Friday, February 29, 2008

My Dog Learns to Run Alongside my Bike

I play fetch every day with my golden retriever not only because he loves his tennis balls, but also because he adores running, as all big dogs do. I needed to start exercising, since I haven't really done much of anything since my major surgery, in order to make my body strong again and Sam always wants to go anywhere to try new things. A bike is low stress on the body, so I thought maybe he could learn to run alongside the bike. My dad graciously volunteered to join us, since it would take two of us to teach Sam. So we hopped into the truck and drove over to a nice bike pathway.

At first, my dad, Al had to run between me on the bike, and Sam attached to his leash, since he kept jumping in front of the bike, so excited! plus, he has a funny habit of grabbing the leash in his mouth so it looks like he is walking you.

After only a few practice runs, Al let go of the leash, and Sam was sailing along side of me, galloping like a miniature but chubby horse! He learned so fast and I was exremely proud.



It doesn't appear like he is running in these pics, but he was cantering with joy! Tomorrow we'll go again and practice.

It was great to be on a bike again (used to be one of my favorite things to do) and I forgot all about my troubles, to hear the wind rushing by my ears, feel it hitting my face as I dipped and curved in the bumps and crevices on the paved road. I seriously felt alive again.

Afterward, Al and I did something bad--we went to IHOP. Normally, all of us eat organic and very healthy homestyle Japanese food, but a decadent treat of pancakes and eggs and more seemed to be in order.



7 comments:

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

Aren't Golden's such great dogs? I enjoyed reading your blog!

Plaidfuzz said...

Ohh, that makes me want Ihop! Rooty Tootie Fresh and Fruity!

Infinite Cosmos said...

that must be fun to have your doggy right along with you!

High Desert Diva said...

That was great that your dad helped you out!

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

So glad that you enjoyed your bike ride! Here's to continued healing! Thanks for stopping in my blog and for your sweet comments!
Have a great weekend!
Barbara

Janice La Verne said...

Hi, I loved reading your blog. Beautiful art and really liked the "how to" puppet piece. I'm an artist (painting, printmaking) from Eugene, Oregon. I have friends in Santa Rosa... we visited there a couple years ago. What a beautiful place to live.
Janice

Anonymous said...

I'm hungry now and I miss my golden retriever- Odypus. He died a few years ago. I do still have a one-legged parakeet Opie who is at least 15 years old.

Love your art :)