The Vet Told Me To Go For A Walk

Was this clickbait?
Kinda.

But she really did tell me that my daughter’s dog needed to be walked every day. And we all know what that means.

I’ll be the one taking Doots on her daily walks.

Doots is my daughter’s chihuahua, and she weighs 9.5 pounds. She’s a little potato. The vet said she’s about three pounds overweight—which doesn’t sound like much until you realize that on a nine-pound dog, three pounds is a lot.

The problem is that this sweet little potato is a food hound. She has never met a food she wouldn’t eat. If she sees something go into your mouth, she’s convinced she deserves some too. It’s hard to tell her no when she looks up at you with those big brown bug eyes while you’re trying to enjoy a sandwich.

I mean… that last bite won’t hurt her, right?

Well, apparently it will.
So will the chips.
And the cookies.

So now I suppose I’ll have to put her in my bedroom and shut the door when I eat. It’s the only way to avoid the guilt of seeing her beg—and my own complete lack of self-control.

Thus, the vet told me to go for a walk with Doots.

I already exercise daily, but it usually doesn’t involve pets. I ride my stationary bike for 20–30 minutes each morning, and later in the day I’ll either lift weights or do yoga. No pets involved. See?

But Doots is a very important part of my life now.

My daughter moved back in with me over a year ago. She was going through a divorce and needed a safe place to land. Along with her came her pets: Doots the chihuahua and Tina, a beautiful husky. I love having them here. They get along with my cat, Ash. I have a fenced-in yard where they can play without totally wrecking the house. And I genuinely enjoy their company.

Dogs have been described as the clowns of the pet world—and it’s true.

What I didn’t realize was how much they help when grief becomes overwhelming.

They’re comforting when the tears start flowing. They listen without judgment when I’m angry that my husband isn’t here. They make me laugh when I feel numb and withdrawn from life. I can’t imagine my life without them now.

Yes, they can be a hassle.
Yes, they need attention.
Yes, they are always there when I need them.

I cannot imagine my house being a home without them.

So I’ll go for a walk, just like the vet told me to.

It won’t be solely for them.
It will be for us.

Blessings,
Bethanne