Gone To The Dogs

Last Thursday morning, in preparation for today's routine physical, I waited for the opening of the local blood drawing establishment with others who were there for the same purpose. One man was particularly chatty and talked about how early he had gotten up to be there.

It was just after 7:30 a.m.

I mentioned that I had been up since 5 a.m., the time that Bingley and Magic wake me for their morning walk.

The man harrumphed, "I'd have a talk with my dogs if they did that to me!"

If I have a "little talk" with Bingley and Magic, it will only be to say, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you."

My doctor pronounced me to be in Excellent Health.

I have no doubt that walking Bingley and Magic most mornings is that key to that happy pronouncement.

There is an abundance of research confirming that dog walking is among the very best forms of exercise. And as people age, it can be a life saver.

It has been found that contracting with a human walking buddy is not nearly as reliable as setting a routine for walking a dog.

Some people might be sufficiently hard-hearted to resist the nuzzle on the hand, the bright, shining eyes and wagging tail, but I'm not. And research indicates that there are a lot of people a lot like me.

So. Thank you, Bingley and Magic. I owe you, Big Time. How about a walk tomorrow morning. Say, a little after 5 a.m.?