When you walk a dog in all weathers it’s essential to wear the right footwear.
I have trainers for the warmer months, walking boots for any time of year as long as it’s not too wet, and wellies for when it’s raining (but not icy – wellies in snow become ice skates). Then there are heavier, long boots for rough terrain and (supposedly) non-slip “yard” boots for when it snows.
Although I’ve covered all bases, I don’t always wear the right ones.
And sometimes I realise, too late, that a boot has developed a problem.
I once discovered that one of my wellies had sprouted a leak when I noticed that my entire foot was submerged in a shallow pool of muddy water.
On that occasion, Flossie and I had driven to our walking destination. So, after we had squelched back to the car, I removed the offending boot and my sodden sock and drove home barefoot with my trainers on which, thankfully I’d had the foresight to bring with me.
The other day, as we were making our way back up a local country lane, I noticed an unfamiliar noise.
It sounded a little like a small animal whimpering. A kind of, “Eep, eep, eep”.
I wondered if there could be an injured bird trapped in the bushes.
Remembering Flossie’s remorseless treatment of a pheasant in the bushes a few weeks back, I kept her on a tight lead as I peered into the undergrowth alongside the road.
We certainly didn’t want to harm the poor creature, especially if it was already injured.
All was quiet.
I couldn’t see anything obvious so we resumed our walk.
“Eep…eep…eep”.
There it was again.
It seemed to be following us.
At regular intervals.
Flossie looked at me.
We paused.
The noise stopped.
And it was then that I realised (you’ve guessed it) that the unusual sound was, in fact, coming from my boot.
I guess that means I’ll need a new pair soon.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 23 November 2023
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
