Repetition, Deviation, Hesitation

Everything I say to the dog I repeat. Perhaps it's a natural skill I used on my children so they'd have double the chance of understanding. "Who's a good boy then? Who's a good boy then? What a lovely morning. What a lovely morning. Shall we go for a nice walk? Shall we go for a nice walk?" It's driving me nuts but I can't seem to stop. It just feels right to do this with a juvenile creature who can't answer back. It's probably getting on Hugo's nerves too. One day he'll just snap, "Oh, for heaven's sake it was dull enough the first time. Please pay me the compliment of assuming I understand your banal drivel." Except he's too polite. I say he's too polite.

Off again then, another day. We're into our second week together now, and he's obviously feeling more settled. He doesn't follow me around quite so much. He knows if I turn left it's for the loo or the freezer, and I can do both of those things alone, though he'll potter around just to check; if I go straight ahead I'm going upstairs and that will take a little while so I will definitely need company. Off on our morning walk, he never gets excited but instead drops down by my feet and puts his head on his paws and waits for my shoes to go on, my coat. Then he stands patiently while I tighten his collar - small whippet head, easy escape - and fasten his lead. He was ready for it when we got outside, the air filled with bird sounds and intoxicating smells - but my heart was heavy. It's me knee, Guv, been giving me gyp. I rubbed in some Ibuleve earlier, took some Panadol, put on my new knee brace and started walking, but quite quickly it began to hurt. Damn, damn, damn. New dog, Spring here, walking and gardening to enjoy, then this. I tried different gaits but they only helped for a while. Then I remembered my feet when I got into bed last night. They were tight, stiff, and I thought then that I must work them more. As I have no padding on the soles of my feet I tend to wear thick reinforced socks all the time, and comfy shoes or boots. I decided they weren't getting enough movement. So as I walked I began putting my heels down and then really stretching out the toes before letting them follow. I could feel my shin muscles aching but it made an instant difference. My knee is hurting because my feet are not doing their job properly. Feet, what's your problem! Do this correctly now or you'll get your marching orders.