Tales From The Road

« Beauty Buzz: Aromatherapy--Scent of the Season | MAIN | Running to save lives: Breast Cancer Awareness Month In The South »

Posted by Sara Jones, October 1, 2009

My afternoon exercise coach is a real taskmaster! She doesn't care if I'm tired, if I've had a long day, or what.  There she is waiting impatiently for me to change clothes and lace-up my walking shoes.  Before I can catch my breath, we are out the door and heading for a long walk. So who is this personal trainer?  Why our dog, Miss Maya, of course! She's the cute golden retriever in the picture.  If you notice a tail

Photo

behind her, that is our other dog, Mr. Maxwell.  He might go on a walk with us, but he prefers hanging back, usually on the couch.

Even though I go faithfully to the Shades Valley YMCA every morning before work, I find these afternoon walks with Maya give back more than fitting in extra fitness.  They give me a chance to unwind, relax, and stop and smell the woods (almost 300 acres) that surround our house.  On the weekends, we make a point to walk at least 10 miles.  Sure, there have been afternoons or weekends when I think I really need to stay inside.  But then, sweet Maya looks at me, places a paw on my knee, and I'm done!  She is already racing down the driveway knowing I will be following.

We want to hear from you:

"How does your pet keep you healthy?"

Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you.  You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.


Related articles:

http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/pets-place-00400000008324/

http://livehealthy.southernliving.com/2009/06/pet-friendly-hotels-loews-nashville.html

http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/healthy-eco-friendly-pet-products-00400000052192/

http://www.southernliving.com/healthy-living/mind-body/pick-right-puppy-for-family-00400000008686/

Comments

Are they full bred golden retrievers?

~Kat~

Posted by:Katrina Russo | Friday, October 02, 2009 at 12:31 PM

My lab and beagle are my walkers, We walk ever morning. and evening . There always there with that look and love ready to go

Posted by:lois Sussman | Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 06:35 AM

Have you ever had a house rabbit? They don't like loud noises, busy t.v. shows, or too many people running around them. My bunny forces me to turn off the electronics, sit calmly, and do nothing else but pet his nose. It's an easy going moment of peace that's always refreshing, one I wouldn't have if he didn't remind me to take it.

Posted by:Rachel | Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 07:55 AM

I have a cocker spaniel and a rescued lhasa apso that have helped me through a surgery and a huge move away from my family....they are the best therapy!

Posted by:LINDA | Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 12:40 PM

My Jack Russel, Mickey, is an 11 year old who loves his regular walks, at least 3 times a day. Sometimes we go out for really long walks but reagardless of our walking time, for Mickey and me, any time together is quality time. The walks however, are better for both of us. I am having problems with my right hip (which will probably be a hip replacement surgery job!), but the walks with Mickey will keep me mobile longer than I would be, if he hadn't been my wonderful, faithful friend.

Posted by:Marylin | Tuesday, October 06, 2009 at 03:21 PM

Since our dog died in 2003, we have been without a dog. It was fine for a whiloe, but one month ago I rescued a cocker spaniel from a rescue place here in Wisconsin, and he has helped me lose about 14 pounds. I have to move by having him; including going for daily walks, bending over all the tiime and just playing with the four month old puppy. He brought life back into our family. With me being newly retired it brought joy to my dull life and back on track to keeping my weight down. Exercise is a must when having a pet and it sure is fun too.

Posted by:Pat B | Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 06:24 PM

My English Springer Spaniel, Georgia Mae, keeps me healthy with laughter, love, and daily walks. She is the best greeter when I get home from work. She brings an immediate smile to my face after a long day. We enjoy walking together, espeically on Saturday mornings when our time is limitless. She also is the best snuggle buddy and companion when my husband is gone on business. I can't imagine my family without our dog, Georgia Mae.

Posted by:Kate | Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 09:35 AM

If I don't take my little Yorkie for a walk at my local track she sits and whines at the door until I give in and we go for our nightly walk.

Posted by:Gift Baskets | Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 11:43 PM

Not only does my dog keep me physically healthy through walks with her but she keeps me mentally healthy. She gives me unconditional love and tons of kisses after even the worst days at the office!

Posted by:Cole | Thursday, November 05, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Post a comment


 

Search This Blog
Advertisement
Contributors
Allison Barnes
Laura Helbling
Sara Askew Jones
Norman King
Erin Shaw Street
Our Blogs
Coastal Living
Cooking Light
MyHomeIdeas.com
Southern Accents