18 Legs and Counting

By: Eva Salceda

Flo and Lilly – my Chihuahuas, are my secret to stay fit and healthy!

What? These 'Leg Warmers', these 'Foot Horns' – as little dogs are called in my country – are the remedy? They are my fitness regime?

Yes, indeed! At 04:30 a.m. They make sure that I wake up, and that I do not waste any time. Latest at 04:45 a.m. we must be out or else...... (I hate cleaning up after them in my building. I prefer that they do their 'business' in the village. Needless to say that I also clean up after my dogs in the Village). We all start with stretching, followed by walking and short distance running – Lilly on my left Flo on my right side. We are a team. We have our routine like a well oiled motor! At 05.30 a.m. we return home.

But wait, is this not a boring routine? Oh, not at all, if you add to that two energetic Dachshund – Amanda und Carmella – my 'Grand Dogs' (unfortunately no grandchildren yet).

I always thought that I will handle 4 dogs as easily as the 'Dog Walkers' I see in American movies. Frankly, I do not know how they to it!!

Now, faxed with 2 well behaved Chihuahuas and 2 wild 'Dackels', I have my hands full. They want to go left, go right, seldom straight, pull all your muscles. They criss-cross the leashes and I have to figure out how to get out of that....... Leg work is brilliant! Do not forget that I bend down several times to clean up after these 'monsters'. I tried walking and running 16 legs for over a week now. It does not work out. So, now I walk them 2 x 2 in the morning and evening. That makes around 3 hours exercise per day!

That is how I stay fit and healthy. I use 18 legs come rain or shine. Walking the dogs is a pleasure. It gives me the feeling of freedom, fulfilment and joy. Since I have no time to think of anything else, my head is clear for the work day ahead. Walking the dogs in the evening, relaxes me. My fitness regime is free of charge, environmentally friendly, I do not have to commute by car going to my workout, looking for parking and getting stressed out in traffic. But best of all is: Entertaining my neighbourhood and interacting with the people living in my community. Everybody knows us and really: We are a side to see (this crazy foreign woman with her naughty 4 dogs). So, want to loose weight? Stay in shape? Have a clear head and conscience? Interact with people? Stay fit and healthy?

Buy a dog and let's walk.