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Dogs Are Welcome

In Seattle, my home of 23 years, more families have dogs than kids.  It’s not uncommon to see them in strollers or as ring bearers at a wedding.  It could be reduced to cost, space, time, or simply preference that has factored into this decision for families.  Whatever it is, these furry friends are everywhere.  People have even moved here for the ability to take their dogs to work with them.  Fortunately for me, I’m a fan.  Because of this, I’m happy to say that I have everything necessary to welcome in the big and little, old, and young pups to assist you with your workouts.

“Emotional support” is a term I appreciate.  I’m not shy about my love of high intensity being a part of every program.  The nature of these timed activities has become a fun way to include said friends.  I cannot, however, take credit for this idea…Tova did it first.  She is a golden retriever who is very good at “waiting” until she is told the release word “free” to eat her treat.  So, when her human planks, she waits, and when her human suffers even more through battle ropes, ball slams, or wall sits, Tova waits at a safe distance, within eyesight, as if to say, “Mom, you’ve got this.”  The one problem the three of us have learned is at the end of a countdown the word three is said excitedly. To a dog who is eagerly waiting, it sounds to her like it’s time to take the treat.

Having a furry friend join us for a workout not only takes worry away from leaving them at home but it also adds a bit of fun.  There is water, treats, toys, a blanket in the winter, and a patch of dirt (sometimes grass) for them to roll around in.  The leash is at a safe length to allow them to watch birds, squirrels, people, and other random activities without us worrying.  On a rainy day, we can put up the pup gate and let them watch the outdoors while the fresh air comes in.  There is also the added delight of watching their curious expressions when different sounds are made.  Sounds mostly come from equipment but sometimes from humans.  My pup, Bowie, does some great head tilt and ear moves when my husband grunts during a heavy lift, with her looking from him to me asking, “Is something wrong with him?”  Then, there is the enjoyment of talking to them about the workouts.  “That was a good one,” “Just one set left,” or “I did it!”  Bowie gets properly excited at that last one. 

The unfortunate reality of fitting exercise into our lives is exactly that, fitting it in.  We humans live busy lives.  We need to earn the money to pay the bills and find time to “adult” on top of that.  Laundry and house cleaning, groceries, food prep, and sleeping as much as we are lucky to get, are all important things. Eventually, the kids people have grow up to understand that all this is a pull of our time, but our pets do not.  As puppies they get left alone in a yard, in the house free to tear things up, or in a crate.  The hope is that their crying will stop when they learn that there is no one to cry to.  They learn the routines we have before we leave even more than we are aware of ourselves.  Sad eyes trying to slow you down or change your mind… they don’t want much, just to be with you.  They are also living beings that deserve and need to be exercised and stimulated in their day.  Once again, this takes time.  Until a kid is old enough to be self-contained, they require a great deal of time. With hounds (which is what hubby calls all dogs), they find independence much sooner.  Because of this, it is easy to accidentally spend less time on them.  The same can be said of ourselves. 

Dogs are welcome

Tova in the gym working out on the Bosu Ball

Two birds with one stone: bring them with you and give yourself the exercise and stimulation that you deserve as well.  Walk to the gym or drive, either way, you are spending time together out of the house, away from work, and moving parts of your body that wouldn’t have been moved otherwise.  Eventually, you may both start to look forward to it, and I guarantee your sidekick and body will thank you.

Keep Moving.