The Problem - My back.
6 years ago my back problem had worsened to the point where I couldn't even go to the grocery store and pick out a bunch of bananas, without my back totally freezing up. I spent about 18 months going to a series of different doctors and therapists and finally got a diagnosis - several conditions ending with "osis". I found a great physical therapist, but then my insurance coverage ran out. He sent me off with a list of the exercises I was doing and the encouragement to find a gym, where I could continue the exercise program.
The Solution - A Trainer
I researched every gym within an hour's drive. Jamie Matta, the manager (now owner) at Fair Haven Fitness, understood my situation, took the list of exercises, and modified it for the equipment he had. With Jamie's instruction and with his encouragement, I slowly improved and became a faithful member of the gym. Much of my life was scheduled around my gym time. Then came a change that challenged that commitment.
The Conflict - "Commitment and Sacrifice".*
I have loved dogs my whole life. For thirty years, I had collies (rough-coated "Lassie"s). We had encountered severe health problems with the last two. I was broken hearted when we lost a 4 year old male to cancer. I couldn't face loving and then loosing another collie, so we changed breeds. I saw a picture of a 12 weeks old Australian Shepherd puppy online - it was love. I heard the breeder talk about the energy of this breed and even heard her say "the wild child of the litter". But I was in love. So Tucker became mine.
I soon realized that this little dog was not like any I had ever had. He had much more energy than any previous dog and required much more of me. I believe that when you bring a dog into your life you must do your best to meet the needs of that animal. So I had to fulfill his need as best I could.
Jamie let me bring Tucker to the gym with me, but there wasn't any way for this puppy to get exercise there. I tried walking Tucker at home and then going to the gym, but I'd have to warm up all over again before I could start my workout. There just wasn't enough time for that. There really wasn't a good place to walk Tucker near the gym. So gradually I found myself going to the gym less and less. And I found my back pain gradually returning.
Did I sacrifice my time at the gym and return to debilitating pain? Or did I ignore the needs of my near-constant companion Tucker?
The Resolution - A Revised Exercise Program
Jamie is not only a great trainer, he is also a dog lover. When I went to him with my dilemma, he again understood my situation. So, he modified my basic exercise program to one that I could do while walking. I have Tucker on a hands-free leash, so that he doesn't interfere with the movements. Sure, Tucker still has more energy than I can possible expend in our 40 minute walks. (We practice agility and freestyle for that.) But the consistency is good for him. And even the moments when he has wait for me to do the few stationary exercises are good training for him, too. My back pain is decreasing and it's great for my general conditioning, as well.
Victory -
With this new program, Tucker and I both win.
Celebration -
I am so excited about this exercise program that I've talked Jamie into helping me produce this video - so that we can share it with you. So you and your dog can write your own story of victory.
To watch a clip from The Workout Walk with The Sensible Dog dvd- CLICK HERE.
To Become a member of The Sensible Dog
and get this month's discount coupon for immediate use - click here.
*Kate Carter wrote an article for the dog issue of Vermont Sports Magazine with this title, talking about her relationship with her border collie.
