I love it when people bring their dogs with them around town. Whenever I bring Katie out with me on errands and for walks downtown, people love it. Many a random stranger's day has seemed a bit uplifted by an unexpected encounter with a happy, friendly dog during their days; in the waiting room while getting an oil change in my car, just about anywhere you could imagine save where dogs are absolutely forbidden, she has accompanied me to the amusement and delight of strangers and dog lovers.
I get mothers and their kids coming up to me all the time to ask to pet her, or people who just smile and get that lift in their chest from seeing those paws go pattering by; dog lovers of all kinds emerge in the faces of would-be strangers. My favorite is when we come across kids who are interested in petting her, because my normally excitable dog Katie just sits calmly, and closes her eyes and lets them pet her head for as long as they want; until they feel her silky ears and can't believe how soft they are and start asking me all kinds of questions about her. If we talk a walk in the neighborhood around the time when school is letting out, there is always a chance of us coming across a bus stop full of kids. And they are so cute. And I love what they bring out in my dog!
Here is a girl (an actress!) and her golden retriever at a flea market. Now look how patiently the puppy waits on the sidewalk while his human does her shopping. Do you think he'd rather be couped up all by himself at home or out experiencing new sites, sniffs and smells with his favorite human? No contest!
I bring Katie with me when I go to the bookstore downtown, or to drop off or pick up materials at the library, or just to stroll the downtown and check out the street vendors; really anytime I'm going out for something and know that I'll just be making a quick stop. Sometimes I just want to go read a book outdoors and need a change of scenery, so we hop into the car and head are off together for the beach or the park to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
A few weeks ago she accompanied me when I went to Circuit City to have a kickass new mp3 player installed in my car. We packed a few leashes (for wandering-around room), some chew toys and treats, a book for me & a ton of water for both of us. An hour later and voila - my car was equipped finally to take full advantage of my excellent and diverse tastes in music that can only be fully realized through the wonder of mp3!!! And my overgrown, little tuft of brown fur Katie was with me the whole time, keeping me company, trying to 'gank my yogurt while my attention was turned to locating her brush from somewhere in the bottom of my bag - that rascal! - and joyfully chewing away in the shade of a tree knowing that she is a priority in the life and times of her human friend.
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