Three Stages On-The-Leash

as prompted by DK

My dogs always walked on all fours, 
But each four had three stages
Common for the urban canine.

Arm slightly wrenched, the dog
Pulls me along, curious, bouncing
Energy, a reckless joy, chasing

Scent to scent, bark to bark,
Off haphazardly, at speed, 
In a hurry to wherever, tongue lolling. 

Later, more companionable, side
By side, stopping at the local
Doggy bulletin boards to

Catch the latest gossip:
Who passed by, who’s hoping
For a hook-up, who’s been

Enjoying special delicacies,
Which pup has which person
Wrapped about her toe. 

Then no more pulling
Perhaps some lagging,
A quiet stroll with

The greatly beloved human
Who has watch the pup 
Grow old, both thankful,

I think, for the time together,
As evening descends 
And the leash slackens.