“The Leash Game”

By Stanley the Greyhound

I’ll admit it — I used to think my brother Ollie was ridiculous.

Every walk with Dad, there he’d go, bouncing around like a kangaroo, tangling himself in his leash, and acting like the whole neighborhood was his personal playground. Meanwhile, I kept my dignity. I walked tall, head high, leash loose, graceful as ever. People would stop to admire me. And I’d think, Of course I’m admirable. I’m a professional.

But then one day… curiosity got the best of me.

Ollie was doing his usual act — hopping, spinning, wagging, trying to play tug-of-war with his leash. He looked like an absolute fool. And yet… he was having so much fun.

So, I thought, Why not?

I gave the leash a playful nip. Then a little bounce. Then a small hop. Before I knew it, I was full-on jumping, leash swinging, tail wagging, ears flapping in the breeze with Mom by my side. And let me tell you… it was amazing. The wind! The freedom! The laughter from Mom and Dad! I felt like a puppy again — wild, silly, and free.

Ollie looked at me like I’d finally joined his secret club. He barked, spun around, and together we hopped our way across the grass like a couple of joyful maniacs.

I guess sometimes, the best way to enjoy life is to stop worrying about looking perfect… and just play.

Now, whenever we go for walks, I let myself have a little fun. A jump here. A skip there. Maybe even a playful tug on the leash. I still have my grace, of course — but now it comes with a little extra bounce.

Sincerely,
Stanley 👑
(Refined. Poised. Occasionally playful.)