Many a person I’ve conversed with has said that walking is the best form of exercise.

So, after months of procrastination, I grabbed the golden mutt and we carted off to Hollywood, otherwise known as Hollandale.

Exiting the dusty Little Red Sled, I knew Ellie was in for a big awakening. I mean, for a dog that hasn’t really ventured off the Rietsema homestead, any kind of field trip is earth shattering.

No longer bound by a cable, Eleanor experienced what Aladdin might call a whole new world. But instead of a flying carpet, she had me for her tour guide.

We gallivanted off towards the post office in hopes of finding Grandmother Willow’s mail. And about 20 minutes later, our mission had reached completion.

Oh, but before we delve into mission two’s highlights, I must let you in on some of Ellie’s ever strange behavior on her inaugural walk. All right, get set, read.

Our first landmark of exploration: a church parking lot. Not so much excitement happened there.

Soon after, a fellow dog started barking, a new phenomenon my leashed creature hasn’t heard the likes of very much. We hurriedly scampered closer to our destination.

Meanwhile, Ellie decided to explore what I would call “all over creation.” Or, in other words, she just had to set paw on lawn, sidewalk and street. As a result, I decided to give the allusion that the leash had suddenly lost two feet in length.

Ah, that was much better. Now, with a few letters in hand, we made our return flight. On the way, the Little Dutch Girl couldn’t help but laugh for a short minute.

Upon seeing the town’s windmill, Ellie’s face turned sideways in confusion. And not a split second later, it seemed as if fear had stricken her entire body.

The laughter subsided. But what dog on planet Earth is afraid of an in-motion windmill? Apparently, Ellie is. We will have to do something about that, won’t we?

I think it goes without saying, this sheltered golden retriever needs to build up some thick skin. You know, like refrain from flinching when a local townsperson sneezes. I mean for crying out loud, Ellie, get it together!

Our noses now headed southward on mission two. I had become a somewhat proud adoptive parent, as Ellie’s four paws had figured out how to move in a straight line.

Bugs, butterflies and green grass didn’t seem to distract her anymore. But, I thought too soon because when we turned the corner, a yipping of sorts scared the absolute living daylights out of her.

Even though the tiny dog remained confined to a tree, Ellie couldn’t handle the “threat.” She decided to run away as fast as she could, and much to my disdain, I went along with her. For about three seconds, that is.

Yes, Ellie had done the unthinkable. She broke free from her pink collar.

I honestly thought Ellie was going bye bye. Adios, I’ll never see you again like in the movie Homeward Bound.

Oh my goodness, my mind traveled a mile a second in those 15 seconds. But, all of the sudden, Ellie made a quick turn into someone’s front yard.

Hallelujah, she had stopped. All I had to do now was coax her towards me. And if you knew this canine, this task is a lot easier said than done. But alas, I succeeded and we were once again reunited by the beloved blue leash.

A few minutes later, we made an executive decision to cut our walk short. There we were, on to Grandmother’s house we go once again.

Mid-journey, I couldn’t help but think that Ellie needs a different collar. Not only that, but I need to find some sort of CD that plays a dog barking incessantly.

Maybe then we will successfully walk the streets of Hollandale without causing a scene.