I’ll admit it: There are some days I just don’t feel like taking Zeus out for our morning walk. I’m tired or it’s too hot outside or it’s too cold or I have too many “important” things to do or whatever…. my litany of excuses is long.

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But then I think about the commitment I made when we chose to bring not just a dog, but a Siberian husky, into our family. That I made a promise to provide him with a happy, fulfilled life is usually enough to get me up and moving — well, that, and the fact that he will wake me up at 2 AM if I don’t make sure he gets enough exercise. He is a Siberian husky, after all.

So I lace up my shoes. I put on his

leash. I grab a poo bag and we go. We walk. And before we’ve even cleared the last porch step, something magical happens. I feel more awake and the weather’s not bad at all. Nothing is stressing me out. Zeus throws a look over his shoulder and his beautiful, smiling face puts everything in perspective.

That’s the magic of walking the dog. It’s the perfect antidote to whatever may ail you. It’s something we should all do more often.

So lace up your shoes. Put your dog on his leash. Grab a poo bag and go. Walk. And before you get too far, see if you don’t feel better already.

Brooke Keane
Editor, West Suburban Dog
editor@WestSuburbanDog.com