Running the Gauntlet
Every time I take my designer dog, Jackson, for a walk, I can't help but think how much he has changed since I started taking him for regular jaunts, about a year ago. And, to tell the truth, I've changed, too. Jackson is an energetic, eleven-year-old Shih-Poo. Ever since I was an apartment-dwelling kid, I walked all over town, to and from school and the parks in Fairbury. Nearly every weekend, my family would take extended hikes out in the country, accompanying Dad as he hunted for ducks or pheasants, or even squirrels, whatever was in season, or exploring some of the historical sites that dotted the area. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed those daily walks, until I started up again last year. You see, I don't like walking alone, and neither Bill nor the kids have ever been committed to walking with me more than once in a blue moon. So, I haven't walked much in recent years. Last January, my friend, Deb, invited me to go hiking with her at one of the wi