When I finally do wake up, saying "Good morning, Brink" isn't enough to make him stir. Without lifting his head, he'll shift his eyes and look at me with his big puppy dog eyes while gladly accepting the petting and ear rubs. His stillness and look suggests he wants to pause the moment and make the morning cuddling last forever. Pretty soon the attention and excitement of me being awake is too much for him to handle and he'll stretch and crawl closer to my face and put his head across my chest. His tail will start to wag and then his whole lower body shifts back and forth. As I move the bed sheets off of me, he springs up like a jack out of its box!
Brink and I have quite the routine. We've both adjusted to my work schedule. We both know I have plenty of time for a lazy morning walk every single day. And Brinkley is anxious for it from the moment I finally move my butt out of bed. He follows me around from the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the bedroom. He watches what I'm doing and what I pick up. He stares at me while I sip my coffee. If he could tap his foot impatiently I'm sure he would. He knows what pants I wear on our walk. And he knows which shoes I grab when it's time. He sits in front of me and watches me lace up my shoes. As soon they are tied he runs to his leash hanging on the wall and back to me. In his head he's probably thinking, "Come ON, Mom! You don't need shoes, I don't have them. Let's go!"
Our walks are peaceful. Brinkley gets to run when we near grassy open spaces. And he knows to slow down and wait for me when I say "With Me." He trots along beside me keeping watch for the nearest bird, squirrel, or fox. I'm patient enough to let him stalk one when he does spot it. He largely ignores the other dogs passing by. I think we both have a bit of pride in that he doesn't acknowledge the other dogs. With head held high and an impressive stride, he marches beside me to the beat of his own drummer. When I pick up speed, he picks up speed. His ears flop back a little and his dog grin gets bigger! It's a beautiful sight to see. There's no greater way to spend a morning than knowing I'm making my dog THAT happy.
Our morning constitutional has become addictive. I think I now understand why President Truman loved his morning walks so much! It gets me out of bed and it lightens the whole day. Brink and I both get our exercise out of the way and I can leave for work feeling a lot less guilty.
Who knows - maybe we'll take up evening walking too! I know Brink wouldn't mind. And I'll never turn down the chance to see a big old Brinkley smile!
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