Backpacking

After a few blocks, Zoe's dragging on the leash. Poor girl! Her little legs just don't like the mornings. If I could go later in the day, she might enjoy walking more.

Meanwhile, Missy's raring to go. Both of us have gained a few pounds since Zoe's come; we're not walking as fast or far as we used to. Missy tugs and wants to hurry up, so we pop Zoe into the doggy backpack and off we go. W's got backpack duty today. "Don't take a picture of my face!" he laughs. "I don't want to show up in dog pictures."

Zoe can see everything from her perch. When I trade sides, she turns to watch Missy and me.

W suggests we let the dogs run in the park to see if that helps Zoe's fitness, endurance, and leg strength. As usual in Seattle, we scan the treetops for eagles before releasing the dogs.

Missy won't come when called, so I clip the leash back on and walk her around the park. Zoe lags behind and then runs full tilt "bounce, bounce, bounce," hind legs together, catching up with us. She loves to gallop through the newly mowed grass.

When we get home, the dogs eat raw chicken for breakfast before playing with the dog toys we bought at Denny's Sunday sale. I jammed a long twist of jerky into the center of the ball and stuffed some treats into the rubber cat. Missy and Zoe stay happily busy for a long time, working for their food.

Good doggies!