Monday, January 11
Desert scene near Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California
The photos in this post were taken yesterday while Reggie and I walked the desert.
Bridget does not appear in any of the photos because she didn’t want to go on a walk.
There are days when Bridget will walk with us and enjoy herself. On those occasions we go very slowly and stop often to give her a rest.
We don’t go far.
When we’re in campgrounds, I push her in her stroller on the smooth campground loops. The stroller isn’t an option, however, on the rough surface of the desert.
Subsequently, Reggie and I aren’t exercising the way we should. I’m struggling to keep my weight under control which is difficult for a person who loves to eat and whose daily exercise is limited. And there’s health and well-being to consider, too.
This lack of exercise is turning me into a slug.
As for Reggie, he’s much happier, less rambunctious, and more likely to sleep well when his abundant energy is expended during the day.
What to do?
Well, I’m training Bridget to accept the absence of Reggie and me for longer periods of time. Whenever Bridget indicates she doesn’t want to walk, Reggie and I leave her in the BLT and walk as far as we need to for optimum results for both of us.
The first time we do this, a few days ago, Reggie and I return to camp and, as we approach the BLT, I hear Bridget’s cries from within. Gosh, I hate to do this to her!
I try to make up for our absence by creating a joyful reunion with much loving and many hugs, enough to have her tail spinning with happiness.
I encourage Bridget to join us for walks.
She needs exercise, too. I can’t force her to walk though. If she doesn’t want to get out of bed, that’s her choice.
This morning Reggie and I leave Bridget behind while we go on a long walk.
The brisk air encourages us to power walk. I can feel my energy level rising and my overall feelings of well-being improving. We walk all the way behind the mound of dark volcanic rock that you’ve seen in photos in the last few posts. Reggie is in his glory! He loves these long treks!
He’s being true to his nature.
When we return I hear a few whimpers from Bridget as I unlock the door. I push aside my automatic response of feeling guilty as I pull open the door.
“I love you, Bridgee Babee!”
Another joyful reunion follows and happiness is restored.
This may sound cruel to you.
Sometimes situations occur in life where there is no perfect solution. The passing of time usually smooths out the rough spots. All of us, including our pets, have rough spots to climb over.
I hope Bridget develops an attitude of “Okay, you two take your walk. I’ll stay here and rest and I’ll see you when you return.”
As long as we’re on the subject of rough spots . . . .
Several of the readers of this blog are dealing with health problems these days, either their own or those of someone they love.
Recently a reader shared her ongoing confrontation with cancer in a comment she purposely tucked under an old post where it wouldn’t receive much attention. In our email correspondence that followed she told me she did that because she didn’t want to hijack my blog.
I wrote a reply to reassure her that sharing personal medical challenges is not a hijack. Rather it opens the door for discussion of benefit to all.
We all face health issues at one time or another.
Anyway . . . . I am so impressed with this reader’s attitude toward the poor prognosis she’s received and her pro-active response to it that I am posting her comment and an excerpt from one of her emails to me. You can find her words in the comments section.
If you’ve been a follower of this blog, you probably will recognize her name and sweet spirit.
rvsue
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