Second Grass

Rachell decides to make an adjustment to Chester’s routine with a short outing to the back yard every day. The season is the middle of winter. She knows she won’t be 100 percent successful, but she plans to give her all. This is the second day of their schedule change.

Rachell picks Chester up and heads for the front door saying to herself as she goes, “Let’s see what happens on your second day in the grass.”

Once outside and down the front steps, she sets him on the tan grassland to see if he would like to explore. Chester stands stationary in his tracks and sniffs the grass surrounding. He looks up at her to see if she gives him a clue for what is next. Rachell lightly tugs on his leash to try to nudge him out of his stance. He lifts his left paw and tests a spot next to where he stands. She sees he is investigating the area under his feet. Interestingly, he is unsure of the ground he stands on. He wants to be certain the earth is solid. He lifts his paw and pauses briefly before repeating the same action on the right. He seems assured both sides are hard enough for him to move forward on the lawn and does so. 

Rachell notices he pauses at first movement into his new playground pondering which direction to take. Chester takes a stride with his left paw and follows closely with his right.

He stops and plops down exhibiting all he plans for today while he professes, “That’s all I’m doing, Mom. Consider this second grass!”