It's Not A Catwalk

As I've mentioned time and time again, Cosmo is a very lazy, fat dog. In order to somewhat help this, when I'm not too busy, I usually try and take him on a little walk. The past few months have been way too cold for either of us to even enjoy a walk. But as of this week, it's been gradually warming up, partially from daylight savings. So this week I took Cosmo on three different walks. The first two, on Sunday and Tuesday, I just took him to the small, neighborhood lake. He struggles walking there, but then I let him off his leash to explore while I relax and spend some time to myself. But yesterday, Thursday, I took him somewhere different. There are many, many trails that run around where I live, so I took one that I knew would have at least half of the snow melted. Because we weren't in the street most of the time, I let Cosmo off his leash.

A majority of the trail system in my city. So many places to explore! Photo credits: mountaintrails.org

There weren't many people out at this time, so it was good for him to explore and smell everything. Although he got muddy and I had to try and wash him off with snow, I think he enjoyed going somewhere new and exciting. He's actually been doing a lot better on walks than he was in the summer/fall. I think that mainly has to do with the fact that he's been having to go up and down the stairs constantly every day which increases his muscle and bone strength. Before, he would be out of breath the whole time and stopping as often as he could, trying his hardest for me to take him home. But now, although he breathes heavily, he does a lot better, and he throws in occasional jogs that last a few seconds (better than none at all). I'm hoping by the time summer's here, Cosmo can either go on longer walks with me, or start hiking again! I think it's a great to walk your dogs. Not only is it great health for both of you, but it is great bonding time. And, living in the mountains where there's endless amounts of trails, you get to explore new places. It's a great way to start your morning if you have the time, or to take a break from your chaotic activities during the middle of the day. As the temperature starts warming up, get out in the sun and take your dog on a walk! From the looks of things, there shouldn't be too much snow holding Cosmo and I back anymore.

The weather forecast for the next few days . . . Pretty warm!