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September 30, 2015

The Day The Penny Stood Still

Guys, something happened yesterday. A thing I was not even sure was a thing. Allow me to explain. After our long road trip back to Chicago, I figured the pups would be eager to stretch their legs. I expected wild-eyed Eko pouncing  But he was
Guys, something happened yesterday. A thing I was not even sure was a thing. Allow me to explain. After our long road trip back to Chicago, I figured the pups would be eager to stretch their legs.Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

I expected wild-eyed Eko pouncing 

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

But he was completely listless at the park yesterday morning

“Well, I guess he’s tired from our long week,” I thought. Penny didn’t run at the park either, but I assumed it was because there were no other dogs around. So later in the day I loaded up the pups and headed to the dog beach.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

I expected to see Penny tear across the shore, happy to be back in her favorite place

That’s when it happened. Or didn’t happen. I unhooked Penny’s leash, ready to see the familiar rust-colored blur take off. Instead, Penny did the most unthinkable thing of her year and a half on this planet. Penny stood still.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

Penny joined Eko and I on the bench for a quiet reprieve

The three of us sat on the bench, exhausted. It was the first time in the past week we had a moment to collect ourselves. I smiled at the realization that it is in fact possible to tire Penny out. All you need to do over the course of six days is drive 30+ hours and relentlessly intersperse backyard sprints, off-leash trail runs and leashed jogs with non-stop dog-wrestling. No sweat.

After a few minutes on the bench, we all wearily walked back to the car. It seemed as if the non-stop action of the past week simultaneously caught up with us. Back home, the pups retreated to recharge on the chairs.

30.5Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

“Yes, Will, I can get tired. Now can I please have a treat and a nap?”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, cute, chicago, blog

Eko was so tired he fell asleep with his eyes open

As for me, I sat down on the couch to enjoy the short lived phenomenon of a completely exhausted Penny. “I can do anything right now!” I thought.

So what did I do? I decided to close my eyes, “just for a minute,” and woke up an hour later to Penny furiously wagging her tail in my face.

I guess there’s two important lessons here. One, it is in fact possible to tire Penny out. Two, it is impossible to tire Penny out without exhausting yourself too!

Comments for The Day The Penny Stood Still

  1. you can wear a cape… you are a super hero :o) the effort is high but it is possible… bet that’s the moment Archimedes screamed EUREKA :o)

  2. Ogee says:

    Awww…enjoy the fast and furious days – no matter how exhausting. Someday you’ll look back on them wistfully. Besides…there is nothing better than a well-earned nap!

  3. Kismet says:

    I always knew that she had an “off” switch somewhere. You have to go to Jersey to pick it up.

  4. cafall says:

    BOL – I’d be rushing our pups to the vet! Just out of panic for a “not normal” behavior.

    Monty and Harlow

  5. Cupcake says:

    Yay, Penny! You finally got tuckered out! But not too tuckered out to wag your dad awake in an hour. Good girl!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  6. But clearly all that chasing/running was worth it, all around! Well done, Will and circled the calendar in red to commemorate this phenomena. With Penny you never know when (or if) there’ll be a ‘next’ one. 😉

  7. coastingnz says:

    Whew, heart gave a wee flutter to start with but glad it was just pure exhaustion that stopped Penny – and Eko in their tracks. Our boys are the same after a trip away, happy to recharge in their own environment and take stock home is home is home. Good to see you got some shut eye too.

  8. Vacations are exhausting and it’s always nice to get back home and to the “familiar” too…….it was nice to have the visit but oh so NICE to be back on their beach and back in the new home……….familiarity breeds NAPS! HAHAHA

    Pam and Sam

  9. Emmadog says:

    She is starting to grow up. Sad but good.

  10. Aww Penny! Growing up!

  11. It’s nice when they get to that age that they actually do choose sleep over play sometimes!

  12. fredrieka says:

    It works for me I emotionally wear myself out when we take long trips. If you want a quiet pooch you take them for a car ride. Works for kidswithoutpaws also

  13. No way penny got tired out???

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