Hey ho extend a leash has got to go…

“Always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs to be said no matter whom you’re addressing. When it comes to championing a just cause you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favor.”…Daisaku Ikeda

I am a runner and I have a little 5-pound Maltese dog named Zoey, who I call “Z,” who is also a runner. That’s right, she runs and she is fast and she easily goes 3 miles. She can do more but I have to be the responsible parent and know when enough is enough. She also lets me know if she has had enough and I gladly pick her up and place her in my front carrying pouch and continue with my run. For all you naysayers she has been checked by the vet several times and, like her mother, she has a low resting heart rate which is a defining characteristic of a “runner”. Yes, we are runners! Because some dogs are small and seem delicate doesn’t mean they cannot run or would  not like it. She happens to love it and I love that she accompanies me every day on my runs. Now here comes my rant. Those of you that have read any of my posts know one of my worst fears is falling. As such, my biggest pet peeve is dog owners who have the extendable leash. I am sorry if you fall into this category. I hate them—the leash, that is. I find those are the pet owners who have no regard for others around them. I cannot tell you how many times lately I have nearly fallen because these pet owners think it is perfectly okay to let their pet cross in front of me, WHILE I am running. My dog runs at my side, so she cannot cross in front of me. And I certainly would never allow her to cross in front of anyone else. She is tight by my side and she understands the word “focus” to mean exactly that. These pet owners tend to snicker when I go hobbling a few steps to catch my footing and to also keep my pup from getting hurt. For some reason, I do not yell at them.  I’m not sure why. Sometimes, I say something to them and it is usually “Hey!” I do have these fantasies, however, of taking a pair of scissors with me on runs and cutting every extend- a- leash I see!. Maybe one day I’ll actually do it. Lol. I really do hate them. But I do feel sorry for the dogs who are at the end of those leashes since  it is probably the only exercise they get. Besides Seniors or those with a disability, these leashes tend to be for couch potatoes, who cut corners even when they walk their dogs. This may sound a little harsh, BUT sorry, not sorry, my blog my words. If you are offended, maybe you will be a little more responsible when using them.  Join me in my protest “hey, ho extend-a-leash has got to go “…repeat chorus 3x Enjoy☮️