Spending time being healthy with a pet or an animal is this week’s sizzlin’ summer challenge.
When I think about how one might spend time with a pet or animal in a healthy way, the possibilities seem endless. That said, I thought I would share some stories and photos from a few of the VSBIT crew. Larae Cirignano, our information technology coordinator and her family revel in taking their dog, Sally, up to camp in the Northeast Kingdom on summer weekends. Though always eager for a hike, Sally has a tendency to shiver when the temperatures become a bit breezy. To make sure Sally is well prepared for cooler weather, Larae and her family members make sure to follow the recommended hiking practice of dressing in layers. 
Lisa Locke, VSBIT’s administrative assistant, owns a horse named Shiloh who will turn 14 this September. During the summer weekends she rises early to saddle up Shiloh and meet up with her sister-in-law and her horse. Together they head out for two hour jaunts through the forests and fields surrounding Waterville.
My partner and I continue to enjoy spending time with our golden retriever, Scarlet, (now nine years old) in Lake Champlain. While many retrievers enjoy playing fetch in water, our dog wants to swim with us regardless of the distance. Many an evening, you can find the three of us swimming from the town beach to the Grand Isle Lake House and back (estimated to be about a half mile in length). We assume that Scarlet is always thrilled with this activity because as we get closer and closer to the beach, she can barely contain her excitement. I think she loves connecting with us in this special way; in turn we are both amazed and proud of her swimming abilities. I will add that despite her doggie paddle, she is much faster than either of us. Nonetheless, she makes sure to circle back and check in before reasserting her lead.
If you don’t have your own pets, I am betting that there are some animals you can easily connect with not too far from home. For example, the Allenholm orchard and farm stand, a short distance from my home, is often jammed with visitors of all ages this time of year. They can be found petting, feeding and conversing with the rabbits, goats, chickens, donkeys and Fergie, the Scottish highland cow.
And if you are in a larger metropolitan area this summer and think finding an animal to spend time with might be difficult, rest assured. Last week while visiting one of the neighborhood pocket parks in Cambridge, MA, I spotted a chicken who nonchalantly moved from one park guest to another with nary a care in the world.
The animal kingdom is indeed fascinating and often joyful.
We’ll see you on the PATH ahead.