It’s sunny outside, and I thought it would be a great idea to go for a little adventure with my puppy, Keiko.  With the winter and spring temperatures finally wearing out, why not enjoy this comfortable weather before it gets too hot.  Preparing Keiko for a walk is always amusing.  We have two different leashes, one which is just a simple 5′ length leash which is used to tie her to the front yard’s rope so she can run around and not try to explore the world by herself (which she has done several times and miraculously walked across the very busy street next to our driveway without any injuries), as well as an extendable leash.  From the past two years, she has learned to distinguish which leash means that she’ll get to go on a walk and which one will just be confining her to the boundaries of our front yard.  After seeing the extendable leash, Keiko jumps up at the front door all excited knowing that she’s going out for some fun.  Plastic bags in pocket, some hand wipes, a puppy on an extendable leash, our checklist is complete.

 

Due to some problems with my car from an accident about a year ago, I am forced to take the bus everywhere as an alternative method of transportation.  Keiko enjoys sitting on my lap and looking out the windows of the bus.  Every time the bus makes a stop, it throws the poor dog off balance and I have to wrap my arms around her to make sure she knows that she won’t fall down when I’m around.  Finally!  After riding and waiting for bus transfers for about 30 minutes we arrive at Greenlake.  Here, bike, running, rowing, walking, rollerblading and all sorts of exercise enthusiasts swamp the narrow two-lane path that encircles the small lake.  On this particular day, because the weather is great, it is more packed than usual. 

The path that surrounds Greenlake is about 3.4 miles long.  Walking it can take anywhere from an hour or more depending on how slow you walk; I walk very slow.  Along the path we see children scattered all over the grassy areas as well as bunnies chewing on the grass and scurrying away at anyone or any dog that seems to be making advances towards them.  One complete revolution around the lake and it’s time to head home.  Listening to Keiko’s heavy panting it’s time to find some water for her and myself as well.

Riding the bus back home, Keiko quietly naps on the seat next to mine.  Not being able to sweat must be quite a chore for the dark haired dogs such as Keiko, relying only on heavy panting to keep cool.  Keiko is sleeping upstairs on the sofa in the living room and I prepare myself for a nap as well.  That is the end of the adventures for today.