Looking for inspiration on how to reach your athletic potential? Meet Karla Borland, a shining example.
Allow me to introduce myself – I’m Goose, a 10-year-old English Pointer. I’ve been living with my humans since I was 8 weeks old. Now, English Pointers are known for being posh, but let me tell you, my humans are quite ordinary. We live in a small terrace house with no butler or staff. But fear not, for I am the most important dog in the house.
My interests in life revolve around napping under a cozy duvet, leisurely walks with abundant sniffing opportunities, and snatching some treats from picnics. I adore both dogs and humans, but humans hold a special place in my heart, especially when they come bearing sandwiches.
The Key Role of Routine
These days, I thrive on routine. I prefer my first walk to start at 7 am sharp, followed by a second stroll at 2 pm, and a gentle wander before bedtime. Consistency is essential to avoid excessive stress and tired legs.
If it’s raining, I can swap these walks for an extended nap. Who wants to venture out in the rain anyways? I’ve trained my humans well enough to provide me with food or snacks upon request. Sometimes, I don’t feel peckish until mid-afternoon, and I can be quite particular about eating only fresh food from my bowl. In our home, we embrace a feed-on-demand policy. I simply wag my tail in the kitchen, and someone is there to satisfy my hunger.
I must confess, I am a picky eater. If any food falls from my bowl to the floor, I don’t touch it. Perhaps some less posh dogs would gobble it up, but not me.
Reflections on My Youth
In my younger days, I used to run a lot with one of my humans. However, I have since retired from running. I’m a bit stiff now, and unless there’s a squirrel or a pheasant to chase, I can’t be bothered to sprint around anymore. Even then, it’s more of a short burst to show off my skills.
When I see my human putting on her running gear in the morning, I know it’s the perfect time for an extra snooze in bed. Running sometimes led to me going MIA after spotting a pheasant or squirrel, causing quite a commotion. Especially when my humans ended up late for work or a wedding. Quite a fuss, if you ask me.
Plyometrics can also play a crucial role for certain athletes.
My Dog Philosophy
First and foremost, naps are my true delight. After a long walk filled with delightful scents, a nap helps me stay mentally sharp – a vital skill when flushing out unsuspecting pheasants. Naps also aid in muscle recovery, preparing me for my next adventure. Trust me, humans should nap more often.
The secret to a satisfying nap is a serene environment, a full tummy, and a mind free from worries. Although, to be honest, I don’t fret about much.
Secondly, walks are meant to be enjoyed. They provide ample opportunities for sniffing delightful scents, engaging in friendly chats with fellow dogs, and savoring the scenery. Walks on a tight schedule or in a rush are not my style.
Life is meant to be lived, and my nose is designed for sniffing. Rushing around means missing out on breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, the chance to meet new dogs in the neighborhood, or the intriguing aroma that beckons exploration. My advice to humans with dogs is to slow down and appreciate the scent of the squirrel.
Proper lighting is essential for a restful nap.
Sometimes, It’s Okay to Snatch a Picnic
Lastly, and most importantly, there’s nothing quite like stealing from picnics. It’s my one true love. Sadly, my humans have gotten quite good at spotting picnics before I do. But fear not – I have an excellent memory. I can swiftly retrace my steps along the river and track down picnics I’ve spotted earlier.
Just this year, I managed to devour an entire bag of scotch eggs before an annoying lady put me on a leash. It greatly upset my non-running human, as he received quite the scolding from the aforementioned lady. But let me tell you, those scotch eggs were absolutely worth it. Utterly delightful! While I normally stick to my healthy dog food, occasional stolen snacks add a dash of excitement to my palate. Somehow, they always seem to taste better.
I would love to continue this tale, but I must admit, I’m feeling a bit sleepy. It’s mid-morning, after all, and time for my usual nap.