Write about a time you retreated

“Okay, Heather,” Elliott said, “time for your walky-walk!”

Heather bounced out of her bed and ran across the living room to the foyer, where Elliott stood. He leashed the dog, grabbed his coffee mug, and out they went – down the elevator, through the lobby, and out the door.

“Not so fast,” Elliott said, laughing, closing the spout on the coffee mug so it wouldn’t spill. Then he saw Jack talking with Les on the other side of the street. “Good morning, guys!”

Elliott loved these mornings with Heather. He’d usually walk down Fairweather Lane. Heather seemed to poop quickest down that street. She had a favorite lawn. But that owner had abandoned the house, and finally after four years, new owners had renovated and moved in. They’d painted the house black with white trim and put a rock garden in the front. No more poop grass for Heather.

So Elliott went around the other way. He’d go to the boulevard. Several nice patches of grass there, and Heather would jump out of her skin. They’d pass the Marathon station on the corner, and Wally, Jimmy, and Freddie always gave out doggie treats.

Heather squatted on the corner. “Good girl, Heather,” Elliott said, checking that box off. And then they rounded the corner, and she saw the gas station. “But don’t pull ont the leash! Heal!”

That dog, every time she saw the Marathon station, she went ballistic. And why not? They gave her treats every time. Kept a huge container of Pupperonis for all the neighborhood dogs. So Elliott walked over to the office – more accurately, Heather dragged him there.

“Hi, Wally. Great morning for dog treats.”

“Heather!” Wally said, a big smile as he leaned down to treat the dog. “It’s been forever, old girl. You want your treat?”

“Hey, Heather,” Jimmy said. “Such a great dog.”

“Thanks, guys. I’ll be over to fill up in a few minutes.”

As Elliott and Heather walked around the corner to the high-rise, they saw Rhoda with her brood – Zorro, Cocoa, and Lily – on their way to the service station. Heather went crazy once again, pulling at the leash. The second treat of the day. Why not, Elliott said? It was a beautiful Friday morning.

After Rhoda had treated Heather, Elliott said, “Okay, Heather. Say thank you to your Auntie Rhoda!”