I know when it is going to be a good day because my person puts on the shoes.
Not the “going to work” shoes. Not the “I will be right back” shoes, which everyone knows are full of lies. I mean the walking shoes. The shoes that say, “Come on, buddy.”
That is when I begin my morning dance.
My perfect day in The Woodlands starts on The Waterway, where there are so many smells that my nose needs its own assistant. The humans call it a scenic 1.8-mile linear park and water amenity through Town Center. I call it The Long Path of Excellent Sniffs. It winds past restaurants, trees, bridges, boats and other dogs who need to be greeted immediately.
First, we visit one of my favorite secret places: the koi pond and garden beside the water. I am not supposed to bark at the fish, so I do my best serious face and stare at them like a gentleman. They swim around in their colorful outfits, acting calm and mysterious. I will give you a hint about where to find them. They are directly across the water from the Marriott. If you know, you know. If you do not know, follow your dog. We always know.
After the koi inspection, we head toward Waterway Square. That is where the splash pad lives. I understand it better than most people. Water shoots up, children laugh, humans try not to get their shoes wet, and I run straight through the middle like a furry superhero. My ears flop. My paws splash. My person says, “You are ridiculous.” I accept the compliment.
By then, the whole day is sparkling, which means it is time to think about the water. At Riva Row Boat House near Town Green Park, and at Lakes Edge Boat House on Lake Woodlands, people can rent kayaks and paddleboards. Some even rent swan boats. I have studied swan boats carefully. They are big, white and bird-shaped. People use their feet to pedal them around. I do not trust them completely, but I respect their confidence.
If we keep walking, we go under the bridge near the new Ritz-Carlton Residences and make our way toward Hughes Landing. This is important because Hughes Landing has docks, water views, friendly neighbors and a dog park. My person likes to stop and talk. I like to stand there looking handsome so everyone understands that I am available for pets.
There is also a building with a Starbucks. Starbucks understands dogs. Sometimes they give me my very own Puppuccino, which is a small cup of cloud. I do not bother wondering what it is made of. I just make sure none of it escapes.
After all this walking, watching, splashing and socializing, it is time for brunch.
My favorite patio is Del Frisco’s. The humans there always bring me a cold bowl of water, because a dog of my importance must remain hydrated. Sometimes I also get hamburger patties. My person orders Cheesesteak Eggrolls, and he orders them so often they must be very important to human happiness. I have never had one, but I sit politely and stare just in case a mistake happens.
Another place I love is The Goose’s Acre, on The Waterway. It is an Irish pub, which I think means everyone is cheerful and the food smells amazing. The people say the food is delicious, and I believe them because people talk louder when they are happy. The manager tells me, “You’re a rock star.” I do not know exactly what a rock star is. I assume this is a respected title.
The Goose’s Acre is in the same building as another favorite stop, Blue Door Coffee Company. Yes, it really has a blue door. I like to sit by it because people see me, smile, and say, “Oh my goodness!” The people who work there are friendly, too. They bring water and sometimes another Puppuccino.
Then we go home for my nap.
Humans call it a nap, but I call it processing the morning. I dream about fish, splash pads, hamburger patties, swan boats and being told “What a good boy!”. Sometimes my paws twitch because I am running through Waterway Square again. It is deep thinking.
When I wake up, it is time to get pampered. Dogs enjoy a spa day, too. One place I like is Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Creekside Park. It is across from another green space. They have grooming, treats, toys and things that make tails move without permission. I walk in smelling like adventure and walk out smelling like someone with a social calendar.
After that, we might stay and play around Creekside. If not, my person takes me to see my friends at one of the dog parks.
Bear Branch Dog Park is a great one. It is fully fenced, more than two acres, and has separate areas for big dogs and small dogs. It has shade trees and water stations, which are important because the Texas sun does not play around. I run, sniff, chase, pause dramatically and run again.
Terramont Dog Park is another favorite. It sits inside Terramont Park and feels wonderfully shaded and wooded. There are usually separate areas for big and small dogs, plus picnic tables where owners can sit and pretend they are in charge. Around the larger park are places for disc golf, skating, biking and tennis, so everyone gets something.
By the end of the day, my paws are tired, my fur smells faintly like shampoo and sunshine, and my person looks happy. That is how I know the day was perfect.
A perfect day is not complicated. A walk by the water. A secret fish pond. A splash pad. A patio bowl. A Puppuccino. A park full of friends. A nap in the middle because even joy requires rest.
And tomorrow, when my person reaches for the walking shoes again, I will be ready.
My paws are tired and my person looks happy. That is how I know it was a perfect day.
A perfect day is not complicated. A walk by the water. A secret fish pond. A splash pad. A patio bowl. A Puppuccino.