I am sure you see me walking in town several times a day. I am fortunate that my human Tom likes to take me on long walks and have friends who want to walk me too. I enjoy prancing thru town, and having people compliment me: "Oh, isn't she cute!" "Oh my, she is so sweet!" "Oh, that face!"

I don't mean to brag and nothing against other cute dogs, but I am full of myself and know I am cute. Seriously, I like to walk because it lifts my mood and makes my body feel good. Tom feels the same way. He finds walking, exercising, and stretching keeps depression at bay and makes his mind work better.

It is more important than ever to do what we need for our bodies and minds to feel better during these times. You know, dogs get in bad moods too. When we are hungry or left alone too long or have a mean dog greet us outside the post office just like you, our mood can get pretty crummy. Listen, I've been there. But when I walk, and I breathe in our country air, it makes all the difference.

Tom has been doing Zoom sessions with Covid survivors, who are still suffering from symptoms. I get to be in the room and listen to his sessions. He tells his groups that moving a few times a day, even if stretching in your house to music, helps blood flow and oxygen levels. Feeling down and depressed or having anxiety-filled thoughts can stop us all from wanting to move. Tom tells them to push themselves to get out, to move, to start small. That even a five-minute walk is better than nothing. Also, if you can get outside to see nature, that is a plus. Trees, animals, flowers, and plants help us get out of obsessive thinking and darker feelings. Sometimes he turns on Disco music and makes his group dance and laugh. He believes that even a couple of minutes of music and movement can change a person's entire day. So, I suggest as winter is approaching, put on some warm clothes and get out there and MOVE! I hope to see you on one of my walks and remember, I am always looking for a pet or a compliment about how cute I am.