Now I’m a young energetic dog, and you may not think I need a high-octane exercise routine. But let me tell you about my creek-bottom fitness plan, developed since I came here from the desert.
As I look back at my photos, I look a little chubby on arrival, but I think I was just out of shape, having been mostly in a kennel, not getting a lot of exercise, since the foster rescued me. 
Once the late winter passed and I proved myself trustworthy to run free on the ranch most of the time, I ran a lot! I explored everything but the creek-bottoms were and still are my favorite. 
I get special food here, including fresh meat, and relish every dinner, plus treats. With all the running, though, I grew very lean. My people worried I was getting too thin so I got even more great eats! Knowing they were worried about my health, I made sure to beg even more – because of course I needed those extra goodies, and didn’t want them to worry!
Well. after awhile I learned to relax in the shade, watch the little boys play, ride the four-wheeler instead of running everywhere… and, you guessed it, in true Heeler fashion, I bulked up a bit again!
In the interest of maintaining health and a good fighting weight [NOT that I fight – much], I’ve developed an exercise routine. Because it centers on my favorite place, I call it my Creek-bottom Fitness Plan.
- Start out trotting down to the creek, meandering up and down the banks.
- Sniff as you go; there are many scents, new every morning, and this servies double duty, keeping the Heeler in charge aware of every wily night visitor to my domain. Sniffing is also good respiratory exercise, keeping my lungs clear and strong.
- Every day, I run a few laps, around the edges and of course straight through the water. Running in rib-deep water is incredible exercise!
- Swim a few laps, too.
- I try for at least one round of water zoomies, up and down the banks, in and out of the water, across the bridge, leap the creek, back around into the pond, race off through the meadow,
then
- Get a drink and flop down in the shade – take a breather!
- Never discount the value of mud in a fitness routine – it’s health benefits for skin and coat are widely known. It is also cooling on the paws. Not so much mud as in the spring, now it is just a little cooling ooze, found around the banks. Wet sand is good, too.
- Always take time to restore your soul – listen to the birds, watch the bitterflies, focus on the sounds of the dancing waters.
- Dry in the sun, or dappled shade. Find a good stick too.
I can just feel the weight coming off, the muscles gaining strength, every tendon and ligament taut and strong. My coat is clean and shining in the sun; that cool clear water from a spring-fed stream makes for a soft and brilliantly red, whte and blue coat! I have become pure dingo, I tell you!
Nothing beats summer in the creek, especially when it is keeping me in good shape.
If you don’t have your own, find some restful place to explore. Make it one with intriguing smells and a little splashing, and you, too, will get the fit body you dream of!
