I've joined the club

My Brooklyn Basher by Cold Steel Athletics

Several weeks ago I asked my doctor: What is the single most important thing a person can do for their health? Like, if they had to choose only ONE thing?

Like all good interrogators, I already knew the answer to my question.

I had looked it up on the internet.

And no; it is not lose weight, or get more sleep, or reduce your stress levels, or acquire a gerbil, or buy a timeshare, or stop eating sweets, or quit smoking, or give up drinking (I don't do those last two anyway, unless you count Diet Dr. Pepper and sweet tea).

Do you know the answer?

My doctor (actually he is a Nurse Practitioner, IMO better than a doctor -- at least in this case -- and his name is Michael) did not hesitate for a scintilla of a second before answering:

Take a thirty-minute walk every day.

And that would be one-hundred-percent correct!

Which is why, most days, I take a thirty-minute walk. I have done this for a long time.

Years ago, it was my habit to walk at night. Mainly that was because, for most of the year, it was cooler.

Andrew had mapped out a two-mile course for me in our neighborhood, with a few hills and so forth.

(Ours is a generally quiet and peaceful neighborhood; you can walk two miles and barely hear a leaf rustle.)

I was never fearful while walking alone at night -- which is weird because I am famously afraid of the dark.

Too bad I didn't think to use this on the owl

Maybe it was at least partly because I carried with me, at first, a flashlight, and later, a ZapLight with built-in stun gun.

I regret to say that I have never had occasion to use my stun gun. I really want to. I still keep it close at hand, just in case.

But nothing ever happened to threaten my safety as I walked at night until the owl attack of 2013.

After that, I was done walking after dark, when nocturnal raptors are about.

Then came several years during which I could not walk, at any time of day, due to arthritis in my hip joints.

In 2017 I had total hip replacement on the left side. In 2018 I had total hip replacement on the right side.

Now I walk as though I'm fifteen years old again.

So I long ago resumed walking every day -- or almost every day. I admit to missing more than I ought, but I'm pretty good about it.

I do have a stationary bicycle that has no handles out in front -- it's like a recumbent bike -- and last summer TG bought me an electric height-adjustable desk that I put in front of the bike so that I can work on my computer while cycling.

I've been known to spend hours on my bike, at that desk. It's very handy for when it's too hot or too cold to walk, or too wet to play, or when you're just not motivated to walk down the street, or whatever.

Time was when my Rizzo would trot along beside me, but then, in the summer of 2019, with no warning and for no apparent reason, he staged a protest right in the middle of a walk.

Just, balked. Dug in his front paws and refused to use his perfectly good (albeit short) legs to cover even one more inch of ground. We had to turn around and go home (which he gladly did; he knows his directions).

I tried him out a few more times but no dice. He was D-O-N-E. Walkies? N-O-P-E.

Rizzo, this morning, on the retaining wall near the pool, contemplating the many reasons he will no longer go walkies

It got so bad that I could put his harness on him and attach his leash, and for all my cajoling, he would not even leave the kitchen.

I would have had to pull him, and that was not an option because I'm not about to drag my dog down the street. Besides, if you pull hard enough, he can shrug right out of his harness.

I found that out the hard way.

So I stopped asking him to go with me and began walking on my own, like I did before I had a worthless dog.

Until last week, when I randomly suggested to my lazy Chiweenie that he join me and he did, and he walked the whole way as though it had never been an issue.

The next day, he did it again. However, he began figuring things out about halfway through, and after that I had to keep saying the word treat in order for him to continue putting one paw in front of the other.

Yes; I gave him a treat and much praise when we got home.

But today, as I was preparing to go on my walk, and asked if he'd like to go, Rizzo made it abundantly clear that he was not going to fall for that again.

So I grabbed my Brooklyn Basher and set out solo for my daily thirty-minute walk.

Ah! Finally we arrive at the subject of this blog post.

My new club.

I acquired said piece of equipment shortly after Shiloh was killed by a German Shepherd.

That sad event on its own may not have inspired the purchase. But wait! There's more.

About a week following Shiloh's death, I was chilling at home when I heard a truly terrifying-sounding ruckus out in the road in front of the house.

There were dogs barking and women screaming and crying. It continued long enough and was out-and-out panicky enough that I thought a person was being murdered.

I grabbed my stun gun and  flew to the window. What had happened was, a pit bull (who apparently lives several houses down from us) had escaped the confines of his yard and attacked a small dog being walked by its owner.

There were in fact two ladies walking their respective canines, but the pit had attacked the smallest dog.

In the midst of all of the caterwauling, the pit bull's owner sprinted from her house. I saw her running up the street towards the crying, screaming women.

She paused only long enough to scoop that big dog up in her arms and run with him back home.

She did not stop to commiserate with the victim's owner, who was still howling and protesting, or to check on the dog that had been attacked by her dog.

This would have come in handy for the unfortunate small dog owner

She just took off back towards her house, toting that big dog. I've never seen anything like it.

The owner of the poor little dog that had almost met his end, still crying, shouted after the woman: Your dog attacked my dog! He could have killed him!

She got no joy from the pet owner -- much as our Stephanie got none from the owner of the dog that killed Shiloh.

(She did attend a hearing and was able to testify, in the presence of said owner. Shiloh's killer was officially deemed dangerous, and the owner was given two choices: either have the animal put down, or build an enclosure from which the dog cannot escape. He was angry and indignant, and he did not apologize to Stephanie, and the dog still lives, but the owner has fortified the enclosure.)

Stephanie is still afraid to get a new dog.

Anyway I was telling TG about the bizarre events that took place in front of our house, over dinner that night.

TG rides his bike every evening for exercise. He sees lots of things as he's riding.

And one thing he has been seeing, he told me, is various women walking alone, carrying clubs.

! ! ! ! !

I knew right off the bat (haaaaahahahaha) that that was what I needed.

And within minutes I had found it online: The Brooklyn Basher by Cold Steel Athletics Unbreakable Baseball Bat, Model CS24, under twenty dollars. Hyperlink above.

So now when I walk, I brandish my bat carry my club.

In summer, during the day, I am dressed entirely in black when I walk: I wear an almost-knee-length swim skirt with shorts underneath, and a long-sleeved athletic shirt that is cool but which offers built-in sun protection.

I top it all off with a wide-brimmed straw hat trimmed with a black chiffon ribbon, and large black Jackie Ohh Ray-Bans.

It's possible -- only possible; this may be all in my mind but either way I'll thank you not to snicker -- that I look a mite formidable.

But wielding carrying my Brooklyn Basher down by my side? I am a bona-fide Southern Lady Ninja.

By the way, just so you know: I am decidedly non-violent. I have no desire to hit anyone or anything with a baseball bat.

(Well; possibly the occasional liberal Democrat, but so far they seem to be at least marginally aware that when it comes to the Pirate's personal space, if they don't start none, there won't be none.)

But I promise you that if I look up one day and see a large dog running towards me, in an aggressive manner, not restrained in any way, as I make my way innocently -- if saucily -- down the street?

There won't be a moment's hesitation before I bring the hammer down to Chinatown.

Just in case

If it's either me or him, I'm going to look out for me.

Same goes for unruly people -- although, I don't know of any of those in our neighborhood. Everyone is nice and we all wave and say howdy when we're outside.

Often there are actual friendly conversations. We're not all mad up in here. I've sensed zero outrage unless you count that day in March when the little dog was attacked. But that's understandable.

So I don't anticipate any action necessitating deployment of the Basher but if any should occur, I know you'll rest easier knowing that the Pirate is locked and loaded.

Keeping all comers in range of the long nines, as it were.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Thursday

Comments

[Terra]

You are a talented writer, humor and serious combined in a post. Your dog is adorable, looks like mine only mine is all tan. My pup is 8 and I already decided if he doesn't want to walk in future, I will get a dog stroller or a wagon for him. Maybe your cutie would like that. I carry pepper spray attached to the leash, right where I hold the leash, just in case. Your basher is something I haven't seen here, for walking protection.

[Mari-Nanci]

-sigh- I had a comment all typed, and hit an unknown key, and pooooooofffffff went my comment. Gotta' watch this Pink Retro Keyboard!!! I haven't been on it as much as usual, and maybe, it is upset with me and..... *Forced* my finger, to this naughty key and... Pooooffffff..... Maybe...

Anyway, I am so glad you got your club!!!!!!!! After both those horrible dog happenings, you should not walk unarmed!!!

And what we _should_ do, is resume our little walks. Our weather skipped Spring, it seems, and Summer has arrived and we need to do it, early or later. Mainly we _need_ to walk, whenever we can. Thank you for the prompt.

"Bat-less" or "Batt-ed".... We all should walk daily. I know. I know. I know. -sigh-

And I do not know about the owl incident!!!!!!!! Must go find out!

Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci

[Mari]

Well - I remember the summer of Rizzo's protest! This made me laugh all over again.
However, people who not only don't take care of their dogs, but then refuse to apologize make me so angry.
I havn't experienced it, but if I did, I'd be glad to have the pirate on my side with the borkklyn basker!

[Jennifer]

@Terra ... why thank you and it's good to see you! I think the dog transporter is a great idea and I'll just have to figure out how to do it so Rizzo won't think I've lost my mind and jump out! Pepper spray is a good idea too. The whole point though, was for him to get some exercise! He had put on a few pounds and, in the absence of walking, we managed to get them off by switching half of his kibble ration to green beans. He loves the beans and is looking more svelte, but we can't let anything slide, haahaaa! xoxo

@Mari-Nanci ... that happens to me ALL THE TIME! I will type something, then hit an errant key, and it is gone! I hate that! Because what I had just composed seems, in its sudden absence, to have been so brilliant. But yes, you do need to get your half-hour walk in per day. You will feel so much better for it. I am amazed at the difference in how I feel on a day when I walk early (today I went at 11:30 and got back at noon) and when I walk a lot later or not at all. xoxo

@Mari ... I knew you'd remember! Yes he flat-out refused and I can't believe I've gotten two walks out of him in the last week. And yes if you ever walk with me, you'll be well protected, haaahaaha! xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

Well, of course I had to go and read your owl story. Why on earth would an owl continuously attack you? Did you ever figure that out? 30 minutes a day, that is so good to know!! I have tried to get Phil to carry some kind of spray with him when he goes walking, like pepper spray or mace. for big dogs on the prowl.

[Ginny Hartzler]

P.S. Cute title!

[betty]

I actually like nurse practitioners or physician assistants over medical doctors. I think they spend more time with patients than the MD's.

So true how important walking is! I walk 40 minutes on the treadmill Monday through Friday.

Your club is a great one! I'm sure it will protect you from any canine or person that wants to do you harm!

So sad about Shiloh!

Just a few days ago saw a report of a pit bull attacking a kid riding his bike home from school.

I have post traumatic stress disorder with walking dogs. Our first corgi, Koda, got attacked 4 times by dogs (never serious injury). I used to carry a cane in case I needed it when I walked him. I was always on the lookout for stray dogs or even dogs with their owners since two of the attacks were from dogs that their owners said were friendly. One time when I was walking him, this German Shepherd comes out from its house and starts attacking Koda. It was about 7 a.m. and I was in a quiet neighborhood with no one out and about. I cried "help, help" and then called out "Jesus" and suddenly the dog stopped attacking Koda and looked ahead of us. There was a black cat in the road just sitting there. It got the other dog's attention long enough that I could scoop Koda up. The dog just sat there when we walked away. A block up the street I called my hubby and told him what happened. He came home from work and we checked out Koda. He was okay, maybe just a little roughed up. Funny thing was, Koda's nemesis was cats. Yet I truly believe to this day the Lord sent that cat.

Nowadays I can't walk Winslow. Hubby does with a taser in case he needs it. I go with them on Saturdays but I am constantly on the lookout.

Be safe and enjoy your walks!

betty

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... I had the same question when Erica and I got home and told TG what had happened, so I looked it up and what do you know ... owls attacking people is a THING! I read about people knocked flat on their faces by owls flying at the back of their head as they walked. I was lucky! It must have something to do with them feeling threatened because people get too close to nests or something but whatever the reason, that was a truly terrifying experience! I don't think we realize how huge owls are. Erica said the wingspan was amazing. I wish I'd seen it! xoxo

@Betty ... YES to nurse practitioners and so forth, spending more time with you than a doctor will! Michael is so patient and no matter how many questions I have, he will never act like he's in a hurry. And his advice is very practical and more holistic in that he does not try to throw pills at me but rather encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Forty minutes five days a week on the treadmill? That's fantastic! I had a treadmill years ago but it was so basic (not one with a screen or anything) that it was boring and I prefer being outside. But I do love pedaling my stationary bike! The important thing is to keep moving and to be faithful at it.

It was a German Shepherd -- female -- that killed Shiloh. Any large breed (well, except for Labradors or Goldens) scares me. And I LOVE dogs! Poor Koda! I believe, like you, that the Lord sent that cat to save his life. What a great story. xoxo

[Bijoux]

Such a fun read and I’m glad to meet you. I walk everyday unless it’s icy or below freezing. I can barely stand to tote a water bottle, let alone a club! I stick with my safe neighborhood or go with a friend if it’s a park or trail.

People who can’t control their dogs are the worst. My nephew was bit on the rear while jogging in his neighborhood. He had to go get stitches! The owner of the dog was not apologetic at all. I think he had to prove his dog had shots, but that was it! Shameful.

[Carla TePaske]

Our dog Molly, a Boston Terrier was attacked three times during her lifetime. Once by a German Shepard, second by some mixed breed and a Black Lab. All three times, she was on her leash walking happy with me and the next thing a dog is after her.
I started to walk with a walking stick after the third attack. Needless to say, we had no problems again, for I had my stick. I never had to hit a dog, I just tapped the stick very hard on the pavement or sidewalk.

Rizzo makes me smile. What a bundle of cuteness!!

[Jennifer]

@Bijoux ... Hi! I landed on your blog from someone else's (can't remember who) and enjoyed it immediately. It is a trifle unwieldy to carry a club, but I just feel safer. I can't believe your nephew was bit on the bum by a dog as he was walking! And stitches! That's terrible. People need to leash their dogs or keep them indoors. xoxo

@Carla ... Good job! I didn't know tapping a big stick hard on the pavement would stop a dog coming near. I will remember that. Poor Molly! She was the innocent victim every time. Yes, Rizzo is about as cute as it gets, He's my precious fur baby ... xoxo

[Jeanette]

I would love to see you walking down our street! I would definitely join you! I do youtube workouts or walk o n my treadmill in the winter but as soon as the weather is good I'm outside walking!

[Jennifer]

@Jeanette ... I would love to be walking down your street, and to see you, and to have you join me! We would have a ball! Good for you, making walking a priority year round! xoxo

[Fiona]

Walking is great - but not walking with a bat. Such a shame that you feel you have to. All my dogs love walking, mud, snow, wet weather etc... so can't imagine a dog that doesn't want to go out.

[Gayla]

You DO sound formidable! And awesome! And just amazing!

[Jennifer]

@Fiona ... There's no shame in protecting and defending oneself should it be necessary. Also I really do not feel that I have to carry my bat; I simply choose to, just in case a dog unlike your precious dogs, should decide I look like a snack. And Rizzo loves to go out ... he would spend all day in the front yard if I let him. He just does not want to walk down the street on a leash. Peace! xoxo

@Gayla ... haaahaha I'm not sure formidable is the right word, but I hope at least mildly stay-off-my-lawn and/or out-of-my-face! xoxo