The challenge this week was to incorporate the phrase ‘I’m exhausted. Shut the door behind you…
Every evening, pounding the pavements, whatever the weather, with me twenty yards behind.
I do my best, but I’m overweight, and no athlete.
She thinks I like to run with her, but I don’t. I do it because I love her. And I need to look after her too; she’s important to me.
We arrive home and I see her getting ready to go out. She looks at me, and I hope she won’t invite me. She smiles, strokes my cheek and I know she doesn’t mind.
I sigh. I’m exhausted. Shut the door behind you…
I settle contentedly down on the rug with my bone.
castelsarrasin 
awe, sweet
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Thanks for reading Sue. 🙂
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Oooh lovely characterisation. A super piece with such a good twist.
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Thank you Alison.
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I love pieces that turn all believe is true on its head and force you to reread it all again. Well done for getting probably not just me to do just that 🙂
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Thanks, glad you liked it. Hope it’s not taking up too much of people’s time then. 🙂
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That could so be my dog! LOL Great piece. Thanks for the smile
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Dogs… don’t you just love them. Thanks for commenting.
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I just love the twist at the end of this. That dog is soooo adorable!
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Thanks for commenting Sally-Jayne, glad you enjoyed it.
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That was a great twist! We assume that our pets love to do whatever we want to do, not in this case! Can sense the dogs relief at the end.
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Whenever I see dogs running along behind joggers or cyclists I wonder how much they’re enjoying it. Surely the essence of a good walk is stopping to read the pee mails at each lamp post. 🙂
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when he didn’t want to go out, I wondered if it was my dog! 🙂 Super well done…and a great departure from most of our responses. thanks for sharing!
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I’ve seen one or two dogs who know when they’ve had enough, but never been fortunate enough to own one. I’ve specialised in the ‘boundless energy’ breed.
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I love that you are surprised to find the story being told from the perspective of a dog. Great job!
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Thank you – I love a twist in the tail. (grooan) 😦
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I reread it, and it works perfectly. Well done!
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Thank you Miriam! 🙂
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Thanks, glad it worked for you. 🙂
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Loved the unexpected ending to this. Nicely done.
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Thanks Anna, glad you liked it.
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They do have to put up with some crazy things from their humans don’t they? 🙂
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Hi Gilly. Yes, I think it’s their belief in our potential that encourages them to persevere with us. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
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Oh what a fabulous twist at the end! I love it! This had me getting all worried that it would end in a sad way but…! Brilliant! Thank you for joining us & sharing such talent!
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Thanks for the compliment Julia. I really look forward to the weekly challenges.
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Another unexpected pleasure. 😀 Thanks for the fun!
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Thanks for reading and commenting Judee. 🙂
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A great tale.
I’m with the dog on this one – no athlete & overweight.
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Thank you Mike. Running isn’t my scene, which was a great relief to our dogs when they were still with us.
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