{Wasmunds}
11.9.11

As I write this, I am at the gym with my laptop, walking on a treadmill, and my dog is jogging
on the machine next to me. That's a crazy picture, right?

I spend most of my days at home sitting at my computer, with a highly active dog climbing all over my lap,
begging for attention. My pup needs a lot of attention and exercise to keep him happy and it's in my best interest
to give him what he needs, because when he's bored and full of energy, he will not leave me alone when I'm trying
to get my work done. I often take him for walks or runs or go to the dog park, but as the weather is getting
increasingly colder, it is harder to motivate myself to do those activities. So I devised a plan to give us both
a change of scenery and be more active, healthy and productive. Going to the gym. Together.

I thought I wouldn't be taken seriously when I asked the owner of my small neighborhood gym if I could bring my
already treadmill-trained dog with me for my workouts, but he was super stoked! He thought it was a crazy cool idea.
We had a trial run at the gym and it went well, leaving us both tired and happy. However, the second time
at the gym we were met with angry glares, upset comments and ultimately got kicked out of the gym. After some
re-negotiating with the owner, we figured out a schedule for Onyx and I to run at the gym together without upsetting people.
When you see a dog running at the gym, it's pretty impossible not to have a reaction, and thankfully it seems like
the majority of people think it's really awesome. We've even had our photo taken several times. Looks like
my crazy idea might turn us into local celebrities. :wink:

I hear that nothing can be that great if you don't have some haters. Even though noone wants to have haters,
at least it can be encouraging that you're doing something that's unique, outrageous, or perhaps even revolutionary.
People thought computers would never be accessible to the average person, let alone the idea that people would want
to carry them around for access at all times. Now look at us with our laptops, smartphones, ipads. We can't seem
to live without them. I'm not suggesting that I'm starting a revolution by running at the gym with my dog.
I'm mearly pointing out the idea that if you have a crazy (good) idea, you are bound to have some haters.

Enough about haters and on to lovers. The Wasmunds are some of the most genuine and caring people I know!
The first time I met them, they welcomed me into their hearts and home. The world could use a few more Wasmunds,
and with the birth of their new baby, it looks like that's just what we'll get!