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Health & Fitness

Walking with Max and Penny

Thoughts on nature walks in and around Westwood.

So here it goes folks!! I have never blogged before, so bear with me. 

I only have a few minutes to write (or should I say blog) today. It is early, and I am running out the door to drop the kids at school. I am trying to sneak in a nice long walk before the rain hits. Another busy day ahead, but the dogs need to walk, otherwise they will mope around with their sad faces all day and make me feel guilty. The exercise is good for me too, so it is definitely worth the effort. And they are super cute too boot! I have two mini-golden doodles dogs (Max and Penny), and they are awesome - no shedding, great temperament, and about 25 pounds each. The perfect size for our family.

My dilemma is where to go walking with Max and Penny. My preference is to walk in the woods, rather than stay on the side walks. Although, at this time of year, my thinking might be flawed. I have found several ticks on the dogs. Ticks are always a big concern at my house, as Lyme disease is such a deal these days. We have had several friends get Lyme and it is not fun. One year, I found a tick embedded in my sons ear and I had to dig it out with those little tweezers. Ouch and yuck! I use the Frontline monthly, but this year, it does not seem to be keeping the ticks away. I called my vet, Dr. Durso at (he is awesome and so is the staff), and he recommended a Preventic animal collar which lasts three months. They can be used in conjunction with the Frontline. And it won't hurt the kids either when they are snuggling up with our furry family members.

Now that I have the extra tick protection, I am thinking I am going try my luck and head for the woods. There are several good options nearby, but usually I end up at Wilson Mountain Reservation in Dedham for convenience. It is so close to school, and it has some nice terrain. Its more of a hike than a walk. There are clearly marked trails so it is easy for me to follow. I can not tell you how many times I have started day dreaming and wandered off a trail only to find myself a little lost. Oops!

Okay, back to Wilson Mountain Reservation. There is trail map in the parking lot (which is smallish) and there is long loop (three miles), or a short loop (about 1.5 miles). The shorter loop usually takes me about 40 minutes at a quick pace. The hills definitely get my heart rate going if I keep a good pace. If you climb to the top, you can see Blue Hills in the distance. I have had good experiences walking at Wilson, and I have met some nice people there as well. It is funny how people with dogs will stop and talk to each other on the trails. I guess the dogs kind of break the ice. I really enjoy being outside, no matter the weather, and enjoying the fresh air. These trails really change from winter to summer and it is fun to see.

The other places I would recommend if you are looking for a nature walk, alone or with your canine friends, is (off of Sandy Valley Road) and both in Westwood, Caryl Park in Dover, and Adams Farm in Walpole. 

Well, I am off to the woods. If you see me around town walking Max and Penny, stop and say hello. Enjoy your day!

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