“Unleashing Happiness” a monthly blog by Karen Lee Stevens

Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens tackles topics related to mental health and the human-animal bond, along with a healthy dose of humor (because let’s face it, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying!).

BLOG POST #34 – Walking Into Wellness

June 4, 2026
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

Some people start their day with a cup of coffee. I start mine by consulting my cute pink Fitbit, which apparently knows more about me than I do.

How did I sleep? Did I get enough deep sleep? Why was I awake for seven minutes at 3:33 am? These are the questions that somehow feel very important before my morning protein shake.

My Fitbit has become my constant companion, quietly tracking my steps, heart rate, sleep score, and just about everything else it can measure. Throughout the day, I find myself checking my steps and feeling oddly proud when I hit a goal and all that colorful confetti floats down the screen of my iPhone as if I’ve just crossed the finish line of a 10K race.

All of that daily tracking has me thinking more about the small habits that support our well-being, and one of the simplest is getting outside for a walk.

And that’s one of the reasons I look forward to our Wag Well Walking Challenge every June.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to take care of ourselves. It gets us moving, gives us a break from screens and to-do lists, and reminds us that there’s a world beyond our inboxes. Even a short walk can leave us feeling calmer, more energized, and a little more clear-headed.

And when you add a dog to the mix, something even more special happens!

A dog can spend several minutes examining a single patch of grass with the focus of a detective trying to solve a cold case. They stop to check what dog lovers affectionately call “pee mail”— the messages left behind by other dogs. Judging by the amount of sniffing involved, these messages must be fascinating!

Then there are the spontaneous social opportunities. Dogs seem to know everyone in their ‘hood. A simple walk around the block can turn into a meet-and-greet with neighbors, children, cyclists, and, of course, other dogs. They have a remarkable way of creating connections between people who might otherwise pass each other without a word.

One of the perks of walking with a dog is that they’re in absolutely no hurry. While we’re focused on getting somewhere, they’re busy investigating the world. Even the tiniest pup (Buffy, I’m talking to you!) can slam on the brakes when a particularly captivating scent catches their attention. A squirrel that passed by three hours ago? Noteworthy! Someone’s discarded snack? Mind-blowing! The exact spot where another dog left a message last Thursday? Truly life-changing!

While we’re often thinking about what comes next, dogs are fully engaged with what’s happening right here, right now. And that, my friends, is mindfulness in its simplest form.

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By now, it’s probably no surprise that dogs have this whole “self-care” thing figured out. They get plenty of exercise, spend time outdoors, stop to smell literally everything, and never feel guilty about taking a nap. Honestly, they may be onto something.

In fact, our dogs may have unintentionally designed the perfect wellness program. And the good news is that anyone can participate in the program. Whether you’re walking with your dog, a friend, or heading out on your own, every step counts. The goal isn’t to set a speed record or compete with your neighbors. It’s simply to move a little more, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the journey.

And the best part? You don’t need a pink Fitbit to participate (unless you’re also curious about those mysterious middle-of-the-night awakenings). You don’t need to walk a certain distance or keep a particular pace, either (although kudos to you if you do!). You just need a willingness to spend a little time outdoors and perhaps follow a dog who suddenly decides that one particularly interesting bush deserves an intense investigation.

So lace up your walking shoes, grab a leash if you have one, and join us for a month of movement, mindfulness, and connection. See you on the trails!

Would you like to join our Wag Well Walking Challenge? Just head over to https://givebutter.com/walkingchallenge to sign up. I’d love to hear how your walks are going, so feel free to email me karen@therapydogssb.org.