So I was out for a run in Wisconsin’s great outdoors yesterday…well, not exactly in the “great” outdoors; more like and and around Madison. Yet, the run was not on a treadmill, and was officially outdoors, and thus, “great.” (If you, like me, have spent the past couple of handfuls of months on the dreaded ‘mill as it takes turns snowing and sleeting and raining outside, only to freeze all over the sidewalks and roads, the whole time wanting to bang your head against the treadmill display out of boredom and crying, “Why me, God? Why?” then you know where I’m coming from.)

So, yesterday, the pooches and I headed out for a quick 6-ish miler, and along the way, the following conversation took place:

Old man (in his 80’s, very few teeth) waiting at a bus stop:”They give you a run for your money,” referring to the Vizslas.

Me, pulling out ear buds: “That they do…they definitely keep me on pace.”

Old Man: “No, I meant that they give you a run for your money in the looks department — I don’t know who catches my eye more, you or those beautiful dogs.”

Umm, thanks? …I think?