Thursday, July 10, 2008

Doggy-robics

I have been whining lately about my weight and how hard it is to lose the fat. Last week I may just have stumbled upon the answer, and I think I will call it 'Doggy-robics'.

When Molly left this world, she left behind a cabinet full of dog food, doggy treats, and flea and heartworm medications. I decided that the best use for it was to give it to a local organization called 'Abandoned Pet Rescue'. So I bundled it all into the car last Wednesday and brought it over. The people who run the place were very nice and thanked me, then they asked, "would you like a tour of the shelter?". Now I don't fault them for it, but a tour is obviously their way of finding the soft touches. A way of finding people who might want to come and lend a hand with the animals. People like me.

Before I went in there, I pictured the place as being full of pitiful neglected animals that were once somebody's pet, but quite the contrary, all the animals seemed happy enough for where they were, and they were definitely not neglected. While taking the tour, the nice girl who was showing me around, asked if I would like to walk some of the dogs.

Stepping into a cage holding strange dogs can be somewhat intimidating, but as soon as I was in, the residents, Rocket and Carrie, enveloped me in dog love. After getting the leash on Rocket, and wiping the dog slobber off my face, I was off through the maze of gates to the outside. Before I knew it I had walked seven large dogs up and down the grassy expanse between the street and the railroad tracks. I only fell once, and managed not to step into any dog poop, but I know that was just luck because it was everywhere.

When I returned home all sweaty and full of dog slobber, my feet hurt, my legs ached, and my left arm felt like I had done fifty, one arm pull-ups. I figured I had walked seven large dogs, most of whom pulled as hard as they could, over uneven, rocky, poop strewn terrain, a total of twenty blocks or two miles. It was the hardest workout I have had in a long time. So yesterday, after a week of recovery, I went back for more, and in the ninety degree heat and humidity, I did it again. It's nice to have somebody so happy to go out with me for a change.

9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful thing for you to do Alan. Besides the workout, you are getting and giving those dogs love and attention. What lucky dogs that you decided to go there and take "the tour". I just wonder how long it is going to take before you bring one (or two!) of them home with you.

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  2. That is so wonderful of you to help those abandoned dogs out. They really need the excerise. I use to volunteer there everyweek with the cats. I would clean their ears and trim their nails. Everyone should volunteer at an animal shelter once in their lives. It's a noble gesture.

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  3. so who is the next member of the household?

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  4. I am not ready for another dog, definitely not a cat.

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  5. i want the brindle one...is shipping included?

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  6. The brindle one is named Madden, and is one of the nicest dogs there. He walks without pulling and is very lovable. Unfortunately you have to come and get him. He's only about a year and a half old.

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  7. If you get another dog, be sure it gets along with cats. Madden is so cuuuuuuute. He love like a "Happy Dog!"

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  8. I agree with Anonymous. Great thing to do, but be careful. You may get attached real easily. Imagine the adjustment that would take for Fat Kitty.

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  9. Cuteness was the reason we drove all the way to Ohio to pick up ZOE! Be careful and don't get sucked in too soon after losing Molly....and no, Laura, I don't need to find her a new home...I will adjust!!

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