The Radical Act of Skipping the walk
It physically pains me to forego exercising my dogs even if just for a day. The guilt and shame crawl up my throat and leave me feeling nauseated. Their eyes pierce me like lasers from across the room. Many of us feel immense guilt and shame when faced with the idea of skipping our dog’s walk. And yet, we excuse ourselves from caretaking for our own bodies on the daily. I think there’s something wrong with that picture.
Just when I think I am about to be swallowed alive by the catastrophe I have created- I remember something. First of all, I say to myself…I haven’t gone to the gym in a week- and I’m still alive. Second of all, my dogs were out for two hours yesterday. And third of all, who taught me that I wasn’t allowed to take a day off? Is it really worth the potential fallout?
The truth, often, is that dogs are resiliant animals- just like we are. They can actually tolerate you taking a day off because you’re in pain, or irritated, or otherwise unable to provide the care you usually could. Life happens in seasons. Life happens in community. Life happens when we begin to recognize we all must make sacrifices for one another in order to live in harmony. Your dog is capable of making those same sacrifices for you. So- whoever told you the lies that float in your head when it crosses your mind that you need rest, they were wrong. Your dog will be just fine. You can make it up to him when you have the capacity to.
I am not suggesting you never walk your dog again, but I am suggesting you listen to your needs too. I am suggesting you establish a support system you can rely on when you really just…can’t. I am suggesting you have a plan in place for the days where going outside or moving your body feels impossible. Whether it is calling a friend to walk your dog for you, or feeding them 3 chews in a day just to keep them from bothering you- you need to allow yourself other options.
I It’s not gonna be your day everyday- and that just is. Your dog deserves a version of you that is taken care of to the best of your ability.
