the head, and I have the opportunity to have a quick chat, prior to us continuing along on our journey back home.

Before too long, we arrive back, after yet another enjoyable stroll together.  After Doug gets his expected post walk treat, it is time for him to settle down and relax, and while doing so, perhaps he's thinking about tomorrow's walk, and who or what he will meet along the way.

I've got a few more days to hang out with Doug, and I'll try and make the best of them.  He is certainly one of the most laid  back boneheads that I have had the pleasure to know over all of these years.

And finally, I thought that I would mention last night.  The final thing that I do is let Doug outside for his final pee and poop, and when I opened the front door, I noticed something on the front lawn.  I decided to go out and see what I was looking at, and it was the sad sight of a dead rabbit, which by looking at its injuries, it had obviously been attacked by something.  I made sure to get it off of the ground before Doug could have a closer look. How it ended up in the front yard will remain a mystery.  

I leave next Tuesday, so I will try and make the best of my final few days with good old Doug the dog.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer