Pets, Guilt, and a Little Unconditional Love

The other day I was going to take my parent’s dog for a walk – Joey, the cutest little Bichon Frise you ever did see.

I enjoy taking Joey out, and have often thought about getting my own dog. Though pet ownership is a big responsibility, and I haven’t been brave enough to tackle that responsibility.

Back to Joey and our mutually enjoyable walks. It’s always a blast to take him out. His dark eyes light up big and wide as soon as you ask him if he “wants to go out?” His tail starts to wag so fast, it becomes a blur, and he smiles big and wide.

Yes, dogs do smile.

As I was getting his leash, he jumps and barks happily, trying to grab it out of my hand. He knows he’s going out to enjoy some fresh air, and occasionally run into some of his playmates – the other dogs in the neighbourhood.

I got his leash on, had my poopy bags in my pocket – yes I stoop and scoop – and opened the door.

It was raining!

It wasn't raining when I asked Joey if he wanted to go out. In the short five minutes or less it took to get his leash on, it began to rain.

Joey had already ran out and was standing on the porch, wagging his tail, still excited to go. He doesn't like the rain, but he was still gang-busters happy to be out on a walk.

He looked back at me, as I hesitated, knowing I was having second thoughts about going out in the rain.

Then he came up to me, pawed my leg, then ran back to the edge of the porch as far as his leash would extend.

Awe, I thought – I can’t let little Joey down.

Who could turn down cute doggy guilt?

So, I said “okay, we’ll go for a short quick walk.”

I locked the door behind me, and we went out into the pouring rain, Joey walking happily as if it was a sunny day, pulling ahead as he always did when he was excited to get out.

We didn't go for a long walk – sometimes we go out for a couple of hours – this time just about 15-20 minutes. And Joey didn't run into any of his playmates, but we were both happy to be out and about.

Joey was happy to spend some time out of the house, and I was happy I didn't let him down.

It’s amazing how much our pets mean to us. They really do become part of our families, and just like a parent with their child, we’d do just about anything to make them happy.

Though we both arrived back at my parent’s place soaked, it was an enjoyable experience. 

And I promised Joey next time we’d go on a longer walk, to make up for the shortness of this one.

And you just know I’ll keep that promise.