How do you like to start your day? Every morning, we take a walk with Ariva, our French Bulldog. Ariva is a 4yearold girl who loves playing in the forest and on the sandy banks of the river. Every morning, we try to make a big loop along the river through the woods. Ariva loves to play with sticks, often bringing them to me for a playful tugofwar. She also enjoys peering over the riverbank, eagerly looking for ducks or swans gliding by.

A few times, she has even tried to chase a squirrel in the forest, only to be disappointed when it scampered away up a tree too quickly for her to catch. Still, she never loses her enthusiasm, always ready for the next adventure. Each new day brings new surprises, and no two walks are ever the same.

Ariva also loves making new friends along the way, especially when she meets other French Bulldogs like herself. The sight of them playing together is simply heartwarming; they bounce around with so much joy, their tails wagging and their little faces full of excitement. Watching them interact is one of the many highlights of our morning routine.

Walking with Ariva is more than just a walk; it's an adventure. It's a time filled with simple joys and moments that make us smile. One of her favorite games is to find the largest stick she can manage and bring it over to me, daring me to take it from her. It turns into a playful battle that makes both of us laugh and run around until we’re tired out.

But it’s not just about play. Ariva has a curious mind; she loves to explore the scents of the forest floor and examine every leaf and stone that comes her way. She has a knack for finding hidden paths that we didn’t even know existed. Each time, she takes us to new places, making every walk a mini adventure. Sometimes, we find hidden clearings or tiny streams, places we’d never noticed before, all thanks to her boundless curiosity.

After our energetic runs, Ariva enjoys a moment of calm by the river, where we sit together and take in the fresh air. I often catch her staring out over the water, seemingly lost in her own thoughts, or maybe she’s just waiting for another duck to appear. She has this way of making every small moment feel like something special.

The forest and river paths are always changing with the seasons. In the spring, the scent of wildflowers fills the air, and the forest floor is carpeted with bright green moss. Summer brings longer walks, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves and sparkling on the water. In the autumn, the leaves crunch underfoot, and we both enjoy the crisp, cool air. Even in winter, with everything covered in frost or snow, the beauty of the landscape makes our walks magical. Ariva loves the snow; she bounces through it with such joy, her little paws leaving trails behind.

Our morning walks have also introduced us to a wonderful community. We often meet the same people and dogs on our route, exchanging friendly greetings or stopping for a quick chat while the dogs play. Ariva has a special group of friends, mostly other French Bulldogs, but she’s friendly with all breeds. Seeing her play with other dogs is a reminder of the simple happiness of companionship and how much joy a shared moment can bring.

Sometimes, we meet children who are fascinated by Ariva’s playful nature. She loves the attention and often performs little tricks for them, like sitting up or giving a high five. It always brings a smile to their faces and brightens up our day.

But it's not just about the fun; our walks also have a calming, almost meditative quality. Walking through the forest, hearing the rustling leaves, the birds singing, and feeling the fresh breeze on our faces – it’s a wonderful way to start the day. It clears the mind and sets a positive tone for whatever lies ahead. Ariva, in her playful way, reminds me to appreciate these little moments and to find joy in the simple things in life.

And the best part? No matter how many times we walk the same path, it never feels the same. There’s always something new – a different smell, a new flower blooming, or a new friend to meet. Ariva’s boundless energy and enthusiasm make even the most ordinary walk feel like an extraordinary adventure.

By the time we return home, Ariva is often ready for a little nap, curling up in her bed, exhausted but happy. I feel the same way – refreshed, energized, and grateful for another beautiful morning spent with my best friend.

So, join us on our morning walks, and let’s enjoy these moments together. Whether it's playing by the river, chasing squirrels in the forest, or just soaking in the beauty of nature, there's always something to smile about. Let Ariva bring a little sunshine to your day with her playful spirit and boundless joy!