‘Dog Walker’ and dogs

I was walking rather slowly up this path by the Water of Leith, a bit in my own thoughts, when I suddenly heard an ‘excuse me’ from behind me and to my right. 

I turned round.

‘Yes’ I said, expecting to be asked directions or something.

But no - ‘I didn’t want to frighten you with my dogs’ came the reply. 

Frankly this seemed a bit excessive - I’d been startled enough by her interruption of my reverie.  

I moved over to see this broad column of dogs - of various sizes and taking over most of the path - pass by. 

Then I understood…