Taking The Sun When It Comes

 Gratuitous Photo of Sophie....She likes lying in front of the front door....even when there is a newspaper there!

This afternoon my friend calls me and tells me, "It's sunny now, it should be for a few more hours, and then the rain is coming."  We had planned to walk the dogs this afternoon, but the forecast was calling for rain, so we figured it was out.  I called her back, told her I could be ready in less than an hour, and we agreed to meet for coffee and a walk.

Now, lemme tell ya....I'm not sure I'm going to make it as a parent.  Just trying to get the 2 dogs rounded up was exhausting enough....and I still forgot the doggie bags (for cleanup).  Thank goodness she brought some along!  When I tried to put Sophie's harness on, Audrey jumped all over her trying to get in it.  So I finally put Audrey's on, and realized I had put Sophie's on wrong....I take it off, but when I go to put it back on...she was having none of it.  I think she thought she was in for one of our long road trips back home, which she hates. 

We get to the cafe, the one table out front was open, so I grab it.  We get our coffee, Audrey goes in my lap, and Sophie is happy as a clam.  She really, REALLY loves people, and a ton of people wanted to pet her.  Audrey on the other hand frequently had my fingers around her snout because she is not particularly fond of strangers, and definitely not a fan of other dogs she doesn't know.  Imagine 10 lbs. of ferociousness.  It's pathetic.  However when a dog (who clearly was a wolf mix) came to say hello she was happy to meet her.  Go figure.  And Audrey gladly let a little girl stroke her for a long while.  Sophie on the other hand cried every time people went away.  And she really loves other dogs and met about a dozen.

We took off on a long walk, and they enjoyed it.  At one point about 6 kids ranging from 2-4 were in a group with 2 moms and while Audrey stayed a bit back, Sophie was quite happy to make friends with each and every one of them.  And one little boy, once they moved on, came running back to pet her one last time!  We stopped and discussed gardening with one couple.  We waved to 2 old ladies playing cards on a porch.  And for the last leg of the trip, I picked Audrey up and carried her because she was beginning to lag behind, exhaustion set in.  In the car she stretched out across the front seat and fell asleep.

I love taking them for a walk.  However, it's hard with 2.  Audrey's little legs stop to smell everything, and Sophie tries to walk me!  Thank goodness by the time Jen had her she had calmed down (people!  smells! other dogs!) and walked easily with her.  We're planning on walking them a few times a week once summer is here, and I know they're going to love that.  Hopefully the sun will shine and these two will learn that the car is a good place again.  (Audrey never seems to mind, really, but then again she likes sitting on my lap on long car trips when G is driving.)