I'll admit I was eyeing the dog backpack today at Galyan's. Long solitary walks are the romantic memories of my youth: late afternoons spent walking to and along the beach in spring and fall. The feelings of escape and reflection call me once again.

Of course I'm years and years older and afraid, somewhat, of the world and particularly the untamed, isolated places, the very places I crave to be. But after these recent months of spousal companionship 24 hours a day, I'm thinking that it's time to overcome that fear. In fact, it's essential for me to find the space I need. Now.

Inti would be happy to walk to the ends of the earth with me, as long as I brought along that hard, slobber-covered orange rubber ball. I know I'm good for eight to ten miles in a day, and with rest and soft surfaces, so is she. With her I'd have a slightly improved margin of safety, though the peace of mind would make that margin seem much larger. But we'd need water and some sort of food for day-long walks.

There's no denying that my walking, my daily 2.5 miles, is only happening because of her. Though it's a gift to me, it mostly looks like a gift to her. So she should carry her own weight, shouldn't she? I wouldn't be out there but for her…and besides, what an opportunity to get some cool dog stuff!