Ace and I walked 2.98 miles this morning. I noticed birds singing for the first time in months. Dozens of birds. I think they were having a party.
I let the mutt carry an old Frisbee that he found and stole from one of our neighbor’s trash piles. Apparently a few didn’t get the memo that there was no trash pick up last week or this week in Fargo.
When Ace and I got to the park I let him run off leash and he got pretty fixated on the toy. My mutt is weird with Frisbees. He doesn’t obsess over retrieving them as bad as he does with a tennis ball, but he wants to rip Frisbees to shreds. This Frisbee was made of rope material and other fabric, and it was destroyed after about three throws.
Anyway, once it was unthrowable, I made the mutt “drop it” and “leave it.” This was good practice for him because I had him heel off leash and ignore the toy.
On our next leisurely walk I will carry a tennis ball in my right hand. This is a good mental exercise for Ace because he has to focus on heeling on my left and moving forward rather than obsessing over the ball on my right. It’s very hard for him, and it’s something I haven’t done with him in a long time.
April miles: 8.97
How many miles are you up to?
Ross
Friday 3rd of April 2009
I try to walk every day, but my dog is a bit particular about what weather she will go for a walk in. She hates the rain and hates cold winter winds. Lucky she is small enough to play ball in the house and get some exercise. But going for walks is so much better, not just physically but mentally for your dog.
Lindsay Stordahl
Friday 3rd of April 2009
Way to be positive Apryl! You're right. Anyone with employment right now should consider themselves lucky.
Chris, it's really not so bad here anymore. I think it was around 35 degrees this morning.
Susan, I hope Stella recovers quickly!
Glad you are participating, Nancy!
Nancy Hoffman
Friday 3rd of April 2009
We are up to 6 miles so far! I am determined to do better than last month ;) I am in NH and heard peepers for the first time this year, spring has finally sprung. Thanks for the great challenges. Nancy and Stewie JRT
Chris
Friday 3rd of April 2009
I heard Fargo was really getting hit with bad weather lately, flooding and then a lot of snow. That picture looks so cold. You are real troopers to walk in that weather.
Apryl DeLancey
Friday 3rd of April 2009
Um, yeah...I think we're up to about 2. Nice, eh? Being one of the fortunate ones with steady employment I won't be complaining about how busy work has been. In fact, I have to work all weekend - BUT - I am going to hike with Gus on both days. His diet is taking extra weight off of him but he needs more exercise. So do I, my pants feel a little tighter this morning - ugh!