I can’t believe that we only closed the retail store a month ago. It seems like an eternity. What are we up to? www.wildmountainonline.com has turned into an online store for dogs that walk their people. There are a few things for people, really. Jon is pursuing his love of guiding. Janet is finding homes for people at Santa Fe Properties Cheers to all that read our blog!

    We like to procrastinate. I will get up right after the next email or commercial. It’s that face that looks imploringly at me. The eyes are so bright and eager. It forces me to put on my coat and shoes no matter what time of day or night, good weather or bad. Once launched through the door and into the street, I begin to sense the feeling of joy that only comes from movement. The world comes alive and takes me out of my head. I am beginning to truly understand the Zen of dog walking.

v     I walk for no reason and neither does the dog. The benefits inherent are simple. Healthy exercise: It’s like having a personal trainer setting the pace.

v     Improved outlook: No matter how tangled up in my head, my dog walk can set me free.

v     Social interaction: I would not say hello or carry on a conversation with strangers unless my dog made me do it.

    So let’s talk about what one needs to participate in this activity; actually nothing special. Of course we can spend a million dollars on this activity or nothing. That is why many people are attracted to it. No need for oxygen tanks and Sherpas or scuba gear. Just comfortable shoes and a leash (for the dog of course) .Here is just the short list for this activity.

Dog

Dog collar and leash

Hat

Sunglasses

Headlamp for night walking

Safety vest for dog

Drinking water for you and the dog

Collapsible dog bowl

Cooling bandanas for the heat

Dog coat and booties for the winter

Paw wax for sore paws, ice and snow, hot pavement

Small daypack to carry all this stuff

Stun gun or pepper spray to stop hostile dog attacks

A lawyer to defend you against hostile dog owner attacks

Therapist to help process the dog walking trauma

    Evidently, any level of participation could require all or none of the above. So, take it from me, dog walking produces a lasting bond between you, your dog, and the known world.