Walk your dog 101 miles (day 1)

As Ace and I set out for our early walk this morning, I knew hundreds of people and their dogs were out walking throughout the world, even during those same 60 minutes.

To me, early walks are the best because of the quiet. There are always a few people already hustling to get to work or school and a few others out shoveling their driveways in suits and ties. But Ace and I calmly move through the neighborhood, choosing the quieter streets with the fewest cars.

Today we only saw one human-dog pair, a middle-aged man and his light colored retriever. The man didn’t look like the type to take his dog to agility or obedience, yet his dog walked slightly behind him in perfect calmness. It was obvious the man understood the importance of exercising a dog. Maybe he takes his dog hunting.

Neither man nor dog looked up as Ace and I passed. Ace was interested in the other retriever, who showed no sign that Ace existed. Obviously older than Ace, nothing fazed him.

The weather was warm, although the roads and sidewalks were still icy. I shuffled along, depending on Ace for balance 10 or 11 times. I ended up shortening our 3-mile route down to 2.91 miles from cutting corners and walking on the roads instead of sidewalks.

Once home, Ace crawled onto his dog bed, not even bothering to follow me around like he normally does.

How was your walk today?

April miles: 2.91