Buy a dog

One good way to help yourself with an exercise program is get yourself a dog. Not necessarily the one in the picture, but any dog will do. That is one of my dogs. My daughter took his picture in "high flight". If you live in the city and you have a dog, you have no choice but to walk the dog. This helps both you and the dog to stay in shape. Those of us with large fenced in yards have to work harder to get ourselves out that front door with Rover but when they get us out, they are so thrilled to be out and about in the neighbourhood. One of my dogs fights for the all of the leashes. I think he wants to do the walking.

If you happen to be lucky enough to buy a retriever, get ready for many a ball toss. I have had 2 dogs that had retriever as part of their heritage and they loved to play catch. Our dog Bear loves to play ball. He brings it back as he should but then the game is to get him to release the ball.

No matter what type of dog you choose, they will be your best friend forever if you get outside with them and walk them around the neighbourhood. Catch with a ball or frisbee can be great exercise for both you and Spot. Dogs can also be therapeutic. The rehab at my hospital, has volunteer dogs come to see the patients. The patients seem to have a quicker recovery when they are visited by dogs.

And how can you be down when you have someone like Beagle, pictured above, giving you his winning smile and support.