We made it out for a walk today

As soon as I got home today I let Rocky outside as I changed out of my work clothes. Then straight to the back door to let Rocky in while I looked for his blue collar and leash. Of course, I had to grab the little contraption that hangs from the leash that holds a small roll of doggie bags. Yes, that kind! Couldn't find the blue collar so I squeezed him into the red harness. Yes, you heard right, I squeezed him in. He's almost grown out of it! Two weeks ago he could pull himself straight out of it, but no more. Out we headed.
We walked through our development and into the neighboring development that actually has walking trails. Altogether we may have walked one mile, but I don't really care about the distance. I was just wicked glad that my puppy stayed with me. Or...I should say, that he even walked! See when we first got Rocky he wouldn't walk on a leash worth beans. Now, he heels beautifully and we haven't even been to obedience class yet! Everytime I slowed down or stopped he was right beside me or right in front of me sitting just like he is in the picture below.

Isn't he such a good boy? Funny story. While we were out, we crossed one road in the neighboring development that is right in the middle of a ton of construction. On our way back, there was a truck full of workers coming up the road so I stopped and waited for them to go past. While they were taking their didly old time, Rocky sat right beside me perfectly patient. All of those guys were paying more attention to my wonderful dog than they were to anything else (driver excepted). Did I mention how much I love my dog?

Rocky and the Dog Park

I'm lucky. Really, I am. I live within thirty minutes of anything I could ever want. That said, I took Rocky to the dog park this afternoon. The dog park is about 8 minutes from my house. Yesterday when we went there were only three other dogs. Charlie, a yorkie, Napoleon, a mutt, and an Australian Sheep dog. Rocky got along just fine with them. In fact, he loved chasing and playing with them. Not so today. There were quite a number of dogs there today. All of them bigger than him. Now, Rocky isn't afraid of big dogs, but most of the dogs today were pretty aggressive. Rocky's used to being the aggressive one so the dog park turned out to be quite an experience this time. He didn't really run around with the dogs today, but he did take more time to get to know the dog owners. In fact, when it was time to go, I had to pull him away from some other people that he just didn't want to leave. Crazy dog. You'd think he doesn't like me, wouldn't you. I wanted to take pictures while I was there, but since Rocky wasn't doing much there aren't any pics this time. Maybe next time.

This is a big step in my own life. I'm not usually the kind of person that is comfortable around complete strangers, but Rocky gives me common ground with them. I can carry on a conversation just by beginning to talk about our dogs. He's good for me, that boxer. Gets me out of my house, walking around, and socializing. Ack! what's this world coming to...I've spoken to four people that I had never met before just today. Change is in the air this fall and I kinda like it.