Panera, Pals, and Puppies

Today was a great day. It started with a few appointments and then lunch at Panera with a good friend and continued with an afternoon full of puppy play time. A word to the wise: if you have yet to enjoy the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, I highly suggest it. I was more than satisfied with the meal and the company was phenomenal! It is always good to get together with a friend and just eat, sit, and talk. The conversation is light and upbeat, the food is delicious, and the feeling of fulfillment is always a keeper. There is just something great about getting out of the house and seeing friends.

And, of course, what better reason to get out of the house than to walk the pup? There aren't many people out and about to make friends with during this cold winter, but every now and then we run into someone or something. The pup never really seems to know what to do with himself. As if his thoughts are," Oh boy! Mom, a person! A bunny! Another dog! Can I please, oh please, go play?! Please!" I swear, I must walk him for a total of two hours dispersed over four walks each day and he doesn't ever seem to tucker out. So, today I devised a fantastic plan... I leashed him with the 20 ft recall training leash and tethered him to my midsection and just let him run all around the back of the townhouse. Needless to say, my pup was so excited to be more than 5 ft away from me and have the freedom to gallop and jump and dig and do what puppies do. And, I was glad for the break as well. I was able to watch and laugh from a reasonable distance and just enjoy my puppy being a puppy. It was wonderful and I am already looking forward to Spring and the dog park.

Today was definitely a great day.

Sunday, Fun Day

Today started bright and early with daily happenings as usual. Wake up. Roll over. Stretch. Breakfast with the pup. Brisk walk around the block. Kennel. And then Church. After Mass I returned home, gathered the ingredients for chili, and got my dog ready for a puppy play date with my new friend and her lovely mutts. The afternoon, although cold and dreary outside, was full of warmth and sharing, friendship and laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and so did the pup - trust me, he hasn't had the opportunity to run and play with other dogs for a few months... he was in heaven. This is even further proved by the long and peaceful slumber that followed our return home. My afternoon was chock full of good food, interesting tales, and even a home improvement experience - all the makings of a solid friendship. I am so glad to have made a friend and I look forward to many more Sunday, fun days. I hadn't a clue what was in store this afternoon, but because I have come to embrace this newfound and somewhat often occurrence of occasional uncertainty I am better for it.