Monday night was Yoga Night, and I dropped Maria off at her classes and did my weekly shopping chores. Went to buy senior dog food for Frieda and for Izzy, some dry cat food for the barn cats. Went to the supermarket, got some of the good and healthy food my naturopath is recommending for me – lots of greens, fruit, grains. I am not a person who loves to take my dogs everywhere with me. I don’t like to bring them to other people’s houses, I don’t care for dog play dates, I have no problems leaving them on vacation, and I enjoy some time along wandering around alone. But in recent weeks, there has been a shift here. Lenore has become my ride-a-long dog.

She is an elemental part of my new health care. Today she came to the chiropractor’s with me, and she sat in the doorway and greeted all of the other patients, then came in and dozed under the table while I was adjusted. Lenore also comes with me to spiritual counseling, massage therapy and visits to the doctor, the naturopath. She puts me and others at ease everywhere, and she always wants to be with me, to come with me. She hangs out with Rocky now, and there are few places I can’t take her.

Frieda is not really ready for that, and Izzy is hanging out with Maria in the Studio Barn. So I now have a ride-a-long dog. She is great in the car, quiet (I almost forget she was there when I got home tonight) and this evening, she walked with me around Glens Fall after my shopping. I got some yoghurt at Cooper’s Cave and we wandered around the neighborhood until Maria was done. I am happy to have such a great ride-a-long dog. You get the dog you need, and perhaps, the dog you deserve.