Where would many of us be without four-legged friends to help us through the past 17 months? I didn’t actually adopt a pandemic puppy (I’m waiting until after my sabbatical to do some serious looking), but have been knee-deep in new and long-standing dogs in my life. And I’m grateful to all of them. We walked together, played outside, cuddled, and had such a good time (this includes their generous owners as well).
In honor of all the therapeutic and joyful recent dog walking, I composed a little song. It”s meant to be sung to the tune of “To all the girls I’ve loved before”, a very sappy country crossover duet by Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias. You can find it here. I happen to like my version better, but you can be the judge.
Herewith:
To all the dogs I’ve walked this year….
To all the dogs I’ve walked this year
To do a favor or as volunteer
I’m breathless and agog
I dedicate this blog
To all the dogs I’ve walked this year.
To all the dogs who’ve strolled with me
At times when they don’t have to pee,
They lifted my brain fog,
I dedicate this blog,
To all the dogs who’ve strolled with me.
(Time for the bridge…)
This damn pandemic’s paralyzed me
But when I was scared to leave
some wagging tail would tantalize me
and once outside I’d feel reprieve
(back to the verse)
To all the dogs who love to snoop,
who jump in trashcans and then roll in poop,
or even eat a frog,
I dedicate this blog,
to all the dogs I’ve walked this year.
To all the mutts of my best pals,
to pooches everywhere in all locales,
I’ll be there with a treat
or something good to eat
for all the dogs I’ve loved this year.
(back to the bridge one more time)
This damn pandemic’s paralyzed me
But when I was scared to leave
some wagging tail would tantalize me
and once outside I’d feel reprieve
(last verse, raising melody a half tone to indicate impending emotional climax)
To all the dogs who’ve shared their time,
who brought me happiness and bright sunshine,
I’m grateful and agog
I dedicate this blog
to all the dogs I’ve walked this year.
(fade out in some way or other)
The cover photo (also below) is a sampling of the dogs I’ve walked this year. They are, clockwise from top right blond dachshund: Columbo, Monty, Kiwi, Bailey, Ruby, Wylie, Dixie and Kita. There are others to whom I’m also very grateful. Treats for everyone next time I see y’all in person!
