A Morning Walk with Goat: Coffee, Community, and Canine Considerations

This morning, as the first light of day touched the streets of our neighborhood, I set out for a walk with no particular plan in mind. My faithful companion, Goat, a dog with an adventurous spirit, was by my side, eagerly sniffing the fresh morning air. The crispness of the morning had a way of clearing the mind, and soon, the thought of a warm beverage began to appeal to me.

Nestled a little over a mile away in downtown Kirkwood is a quaint coffee spot known as Teleo. It’s not just the quality of the coffee that draws me there but the convenience it offers, especially for a dog owner like me. As I neared the coffee house, I placed an order online. The walk-up window service at Teleo is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to grab my coffee without leaving Goat outside.

Today, as has become my custom when out for coffee, I ordered a red eye. It’s a simple yet powerful concoction of drip coffee with an added shot of espresso. I first came across this option at Protagonist Coffee House in Soulard and was surprised to learn it's a staple at most coffee places, known variably as "shot in the dark." It's a fitting choice for early risers and dog walkers alike, providing that extra kick to start the day. Although Goat looked at my cup with curious eyes, I had to deny him a taste of this human pleasure.

Our walk took an interesting turn as we passed by the Kirkwood Farmers Market, bustling with activity in preparation for the annual Webster Kirkwood Turkey Day Run. This event is a local Thanksgiving tradition, drawing thousands of participants each year. I've always looked forward to being a part of it, either officially or unofficially, since we moved here. Despite the pandemic years where we had to opt for virtual participation, the sense of community and shared enthusiasm during this event never wanes.

As we continued our walk, I spotted a familiar sweatshirt from last year’s Turkey Day Run. The wearer, already in running gear, seemed to be warming up. I chuckled to myself, thinking he was about 24 hours early for the race. It's these small, amusing moments that add a sprinkle of joy to our daily walks.

The route back home is always a treat for Goat, thanks to the thoughtful residents who leave dog treats at the end of their driveways. Today was no exception. At one house, a sealed container of milk bones awaited him. It started as a Halloween gesture but turned into a regular delight for the local dogs. While he missed out on the red eye, Goat had his share of morning joy.

Walking through our neighborhood, I often ponder the varied attitudes towards dogs. Some lawns are marked with signs discouraging dogs, while others openly welcome them with treats and water dishes. It's a microcosm of community perspectives, each homeowner expressing their stance in their own way. While the 'no dogs' signs sometimes irk me, reminding me of a certain passive-aggressiveness, the goodwill shown by others towards our four-legged friends more than compensates.

This morning's walk was a reminder of the simple pleasures of community living. It's these small acts of kindness – a cup of coffee, a treat for a dog, a shared laugh over an early runner – that weave the fabric of our neighborhood. Each step with Goat not only strengthens our bond but deepens my appreciation for the place we call home.