Every afternoon, Steve, a 66 year old Englishman, walked to the park with Bobby, his energetic 10 year old brown Vizslador. The routine was as regular as the church clock at the end of the street. Steve put on his jacket, picked up the lead, and Bobby waited patiently by the door, tail gently tapping the wall. She knew where they were going.

The park opened out in front of them with wide grass, old trees, and familiar paths. As soon as Steve unclipped the lead, Bobby trotted forward and gave Steve the ball in his hand. Steve threw it lightly into the air. Bobby jumped, punched it upwards with her nose, and landed neatly. She repeated the move again and again, keeping the ball floating as if it were tied to her. Steve smiled, enjoying the simple skill she never seemed to tire of.

When the ball finally fell, Bobby chased it at speed. She returned quickly and carefully placed it straight into Steve’s hand. She had learned this years ago, and never forgot it. Steve did not need to bend, and his back was grateful. Other dog owners often noticed and commented on her manners. Steve always replied that he had really enjoyed spending the time training her.

Bobby loved company. She greeted children with gentle excitement and accepted pats politely. She sniffed shoes, bags, and coats, curious about every new smell. When other dogs appeared, she watched closely. If they were free, she ran with them, twisting and turning, ears flying. If they were on a lead, she still hoped they might play. Steve stayed alert, calling her back when needed, knowing not every dog welcomed her enthusiasm.

One afternoon, an elderly man stopped to watch Bobby and began talking to Steve. They shared stories about dogs they had owned years ago. Nearby, a small group of children gathered, laughing as Bobby performed her nose trick again. For a short while, strangers stood together, connected by a dog and a bouncing ball.

As the light softened and shadows grew longer, Steve clipped the lead back on. Bobby walked calmly beside him, her energy spent, her mouth open in a happy grin as she panted. Steve felt tired in a good way. The park had given them exercise, company, and another peaceful afternoon.

At home, Bobby curled up on her bed while Steve made coffee. He looked at her and felt thankful. The days moved more slowly now, but they were full. Tomorrow afternoon, they would return to the park, ball in hand, ready to play again.

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Vocabulary Notes

Routine
Meaning: A regular way of doing things that happens again and again, often daily.
Example: “The routine was as regular as the church clock at the end of the street.”
Explanation: Steve and Bobby go to the park every afternoon. This repeated activity becomes part of their routine and gives structure to their day.
Similar words: habit, pattern, schedule, custom

Unclipped
Meaning: Released or undone, usually referring to something fastened with a clip.
Example: “As soon as Steve unclipped the lead, Bobby trotted forward…”
Explanation: The dog lead is clipped on to keep Bobby close. When Steve unclips it, Bobby is free to run and play.
Similar words: released, unfastened, detached, loosened

Trotted
Meaning: Walked quickly with short, light steps, often used to describe animals.
Example: “Bobby trotted forward and gave Steve the ball in his hand.”
Explanation: This word shows Bobby’s eager but controlled movement, not running fast but moving happily and purposefully.
Similar words: jogged, skipped, padded, moved briskly

Enthusiasm
Meaning: Strong interest, excitement, or eagerness about something.
Example: “Steve stayed alert, calling her back when needed, knowing not every dog welcomed her enthusiasm.”
Explanation: Bobby is very friendly and excited to play, but her enthusiasm is sometimes too much for dogs that are on a lead.
Similar words: eagerness, excitement, passion, energy

Curled up
Meaning: Moved into a comfortable, rounded position, often for rest or sleep.
Example: “At home, Bobby curled up on her bed while Steve made coffee.”
Explanation: This phrase shows Bobby relaxing after an active afternoon, feeling safe, calm, and tired.
Similar words: settled, snuggled, lay down, rested

Story written by SteveUK and ChatGPT.

Image created by ChatGPT.

CC Music: Drifting at 432 Hz – Unicorn Heads.

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