Dog on Head. Again.

The war continues unabated. Early this morning, I went to the bathroom and when I came back Rusty had sprawled across my pillow, and looked at me, practically gloating. I shoved him to one side and laid down. He then predeeded to plop on my head and lay his face directly on my face. And snore. Score one for the pup.

In better news, Rusty is quickly becoming the dog I dreamed of. That is, one who forces me to get off my butt and work out. When I get home from work and change my clothes and put on my sneakers, he knows it is time for a walk. He waits by the front door, and sits down so I can put on his leash, and then we take off for a brisk neighborhood stroll. I am trying to go a little further each day, and he is up to the task, prancing down the street, tail bopping, tongue wagging, attracting admirers all the while and flirting shamelessly.

Our walks have developed a pattern: the first block or two is okay, and then the next half-mile is continually halting as Rusty smells every pole, stick, or post that may have seen past visitors. In addition, any moving leaf, squirrel, piece of garbage, or rock is cause for a momentary chew to determine its yumminess or lack thereof. I won't even tell you (and you) what he put in his mouth the other day, it was too gross.

Then he settles in and walks wonderfully, and no matter where we are, he seems to know when we have turned and headed for home. When he realizes this, he begins walking MUCH faster, pulling a bit on the leash in his excitement to head home. I like to let him try and take the lead here, just to see if he knows where to turn, and amazingly, he does a pretty good job. I guess that is just innate dog ability. When he gets to the last block or two, he breaks into a run -- as much as I allow -- and I drop the leash at the houses next to ours and he sprints for the front door.

I've always enjoyed walking or running outdoors, it is relaxing and a great destresser. It has always been a good time to organize my thoughts, discard any nastiness, and work on my mental to-do list. Walking with Rusty has actually been even better. When I walk with him, I find I am thinking only of walking with him, and I come home refreshed and chilled out. We have to keep it up. Maybe I'll even get back into my skinny jeans again....sigh.