Take Me Out

‘A dog will take you out’, my Aunt is fond of saying. Her wise words never made much sense to me until the arrival of our family mascot last autumn.

Feeling the winter blues, recent life changes and the pinch of the recession but determined to stay afloat, our little Belle arrived to rescue me. Focusing on her issues from an unknown past but obvious neglect, she became our family project. Allieviating some of our collective sadness, bonding us in joy and love.

Days when I felt unable to put one foot in front of the other, I walked on. In wind and rain, snow & ice. My concern for the dogs welfare overriding any hint of my own self pity. Out walking on dark winter nights I feel safe with her by my side. At home, she dances and barks along to our songs and laughter. Hugging, joking, chasing, even shedding a tear together.

So we started to gain momentum. Going from walking to wunning to running. Both of us getting stronger, fitter, happier and healthier. My canine BF has taken me out on more than just 10k runs. She has helped me to feel more love and joy in my life and an excellent reason to put my running shoes back on again.