I am now amongst those I judge!

It’s almost summer here in Idaho! Spring break is a sign of this. I’m in Sandpoint for the break and the warm weather is inspiring. Having pulled my bike out of storage, it’s time to retrain Jayda, my 10 month old yellow lab puppy, how to heel beside me as I ride. This is something she had mastered by the time she was 4 months old, but that was months ago. She picks it back up quickly and we start getting into a routine.


The first day we go for two short mile long rides and the second day about 2 ½ miles. The third day, having arrived in Sandpoint, I get a bit overzealous and take her out for 5 miles. She’s struggling some the last mile or so, but I attribute this to her being tired. Little did I know that the pads of her feet had just been worn completely down. I felt so bad I was nearly in tears. I never meant to hurt her and honestly, I had no idea that could even happen. After about 24 hours of guilt ridden nurturance to her poor feet, I take her to the vet. I walk in and say very seriously to the woman, “I need narcotics!”. Her expression is a cross between shock at my bluntness and annoyance towards my apparent drug seeking behavior. I then explain to her about Jayda’s feet and how I feel so bad that I just want to knock her out for a week while they heal. She laughs at me and says, “Honey, just give her aspirin!”


This is how my puppy came to get her first pair of shoes. Secretly, I have always judged those that dress their dogs up in clothing. I am now amongst those I judge! I’d like to think a distinction can be made though; made between pink dresses and black running shoes. They serve their purpose though, so laugh if you will!