We love walkies!
When I first started looking for my place, one of my major requirements was the place had to be pet-friendly and large enough for dogs like a Labrador Retriever. It also needed to be within Makati CBD where I grew up, as I wanted to still be close to my family.
Luckily, I found a place that fit the bill—a spacious 1-BR unit located just down the road from the village I grew up in and was a stone’s throw away from Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG). It was love at first sight when I brought my dog Sunday there.
Since then, we’ve been going to ATG to walk and run regularly to keep both of us active. Our day starts with a lovely morning walk in and around the park with the sound of cicadas and birds, morning sunlight streaming through the trees, and Sunday happily trotting and busy checking her pee-mail (aka sniffing different pee spots).
We end our day with an evening walk around the park. Back when I was still training for marathons, Sunday & I would run 5K around the park before dinner. Some nights were for speed runs, with her helping me do 200-meter sprints; while Tuesday nights were spent doing drills and HIIT workouts with the Ayala Triads, with Sunday as our unofficial mascot watching all of us sweat it out.
Sunday was only 3 years old when I first brought her to ATG. She was spunky and energetic and enjoyed running laps around the park. She’ll be turning 15 on August 24, and while she now has arthritis and walks at a slow pace, she can still walk for an hour. I believe her daily exercise is a key factor in her longevity and stamina. Despite being attacked there by off-leash dogs (NOTE: there are signs at the gates stating that dogs must be leashed at all times. Please be responsible and considerate dog parents.) and becoming reactive as a result of her trauma, ATG remains to be Sunday’s favorite place. She loves going there, sniffing all the pee spots and savoring everything. I hope and pray we’ll have many more years together, walking and enjoying the beauty of ATG.
Ayala Triangle Gardens used to be a wide expanse of greens, with lots of tall majestic trees and ample green spaces to frolic in. It looks different now but it still is an oasis in the middle of the urban jungle—a place that provides solace and respite from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Surrounded by beautiful trees and lush greenery, one can soak in the beauty of nature and feel the stress melt away. It is also a great place to start one’s fitness journey, alone or with friends.
Benefits of walking your dog in nature
Many studies show that being inactive can be detrimental to humans and dogs. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, chronic diseases, as well as anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline. Walking is a good way to stay active and healthy. Even better, walking with your dog in nature (a park with lots of trees counts!) can do wonders for you and your four-legged pal.
Just by walking your dog for 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week, you can reap these health benefits and meet the recommended 150 minutes weekly of physical activity.
Last, but certainly not the least, walking with your dog in nature can strengthen the precious bond between you and your pet. Your fur baby will surely appreciate the quality time you spend together, whether exploring new trails or rediscovering your local park and neighborhood together. And as fur parents, nothing brings us more joy than seeing our dogs happy, healthy, and thriving.
Here are the benefits of walking in nature for your dog, according to FitBark.com:
● Promotes longevity
● Slows down aging
● Reduces risk of obesity
● Provides mental stimulation due to new scents and sights
● Keeps cognitive decline at bay
● Improves socialization skills
● Helps in managing arthritis
Health benefits of walking in nature for humans are:
● Better sleep
● Enhanced mood
● Improved memory recall
● Lowered blood pressure and blood glucose levels
● Reduced inflammation
● Reduced stress
● Stronger immune system
So lace up, leash up, and go on walkies with your furry best friend!
