Just You Wait

September is the cruelest month. Its position on the calendar sets the expectation for change: school instead of lazy summer days, jeans and a fleece, the earthy smell of the breeze, and blankets on the bed. Instead, September in Arizona breaks your heart. Mornings are still hot and humid and daytime temperatures routinely start with a nine. Walking my crew still requires a 5:30 am wake up call, but now we wait for the sun to throw at least a little light over the mountains before we set out.

The dogs don’t seem to notice, except Andy. He melts in any humidity over 20%. He starts out strong, his bouncy waddle leading the charge toward the park, stopping only to investigate a popular rosemary bush on the way. Andy’s mouth hangs open slightly, showing off that cute gap where two teeth used to live. His ears drift and flop back, in his mind, improving his aerodynamic profile, I’m sure.

I love to watch Andy march forward during these outings. Early in his days with us, he didn’t have the use of his rear limbs. He moved slowly in his new cart, unsure of its purpose or of the new dogs around him. Over time, he adjusted well, mastering the nuances of turning and climbing over small obstacles like tree limbs and short curbs. Soon, he was standing on his own, then taking steps, and now he’s walking like a champ in his stomping, purposeful gait.

Patience. None of Andy’s progress was possible without it. Just like the calendar — September, I’m looking at you — I can’t make it go faster. I can’t change the rate of change. But I can affect what I do while the days meander toward year end. Andy and I worked hard during that time to get him walking again with swimming and strength and balance exercises. And it paid off.

Now, I just have to slow myself down and not rush through each day, looking for that perfect dog walking day or a crisp morning that calls for jeans and fleece. Instead, I’ll try to enjoy the day I have in front of me, with the heat and the humidity, walking when we can, staying cool inside working on new ideas, new writing, next steps in my own growth. As I tell all my clients, I’ll stay present with my dogs where they are today and enjoy it in the moment. Patience isn’t my strong suit, but I’ll do my best. Wish me luck!