The Old Dogs

I take our family dog on a walk on a weather permitting-basis and have for years. We walk together on a nice little path that circumvents what our family fondly calls “Hand Pond.” Molly has now surpassed me in dog to human years, and I’ve noticed her slowing down significantly as we walk along. In fact, she’s actually hesitant and yes, even reticent to accompany me on some days. I have to coax her out the door, which is in stark contrast to her younger days when she’d wag her backside off just at the prospect.

As for myself, I don’t think I’ve slowed down my pace yet as the dog to human years have passed, but I do know that something has changed. Let me tell you about Molly and my walking experience this morning.

We decide to go a different route today because of the heavy rains and the prospect of a muddy path so are on the sidewalk alongside 84th Street. Cars come and go and we trudge along paying them no mind. Then a car comes toward us and I hear frantic, excited, yipping, yelping - whatever it is dogs do. I quickly look up and there is a dog hanging out the window barking madly at Molly!! My mind does a flashback! I remember in my younger days when on occasion (may I clarify – VERY SELDOM), I’d hear a CAT call from a passing car. What’s just happened here?

Later in our walk, as we passed Poplar Bridge Park, we meet another dog walker. Her canine friend is small, has a mouth muzzle in place and fortunately a sturdy leash. This dog goes ballistic when she sees Molly and her owner can barely control her!

Once again I am upstaged by a dog - and an aging dog at that! Where are the CATS when I need them?!