My Running Coach

   Today I had a full day of errands planned, but the dogs made it eminently clear that they were coming with me. Okay, adding "dog park" to the list. They waited patiently in the car while I ran into Costco to order contact lenses and buy Pellegrino, then stopped at Gary Gribble's to get fitted for a new pair of running shoes. (My current ones are over two years old and my toes go numb when I run. Probably a bad sign!) Then we were off to the park.

   It was a balmy (for December) 47 degrees and sunny, so there were quite a few dogs there. My guys were having a good time chasing each other, then spotted a 4-month-old yellow lab puppy and started chasing her. She darted toward me and squeezed between my ankles to escape the wild shibas, then rolled on her back and wagged her tail. I'm glad she did, because her owners came over to chat.

   The woman and her son said the pup's name is Izzie, and this was their first time at the park. They adopted her from Wayside Waifs on the woman's birthday. The more I talked with them, the more I liked them. The woman was so friendly and upbeat, and her son was bright, outgoing and a real character. They were asking me about the other area dog parks and I did my best to tell them everything I know.

   Before long Izzie came back toward us at top speed, with Taylor chasing her. She stopped on her owner's feet and Taylor went into full barking mode. I explained that he's a hunting dog and LOVES to chase, and was trying to get their dog to run some more. He wouldn't hurt her, but his bark was certainly sharp and loud. The son was beaming, looked at me and said, "He's telling her to run. He's like the coach!"

   That was a nicer way of putting it than I normally would considering how annoying and persistent Taylor is. And just like that, Tay has a new nickname. His previous nickname was "Bratwurst," which Mike started; a nod to his portly stature. Wait 'til Mr. Mike sees Taylor... who has put on three pounds over the holidays!!! I need to start running regularly again or invest in a doggy treadmill. Sheesh.

   Aki and Coach and I spent some time running through the woods before we got back into the car to finish our errands. The dogs were good and quiet. (The run and that 4-pound bag of roasted duck jerky that I picked up at Costco helped.)
   I sure hope I see Izzie and her family at the park again soon.