The Big Ragu

I apologize again for lack of a blog: A 1.5 year-old dog takes a lot of time and energy . . . or maybe it’s just Carmine.

I guess it all started last week when Carmine decided that walking wasn’t for him — this just days after we were doing so well and had increased our walks to two miles. He suddenly decided the Bulldog in him was dominant, and he started lying down during walks (like he did when he was much younger). Anywhere and anytime: in a crowd of people; at street corners; in the middle of an intersection.

A couple of days ago, as he lay in the middle of the street we were trying to cross, a group of students standing on the corner started hootin’ and hollerin’ and calling out at Carmine. I heard a female voice yell, “She can’t control her dog!” I tensed up, but bit my tongue and tried harder to get him across. When I finally succeeded in getting us across the street, an older gentleman who had been watching told me he had a Boxer who used to do the same collapse in the street thing all the time . . . OMG!!! Carmine is acting like both breeds that he’s made of?? I’LL NEVER FIND A SOLUTION!!!!  The man also said he was sure Carmine felt the tension in the leash from me as I probably wanted to scream at that girl making fun of us.  I sure did.

So everyday is once again a challenge.  I alternate between the martingale and the gentle leader; there is no consistency in our walks.  Some days we walk for two miles; other days we walk two blocks.

I’m envious of anyone I see strolling along with their dog. 

Funny thing is someone on the street asked me yesterday if I just adopted Carmine from a shelter because he was walking like a “shelter dog!”  Although I felt bad about his question, I explained that Carmine has walking issues regardless of what I do. The guy then said but at least Carmine’s sweet and I’m lucky in that sense — apparently this man's dog is aggressive and lunges at any dog who passes them on the street.

I guess I don’t have it so bad after all.