The toughest part about walking is stopping what I’m doing, bundling up, and pushing myself out the door. But once my feet hit the driveway, I’m ready to dive into the adventures of the great outdoors.
My walks consist of thoughts and ideas, and letting my spirit run free and wild. The dishes can scream their dirty little heads off, but I can’t hear them. I don’t even know them. This is my time. My walk. And I’m not stopping till my legs fall off.
I enjoy walking most on the wooded trails. However, there are none close by, and I wouldn’t feel safe walking them alone, so I walk the neighborhood. Since it was once a pasture, the scenery, with its hills, a little pond, and twists and turns, is beautiful, and sometimes, quite adventurous.
One day last summer, I turned down a road I don’t often walk and was met with a German Shepherd. He was still a puppy. A big puppy, on the brink of becoming a full-grown, mean-looking beast, so I kept an eye on him as I continued walking.
I never run from a dog. Ever! I stand and face the bully; my walking sticks ready for battle. But, I didn’t feel threatened, he just barked and followed me from across the road. Then he came over and sniffed my hand. Okay. Sniffing is good. He’s not growling and showing his big, sharp teeth. He’s just an overgrown puppy and wants to play.
Overgrown was an understatement. This grizzly bear puppy suddenly jumped on my back, nearly knocking me off my feet, and planted his two big paws on my shoulders!
Oh boy. Now I’m in trouble!
Without a second thought, I swung my walking sticks behind me, poking him in the ribs to get off. Nope! Didn’t work. Now what? This Romeo only has one thing on his mind! Desperate to keep my wobbly knees from buckling, my calm turned into cold-blooded screams!
At last, two guys ran to my rescue, neither of which owned the dog, but knew who did, and they weren’t home. But their four-legged beast is out, running the streets and parked himself on my back!
Finally, after much tugging and pulling and me trying not to fall and break my neck, he decided it wasn’t worth the effort, got down and ran back into his yard.
That was the last time I saw that dog. The last time I walked down that street!
Straight From the Heart 