I join a friend who has two dogs. One is older, the one entrusted to me, always, and a rambunctious young border collie she is training for an Agility competition. Both dogs are delightful smelly company.

The park where we walk has a leash law, no off-leash running. For off-leash fun, we visit a large field where the uneven and often wet ground deters many but not us.

Tucker and I ramble, he marks his presence frequently. Occasionally he moves rapidly to a spot of interest with me jogging to keep up. I let him control where and how we progress. The walk is meant for his pleasure.