Admit it, you get a little fidgety on our walks when we stop… and stop… and stop. 

Does poop or pee really smell that good?

We know that’s what you’re thinking. 

So you tug on the leash. “Let’s go.” 

Hey, Gracie Gurley here with Tale #11. 

Calling what we do every day a “walk” isn’t quite right.

I like the walking part, but I LOVE stopping.

For the smells. They tell me things.

That’s how I learn.

The hardest part is finding the right one. I smell a lot all at once, so I have to choose. It’s even harder when it’s windy. 

I think the coyotes in our neighborhood use the wind to help them hunt other animals. They are so smart and sneaky. Ellie, Norman and me talk to them all the time in our back yard. I’m glad we have a fence.

I’m no hunter, at least not in the coyote way of thinking, but I have learned a lot about them from smelling. 

I found a new coyote den a few days ago and I knew they were close. 

I made daddy take me home right away. He didn’t know why, but I did. Did I mention they are a little scary?

I’m no dummy.

Smelling helps me figure out really important stuff.

One last thing. On every walk, daddy says, “Let’s go home.” 

He waits to see what I’ll do. 

I head for home every time.

That’s why I stop so much. 

Related Tales from Gracie

Tale #4: Very serious subject of coyote poop. A strange discovery on a walk has Gracie teaching Daddy a thing or two about coyotes, poop and paying attention.

Tale #1: Walks are where we learn. Every smell, animal and unexpected discovery teaches Gracie something new. That’s why a walk is about much more than walking.