These Paws are Made for Walking

Author: Hilary

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 @ 4:49 pm

I readily admit that I can relate to the caricatures in Christopher Guest’s fantastic mockumentry Best in Show; Parker Posey’s portrayal of the neurotic Meg Swan, in particular. Watching the film (and having some basic sensibility) encouraged me to try and get my neuroses under control before taking on the responsibility of a puppy, lest I project them onto the poor creature, who as a result, becomes neurotic in his own right. We all saw what happened to the Swan’s Weimeraner, Beatrice.

Thus far, anxiety is still one of the major players in my life. Louis continues to thrive in spite of me. I am not so naïve as to think that one day, my neurotic tendencies wont catch up with us both and wreak havoc. And so I trek on, if not for me, then for him. I have attempted meditation, medication, relaxation…so far - no luck.So far, the best remedy (though not a cure) I have found is a long walk with Louis, the benefits of which are substantial for us both.The dog is a domestic subspecies of the wolf. Wolves achieve their basic needs (food and water) by walking. This activity is ingrained deeply into every dog’s genetics. Walking gives our dogs the exercise and mental stimulation they crave.For Louis and I, burning off our excess energy allows us both to return home calmer. Louis collapses into a heap on my lap and I am rewarded with a snuggly, sleeping mass of fur. The feeling that I have done something beneficial for him enhances the sedative qualities of the experience for me.Walking your dog is much more important then making sure he has the opportunity to eliminate outside. It deepens the bond we share with our dogs and improves us both, physically and mentally.Of course, on our most recent walk, it occurred to me that it was probably time I seek medical intervention for my ailment. With this realization, my pulse quickened and I felt a crushing pain in my chest. I guess we will have to keep on walking.

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