Got My Steps in Today (Not Intentionally)!

So my morning today started off as a typical day. After a few cups of coffee, I usually take Molly out early to beat the heat. We work on the Longe line and practice the exercises for the week (we’re in Week 4, aka “hell week”). I packed up some water, grabbed the leashes and headed off to a nearby park, arriving around 8:30. It was still nice in the shade. When I got there I recognized a couple working their adorable little Chiweenie on the longe line. They are taking the Foundation Course with Roxanne, too. They are are very sweet couple! After chatting for awhile, I started Molly on the line. I used their little pup as a distraction and vice versa.

After about half an hour Molly and I practiced our week 4 exercises in the covered picnic area. Then it was time for the cool down. I decided to cross from the side we were on to the baseball field on the other side of the parking lot. Kids on their bikes, scooters and skate boards on the other side of the fence provided great distractions. It was getting warm and there was not as much shade as earlier so I started walking toward the car. As I went to grab my keys that I had tucked in my waistband (no pockets in these pants), they weren’t there! I looked at the vast expanse of grassed area I had traversed and sighed, I swore I heard Molly sigh, too. She may have even rolled her eyes!

So the hunt began. We walked up and down scanning the grass as I went. The car was locked with my phone in it, as well. As I searched I thought about my options. Walk home? It was too hot. Sit at a bench and rest til my husband noticed I’d been gone forever? Or just keep looking? I decided on the last option. Poor Molly was exhausted but she had to stay with me, of course. She used to do this thing all the time where she would jump on the back of my legs while we were walking. That was her way of telling me she was tired or scared. She hasn’t done it much lately but at one point I felt her on the back of my leg. I pushed her off but also felt bad for her. She was, like me, tired, thirsty and wanted to go home. Each time we approached the car she would pull toward it and park her rear. I always talk to her so I explained we could not get in the car because I lost the keys. She just stared at me and cocked her head with that “really?” look. 

Since she wears a fur coat all the time, I knew I needed to cool her off. I got some water from the bathroom faucet, cupped my hands to make a bowl, and offered her the water. That girl was parched! After the water break it was back to business. Outside the bathroom, I met a friendly little girl who commented on Molly being cute. We talked about the dog for a minute then I told her about my keys. She said she’d let me know if she found them. I thanked her and decided at that moment I would offer her a reward if she found them.

While making a sweep of the part of the park where we had started the day,  Molly went nuts. I thought she had found the keys. Of course that was just wishful thinking. She was tugging at the leash, swirling in circles and wanting to break free. I thought what on earth does she see? I calmed her down, got her under control, then I saw him. Mike had arrived! She loves Mike to pieces! He was sitting on a half wall, holding two bottles of water. Cold water. Yes!!! He said he came because he had gotten a little worried. I’m usually gone for about an hour. It had been over two hours at this point. I told him what was going on. When he asked where I’d been I said “everywhere.” Mike doesn’t get discouraged very often but looking out at the park, he shook his head. Yet, he took off scouring the ground as he walked. After quite awhile he called my name. He had  found my keys in the grass! My hero!!

We got in the car, drove home and Molly collapsed. I actually heard her head hit the floor! I put her in her crate where she slept peacefully for three hours. What a trooper. I just love Molly!! Mike, too. They are so patient with me and the crazy things I do. 

Though I didn’t have my phone on me, I know I got my 10,000 steps in for the day! So did Molly! Here she was as soon as she walked in the door.

Then we did this in the afternoon.

Week 4 Exam

It was a long, hot day. We’ll all sleep

well tonight!