First, a little background about Brittany Spaniels, more commonly referred to as Brittanys. They are small to medium sized hunting dogs known for their endurance and stamina in the field, yet adapt well to the relative tranquility and comforts of home. They are playful. They'll fetch - more or less - if trained to do so. They're devoted companions who shower affection on their owners. But caveat emptor: Some Brittanys are escape artists. Others snack via counter surfing. And nearly every Brit requires a large dose of recreation and attention every day. They need to expend alot of energy. And they love to run.
Our first Brittany provided entertainment and companionship to our family for twelve wonderful years until that sad day arrived a few years back when we needed to put her down. But because the breed requires so much of its owners, my wife had long resolved that one Brittany was enough - that is, until we experienced the vacuum left in the wake of its departure. So it didn't take long for us to begin cruising the American Brittany Rescue web site in search of Brittany Number 2. We rescued our second Brit, a female emotionally reeling from abandonment yet otherwise displaying excellent health, just two months afterwards.
 |
| That's Phoebe, our Brit #2, provoking a confrontation with a neighborhood possum. |
True to form, our newest furry family member displayed all the typical Brittany traits. And at only 1 1/2 years old, this one's energy levels knew no bounds. Good news for her was, at the time I was just entering my fitness rediscovery mode - an exercise nexus for the two of us. And figuring that I could save time by working out together, we commenced a morning jogging routine.
I use the term "together" loosely. Phoebe enjoys charging out ahead - or at least as far as my 12' retractable leash plus fully extended arm will permit. After a few weeks of 3 to 5 mile runs, I began to experience discomfort in the areas surrounding my pelvis. It became so uncomfortable that I had to give up running altogether for awhile. At an annual checkup soon afterwards, while discussing my symptoms my doctor suggested non impact exercise instead, with swimming at the top of the list. We never really arrived at the source of the problem - an issue which resolved itself with rest within a month or so.
Looking back, here's my theory: The tension produced excessive rotation in my lower torso, causing my legs to fight back - leading perhaps to strained adductors, a muscle group responsible for stability and drawing the legs together. Perhaps I'll never know for sure, except for one thing: Yes, Phoebe had finally secured her "forever home" at our address, but when it came to running, she'd be flying solo from now on.
