"How can I love you today??" -every dog everywhere 😍🐶

So many folks I have talked to during shoe appointments have expressed how much their pets in general, and dogs in particular, have helped them cope with the stress and anxiety of this past year.

I couldn't agree more.

Dogs should be awarded "Person of the Year" of 2020. Heck, they deserve the award every year.

I asked my clients on social media to send photos of their dogs to me and let me tell you, this was the most fun I have had on Facebook, ever. Just look at these faces!!!!

I am lucky enough to have a golden retriever in my life (see Gunney's mug shot at the very bottom) who loves to humor me with long walks/hikes/runs.

He is good for about 2-4 miles of running (in cool weather) and up to 10+ miles of hiking. And at nearly 10 years old, this is super impressive.

Here is what I have learned/been reminded of from walking and running with Gunney:

1. pace yourself. Gunney likes to sprint at the beginning of a run. This often comes back to bite him at the end.

2. bring hydration. All that panting requires extra water.

3. smell stuff. Gunney uses his nose to investigate his world. I have started to do more of this, too. However, I do not get quite as into it as he does.

4. check on your running partners. Gunney always looks back to make sure I'm ok after he darts out in front of me. I am always fine, but it is sweet to have him monitor my status.

5. run right through puddles. This is just more fun than running around them. *** Business plug: waterproof On Running shoes will make this activity even more enjoyable. Email me for details.

6. stretch before and after. Those hips and shoulders need a good down dog yoga stretch.

One of my favorite reads from 2020 is a collection of poems by Mary Oliver called "Dog Songs". It is beautiful and makes a great gift for dog lovers. I have selected a few of my favorite quotes from the book. Also, enjoy these amazing photos of FitFooter's dogs!

"Because of a dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?"

"And it is exceedingly short, his galloping life. Dogs die so soon. I have my stories of that grief, no doubt many of you do also. It is almost a failure of will, a failure of love, to let them grow old - or so it feels. We would do anything to keep them with us, and to keep them young. The one gift we cannot give."

"A dog can never tell you what she knows from the smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing."

"EVERY DOG'S STORY

I have a bed, my very own.

It's just my size.

And sometimes I like to sleep alone

with dreams inside my eyes.

But sometimes dreams are dark and wild and creepy

and I wake and am afraid, though I don't know why.

But I'm no longer sleepy

and too slowly the hours go by.

So I climb on the bed where the light of the moon

is shining on your face

and I know it will be morning soon.

Everybody needs a safe place."

"You're like a little wild thing

that was never sent to school."

"Some things are unchangeably wild, others are stolidly tame.

The tiger is wild, and the coyote, and the owl.

I am tame, you are tame.

There are wild things that have been altered, but only into a semblance of tameness, it is no real change.

But the dog lives in both worlds."

Comment below with your favorite thing about walking/running with your dog! If you need some great shoes to wear while playing with your furry friend - let's set up a personalized shoe fitting experience! Dogs are welcome to attend, as well!

Stay well, FitFooters and FitPaws! 🐾

:) Betsy