The Whole Kit and Capoodle

Published on April 08, 2025

Audiobooks (and Poodles) Make a Good Walk Better

By Kara V.

I was having a bad day. It was one of those days that I knew I would take my grumpy mood from work into my home life. I didn't want to do that. For the sake of my family, I had to take action.

I put on my walking shoes, leashed my dog, and headed out for a walk. This ended up being the most peaceful walk I have ever taken. It has stayed in my memory as a restorative moment in time. The snow was gently falling; the air was quiet. I took a breath and let it all go. After that day, I knew that walking was a reliable way to remove stress from my life. I even bought snow pants and boots for myself, and a sweater and boots for my dog, so we could walk year-round. 

I usually listen to music or a bookish podcast when I walk. Sometimes, I walk in silence with my puppies and enjoy the sounds of the world around me. When I listen to an audiobook, I tend to listen to books I have read before or something that I know will be just enough "out there" to catch my attention as I zone in and out during my miles. I'm sure I look like a crazed person being pulled by two standard poodles and laughing out loud with no one around me, but whatever. (My earbuds are purple and, I would hope, noticeable.) I feel tranquil. 

Before I head out, I open my phone and click on either Libby or hoopla, choose my playlist or audiobook, and start my journey through my neighborhood. 

If you’re looking for an audiobook but don't know where to start, let me help you!  

I haven’t read The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, but a coworker at the library told me that audiobook was the way to read this story. The narrator does all the characters' voices, which is excellent! It is now on my TBR!  

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren – A second- chance romance set in Montana during a treasure hunt. Adventure awaits as you enjoy the sunshine outside. 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – Enemies to lovers in a workplace romance. The banter between these two enemies makes that final push up the steep hill bearable. 

The In Death series by JD Robb (hoopla or Libby) – A futuristic society where there is no murder... but there always seems to be a need to call Detective Eve Dallas to solve the crime. Laugh your way through Sioux Falls bike trails as you listen to this surprisingly funny series. You will find enjoyment. 

If, like me, you prefer music, you can check out music from hoopla. My hoopla playlist: 

Against the Wind by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

Walk Me Home by P!nk 

3 a.m. by Matchbox Twenty

Chicago by Frank Sinatra 

Starting Over by Chris Stapleton