I live for the times when humans with leashes come visit me.

That means I get to leave my kennel and savor the outdoors for a while. I get much needed exercise and I drink in all the new sights and smells.

When I see that leash I break out in a grin and prance around. I’ll bounce and bark until the human puts the leash on and we step out the kennel.

Even if the warm sun isn’t out I still love these daily walks. These sessions give me a chance to meet new people and dogs.

Strangers come up and ogle me. They pet me and say how cute I am. The human at the other end of the leash mentions I’m up for adoption and their eyes go wide. They say they will visit the animal shelter now they know that adorable pups such as I are there.

Other dogs on walks wag their tails at me and sniff greetings. I wag the tail back and say hello to my new anipal. Humans say the walks help socialize me – whatever that is. All I know is that walks are the time to mingle.

Of course walks aren’t all about fun. The human won’t allow me to drag her and lunging is a no-no. The people who run the shelter say I’m getting trained on my daily walks so I will be prepared for my furever home.

Whatever. I’m ready NOW for a permanent place to rest my paws. But at least the walks break up the monotony of staying in a kennel all day.

For a while I get to look at the wide sky and have grass tickle my feet instead of gazing out a chain link fence and feel concrete under me. All the anxiety and stress I pent up all day is released during my walks.

Plus, when I come back from a walk I’m in a better mood. My eyes are brighter and I’m still smiling – the perfect look to convince a human to take me home.