I’ve got a BIG soft spot in my heart for a little guy who goes by the name Dexter.  Dexter, our 7 year old terrier mix, has been a big part of Nellie & my adult lives.  He’s dealt amazingly well with transitions, including his home base being moved 4+ times.  One factor keeping him balanced is our prioritization of a consistent walk schedule.  But he’s not the only one benefitting from these walks – I truly believe they have also nourished my body, mind, relationships, & communities.

BODY – I’m a relatively active individual, but like everyone I’ll have one of those long days where Nellie’s cooking + the appeal of a great craft beer (Founder’s Backwoods Bastard, anyone?)= there is no way my butt is going to the gym.  It might not be as intense, but at a minimum I’ll get a good 15 minutes of walking in.

Mind –A nice long walk with Dexter is sometimes the best “me” time possible.  In the mornings I can organize my daily activities, and at night I can debrief my accomplishments.  Some say the best ideas happen in the shower, but I hash more personal things out by pounding the pavement with my canine.

Relationships – Not all of my walks with Dexter are solo.  In fact, an ideal walk is spent with Nellie, or other loved ones.  Some of my best “life” conversations occur with a poop bag in my hand.

Community – A great way to acquaint yourself with a neighborhood is to travel it by foot.  I can feel my love and affinity for Ferry St (our new neighborhood) grow with every jaunt I take with Dexter.  By reading the historic signs, I’m becoming inspired to learn more and spread the rich history of the buildings located just down the street –

Omega Psi Phi building                 Col. Frank Hecker House                               Detroit Institute of Arts

I get to experience, firsthand and in detail, some of the best architecture, gardens, and community art that the city has to offer –

The Inn on Ferry Street                 Art Center Community Garden                  CCS Sculpture Garden

But the essence of a community isn’t great architecture or landscapes, rather the people and their interconnected relationships.

Thus, we can’t honestly say we belong to the Ferry Street neighborhood until we actually know and interact with our neighbors.  So as a 2015 New Year’s resolution, I pledge to leverage my walks with Dexter to:

–          Establish a presence in our community through constant smiles & hellos on our walks – It’s easier to feel kinship and willingness to approach a familiar person.

–          Be another set of eyes to look for things out of the ordinary – inform neighbors if we notice something, & call & nag the city about broken street lights.

–          Plan a neighborhood BBQ in Peck Park, similar to what my parents hosted in my boyhood neighborhood.