It's no secret that a tired dog is a happy dog but tiring out your pup isn't always as straightforward as it might seem.  Sure, you can go to the dog park but sometimes there aren't any other dogs to play with.  Or maybe some days your dog is more interested in sniffing around then romping.  Simply put, there is no guarantee that a trip to the park will tire your dog out.  Unless you know that Eko is there, that is.

Ever since he was a puppy Eko has had a talent for riling up other dogs to play.  I can't count how many times I hear someone say, "I haven't seen my dog run like that in years!" or "she never usually plays chase, this is great!"  This morning at the beach was a classic example - there were a few dogs leisurely playing but Eko had them whipped into a full blown romp in no time.

With a few play bows and few yips and one blatant ball theft, Eko rounded up the posse

Eko then takes off, but he always looks back to make sure the chase is on

Catch him if you can

The pack in hot pursuit

For about twenty straight minutes Eko kept the dogs running at full speed

At one point Eko was running so fast and his ears flapping so hard that I thought he might fly away.  In fact...

We have liftoff!  The world's first flying dog! (Ok, maybe I doctored this photo juuust a bit)

While I consider myself a friendly person, I know that when I am frequently asked "When do you usually come to the beach?" it's not because people are looking for my company.  People are looking to tire out their pup and they know that a play date with Eko is 100% guaranteed to deliver.  We all love our pets the most, but I would wager that Eko's services make him plenty of people's second favorite!

This morning Eko and I headed out for a run.  Usually we jog the same way and turn around at the same spot.  But today, for no particular reason, I decided to turn left when we normally turn right.  That turn made all the difference.  Instead of our usual routine, Eko and I discovered a new part of the city we have never visited.  In fact we found a dog park that I never knew existed.

At the new park Eko investigated what we believed was a spaceship

Some of the locals were kind enough to show us that the "spaceship" was actually a big water jug.  Who knew?

Eko and his new friends promptly tripped over each other and had a blast playing keep away with the ball

Finding the new dog park was so much fun that I decided to keep the adventure going.  Instead of turning home, I went the opposite direction and we found ourselves on a part of the Lake Michigan where we have never been before.

Exploring new places always gives us some extra hop in our step

We also saw...this thing!  It looked like a big Kong toy so we decided to investigate 

Eko seriously thought it was a dog toy because he tried to climb it!  You can see by my face that I did not expect Eko to make the leap

By the time we got home it seemed like Eko and I had been on an epic adventure.  As it turns out, we went almost the exact same distance as our regular run.  It was just more exciting because it was all new to us.  And while it might have been the same distance, the novelty of the trip certainly wore Eko out.

Same distance, twice the snoozing

In honor of today's adventure I would like to start "Walk A New Way Day."  This laid-back holiday happens...well, whenever you feel like it really.  All you have to do is make a right turn when you would have made a left - or just walk the same distance you normally do, but walk in the opposite direction.  Just because our dogs need a walk every day doesn't mean that it has to be the same walk.  Try a new route and I promise you'll both enjoy it!

Just walked in the door from a whirlwind day.  Eko and Ceci are snoring in their respective beds and it is up to me to tell the tale of our trip - presuming I don't fall asleep at the computer first.

This morning I was amazed at how far Eko and Ceci had come along in less than twenty-four hours.  The novelty started to wear off for Eko and Ceci became increasingly inquisitive.  The two partners in crime are finding the right balance that works for them.

"See. Will?  I am being calm and gentle just like you asked"

Yesterday I showed Ceci one of my favorite places - the zoo. So today Eko got to play host and introduce Ceci to one of his favorite places in the city - Montrose Dog Beach.

Montrose Beach: Land of the free (roaming dogs) and home of the brave (Ceci!)

The nice part about Montrose Beach is that a section of the beach is reserved just for people.  That meant Ceci could watch Eko romp with his friends without worrying about getting caught up in the ruckus.  It was fun to see Ceci smile and watch her eyes track Eko's gallop.  I think we have the makings of a dog lover for sure!

When Ceci is old enough to build sand castles, Eko will make an excellent assistant

At the end of our trip Eko was so nonchalant about Ceci's presence that she had to give him a baby-kick to the head to get his attention! 

Eko took it in stride and blew Ceci some kisses before we hit the road

I think Eko will be ready to babysit in no time at all.  I also think The Adventures Of Eko And Ceci might be the name of a children's adventure series I should write!

It's no secret that Eko makes an outstanding friend.

Eko has small friends

Big friends

And friends that are exactly the same size

Eko also has plenty of human friends he likes to hang out with

And he even has a few cross-species friends that he likes to visit on occasion

Eko has made a lot of friends, but there will always be new friends to meet.  And this week Eko will be meeting a new type of friend for the first time.  I for one am extremely interested to see how Eko reacts when he meets someone who is even more of a baby than he is!

Time for us to get the place ready - check back tomorrow to meet Eko's new friend!