Murph Takes Me Walking ...
Posted by Sunny O'Malley on
Our precious and now six (6) year old puppy boy "Murph" is one of the truest and sincerest loves of my life. He is always happy, upbeat no matter the weather (unlike me) and always ready to go on a new adventure.
As the weather has turned cooler, he seems even more joyful to head out on our morning walk. This morning was no exception. The sun isn't shining today, and although it isn't raining or snowing, the air is cold and I'm ready to go home before we even get started.
Murph and I always begin our walks giving thanks to God for the blessings of being together and being able to take this walk. We say a prayer for all the doggies and kitties who are sick, and ask God to help every pet parent and pet heal from all illness. If you are reading this and know of someone who needs prayer (animal or human) please feel free to let me know and I will add them to our list.
So on this cold morning I prayed Murph would not take me walking up one of many steep hills featured in our neighborhood. He's very generously kept me on flat ground most of the previous week, so this morning he took a sharp left turn to head up the steepest hill in the neighborhood. At one point, he stopped, turned around and begin walking down the hill - only to stop and sniff a shrub in someone's front garden. I said, "Murph, you are such a good boy, you know Mommy is ready to go home!"
But ... Murph turned and looked at me with a sheepish grin on his face, as if to say, "Oh Mommy, that's just not what I had in mind!" So being the pushover that I am for him (and only him) I end up right behind him going back up the hill.
The rest of our walk was, for the most part, uneventful. We shifted into overdrive any number of times, only to come to a screeching halt to stop and smell the roses … or the leaves … or whatever Murph's nose "knows" is worthy of his interest.
When we got home we had gone on an almost 2 mile walk. I gave Murph his breakfast and thanked him for making sure I got my exercise for the day. I would never endeavor out on a day like today just to take a walk. But Murph gives great purpose and meaning to the routine. I'd be lost without him. To all of you who have a dog, I believe you feel the same.