The Sad Dogwalker

I am sitting in my office right now and like everyday around this time - early afternoon - I see my neighbor heading off for her afternoon walk with her dog. I work from home and my office is in the front of the house; my desk faces out the front window. I have a great view of all that happens in my neighborhood; delivery trucks coming and going, school kids slowly walking home after getting off the bus and neighbors that go for jogs or take their dogs for walks.

I have to commend this one neighbor -if anything she is consistent. She walks everyday. Today it is a beautiful spring day here in the PAC NW - but right now - sunny days are few and far between. This lady walks her large black lab-mix dog everyday; rain or shine, cold or hot, Sunday through Saturday. Having been a professional dog walker for the past eight years, I notice people walking their dogs. But never have I noticed someone so committed to the daily walk as this lady.

The part I find so bewildering is - everyday - she looks so unhappy. I wonder why. I don't know anything about her except that she walks everyday. A couple times I have been in my driveway as she was passing and tried to catch her eye to say hi or at least wave - but she only looks ahead - almost like she is trying to not look around her.

I am not sure which house she lives in, I don't know if she works from home or works at all. I don't know what her family is like; does she have children, a husband, a partner? Is this her workout for the day or does she only walk because she feels obligated to care for this dog? Is she deep in thought about something troubling her? I wonder why she would be so committed to something and seems to be miserable doing it.

I have things to do everyday that I really can't stand doing. I hate, hate, hate unloading the dishwasher. I hate putting laundry away. Many days it is like pulling teeth to get my butt up to workout. I hope I don't look like I hate the world while I do these things.

This is a random thoughts post - no real value here. Well - maybe it is a reminder to do things you enjoy doing and enjoy the things you do. Or maybe it is a reminder to walk the dog - if anything - at least he looks happy.

Until next time...Amy