Dog Walking-- at it again!!

Fall just feels like it is a time to have a dog. We are going out for walks in the cooling air on trails in the woods and it just doesn't feel right without a dog running ahead of you. Last fall is when Bob started walking those two wonderful dogs from our apartment and now that they have moved to a house with a yard, they don't need us anymore. And we miss them, especially now that it is fall.

We have gone back and forth about whether to get our own dog, but our practicality always seems to win the battle. Being in an apartment right now, we can have a dog, but just don't feel that it is fair without a yard. Especially because we want a medium to bigger sized dog. I know it could work, but sometimes with those long days, and the dog not being able to get out, it just feels like it is not the best idea.

So we decided to practice our dog-walking skills again and have signed up to help with a dog shelter in the area called Homeless Pets. We started last night and had a blast. The dogs are so glad to get out and it is so fun getting to know all of them. There were even little puppies we got to play with. On the weekends, many of the dogs are taken to PetSmart to try to get adopted.

An 87 year old lady who lives near the shelter loves the dogs and has offered her back yard for the dogs to come and run around, so not only do the dogs go on leashed walks, but get to have their own little dog park.

As we were walking them yesterday, Bob and I were reminded of so many spiritual implications. Many of these dogs have been abused and are a little apprehensive but then become so trusting when you show them some time and love. They are also so eager to get out that they sometimes forget to enjoy their walk and are just tugging the entire time (sounds familiar to my life...forgetting to enjoy the journey). Anyway, we feel blessed to get to have some time to do this.

We also found out that you can "check out" a dog for the day and take it hiking with you, or just to hang out. One lady takes a different dog each day to her work because she has a dog-friendly work place. It is nice to be able to spend time with these dogs who need it but not have to worry about living with one in an apartment. We are thankful for this opportunity.

Cooking Assistant

My friend Jessi told me about this awesome opportunity that I am going to really work to take advantage of. Cook's Warehouse in Atlanta is sort of a cooking supply store but they also offer all sorts of cooking classes with different themes and genres. I was especially excited to see a pumpkin one where every dish included that wonderful fall vegetable!

Anyway, after signing up herself to be a cooking assistant, Jessi has now convinced me. What I will be doing after taking an orientation and knife skills class, is getting to sign up to come a bit early and help prepare for the classes by chopping vegetables, etc. Then as the chef is teaching the class we can help out in any way necessary (which I think usually means washing dishes...), but we get to listen in on the class and take home recipes and leftovers!! The cheap side of me loves this because while I am not actually paying to take the class, I will be reaping some benefits of it. And I guess that after assisting in a certain number of classes, Cook's Warehouse allows you to take a class of your choice.

Bob is encouraging of this endeavor because he will also enjoy the fruits of my learning :)