How does he manage?

I learned two things on my walk yesterday. Miles is not the type of dog who is great on a leash. I knew this before, but it really struck me yesterday. If he sees a squirrel, a bird, or a leaf blowing he’s off like a shot, ripping my shoulder out of place. He has to be a leash since he’s not great at coming back in a timely manner. Or he’ll get close enough and then dart away. He loves that game. Those who are watching also get a kick out of it. I don’t.

Second, I’m not a dedicated reader. I thought I was. I read whenever I can. But not once have I considered reading a book while walking my dog. This guy not only has a well-behaved dog on a leash, but he’s reading a book. Does he ever trip and fall down? I would.

About TBM

TB Markinson is an American who's recently returned to the US after a seven-year stint in the UK and Ireland. When she isn't writing, she's traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in New England, or reading. Not necessarily in that order. Her novels have hit Amazon bestseller lists for lesbian fiction and lesbian romance. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast (lesbianswhowrite.com) with Clare Lydon. TB also runs I Heart Lesfic (iheartlesfic.com), a place for authors and fans of lesfic to come together to celebrate lesbian fiction.
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51 Responses to How does he manage?

  1. paulaacton says:

    I have never read while walking th dog but i have ended up getting off th bus reading because i have been at a place where i can’t put it down lol

  2. Wow, I’ve read pretty much everywhere, but that takes the cake!! At least you didn’t have to worry about him noticing you taking the picture :). LOL

  3. Madhu says:

    Good question! We never had such luck with our dog either, have fallen on our faces several times ๐Ÿ™‚

    • TBM says:

      One time I was walking my neighbor’s dog across one of the busiest streets in Boston and ended up getting tangled in his lease and fell down right in the middle of the street. Even the dog looked at me like I was a complete idiot. I couldn’t stop laughing for at least an hour. Not my best moment!

  4. That sounds like an odd thing to do! Iยดd rather just enjoy the walk and the dog having fun ๐Ÿ™‚

    • TBM says:

      It seems strange to me as well, but the dog walks pretty slow so maybe he doesn’t mind at all. Miles would be complaining the entire time.

  5. jmgoyder says:

    That was very funny!

  6. bocafrau says:

    I check my phone from time to time when I’m out walking the dogs but I need to be aware of what’s going on around me. My big dog likes to chase after the ducks in our ponds!!! Once she actually ran after one and managed to grab a few feathers.

    • TBM says:

      Miles gets so mad at me since I won’t let him chase any pigeons. He thinks they are better than tennis balls. But I do my best to make him behave.

  7. bebs1 says:

    Maybe the dog enjoy being by itself too.

  8. Caroline says:

    When I was still in school and had to go for walks with our dog I would be reading as well. The dog however was never on a leash.

  9. At least he’s not driving and reading – which unfortunately I have seen.

  10. Carl V. says:

    I think I’ve read once or twice while walking. It was a long time ago and it was awkward. Much better to walk at a faster pace, get the exercise and enjoyment of surroundings in, and then plop down to read upon returning from the walk!

    • TBM says:

      I’m with you Carl. I’m not coordinated to do both. After I take Miles for a long walk he likes to take a nap and then I have peace and quiet to snuggle and read a good book.

  11. Beth Ann says:

    Oh my–for me that would be a recipe for disaster even if it was a cooperative dog!!! Kudos to him!!! I like to multitask but I don’t think this one would work for me!

    • TBM says:

      There are some types of multitasking that are just too dangerous for me. This is one. I fall down without much help. I would always be in a cast if I attempted this on a regular basis.

  12. isobelandcat says:

    Poor dog. I think if you are walking with a dog, the dog deserves your attention. Render unto Caesar etc

    • TBM says:

      Miles agrees with you! His favorite part of his walk is when we play fetch with his red ball. I wouldn’t be able to read a book then that’s for sure.

  13. I watched my neighbour walk into the street’s mailbox last week while he was reading and walking the dog….not pretty! So keeping the two separate is sage advice ๐Ÿ™‚

  14. Seasweetie says:

    Why does that somehow strike me as very British?

  15. zelmare says:

    I love this picture. There’s a certain class to it, with the absolute ridiculousness of the situation. It could be an ad for some expensive mens cologne. ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. thirdeyemom says:

    Very impressive! I’ll admit that I read my blog posts while walking around the lake often on my iPhone! But I never am also walking a dog! ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. pattisj says:

    It’s a good thing Miles isn’t any bigger! No, I don’t think I’d attempt walking and reading at the same time. I just mastered walking and talking.

  18. Fergiemoto says:

    I would probably fall down a lot. This guy probably has had a lot of practice!
    Great shot!

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