Walking With Kodi

Kodi and I go for a walk twice a day. We walk around our neighborhood, to the local park, on the bike path and along the dike.

He's a strong and energetic dog, as you can imagine from the picture. Still being a puppy, he's encountering new things all the time.

He was born in December, so he's never seen Autumn leaves, Canadian Geese flying overhead, fuzzy caterpillers or so many squirrels playing and storing their acorns for the winter.

He's often frightened by new things we encounter, such as little children (my son is 17) who are loud and quick, skateboards or bicycles. Even strangers approaching us on the street can make him anxious.

Yesterday morning we had to pass some 'orange barrels' along the roadside. He was terrified of them, until we walked close enough and stopped, so he could give them a hearty 'sniff' and check them out. At times he's frightened and at other times he seems to be trying to protect me.

Our walks have been a bit harrowing, as we have been charged by a young pit bull, an adult german shepherd and an adult german shepherd mix. There are far too many dogs left unattended and off leash in our neighborhood.

Kodi has some neighborhood friends too, a Siberian Husky named Dodger who came over for a play date, a Siberian Husky named Jarrett and an Alaskan Malamute named Phason whom we visit when we walk. Our neighbor has a Lemon Beagle named Maggie whom Kodi has a bit of a crush on.

Maggie's brother Jack lived with her until a couple of months ago, when he jumped against and knocked down the new baby. He was quickly whisked off to live with another of their litter mates at a friend's house, leaving Maggie alone in the yard.

She often sits outside crying at the back door which inspires Kodi to howl for her and to cry with her, while keeping a watchful eye on her.

Tonight, we went for our walk around 7:30 and it was dark before we got home. That was a new experience for Kodi, walking in the dark. He discovered everything looks different.

I'm looking forward to walks through fall leaves, the sights, smells and sounds of Autumn, as they will all be new to Kodi. I am grateful for the chance to see our world anew, through the eyes of my Husky companion, the wonderment and joy he demonstrates is a joy to share.