Autumn, Winslow and Me

Winslow lay curled in a white ball of fur at my feet. A crisp, cool Autumn breeze sailed through the screen door, beckoning my four legged friend and I to grab the leash and head out into the beauty of the day. I took his leash from it's hook and held it up for Winslow to see. "Do you want to go for a walk," I said to him excitedly. He launched himself from his place of rest and spun in wild and frantic circles. In an effort to not alert the napping senior member of the Lees canine clan, we snuck quietly out of the house. After securing Winslow's collar to the leash, he scampered out the swinging gate into the autumn afternoon. With his sniffer at full tilt, he broke into a healthy trot. As Winslow sniffed his way along the sidwalk, I enjoyed the sound of the brittle, dry leaves crunching as I walked. In the distance, the droning, vibrating sound of leafblowers hummed. I waved at neighbors out enjoying the day as Winslow and I were. The refreshing fall air was brisk and invigorating. Stepping up my pace, we rounded yet another corner and for Winslow, a whole new array of things to smell! Sniffing at the low hanging branches, he quickly scooted under, as if he were inviting me to a game of hide and seek. A gentle tug on his leash and we were back on our way. Just up ahead, a beautiful golden retriever came loping towards us. Winslow, never one to shy away from meeting a new friend, craned his neck in anticipation. We have always said that Winslow is a big dog trapped in a little dog's body. He and the golden nosed around each other, as pups are wont to do. Winslow playfully jumped on his back and yipped in his ear. The retriever seemed unimpressed at best. Smiling at the dog's owner, I explained that what Winslow lacks in behavior he more than makes up for in personality. She chuckled and we both were on our way. Winslow and I made the final turn for home. The sun was waning and the breeze had picked up. What began as refreshing and invigorating had turned down right chilly. I zipped up my windbreaker and shoved my free hand into my warm pocket. As we headed down the driveway, Winslow paused and looked back at me. He cocked his head and his tongue wagged back and forth as he panted. I often wonder what the little guy is thinking. The aroma of my roasting chicken lured us both into the house. Winslow collapsed in his spot over the heating vent and I went to work on finishing dinner. A fine autumn day spent with my four legged friend. Autumn, Winslow and Me.