21 Comments
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Allie Blum's avatar

I love your walks and conversations with humans, but this one struck me as particularly poignant. I adopted a dog in February and have started nearly every subsequent day with a walk with him. There’s something really peaceful about starting your day with a walk, the impetus of that walk being for another creature’s well-being (though it’ll obviously bring great benefits to you, too). Great bonding time, time to think about nothing (or lots of things) other than staying alert to your surroundings. It’s so often the best part of my day and I love how you capture that energy just a few days into your new role as Zorra’s dad. To many more walks, adventures, and discoveries with her!

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

I love this, Allie! Couldn't agree with you more, and thank you for understanding what I was going for with this one. 🍓

Lisa Ahn's avatar

Zorra is adorable, and it sounds like she's the perfect walking companion. Congrats!

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Thank you, Lisa! (And more soon! ❤️❤️❤️)

Megan Sullivan's avatar

Love this essay. As a person who worked from home even before the pandemic, my walks with Lucy in morning were kind of like my commute. We walk for a bit, head home, then I go to my office to work for the day. I never knew having a dog would fulfill my days so much.

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

I am absolutely loving having Zorra as a walking companion.  🍓

Jarrett Newman's avatar

I love the refrain you exercise in detaching metaphor from the deer carcass. There is something so telling about a writer’s decision to live in a moment simply— unaffiliated with the prompt to dive beneath the surface. This walk made me feel incredibly human— I needed it.

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Jarrett, thank you so much for the kind words. Really appreciate you connecting with the piece. 🦌 🖤

Mo Swift's avatar

We have just enough snow and temperatures hovering around freezing that walking (or driving) outside is a bit more than these old bones should risk. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure!

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Mo! 💙

Renita's avatar

We said goodbye to our best boy last week (the one in my little avatar) and miss him dearly. I loved taking him outside in good weather, though as a little guy we didn't go for miles long walks. He loved to sniff everything and was extremely patient when small children wanted to pet him. Dogs are just the best. Congratulations on your new BFF.

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

So sorry for you loss, Renita. And thank you for all of your encouragement here. Zorra has truly brought so much joy to my life. ❤️

Renita's avatar

I knew I liked dogs but until Link came along I didn't really understand how much joy they can bring. Give Zorra an extra pet for me 💜

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Done and done, Renita. 💜

@sarahspy's avatar

Congrats on the new dog / walking buddy! Zorra is very very cute. :)

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Thank you, Sarah! 🍓

Yvonne Caruthers's avatar

Your posts are always a bright spot in my week. Happy New Year, Isaac!

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Happy New Year, Yvonne! Thank you so much for reading Walk It Off! ❤️

Sarah Thyre's avatar

A real beaut, this. Stay well.

Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

You too, Sarah. 🍓

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Dec 28, 2021
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Isaac Fitzgerald's avatar

Ah damn, Carla. Apologies about that. And thank you for the kind words. 🙏🏻 💚