First Grass

Chester’s first outside adventure to the backyard came to Rachell on the spur of a moment. She hustled him up with a scoop and tug to her chest for safety. She moved down the steps to the floor landing that provides the door to exit to the grass sprawling in the back of her house. Chester looks up at her wondering where she is taking him this time. The sun shines in brightly as the door springs wide open. Rachell pushes the storm door after unlashing the handle and steps onto the light teal stoop outside. She lets the door fall shut behind her and proceeds to the stone landing that leads to the grass. Chester hugs tightly to her as she maneuvers to his new playground. Rachell sets him gently on the greens with a short leash to make sure he is unable to escape from her.

Much to her surprise, Chester just lies flat down on the surface of the earth.

Then, he starts to shake. Surely, he is not afraid she thinks to herself, but wonders acutely to this reaction. Maybe he is a bit anxious she concludes. Rachell reaches down to pet him in hope of making him more comfortable to explore around. He sniffs the air to new aromas as he faces the sunshiny afternoon. Next, he noses the immediate greenery surrounding him, but does not get up to take a step. Rachell lets him explore at his own speed. After a short time and a tiny pull on the leash, she realizes his is not going to budge.

“That is okay. I am not going to force you to step in the grass today, little guy.” Rachell assures him.

“In time, Chester. Maybe tomorrow,” she finishes as she picks him up to return to his safe zone inside.

Rachell makes her own goal to try again the following day. Be patient with him, she reminds herself.

Chester pulls into her closely and expresses his relief as he conveys, “Maybe tomorrow, Rachell. Thank you for this outing. We will call today my FIRST GRASS!”