There's something so serene about springtime.
Cherry blossoms bud. The air softens. Your dog seems to slow down too and sniff the world a little longer. For me, it's the season of shedding old, exhausting routines that no longer work for me. And if you're anything like me, spring feels like a permission to stop juggling and start enjoying.
Here are spring-specific ways to lighten your walks.
1. Walk earlier or later to avoid strong midday allergens.
Spring sunshine is meant to be indulged, but not when the air is thick with pollen! I've learned to shift our walks to early mornings before sunset when the air is less reactive. It helps me and my dogs enjoy the walk without sneezing through it. I also like to keep allergy wipes clipped to my StitchLeash, so I can quickly wipe my face, hands, or even my dogs' fur before heading back inside to keep pollen from entering our home.
2. Stop and smell the flowers (literally).
I've learned to stop rushing all the time for my overall well-being. Despite juggling it all, I know I have to slow down and smell the flowers - more literally when it's springtime. Having my phone, poop bags, and wipes all clipped onto my StitchLeash, I feel like it's easier to be present.
3. Hydrate as much as possible.
Dog walks, even shorter ones, require hydration. Spring warms up fast, so I started bringing a collapsible water bowl clipped to my leash. This way, I don't have to carry anything extra in my hands or pockets.
4. Prepare for damp grass and muddy paws.
The ground is much softer in spring, which my dogs love but my floors hate. When that happens, I like to bring a small towel so I can clean their paws before stepping inside. Clipping it onto my leash saves me the extra effort of carrying a full bag.
Spring walks are one of the simplest joys of the season. When you're not trying to juggle it all, you can turn everyday walks into moments of smiles and calmness. That's what my goal for StitchLeash is - to make real-life dog parenting feel a little lighter.
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To more meaningful walks with you,
JENNI 🐾