I owe “my” walking regimen to the house quadrupeds, of which there are three.

The director’s cut version:

You can call it persistence, insistence, or pure consistency (who doesn’t love a routine?), but when the sun rises, so does the restlessness of the four-pawed roommates.

Quick background: our dogs have almost always been exclusively rescues. Currently, there is the patriarch and all-around Chief of Police, a foxhound/pibby/beagle mix with a taste of long-haired dachshunds and a nose for trouble. Then, there is the female – a mixture of shepherd/blackmouth cur and skittish horse – the most velcro (to my better half) dog known to man. Finally, there is the Pomski, technically a rescue because he wasn’t thriving with the other pack he had been homed with. His Pomeranian/Husky designer threads have certainly managed to shine since joining our local paw patrol.

And it’s Loki – the Pomski – who lives up to his name by being the first up and ready for a mile around the neighborhood every morning, while engaging in trickster-y hijinks. Pratchett (named for Sir Terry, of course) might as well be Vimes of the Watch for his intensity in investigating the mailboxes and stones around the yards, sending and receiving data and information with endless flow of pee-mails. Stormie is least willing to accompany the boys, unless her mother figure accompanies the group, which she does most times. Even so, she backs up her rumbles of suspicion with hackles of unexpected intimidation.

They have dubious pack manners when we encounter other sentient beings, ranging from trying to jump up for pats, to grumbling and rancorous lead tangling. They generally act as though the concept of walking on leashes was something I sprang on them that very morning. More than once, my watch has asked if I’m OK after my fall (I didn’t fall).

The radio edit:

All that to say that I manage at least a mile, usually two (weather – especially heat or rain – permitting) everyday. Given the predictable tomfoolery and shenanigans my three amigos get up to most days, it’s more like a full-body workout.