A Run of Surprises

We turn the corner, going the long way home. He walks happily beside me as I think how awful the sidewalks are. With water skimming over top the ice just to make it that more lethal. So much for our run. But as I look up I see the long stretch home is clear. Maybe a little wet, but we're already soaked, no big deal. We start running, both of us exhausted before we even begin. He runs by my side. I think to myself how odd that really is. Usually he is way ahead of me pulling me along. But now, a few years later, I'm the one pulling him at times. I ask him if he's feeling tired. No answer. Which is how it usually is with him. But I don't mind. As his energy level sinks to a 5 on the 10 spectrum I tell him how good he's doing and how proud I am of him. His pace quickens a little. My voice retreats, and so does his speed. I find this interesting. I continue to encourage him. He quickens. I tell him we're almost there, excitement in my voice, he begins running harder, to a point where he begins to pull me so I don't get left behind. I laugh and we stop running. I give him a love slap telling him he's done wonderfully.



I begin thinking. If my words of encouragement and my happy tone can encourage my dog out of his old age, to run harder, to run faster, just because I'm telling him he's a good dog, how much more do words of encouragement and love mean to those who understand their meaning?