I got my back pack on...

I got my backpack on.

Today is the first day of school for lots of kids.  Lewis and I are excited to get back to our usual walk/running schedule now that life goes back to, what feels like, normal.  He has his back pack on and is ready to go!

A few years ago I bought him this back pack and put some sand bags on each side so he would tire out faster on his walks.  It also seems to give him a sense of purpose, or a job when he wears it.  In the beginning, though, I didn't think it would work.  As he gets a little older, it seems to work beautifully.  He even carries his own poop "deposits".  Bonus for me :)

On our walk today we had to walk past the elementary school that my daughter went to, it's across the street from our house, so really, we have to walk past it every time we walk.  Lewis laughed smiled laughed (he definitely laughed) that the kids have to sit inside, and that his school is the whole outside world.  

Naughty Lewis to laugh like that!

As we walked we saw lots of fun stuff.  Not your every day ordinary stuff.  We went over some railroad tracks that we don't always go over.  There was a new face on the tracks today.  Usually it's just the usual squirrel, and even though that is SOOOOOO exciting for Lewis, today brought a new friend.

It was a little black and white cat.  Unfortunately I didn't get the picture fast enough.  But Lewis saw it, and squealed at it.  He wanted so badly to play with it.  But we had to keep walking.  So he smelled and smelled for it...

Are you here little kitty?

He searched and searched for it.  But eventually he gave up, learning that he can't always play with everyone.  We practiced sitting at all the corners today, and how to be the better guy when a dog lunges and barks at you from their yard.  This happened twice today, and both times he did great.  This is such a HUGE thing for him.  He used to just lose it at the sight or sound of another dog.  Now, after much practice and school, he can control himself much better.  Lots and lots of treats help too.  See, school is fun, not something to laugh at, Lewis!

After about an hour, we went back home so I could walk the other 2 dogs.  And Lewis was happy to let them walk...

Have a great day everyone.  And GO PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

~Tracy & Lewis ♥