December Blues

It is just the start of December and already I am prepared to crawl into my bed, pull the covers up over my head, and wait until Spring. I know that when I do this, my 70 lb pit bull, Wyatt, will be right on my heels, nudging me to lift the covers for him, too, burrowing into my abdomen, and falling fast asleep. If you are anything like me, this sounds simply dreamy. However, my logical brain tells me that this is not reality; that my dog, however content he may appear to be to snuggle the days away with me, would be much happier with a romp in the great outdoors. Funny thing is, although I may be longing for the warmth and comfort of said bed, I, too, am happier once I've had that romp with him. It is easy to come up with an excuse, especially this time of year, to forgo the donning of layers, the bundling of scarves, and the chattering of teeth, but the truth of the matter is that once we are out there, coffee in hand (mine), nose to the ground (his), I realize that this is the best part of my day. Of OUR day. In the midst of the daily grind, this is an hour of freedom, of peace, of enjoyment. We are all so busy, so tasked with daily to-do items, that in the face of 20 degrees, walking the dog can feel like one more task at the end of the day. As a full-time graduate student, I am particularly appreciative of a moment's rest, but I am keenly aware that I, and my dog, would rather a few moments' peace. This peace, for me, truly is found in the great outdoors with Wyatt. Sitting down at the end of the day "for just a moment" before beginning to study often leads to an hour, or two, after which I have accomplished nothing and really have less energy than I did when I first arrived home. Getting out for a walk with with the pooch not only provides me with the time with him that I long for all day, but also revitalizes me. And Saturday and Sunday mornings? I wait all week for them! Even though it's freezing outside, even though when my alarm goes off Monday through Friday I dream of nothing more than to stay in bed until I'm good and ready to get up, I can't deny the pleasure I get from throwing on my warmest clothes, hopping in the jeep, stopping for a coffee from the local cafe, and hitting the trails in one of the many wooded areas in my city. Besides, I can't think of a better way to repay my pal for being such a good boy, waiting patiently for me each and every day, and keeping me warm when it IS time to crawl under the covers. Can you?