Read Aloud the Text Content

This audio was created by Woord's Text to Speech service by content creators from all around the world.

Text Content or SSML code:

I gathered my papers, gave Zeke one last pat on the head, and walked home. It was approaching ten-thirty, so I donned my run- ning gear and jogged to the post office with Wheat. I live on the outskirts of Nederland-a small town fifteen miles west of Boul- der. The postal service won't deliver mail if you live more than two miles from town, so I rent a box and check it six days a week. There was the usual assortment of junk mail, including yet another letter from the credit gods informing me I'd been pre- approved for some kind of super titanium card because of my "accomplishments in life." Once they know you're a lawyer, it never stops coming. I tore each item in half, dumped the remains into the metal U.S. government trash can, and started home. It was a good day to run, about seventy degrees and sunny. Little Wheat detoured now and then to check out a new smell or leave his mark, then raced to catch up with me. His paws didn't seem to bother him, but they sometimes do and I have to walk. Or carry him. I never take Buck to the post office. Buck is a floppy-cared cross between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Great Dane. He was just a puppy when I found him wandering the streets of Denver four years ago. He wasn't wearing any tags and looked emaciated. I figured anyone stupid enough to let a dog roam the streets with- out tags didn't deserve a pet, so I kept him. Today he weighs 130 and he's extremely protective, so I have to keep him on a leash when I'm in town. Trying to jog while you're tethered to Buck is a great way to strengthen your lats, but doesn't make for a very enjoyable run. Wheat, on the other hand, is a purebred schipperkee. He's black, weighs about twenty pounds, and has pointy ears. The schipperkee originated in Belgium and was known as a boats- man's dog. We don't boat much, but the little dog is a joy to run