I also had a ton of amazing experiences I would not have had without Harley, the adorable pit mix we were taking care of as a good deed for a young woman on Craig's List who needed a temporary home while in the process of moving.
Because he got me out of the apartment, by necessity, and inspired me to go to local, yet unexplored places 'for his sake', I found out that there are things you can do as long as a dog is with you, that are socially acceptable, that you couldn't do otherwise without appearing terribly awkward. Very much like having a human child with you automatically allows comfortable access to many places it just seems weird to be without one. I think this sucks, but it's the social normality system in place right now and one cannot really avoid it.
So I could talk out loud (to him) and randomly stop and stare off into the distant sky (because dogs) or walk off a trail onto a less beaten path and cut through an area I wouldn't have felt very safe in if I was alone.
This dog was so damn cute that every time I went outside with him, even just around the block, I (he) got so many compliments that I soon expected to have an ego boost everyday. I should only be so lucky as to get as much adoration and attention as that guy got from strangers all the time, but I felt the glow just being associated with him.
He was like a minor celebrity or a rock star at our apartment building. We talked more to our neighbors when he was around than we ever had before. The grownups wanted to feed and pet him and the kids wanted to play with him. He was great and made a positive impact on my life, and I bet he would have inspired me to finally try camping, but as much as I thought I needed him (I only go on walks or bike rides now if I have to go somewhere, not for fun or exercise), I know his owner mom needed him more, so I had to let him go. But I cried when he was gone. I'm now trying to convince Steve that a teacup pig is a fantastic idea ...
