Kind of a funny story. The other day I was wondering what to write about for my favorite things post as I was getting ready to walk my 14-year-old hairless terrier dog Nacho. Walks are something I do most days, barring inclement weather or an illness. I mean, really, there is nothing better for your physical and mental health. Walks relieve stress. Boost your mood. Lower your blood pressure. Elevate your feel good hormone dopamine and your endorphins. The exercise is good for your heart, your joint health, and your muscle tone. Sunshine innaturally infuses you with vitimin D. Socializing on your walk, either going with someone or chatting with people you meet, is one of the best ways to fight off dementia. For me, walks are a short mental vacation. They’re also great for working through a book plotting problem or listening to a writer’s workshop on my phone. Frankly, walks are just what the doctor ordered.
Which brings me back to putting on my shoes and getting ready to go out. I thought, why not write about walking Nacho? Not only is it something I do almost every day, it really is a favorite activity of mine. But I can’t just write about walking. That would be boring, right? Agreed. So, come join me in a typical walk with Nacho. Oh, and yes, he’s wearing Haloween pajamas.
As you can see from this picture of Nacho, walks are one of his favorite things, too. All the physical and mental benefits that are good for people are also good for your canine friend.
One of our favorite places is the park by our house. There’s lots of green all year long and cool places to explore like this wash.
Sometimes we have to take a break. Both Nacho and I have arthritis and and get tired 🙂
Cathy McDavid has been penning Westerns for Harlequin since 2005. With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world seven years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
Yes, thanks you for the reminder as to how beneficial it is to be out walking. Many a time I have been stressed and just pick up and take a walk, praying the whole way. When I return to that issue I left, I see it in a whole new light. GOD gives me that comfort and breath of fresh air I need at just the right time. We used to so very much enjoy walking with our dogs, when we had two miniature poodles. At one time we were visiting Clingaman’s Dome in the Smokies and another sojourner asked me if the dog/baby in my arms was real or a toy. It was funny, but also very wonderful to recognize our first miniature poodle. We have had three of them. Our #2 baby was there at the end of Tippy’s life and finished her time with us shortly before #3 passed away. They lived to be 17 years old, the last two, while our first baby, Tippy, acquired liver problems due to being too close to bug spray, when we thought he was okay being with us. Who knew he would sniff the odor from under the office door? Apparently he sniffed up some of the spray. WE don’t have pets anymore as it is too hard to see animals die before ourselves. Nowadays, in our waning days, I wouldn’t want to leave a baby behind for fear of what would happen to them.
Thank you, Judy, for sharing. I have also prayed while walking. The solitude and being outside are a perfect setting for reflection of any kind. And I loved hearing about your precious fur babies.
Thanks for taking us on your walk Cathy & Nacho. You made my morning. Love the Halloween pjs.
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn!
I enjoyed that walk. It is often too humid here and my asthma kicks in.
I can sympathize, Debra. It’s often too hot here to walk other than in the very early morning hours or later in the evening after the sun sets.
I walk 2 miles a day, 6 days a week, but instead of a dog by my side, I have earbuds in my ears, listening to an Audible book. Since I sit in front of a computer so much, I really need the exercise.
Good for you, Janice. I love audio book, too, and often listen when I walk.
That’s the second time this morning God reminded me to start walking again. Loved the video of you and Nacho’s walk. My dog’s name is Taco. Guess I know what I need to do, now.
Taco! I love that name. And I just got back from my walk, Jan 🙂
Nice!! I used to go for walks at a park near my home, but since I’ve gotten my exercise bike, I ride it every day! That way, I have no excuse not to ride no matter the weather!! I even made sure I had a path to the bike after bringing outside things in for hurricane Milton so I could ride!
I’ve thought about getting a bike or a treadmill. It gets so hot here in the summer, indoor exercise is pretty much the only option other than going to a gym. Good for you, Trudy.
Good morning, yes I agree about walks. My husband and I walk our 11 yr old pup every mornng 7 days a week. We walk a little less then 2 miles a day. We go in the mornings and sometimes we see the most beautiful sunrises here in West Texas. where we live there are streets and it is also part desert where houses haven’t been built. Anyways we walk on a trail and we get to see desert animals and lots of cacti. We really enjoy our walks. When my husband is out of town , I take our pup on our walk or when we are babysitting our daughters half Chihuahua we all go on our walks together. I always look forward to our daily walks and our pup does for sure also, he really loves exploring. Your pup Nacho is cute and I love his Halloween outfit, Thank you for taking us on your walk. Have a great day and a great weekend.
Hi Alicia. Good for you, walking every day! I loved reading about you, your husband and your dog. So good for all of you 🙂
Thank you for introducing us to Nacho.
He is quite the character 🙂
Nacho is such a cute dog and so good that he helps you get your walking in. I don’t get out and walk like I should, too much traffic to walk on the road and the terrain is too rough around here to walk like I used to. Afraid I might fall and break something at my age so don’t want to risk that. Keep walking and writing.
While walking is good, you do have to be safe. A few years ago, when I lived in our previous house, I used to drive to a nearby park for a break 🙂
Cute dog!
Well, he’s kind of funny looking, being hairless and all. But in a cute way 🙂
What a fun blog, Cathy! Loved the glimpse into your walking routine (and I loved the cover-up of the potty break. LOL)
I, too, am a walker. 25 minutes a day, same route for years. When I don’t walk, I just don’t feel right mentally. I can’t think or focus nearly as well.
When I’m on deadline and want to write after lunch, I take a short 3-block jaunt, inhale deeply, and make sure I look into the sun (with sunglasses on!) It is AMAZING how I can come home, and the words just flow.
When I can’t walk outside, I try to squeeze in yoga, but I don’t enjoy it nearly as much, although the stretching is excellent for the body, too.
Great blog, Cathy!
Good for you getting out everyday. I couldn’t agree more about the mental clarity derived from taking a walk. Sunshine and fresh air are Nature’s balm 🙂
I wish we could walk our dog. We live in the country and the road isn’t safe to walk on even without a dog on a leash. We have a good fenced in yard for her to go out. She was a rescue who had been dumped in the woods. She is about 9 or 10, and I don’t think she ever was on a leash much. She panics when she hears cars or any loud noises. I should still get out and walk, but it seems a bit ridiculous to drive 10 miles each way to walk a mile or so.
I am glad you enjoy your walks. It certainly looks like Nacho does.
Hi Patricia. I loved hearing about your precious rescue. My Nacho was also a rescue and has a few issues, too (he’s not very friendly to strangers – human and canine – and takes time to warm up). You are a wonderful person to take care of your fur baby.