Rubinations

River Dog

2010-07-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am home from a weekend at the river. I can't tell you how much fun it is to hang out on the water in the summer heat of Eastern Washington. The best part about it is that I get to be dirty and I mean dirty, dirty, dirty. Of course, the worse part about it is coming home and having a bath.

Oh well, it was totally worth it.

Gretchen took lots of photos so I think I'll tell you about my river dogging adventures pictorially.

First, this is the Wenatchee River -- the view from the hammock...

Pretty cool, huh? We have lots of these photos, but we're obligated to take the same photo every time we visit the cabin because, frankly, it's beautiful and it makes us all take a deep, deep breath.

I'll tell you about the hammock in a second, but first, you have to meet the two girls who make my life all the more entertaining...

Sakura (7 years old)...

And Akina (5 years old)...

Why are they so entertaining? Well they like to walk me around, the like to throw sticks and balls for me, and I feel very connected to them. They are, in essence, part of my pack and when they wander off or float down the river in their own raft with their parents, I worry about them tremendously from my own raft.

But they're tough little girls and while it's in my nature to protect them, I'm pretty sure they can handle the wild woods by themselves!

Okay, back to the hammock. The girls like the hammock very much and so does Ann. The three of them hung out there a lot!

Meanwhile, I hang out in the river...

I think you can tell how happy I am at the river and even though I had to have a bath, I'm happy and content to be home after such a great weekend!

She's Still Learning

2010-07-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have been wrongly accused. It's been going on for years, but finally after months and months and months of trying to tell her, Gretchen has finally learned that I am not as alpha as she thinks I am.

The lesson was finally learned a few weeks back when Quillette was visiting. She's visiting now as well, but finally Gretchen has learned that Q is the alpha and I am merely respectful of her status.

This is how it went down. When Q comes to visit, we are often given a chew bone in the evenings. This is to relax us after our day's adventures and is meant as a treat for being such wonderful companions. I generally am not interested in chew bones, but when we have a guest, my interest perks up and I'll chew down a whole bone in one sitting.

But I won't chew on it until our guest is finished. The same is true for eating a meal. We are served at the same time and I will wait until the other dog - Monty, Q, Woobie -- finishes their meal. Gretchen thought this meant that I was being dominant. That I wanted to be the last to eat both so the other dogs would be jealous that they ate so fast, but also because I wanted to protect my food.

How wrong she was. I've tried to tell her this on numerous occasions. True, I will protect my food and I've growled at Monty and Q and I got into a big fight over a morsel or two in the past, but I've learned that Q is Queen (Monty is King) and that the polite, respectful way to eat is to wait until the top dog of the moment is finished. You see, in dog etiquette, the top dog eats first and the rest of the pack follows. While I might protect my food (I'm not that submissive), I will always eat last.

What's a bit maddening is that I was not the one to teach Gretchen this lesson. Her new boss did. Gretchen was talking about how I wait to eat a chew bone or my meal until after all the others eat and Sheila, Gretchen's boss, explained that I wasn't being dominant, I was following the pack rules. I know I should be grateful to Sheila for finally getting through to Gretchen, but there are times when I wish humans (mine in particular) understood my language better than they do. It seems that I am always having to clarify and repeat, to go over the way I think and act again and again hoping that my humans will understand what I mean.

Quillette says that I need to realize this is how it will be for the rest of my life. Repetition is the only way humans learn, she tells me. She's eleven-years-old and has had to train her fair share of humans, so I respect her words of wisdom. Still, it's a bit frustrating at times. I mean, imagine having to say over and over and over again, I would like to take a walk and feel as if no one really hears you, as if no one is really listening. Okay, I'll admit that my humans finally get when I need to take a walk, but they are still learning so many things about me that I find it kind of exhausting.

Who knew that when I agreed to be a part of a human family that the teaching would fall on my shoulders? The lessons never cease. It's a good thing I love my family as much as do because sometimes they can be exhausting!

Birthday Celebrations!

2010-06-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

What a weekend it's been! Okay, Saturday was kind of laid back, but I needed it after my full and grueling week as a dog dog walker. But Sunday, now that was a different story.

It appears that some of my good friends have recently celebrated birthdays. The first was Ginger who turned eleven a few weeks back, but since we've been so busy we haven't had a moment to get together with her (or her papa, Richard who I like as much as I like Ginger!). But today was that moment and after sleeping in, we headed out for a play date with Ginger! Woo hoo!!!!

Richard always brings interesting toys for me to play with and really yummy treats to bribe me. Yum yum yum, it's so much fun playing fetch and keep away and chase at the big field with Ginger. For being eleven-years-old that Ginger gets around like there's no tomorrow. Of course Richard informed me that Ginger would spend the rest of the day resting and recovering from her wild party romp with me!
I rested, too, but not right away. After my party with Ginger, we went home for another birthday celebration. This time it was breakfast with Quillette who also turned eleven-years-old this past week. We invited Monty and his mom, Colleen to the breakfast party and then Jessica (Q's mom) showed up with Wally...silly, silly Wally. We had a one-to-one ratio of humans to canines this morning and when we went off for another romp at the park, I was ecstatic!

Finally, when everyone went home I was left to rest and boy did I ever need it! Partying takes a lot out of you and two parties in one day pooped me right out. Even on our evening walk I was dragging myself up the hills. I'm tired, but I must say it's a good tired. A very good tired.

Happy Birthday Ginger and Quillette!

Your buddy,
Rubin

Woobie Love

2010-06-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

The weekend has been both laid back and busy. Laid back because we didn't go anywhere special, but busy because we have a house guest -- Woobie!

I love having Woobie around because she can be mellow when mellow is needed and crazy when crazy is needed and really, really sweet even when you don't think you need it.

We've been having fun starting with Saturday when we got to go for a long walk by the lake. We even got to go into the water. Well, Woobie went in without much coaxing. I needed someone to throw a stick and once I got the stick out of the water, I just wanted to chew on it. Not Woobie. She got in the water, swam around, and then sat on the shore looking wet and happy.

Today, Sunday, we got to go to the big field and play fetch with Monty. Well, Woobie doesn't really fetch, but if you egg her on, she runs around like a crazy, hairy dog.

And then rolls around in the grass so happily it's hard to tell her head from her tail!

Monty and I really like Woobie. Monty especially.

We've taken lots of walks, too and hung out in the kitchen while Gretchen cooked us food and in the backyard while Ann graded papers.

Tomorrow Woobie goes to work with me (dog walking). I know she's gonna LOVE that because frankly, Woobie loves everything!

And shhhhh! I kind of love Woobie, but I haven't told her yet!

Captured

2010-06-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

The thing about photography is that sometimes you don't know what you've got until you know you've got it. So was the case yesterday when I played with Gemma (red) and Saber (gray). Gretchen was taking photos, as she always does to the point of being annoying. She holds her finger down on that shutter hoping to capture a certain moment and sometimes she gets it and sometimes she doesn't. The photo right before this one was actually the photo she was going for, but she held her finger down for a split second longer and this is what she got.

She didn't even know she got it until she came home and uploaded the photos. But what she's captured here is more than a silly moment of our play. She's actually captured our dog-analities. First, there's Saber who is nosing his way under Gemma, which is something he does all the time. He literally tries to lift her up off the ground and since he's remarkably larger than Gemma, he often succeeds.

Gemma, on the other hand, is all about biting -- legs, ears, necks -- whatever she can get her mouth on. She never bites too hard (if she did, Saber and I would both have pierced ears), but her mouth is always working, her teeth always bared, and her intent is to grab onto something, generally a part of our bodies. so in this photo, she's going after my neck.

As for me, well since I'm the oldest in the bunch and can dictate the level of play with a play bow or a growl, Gretchen captured my often-used strategy -- get the hell out of the situation and take off running. Since I'm an agility dog, this is precisely what I've done -- used my agility skills.

And at that exact moment, with the slip of a finger and a moment's hesitation, Gretchen captured not only our fun, but exactly who we are.

Not bad, not bad at all!

Sunday at the Park

2010-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

And here I thought it was going to be a typical lazy Sunday.

Boy, was I wrong.

We went to Disneyland!

Well, that's what I call a trip to Marymoor Park's off-leash dog park. It's big, it's fun, it's got lots of activities to do, and it's very popular, but there's no standing in line at this park. Nope, I get to just run around with all the other dogs, play fetch every time the ball is thrown, and best of all, go for a swim in the river. Man, oh man is that killer fun!

Of course, when it was all over, I was one messy puppy. My moms didn't take pictures of all the fun I had, but they did get me in the back of the car smiling and dirty.
Little did I know that I'd be coming home to a bath, but getting to play in all the dirt and mud and cold river water made it all worth it.

Everyone expected me to fall asleep after that, but I just stared at Momma Ann while she tried to work, barking at the people stopping at the house for sale across the street, and then racing out in the backyard to play with my toy. Momma Gretchen had errands to do so she missed my energetic bursts, still, when she got home, I was still not asleep.

Good thing, because Colleen and Monty came by, then Jessica with Quillette and their guest, Teabiscuit! We all headed over to the little field where we played more fetch (and I got a little dirty) when even more dogs showed up -- Lizzie and Desi and Blackie.

Still, when we got back to the house, was I tired? Not on your life! Momma Gretchen had to play with me. She's been trying to teach me to play dead and I pretty much have it though she doesn't say "play dead." She says something about halitosis, whatever that is, and then breathes on me. That makes me bark, which apparently isn't something she wants me to do. Eventually, I flop down and play dead, but I don't get why she just doesn't ask me to play dead and stop all that blowing in my face.

But now...now I'm getting kind of sleepy. I guess I've had a pretty big day what with a trip to Disneyland, no naps, and a wonderful outing with my good friends. Maybe that's why I feel the need to lay down...like right now!

No Yolk

2010-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Humans have a fascination with food. Well, humans and Labradors. Yes, I know. I am part Lab, but that gene isn't as strong in me as it is in some. Food is not my obsession. I do have my obsessions, but food is not one of them.

Not so with my human and some of my canine friends. Case in point...humans watch the Food Network channel. Dogs, while they may be in the room, are simply there to enjoy the company of humans NOT to watch competitions involving food...humans throw dinner parties for each other. Dogs don't.

Such a dinner party was thrown on New Year's Day. I was not informed until after everyone arrived, but apparently, the party had been in the works for the previous week with a menu laid out by Gretchen and our good friend, Jessica.

I love Jessica and I even love her dog, Quillette. Yes, that's Quillette humoring the humans by wearing a chef's hat at the beginning of this tale. They'd never try to put that hat on me. Never.

So the menu consisted of salmon (wild Sockeye to be exact), orzo, ratatouille, and fresh Italian bread -- one of Gretchen's specialties.

But the la piece de la resistance was Jessica and Gretchen's attempt to make a Gateau Basque or a Basque cake like the kind Gretchen and Ann ate in France this summer (yes, a whole vacation around food!).

Apparently, these cakes are quite involved and difficult to make, but Jessica was very excited about it and though a tad nervous, Gretchen was happy to play sous chef. She got out ingredients, she softened the butter, and she separated the 6 egg yolks from their whites while Jessica worked through the recipe with expertise and precision.

The cake consists of a crust into which a very particular cake batter is poured. By particular I mean that the process and ingredients are intricately balanced and whipped into something fluffy and rich. There's almonds in everything, ground by the spice grinder and then mixed with the flour and a hint of lemon, a zest grated into both the crust and the batter.

Next, the crust is pressed into a large tart pan and though we don't have one, everyone agreed that a spring-form pan would work.

Meanwhile, the guests arrived and though I wasn't thrilled by all the focus on food (and not on me!), I was overjoyed when more of my favorite people and their dogs showed up!

First, was Richard and his wild girl, Ginger!
Then Colleen and my best buddy, Monty!

Yes, I know this is not Monty, but rather pushy Ginger who not only had to be in every picture, but had to try out every piece of furniture we own...without regard to the humans occupying it!

Of course, all canines got some love...

...until it was time to sit down to dinner...

All the canines behaved remarkably well. I wasn't that interested in the meal so I slept on my bed, but the others -- Monty, Quillette, and Ginger -- they did their best to nudge a human arm or two in hopes that something would fall to floor.

It never happened.

Meanwhile, Jessica fiddled with the Gateau Basque, worried that something didn't look right. She even enlisted Ann to help her figure it out.

But they didn't figure it out until after dinner was done and Jessica asked, "What am I supposed to do with these egg yolks? Do you want to feed them to the dogs?"

Monty, Quillette, and Ginger's ears all perked up. I cocked my head. They were excited about the prospect of cooked egg. I was worried, but none of us got to eat any because Gretchen said, "Those are supposed to go into the cake batter!"

Whereupon a discussion ensued: Egg whites got mixed in and not egg yolks. Should the yolks just get added or should the whites stand on their own? The consensus was to put the yolks in as well with the hope that everything would turn out okay.

Did it?

Well, apparently the whole thing puffed up way more than anyone expected and the middle jiggled like Jello, which is not what it's supposed to do. In fact, it jiggled so much, Jessica had to be careful pulling it out of the oven.

Jessica felt awful. Everyone else tried to reassure her. All the canines just looked at her and wondered, "What's the yolk?"

In the end, it seems like it turned out to me, but then again, what do I know?

They sliced it up, scooped some ice cream on it, and not one of them left a scrap behind. Well, there was a little scrap in Richard's bowl -- ice cream, I think -- but he let Ginger lick that up.

The rest of us? Well, we just took in the dregs from the salmon dish fed to us by Richard and then lounged around while the humans rubbed our backs, scratched our ears, and laughed at their silly human mistakes.

In the end, it was a wonderful evening, I must admit. Even though I didn't understand all the rigmarole about Sockeye salmon and ratatouille or egg whites versus egg yolks, I sure had fun hanging out with my favorite humans and canine friends!

We walked Jessica and Colleen home, along with Monty and Quillette and on the way, Jessica vowed to "get it right." I think she was referring to the cake, but I'll have to wait and see when the next dinner party rolls around.

Retrospective

2010-01-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

We put an end to 2009 with a wonderful day in the snow. Being in the snow always reminds me of my first time with the white stuff, which brings back more memories of my "firsts." So I went searching through the photo-files and found some of my favorite moments in film. The first, above, is my romp with my Boxer friend, Alice. We were well matched.

As opposed to my romp with Becky, the Doberman. Not so well matched, but fun all the same.

And then, I learned to swim...now there's a memory...

And then on the beach with my friend Lulu (who's not really in the scene, but it's at her beach!)...

And then all the times playing with Monty...after a hike...

Or just in at the dog park -- Doggie Disneyland...

I have many, many more films of my life, but I don't want to bore you. I just want you to have a retrospective...to take a moment to ponder and reflect on your own happy existence.

Happy New Year Everyone!
Rubin

Equal Parts

2009-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

When we got out of the car this morning, I was equal parts excited and terrified. I'd been whining in the car -- at one point even barking -- as we drove down the bumpy, snowy road to our favorite ski spot at Snoqualmie Pass. We haven't been skiing in so long, I was beside myself with joy.

Then Gretchen pulled out my red coat AND my black booties. I cowered in the corner of the car while she and Ann bundled up, put on their ski boots, and packed up their bags for the trip.

The joy was still there -- that tingling in my belly and shaky anticipation of running pell mell in the deep snow -- but the fear of my red coat and black booties gripped me and all the whining and whimpering of excitement strangled at the back of my throat.

Gretchen tells me that there are some things that spark irrational fears. For her it's the sight of snakes. No matter how much she tries to steal herself for their appearance, when a snake slithers by she jumps and runs the other way. "I can't control it," she tells me, "My body doesn't listen to my mind and the next thing I know, I'm sprinting as far away from the snake as my old legs will carry me."

That's how I feel about my red coat and black booties. When we were packing up this morning at our house, I saw Ann head for the closet where both the demons are kept and instantly, I found a safe hiding place on the stair landing where I could escape to the upstairs bedroom if need be. All morning long, while the boots and the poles and the ski clothes were organized and packed, I shook on the landing and leaned toward an escape whenever I saw red or heard that tell-tale sound of velcro ripping (the underbelly of my coat and the tie downs for my boots).

It's irrational, I know, and I can't seem to control the fear that overwhelms me, but once in the car, heading up to the mountains, I forget about the horror of those items and sleep with dreams of romping in the deep white snow.

So when we arrived at the turn off for our favorite ski spot, I was thrilled and exuberant -- we were going to play in the snow!!! Only when the red flashed and the velcro ripped did that fear seize me and I headed for the safest spot I could find -- smashed up behind the driver's seat shaking in terror.

But there's no avoiding it. I knew I was trapped in the car - no escape to the upstairs bedroom this time -- so when I was summoned, I obeyed and let Gretchen strap me into my red coat and my black booties. I certainly didn't want to be left behind while they had all the fun now did I?

Ann and Gretchen laughed at me then. Not in fun, but at my dance of mixed emotions. I was so happy to be in the snow, so thrilled as the snowflakes tickled my nose that the fear of my apparel made me scurry and hop as I tried to flick the booties from my paws and shake the coat from my back. Gretchen calls me a bucking bronco. I suppose I am, but mostly I'm in battle with myself. Which will win out -- my excitement or my fear?

I should know the answer to this deep philosophical question because about 15 minutes into the ski adventure, I've forgotten all about what I'm wearing. Instead, I'm racing from one mom to the next, eating treats from their gloved hands and licking snowflake-covered lips. Only occasionally, when we stop to get a drink of water or pause for a quick snack do I gnaw at my booties and twitch at my coat. No with any seriousness, but with just enough annoyance as to let everyone know that my life would be perfect if I were, shall I say, naked.

But then we get back to the adventure and it's all anyone can do to contain my joy. I am a tight bundle of excited energy and I race on the trail, bounding in the deep snow catching a scent of squirrel (or perhaps something bigger) while Ann and Gretchen push along the path with a swoosh swoosh swoosh of their skis.

Back at the car, when we are all tired and happy and ready for something warm, I leap into the car exhausted. Gretchen calls me to her and tries to take off my dreaded attire -- the boots and the coat I've forgotten about -- and then she changes from her cold boots and chilly clothes into something warm. I curl up into a ball listening to the snow fall all around our car and wait, happy and patient, for the long drive home. I am equal parts exhausted and content; tired and blissful with only faint memories (and sour whiffs) of my red coat and black booties drying in the back of the car.

A Very Merry

2009-12-27T08:56:00.001-08:00

This is my friend Tucker. His smile, I believe, represents my recent holiday vacation. We didn't go very far away at least, not as far as we've gone in the past nor did we stay away too long, but our time away at the Grandparent's house was filled with love, fun, and food. Who could ask for anything more?
Not I, as you can see. I got to play fetch with Tucker as well as wrestle a bit with my wild cousin, Ringo.
Ringo is a good guy, but he can't help his Terrier qualities -- gnashing teeth, the need to poke and bite at the most inappropriate times, his possessiveness of people, places, toys, and food, and his undying persistence to annoy me as well as his older sister, Hope.

Still, in small doses, he's lots of fun.
Usually we head to Ringo's house for Christmas, down south in Oregon, but this year we met at Grandma and Grandpa's house a little over an hour away. It was nice not to have to travel so far though the house in Oregon has a really big yard where Ringo and I can wear each other out.

Things were a bit cramped this year, but not too badly. The problem is, of course, the problem we face every year -- too many presents! We all had to dance around, in our holiday clothes, the boxes and bags filled with cooking utensils, socks, and oodles of gift cards. The only presents sensibly out of the way were hung in huge stockings. I even got one (green one on the end) and it contained toys, squeakies, and the most interesting gift of all, an edible greeting card. Yum!I am so busy these days with my work blog that I haven't been very good at keeping up this one. I'm told that this is the time of year when one makes resolutions, resolving to do some things differently. Okay, I resolve to keep up with this blog more. I also resolve to eat my meals on time (something I'm not very good at), listening better when I am called, and visiting my relatives more often...even my silly cousins, Hope and Ringo.

Busy Holidays

2009-11-29T20:11:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's been a busy four days. I love Thanksgiving because both my moms are home and we get to go visiting, but man, it's kind of exhausting. Who knew a dog's life could be so full and busy? I'm not complaining, just trying to explain why I'm kind of pooped tonight.

Sometimes, when we go to our friends' house for dinner we share one special moment of the day. I thought, since I'm kind of tired, I'd share some special moments from each day, though holding it down to one moment might be kind of hard.

Thanksgiving Day - You need to know that my Grandma is a great and efficient cook. She makes all sorts of yummy goodies, so when we arrive at their house, my first duty is to run into the kitchen and see what she's up to.

This Thanksgiving all the guests shared the cooking duties so even though Grandma didn't need to make the turkey, she got to make something even better!

Yep, she whipped the cream and man, was that yummy!

But licking the beaters, while an important moment, was only one of the special moments of the day. Another moment was meeting up with Tucker again. Tucker is an 11 year old boy who belongs to our friends Ann and Jan. Tucker LOVES me. I think he's pretty cool, too, but he's like obsessed with me. So even though I got a little tired of him smelling me all the time and constantly staring at me, it was nice to be so wanted.

Which leads me to the next day -- the day after Thanksgiving. Not only did I get turkey in my breakfast and dinner, I also got to play with Tucker at his house. My moms call Tucker the White Shadow because he follows me everywhere! But I don't mind. He's really kind of cool! And cute!

We came back home on Saturday and I thought for sure we'd rest from all the holiday hoopla, but no. First, we went for what was going to be a short walk when we ran into Richard and Ginger. Oh I do love those two. I was hoping we'd play, but Ginger was a bit sore from our romp on Thanksgiving morning so we just went for a walk. Still it was fun.

Mom didn't take any photos, but here's a picture of Ginger and her silly Dad, Richard walking with a bunch of us on a nice summer's day!

Next we met up with our friend Laurie and her new dog, Olive. As much as Tucker loves me, I think I love Olive. She's so cute and when we went on our walk around Seward Park, all I wanted to do was play with her, but we couldn't because we were on leashes. We tired, but it was hard.

And then, to top off a full Saturday, I got to spend the evening with my buddy Monty. We went for a long walk and played some fetch and then Monty stayed for dinner before we took him back home. It's always good to spend time with Monty. No pictures from our time together, but believe me, we have lots and lots of pictures of Monty and me!

Sunday I thought for sure would be a rest day, but once again we went for a nice long walk, then Quillette came over with Jessica and they took me for a walk. And then...yes there is more...we went to our friends' house for dinner and play time. Our friends how two young girls and they love to make me do tricks. I love it too, especially tonight because Gretchen didn't have any dog treats to feed me so she had to use GoldFish! Oh my dog those were good!

So I weaved under legs, jumped over scrunched up little girls, gave lots of high fives, and laid down on command. I am such a good dog and a really good dog when GoldFish are involved.

But now...well, now I am very tired so I shall post this blog and settle into my dog bed for some needed rest. Good thing tomorrow isn't a super busy day!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Weekends

2009-11-15T08:14:00.001-08:00

Just a few days ago, this is what Seattle looked like from one of our favorite view parks. It's too early to walk up there today, but I imagine if we took a photo of this same view, Seattle would not be visible. We're socked in at the moment with rain and low hanging clouds.

These are the times I wish I was a dog allowed up on the couch. That's where I'd be at this very moment stretched out with my head on a throw pillow, one eye focused on the window that looks out on all the church-goers covering their heads on their way to the early service. But I am not a dog that is allowed on the couch, and only by invitation am I allowed on the bed. Of course lately, I've nudged my moms for an invitation every night and they have obliged. That's because I know when and how to ask.

See, I can't ask when everyone first goes to bed. That gets me no where. Instead, I wait for everyone to be in those first stages of sleep, an hour or two after they go to bed, and then I sit at the end of the bed, stomp my feet ever so slightly and give a gentle moan. The moan is crucial. It must be a moan that sounds almost like the moan alerting my moms that I need to go out, that I MUST go out or something bad will happen. It can't be that exact moan, but close enough to get their attention.

Then, once they hear me, there is a plaintive look, a look of innocence and love, a look on the verge of begging, but the cute begging look, not the annoying begging look. The other night, I crossed over the line and my request looked too much like begging so I was sent back to my bed. Grumpily, I obeyed, but I learned my lesson -- be subtle, be patient, and most importantly, be politely persistent.

It worked last night and the night before last, but that's partly because it's the weekend and my moms are always a little more willing on the weekends. They know they get to sleep in so even though I dominate the end of the bed and they must sleep in curled up balls, they are willing to endure it because they know they get to sleep in.

Oh, how I love to sleep in. That's why now, though I'm not allowed, I would love to be lounging on the couch while one mom reads the morning paper and the other makes a grocery list.

But I am not allowed on the couch. I have yet to figure out a way to be invited, but given time, I'm certain I'll come up with something.

Me as a puppy -- 6 weeks old.

How to Relax

2009-10-30T21:06:00.001-07:00

We have a nightly ritual. Gretchen puts me on my back and rubs my belly. I fall asleep and sigh heavily. My back legs relax and my front legs go limp. I can lie like this for hours.

I only wish I could offer the same to Gretchen. She's a worrier and since I'm her dog, I must worry right along with her. I know she doesn't want me to worry, but I feel her energy and then that energy becomes mine, too.

Ann is not a worrier. If I spent as much time with Ann as I do with Gretchen, I would not be a worrying dog.

But my days are spent with Gretchen. I love it, of course. I love both my moms, of course. Really. When Ann comes home, I wiggle my way too her and then flop down at her feet. Wherever she sits, I sit right next to her. I feel like I owe it to her. I mean, she doesn't get to be with me every day and I know she misses me as much as I miss her.

But Gretchen's the one who gives me a massage and I like that very much. I just wish I could do the same for her. I wish I could say, "Here, look. This is how you relax."

Me, too!

2009-10-11T11:30:00.001-07:00

Mom wrote about going on a long walk today. I know she did it partly for me. I needed a walk as much as she did though we like our walks for different reasons. She likes them for the beauty of it all. I like them because of the smell of it all.
And now I'm ready for a nice rest while she goes shopping, does her school work, and makes French Onion Soup. Any bacon in that? Nay, that's what I thought. I got bacon in my breakfast this morning leftover from last night's quiche. Nothing like the smell of bacon to get this finicky guy to eat.

I sure hope she stops at the pet store, too. They have all sorts of food that I'll refuse to eat, but they also have great treats and that's something I rarely pass up.

Wait! I get to go with her? Yippee! More later. I'm on the way to my happy place!

Here Comes the Chill

2009-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

They say it's supposed to get cold tonight. We'll see. The trees are turning, that's for sure, but there's been sun for more days than there's be any sign of rain or winter or cold. I've enjoyed it, myself. Lots of fetch. Lots of long walks. Lots of time hanging out in the backyard stretching my poodle legs in the warm sun.

This morning, though, I woke to the sound of the furnace coming on. It's been awhile since that sound woke me up, but I'll admit, the warmth of it was nice.

We played at the little park today where we met up with Richard and Ginger and ran around in the dewy grass until my feet turned green. I hear rumors of a bath soon and I'm trying desperately to discourage the notion. Not sure it's working.

Today has been a lazy day, which I've needed. As a dog dog walker, my four paws are ready for some time off and thankfully, that's come today. Maybe tomorrow, too. I had a wonderful nap with my moms on the bed this afternoon and have spent more time on my bed under the computer desk than I have in a long time. It's a nice, safe, and warm spot.

I don't mind the coming change in weather. Chilly means the possibility of snow. Chilly means sleeping by the furnace vent. Chilly means sometimes my dinner gets warmed up in the microwave. I can't complain about that.

Chilly means I might get invited up on the human bed more often and I really can't complain when that happens. It's a beautiful thing!

Shout Out

2009-10-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Saber, my new good friend, had to go to the vet today. He's kind of sick so I thought I'd use all my doggy powers and wish him well. If you're reading this, wish him well, too. He's a really good boy and when he's my age, he'll be a most excellent dog!

My Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

I shall admit it...I am an anxious boy. My anxiety stems from the need to have my "pack" within view. If someone leaves or I do not know where they are, I get a bit whiny. Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but it's my nature and I have yet to figure out how to change such instincts.

The level of my anxiety grows exponentially with every additional family member. With my moms, I can stay pretty calm partly because we have a routine of comings and goings. But this weekend when we traveled to Grandma and Grandpa's house where my Uncle Paul and cousin Lindsey were also visiting, well, I could feel the anxiety well up in my throat.

Where's Grandpa? Where's Grandma? Where's Uncle Paul? Where are my moms? These thoughts raced through my head at all times and when we headed to the beach to go kayaking, well, I thought I'd go into a spasm of fits when Uncle Paul and cousin Lindsey took off down the inlet. Momma Gretchen contemplated going kayaking alone, but my persistent whining made her reconsider.
In addition to my human family, I had the additional responsibility of being with Argo, our boarder for the weekend. Argo's a sweet fellow, but I sensed he was a bit confused about where he was sleeping now, who he was meeting next, and why on earth he had to drive so far to get there. So in addition to watching my "pack" with great intensity, I kept Argo close by lest he freak out by the chaos of family.

He did well, but I know he was thankful for my attentiveness.
I've gotten better over the years about my anxiety, but I think my moms are right -- I need to relax a bit more, really enjoy myself, and know that no matter where I am, my family/pack is not far away.

My View

2009-06-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

I love to go to Doris and Steven's house. They have a pool. They have a big garden. They have a dog. They have good food.

So when I was told I'd be going there last night, I was thrilled. Swimming. Chase. Eating. Scratches on my belly. What could be more perfect?

Only there were about 50 people there and I was kept on a leash. What torture!
More torturous, Ben was not on a leash and he kept dropping tennis balls into the pool. MY POOL.

And Bailey was there, Ben's cousin. Bailey wasn't on a leash and he kept inviting me to chase him, only I couldn't because it was a party and I wasn't allowed to PARTY with my friends. It might disturb the human party. Who made up these rules!

Ben found tennis ball after tennis ball and bounced them right in front of me.

Even Ben and Bailey didn't understand why I couldn't play. They sat quietly with questioning looks, but still no go...
I was a good boy. I only complained a little. I did what I was told. And at the end of the evening I went home dry and exhausted not by chase or fetch, but by practicing patience.

Sometimes you just have to be a good dog.

Dang it!

This Summer I Went Swimming: Dog View

2009-05-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

It starts like this. Gretchen gets me all warmed up for swimming in the pool. She throws my favorite floatie toy and I practice leaping off the side of the pool into the water. Then she leaves the toy behind and revs me up just like before. "Ready steady!" and she releases me (and herself) for a leap in the pool.
I push off and try to leap out farther than she does and usually I do because I have really strong back legs. She just makes faces.
I make mistakes, though. Like sometimes I jump in front of her. Not a good idea because she lands on me and I go under...like completely under. But that's okay because I bob right back up in my nifty orange life vest.
But Gretchen's learned to watch for me so she doesn't push me under the water. I appreciate it.

When we're all done with jumping and swimming, we hang out in Doris and Steven's backyard with their big dog Ben. Ben likes to hang out on the second floor porch where he pushes his tennis ball through the railings...

And I wait down below for the ball to drop...it's a game we play!

And we had another friend there as well...Jocelyn, Doris and Stephen's 2-month old granddaughter. She just hung out watching the silly dogs...that would be me!

What a good day...what a really good day!

Busy Boy

2009-05-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

I've been so busy lately, I haven't had a chance to keep up with this blog. Here's an attempt (photographic) at catching up on this blog, but do check out www.wagsnwords.com for my other Dog Blog. You'll see, I haven't been a lazy boy!

Two new clients: Rufus (left) and Riley
Best Friend, Monty, sleeping on the back porch in the sun that decided to finally show up!Me enjoying a Pup-cicle in the sun...
And that's all I have time for...must get to work. More later, I hope!

Dogs in Mexico

2009-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

My moms got back yesterday from their vacation. Apparently vacations are something humans do every now and then, but this was the first one they took without me. It was a bit odd since I'm usually ALWAYS with one or both of them almost all the time, but don't fret. I got to spend time with Jessica and her dog, Quillette who are two of my favorite friends.

Even though my moms didn't have ME with them, they were apparently surrounded by canine cousins. They traveled to Mexico (far, far away, they told me) and in Mexico dogs lead a very different life -- or so I've been told. First, very few of them are either attached to humans or have to wear leashes. Instead, they wander the streets eating scraps of food off the dirty roads, lounging on a curb, or sitting in front of the butcher's shop waiting for an act of god.

Next, while they bark a lot, they rarely fight with each other or bite humans. Dogs rest outside their houses and bark at passersby, but their barks are merely warnings letting their families know that "foreigners" are approaching. The photo below is one particular dog who "greeted" my moms as they approached their "casa" or house each evening.

On the beach, where my moms spent most of their time, the dogs run up and down the surf chasing each other, digging in the sand, and splashing in the water. Tourists pet them, some feed them, and others throw balls or sticks into the waves and watch the dogs chase after them. They pee on beach towels, they poop right next to surfboards, and they sleep on any pillow they can find.

This is one particular dog who hung out next to my moms on the beach one day. She slept, they say, for hours, curled up on someone else's beach bag only moving every once in awhile to tuck deeper into the warm sand. Apparently, this dog had quite a wild night and needed lots and lots of sleep!

Third, all dogs spring from the same mother, or so it seems. They all have some kind of pit bull blood line, but unlike the pit bulls in the US, these pit bulls are much more mellow EVEN those who are "fully intact." Few Mexicans spay or neuter their dogs, something my moms find this rather upsetting, but the dog of one of their friends was recently spayed after the birth of a litter of pups. The friend kept one of the puppies who hangs out with her mom and plays wrestling games all the time.

Finally, some dogs are tourists, too. People actually take their dogs to Mexico and you can spot these dogs because they are completely different from all the ways I just listed: 1) They are always attached to humans. 2) They are almost always on a leash. 3) They usually aren't sleeping on the beach. And 4) They aren't pit bulls in any way shape or form. In fact, they look an awful lot like Monty!

Which begs to question -- if other tourists took their dogs on vacation, why didn't I get to go?

I've asked this of my moms and they go on and on about plane rides and dog crates and long hours in dark places. Of course, they didn't take any pictures of that now did they?

It's Been Awhile

2009-03-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

These are photos from this past work week. Monty and Gemma being silly...

...I joined in the fun...

And here I am at Seward Park showing Ollie how to jump over logs!

Being a working dog is much harder than it may first appear. There are dogs to walk, balls to chase, and blogs to write. I have two blogs these days -- this one and my wagsnwords blog. My paws are tired from all the writing!

I had a great day today. A morning play date with Ginger to start, but soon we were joined by Desi and Quillette. Quillette and her mom, Jessica are staying with us while Jessica's pack (her parents) come to visit. Last night I got to sleep on the spare bed with Jessica and Quillette. It was very, very nice. I had lots of good dreams and only farted a few times. Perhaps Momma G can take pictures tonight -- of me and Jessica, not the farts =-)

After the play date, we went for a walk and ended up playing more fetch at the big field, which was muddy, muddy, muddy from all the rain. I should have seen it coming, but when we got home, I got a bath. I'm not that fond of baths, but I turned the tables on Momma G by racing to the backyard when they decided to plant the vegetable garden. Nothing like getting dirty again right after bathing!

We all took a nap in the middle of the day and I have to say, that's one of the best parts of Sundays -- the warm, cozy nap with my moms. After the nap, Momma G and I played some new games. I'm taking a class in agility again and they have all these lessons they want us to learn only they aren't really lessons -- their more like games. Plus, I get treats when I do them right!

The first game is learning how to walk on a slab of moving cardboard. Well, it doesn't move, actually, it kind of rocks back and forth and I have to step on it, sit on it, and then lie down on it, which I modestly admit, took me about 5 minutes to learn. The next game took a bit longer. It involved me getting inside this new "house" or hut. It smells suspiciously like a kennel, but treats are scattered all over it and I get even more treats when I go in and lay down. Whatever.

Lastly, we get to play tug. I think this is supposed to be my reward for completing all the lessons. I really don't care what it is because tug is one of my favorite games of all time.

There was rain predicted today and while we've had some, it's pretty beautiful and sunny out there right now so I think we're heading out the door for a walk -- all three of us. How fun is that?

I'll try to do better keeping up with this blog, but make sure to check out my weekly work blog at wagsnwords!

Party Tu

2009-02-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my second birthday. I'm not sure what that means, except I know it meant a party for me today! I love parties and my moms did a great job organizing this one. They contacted all my favorite friends and we all met at the big field in celebration. It was a blast!

The guest list included:
Desi -- a funny guy who is very shy. He tends to stand off from the crowd, but is always around when there are treats to be handed out. And he does a great trick -- a high-high five!
That's Desi's dad, Michael. He came to the party, too!

Ginger came, too, and stole all the balls. She does that, but since it was my party I let her steal my orange and blue ball while I played with her soccer ball.

Richard, Ginger's dad, brings lots of toys and treats and so I spent a lot of time hanging around him!

Wally and Quillette showed up too! They're really fun. Wally likes to play fetch and Quillette likes to talk about her life. She woofs and growls and gives a great begging face when it's treat time!

Only she has yet to figure out how to bring the ball back once it's fetched. Instead, she just stays out in the field and chews on the ball.

Jessica, on the left, is Quillette's mom and Leah and Shane are Wally's parents (in the middle). Colleen was invited, too, because she's one of my favorite people and she knows how to rub my belly!

Leah's taught Wally some pretty cool tricks, too. He knows how to hold a cookie on his nose and not eat it until given the command. Of course, it was a really hard trick with all of us watching!

Colleen showed Leah how to rub my belly and she did a fine job of it if I do say so myself!
And last, though certainly not least on the list, is Monty. Richard says Monty and I have a Bro-mance, but Colleen thinks it should be called a "Fro-mance" since with both have afros. Whatever. It's love, that's for sure!

It was a great party and now I'm really tired and ready for a nap! I wonder what will happen next year for my third birthday?

Thanks to all who came today. I had a lot of fun and I can't think of a better way to spend one's second birthday than surrounded by friends both canine and human!

A Question of Fate

2009-02-21T19:24:00.001-08:00

There is much I must put up with being a dog. You may think my life is easy, but let me tell you, there are days when I question my fate.

We traveled this week to a cabin along the river. I love this cabin for it's filled with the smell of squirrels and mice and raccoon dung. The above photo is my smirky look taken after a long day playing in the snow. You can't see it, but my little paws are a bit scratched up as I went frolicking without my booties on. That wasn't as bad as having to wake up for this photo. Can you see a bit of irritation in my smirk? If not, trust me, it's there.

I received my scratched up paws while playing fetch. In the next photo, don't let the sun fool you. The mornings were chilly and there was a slim layer of ice on which I ran.

I, of course, did not let this ice discourage me and I raced after my favorite ball in the chilly sun for a long, long while. By the time I got done, my feet were a bit bloody, but I was very, very happy.

Then it all went south. With achy scabs on my pads, I was forced to walk on a boat launch made solely of metal grates. I hate grates. I especially hate them when there is nothing below them that I can easily decipher. In this next photo, my posture gives away the eerie feeling tossing in my stomach as we walked on the grate over the lake. Thank god they didn't make me stay out there too long.
They tried to make it up to me later that night with a full body massage. I'm a pushover so I forgave them pretty quickly.

But I have yet to forgive them for this captured moment...

...I love agility courses and with some encouragement, I decided to give this chain across the driveway a go. The snow made for a crappy take off and this then became my fate -- hung in mid-air and captured for eternity in a silly photo. At least they didn't capture it from the front view or you would have seen the look of confusion and frustration on my face.

We passed this chain every day on our walk and every day after this embarrassment, I ran up to the chain and gave it the finger...not an easy thing to do when you're a dog, but that is my fate and I do what I can.

Funnel Head

2009-02-11T09:08:00.001-08:00

Not much time to write today. I'm a dog with a job and Wednesdays are our busiest days. And the day started off with a brushing of my hair AND my teeth. Alas. What's a dog to do? I think it's all in preparation for my visit with my grandparents and uncle and aunt this weekend. Still. It's rather annoying to wake up and get your hair combed.

Yesterday was fun, too, though kind of wet. There was snow and then there wasn't and then there was and now there isn't. In fact, it's bright and blue and light. Nice.

I played with Gemma, Lucy, and Ollie yesterday. Here's a sort of photo essay of our time together in the rain and snow.

Lucy -- so ever intent on her ball.
Ollie and Me -- so ever intent on the treats being offered

Persistent Gemma -- aka Funnel Head -- proving that she can still grab my ears even when faced with obstacles.

Ollie -- practicing levitation. He should have been named Pogo.

And finally, Funnel Head vs. Curly Man...

Puppies

2009-02-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is Buffy. Contrary to the name, Buffy is a boy. A boy beagle to be exact. He is 9 weeks old and despite my better judgment, very cute. We visited Buffy this weekend bringing with us some of my favorite toys. In fact, the toys sat on the table at our house in a gift bag for a few days and I felt compelled to bark and whine at them. I know it was immature of me, but I'm telling you, there were toys in there that I loved when I was a puppy and I just wanted to play with them again.

No go. Instead, they were a gift to Buffy. He enjoyed them immensely.

I did my best to teach Buffy what I knew of dog play, but I think I kind of scared him with my rambunctious nature.

I gave up after awhile and Buffy found safety on the back porch. I really wasn't trying to hurt him, but I think I was bigger than any dog he's ever met before.
Buffy is a very smart dog. He quickly learned how to get the treat out of a human hand, he learned to sit, and he also learned how to roll a ball around with his nose.

But he's a very serious pup as you can tell from his face. While I am all smiles, ...Buffy contemplates the world in a very serious manner!
Still, I think we'll be fast friends as he grows older. At least, I hope so!

Floss!

2009-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Not much time to post. Mamma G is off to the dentist and I'm going with her. Last time I went to the dentist I ended up with one less canine. I wonder what she'll look like?

Business is going well. I am busy and at night, when Mamma A gets home, I barely have enough energy to say hello. But we spend quiet time together. She likes to pet my belly and I like it, too.

I'm keeping two blogs -- this one and one at wagsnwords. So much walking, so much writing. Perhaps I should get my own set of business cards.

Oh, and the business license arrived! So much responsibility!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from yesterday...me and Monty and Monty and Gemma. We're quite a threesome!

Okay, floss...Mamma G keeps running around the house saying "floss!" Not sure what that's all about, but I better run around with her.

Announcing...

2009-01-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

...for the past few months, I've had a job as a dog dog walker. Well now, I have my own business website at www.wagsnwords.com How exciting is that?

So now, I will be posting on this website and on that one, too. I'll try not to duplicate stories and pictures, but it's hard for a dog like me to sit at a computer all day so there may be some redundancy. I'll apologize now if such repetition occurs.

Meanwhile though, I'm pretty excited to be a business-dog =-)

Sunday's Recovery

2009-01-25T08:39:00.001-08:00

I've had a busy week. Very busy. While you can't see my face in the above photography, the tangle of bodies should give you a pretty good idea how I spent my Friday. Gemma keeps me (and Monty, too) on my toes. She's fast, she's got sharp teeth, and she LOVES to chase, hold tightly to ears and tails and the back of legs.
Here she is chasing (and biting and grabbing) Perrito who is a magic carpet flying off of Gemma's back deck.
Perrito liked playing with Gemma, but only for a short while. He quickly tired and begged to go back into the house. Gemma, of course, had other ideas.
So she came back to our house where Monty and I taught her a thing or two about puppy play. In the above photo, she's lurking behing me (just beyond my tail) while I pounce after Monty. While the photograph ruins the depth perception, I am leaping about 2 feet off the ground in pursuit of my best friend.
Throughout our play session, Gemma mimicked Monty's every move. While she likes me, she LOVES Monty and just like me, hopes to one day aspire to his level of canine-a-tude.
Once we'd tired of playing, Gemma found toys of her own to play with (like this broom)...
...while Monty and I looked on wondering where she found such energy for her 3-months of age.
Monty rested on the porch while Gemma and I continued her lessons.
Eventually, even she tired out...
So today...Sunday...I am resting up from a long week of work. We hope to go skiing tomorrow as Momma Ann has the day off and there's fresh snow in the mountains. They'll be no Gemma and for that I am rather grateful, though I may have to convince my moms that Monty should join us. We'll see how I do with my powers of persuasion.

Okay, back to my nap.

Like Looking in a Mirror!

2009-01-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

Genetics is an interesting subject, one I'm just delving into as I approach my second birthday. I am what is affectionately known as a "designer dog" -- bred purposefully with a labradoodle and a poodle to create me -- and F1B labradoodle. If you know anything about labradoodles you know we are a varied breed. Some of us are HUGE taking after the massive size of our standard poodle parentage or equally our massive lab genes. Some of us are small, some of us are curly, some of us have straight hair. Some of us love to fetch and swim (a lab trait) and some of us lounge and laugh (a poodle trait).

So when you look at this picture...
...you might think the two of us (me on the right, Ginger on the left) aren't related.

Oh, but we are! Ginger is my half sister. We share the same father, which might be really confusing if you know that our dad was a medium-sized poodle. Our mothers were sisters and first generation labradoodles meaning their parents were a poodle and a lab. But as distinctly different as Ginger and I may appear, look closely at our eyes and our noses and our mouths. Do you see it? We look alike if you take off our hair, don't we?

Ginger came over today for an unexpected visit. I haven't seen her for quite awhile, but I was quite happy when she raced through the front door. We played in the backyard and showed off our tricks to receive some yummy treats. It was a great way to end a busy day, which included the following...

...playing with Oshi and Perrito...

...holding onto my ears despite Gemma's persistence in grabbing them (in this last picture, for instance, she has my left ear in her mouth and is pulling it under my chin to the right side of my body...I must be a very patient dog...very patient)...

And then a visit with Ginger. Later, there is my nightly game of fetch with Monty. In many ways, Monty and I look more alike than I do with my half sister, but genetics are a complicated subject...one I will be getting back to soon.

New Friends

2009-01-21T18:51:00.001-08:00

Okay, so Monty isn't a new friend, but Chloe is. She's a dog mom walked last week for the first time and we got to help walk this week. Chloe's nice though a bit particular about who gets to walk in front of her. She's part Corgi, which apparently is a herding dog so when we got to her house, she herded us onto her deck and made us stay there. We obeyed!
Monty and I ran around the park, off leash, while Chloe was kept on the leash (mom's not sure about her yet), but Chloe did her best to keep an eye on our antics. She barked at us every time we raced by, but the leash kept her from herding us into submission!
Earlier in the day, Monty and I got to play with Gemma only she met a new friend at the tennis courts -- a 9-month old, 80 pound black lab named Mocha. He was a wild dog, but once we all smelled each other, Gemma and Mocha fell in love with each other. Okay, even I'll admit that puppies are pretty cute!

Meanwhile, I got to run free at the park this evening and dance among the trees with a huge smile on my face...

The End of the Week

2009-01-17T07:30:00.001-08:00

Grrrrrrrrrrr!
I know it's hard from this picture to imagine that Gemma and I are friends, but despite the teeth and the whites of the eyes, this is a photograph (albeit blurry) of submission and restraint. That I let Gemma crawl over my back is a sign of my willingness to submit to her and that I only showed my teeth and did not haul off an bite her calls upon my great restraint.

This past week of work was busy, but fun. Lots of dogs, a dabble of sunshine, and absolutely no rain (which for me means NO RED RAINCOAT!) We also met a few new dogs, chief among them was Shomei (like the Chinese dumpling)...a HUGE black and white labradoodle. You can't tell from this photo, but Shomei is larger than Monty and that's saying something!Another blurry photo, but mom was having to keep track of both me and Monty while holding the camera in one hand, walking us on our leashes, and trying to snap the picture without dropping the camera.

Hopefully Shomei's family will give us a call this weekend and we can sign her up for some time with us at Wags n' Words.

We have a three-day weekend ahead of us. I keep hearing words of snow and skiing. Oh, how I hope that is true. I miss the snow. I miss it so much I will endure my booties and my RED RAINCOAT.

Okay, a few more pictures from the week...just 'cause we're all so cute...In this tractor picture (a popular spot for mom's photographs), I'm not as comfortable as I might appear. I'll admit it. I'm slightly afraid of heights and even though I'm only 2 feet off the ground, I can't look down at the ground. Instead, I look at mom and plead with her to be quick about it so I can get down. Gemma, on the other hand, is staring at the guy across the street in his front yard. She's nervous too, but to gain comfort, she leans against me. It comforts me as well.

Gemma staring me down before she attacks! She might look sweet, but she's a devil that one!

I even shared one of my favorite toys with her when she came to our house for a visit.
Of course, then we played ferocious with each other and practiced looking possessed. I think I pulled it off, don't you?

A New Face

2009-01-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is Chloe. She's a new client. A Jack Russell/Welsh Corgi mix. I have yet to meet her, but mom took a photo of her today on their walk. Chloe was shy at first, or so I'm told, but once the word "walkie" was spoken, she was all cocked head and perky ears. I think I'm going to like her.

It was one helluva day. 6 dogs total. 7 walks (one extra with Quillette...not work, just for fun!). I only went on 5 of those walks, but still, I walk probably twice as far as mom. Plus we played fetch 3 times and that can wear any pooch out.

Here's my day in pictures:

Gemma gets a lesson on how to look cool for the camera.Everyone wants Monty's attention...he's so patient!
Oshi and Perdito taking mom for a walk up the block..."What's the orange thing up ahead, Oshi?"
Monty's head is a bit cut off, but he just told a joke and thought it was pretty funny. I did, too. Lucy, on the other hand, is focused solely on the ball.

See what I mean?
I'm off to bed for a good night's sleep. Not as much to do tomorrow and I'm glad of it!

The Pursuit of Puppiness

2009-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Before you play the video below, it's important to take note just who is pursuing whom. I, in other words, am an innocent calling upon my primal instincts of restraint and submission. This is, of course, all in the name of being a proper teacher.

TGIF

2009-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit it...Gemma is pretty darn cute, but don't let the above picture fool you. She's a handful, or in my case, a pawful. For being just three months old, she's got more energy than I've ever seen and most of that energy is directed at me. Only occasionally can I get her to pause and reflect...
...but it never lasts long. Once I move, she moves and no matter how fast I run or how quick my moves, she's right there pestering me with her sharp puppy teeth.
I'm not complaining. It's kind of fun to play with her. I'm teaching her how to chase, how to play fetch, and how to wrestle. She's getting the hang of it though I have to practice being patient and gentle.

Sometimes that's really hard for me especially when she does things like steal my toys.
Luckily for me, she has the attention span of a gnat and often loses interest within a minute so if I just hang back, I eventually get my toys back.
Today, the lessons continue. I'll spend another hour with Gemma, but I think Monty gets to go with us. At least, I know Monty is on our list of "clients" for the day. So are Oshi and Perdito. Gemma's going to be surprised by Monty's size, I think, but I don't think that will temper her persistent pestering. She'll learn though. Monty is not nearly as patient as I am.

It's been a busy week and I'm feeling it. I slept hard. Didn't move a muscle all night. I wanted to sleep in, but it's only Friday and on Fridays we don't sleep in. We get to work.

But tomorrow...tomorrow I sure hope we get to sleep in for awhile. I need it.

A Fashion Sense

2009-01-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

My friend, Lucy, is a brave soul. She is asked to wear the latest fashions in an attempt to keep her warm and dry, but often those fashions are as far from canine-comfortable as one can get. Yesterday, with the flood of rain we've been experiencing of late, she had to wear this get-up: A yellow rain slicker that looked like an outfit a clown might wear.
She was a good sport and after a few fits of discomfort, she played fetch with her usual vim and verve.

Monty and I were impressed...

We did our best to make her feel comfortable, though we did worry about a strong gust of wind sending her into flight. She stayed low to the ground, though, and when we walked home, she huddled close to us for wind protection.

Meanwhile, this is my view, most days, of Oshi and Perdito who have sought higher ground in these hours of record flooding.

Today we walk Gemma and I have been warned to stay on my best behavior despite her lack of manners.

I'll do my best. I'll try to do my best.

A Blustery Day

2009-01-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

I recently read a book titled "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" about a funny bear and his problems with the wind. I know how he feels. Yesterday was the windiest day I've ever experienced and it made my job as a dog dog walker all the more interesting.

I played with Lucy in the morning. Actually, Lucy played fetch over and over again and while I did my best to keep up with her, she wore me out in a matter of time. Mom got a great picture of her though...

She looks like a super hero in her red cape, doesn't she?

While we were playing, Harry stopped by to say hello. Harry is a nice old guy and as much as he'd like to have played with us, he's suffering from something called arthritis. Mom tried to explain it too me, but I don't get it. She said I would when I got older.
After Lucy, I got to meet Gemma. Here I was expecting a timid and docile puppy and who did I end up meeting? A holy terror or in this case, a holy terrier. She nipped and bit at me non-stop and jumped on my back when I least expected it. She never let me be, chasing me around the tennis courts endlessly annoying me...
...I eventually had to school her with my most vicious bark and growl. I'd simply run out of patience.Sure, she's running away in this photo, but trust me, she was back at it seconds later.

Docile my foot!

Snow Again...

2009-01-05T19:39:00.001-08:00

It was icky snow this time. Wet and slushy and as it warmed up, it was like walking in a river. I didn't mind it, though. Hey, I'm a dog -- part Lab and part Poodle, both sides of love the water. My friend, Ollie, same mix as me, loved it too so when we made our way to the tennis courts to play in the river of slush, we were quite happy to run into Jimmy, a big old Boxer from Texas. We said hello and then stole his orange frisbee. There's nothing like someone else's toy to make me a happy pup!

Oh, and a game of tug-o-war! (That's Jimmy in the background...he doesn't look at big as he actually is...)

This is Jimmy up close and see, he's a big boy...oh, and because I stole his frisbee, he's got my ball lock jawed in his mouth.
And this, well, this is Gemma. I have yet to meet her, but mom tells me she's a pistol. She's just 3 months old and she likes the snow, but not as much as I do. I understand. It's the first snow she's really seen and played in. She needs me to show her how to play in it, which I get to do tomorrow! Of course, they'll be no snow as it all melted today. I have other tricks up my sleeve that I can share with her!
And this is Gemma at her home where she dried off and chewed on her stuffed tug toy. I can hardly wait to meet her. From her pictures, she looks mighty cute!

Business As Usual

2009-01-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

The new year may be here, but I'm still a dog dog walker and so for me, it was business as usual today.

First up, a nice long walk with Monty and a game of chase on the trails.While it may look like the camera lens is blurry, that's actually our warm breath in the cold air. They say they'll be snow today, but with the blue skies above us, I doubt it very much. Darn.

Next, Oshi and Perdito for a shorter walk and a pose at the picnic tables.

A few days before, we all posed at the tractor by the pea patch. It took some doing, let me tell you. Hard to get everyone to look in the same direction especially Oshi, who continuously looks the other way. Notice, though, I am obedient as ever because generally, after a photo, we get a treat.
Today, mom found the key to Oshi's aloof posture. Meow like a cat and Oshi is all ears and cocked head. Me, I'd be off in a Labradoodle second to catch that meow. Not Oshi...Perdito looks at the camera, but that too takes some doing. Lots of high pitched noises and a few clucks of the tongue and Perdito eventually looks up...

My New Love

2008-12-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

No...this is not my new love. This is Hope and while I like her well enough, she can be a bit testy if you get too close. While she looks peaceful enough, she can bare some nasty looking teeth if she feels you encroaching on her space. Don't let that bow fool you.
And while I love Aunt Patti, she is not my new love. Patti is worth some wild wiggles when I first see her, but it's more of a familial thing, not a hum-a-hum-a kind of thing.
And no, my Grandmother, while an amazing bowler, is not my new love either. Yeah, like Patti I love her because she gives me big stockings at Christmas filled with goodies and she occasionally drops delicious morsels when she's cooking, but she's not my new love.

No, my new love is young and sweet and blond -- just like me. She's fast on her feet, kind to strangers, and quick with her strong tail. She knows how to play fetch and she's always up for a game of chase.

Lola is my new love and I can hardly wait until I see her again...
Of course, my moms tell me she'll be bigger than me the next time we get to play together, but that's okay because I like big girls as much as I like puppies like Lola.

It was a good Christmas -- stockings, snow, and a new friend!

My Mama Told Me It Would Be Like This

2008-12-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

New snow on the maple tree outside our front step.

I was born in a small town in the center of Oregon. All around me there were beautiful mountains and my mama told me, in the winter, snow fell around our home. Lots of snow. Deep snow. And it was the most glorious feeling to run and roll and dig and leap through the blankets of white.

I was young and had no idea what snow was, but I believed my mama and dreamed one day that I'd know snow in the way she described. Then I was adopted by my new family and they took me north to the sea. When I left home, my mama told me that I may never see the kind of snow they had where I was born and I was sad because I really wanted to know snow the way my mama talked about it.

As a pup, I got to go to the mountains around my new home and more than once, traveled over those mountains to spend long winter days playing in the snow while my new family skied. I got to know what snow was and grew to love it more than I ever imagined. But still, I wanted "home snow" as I'd come to call it -- snow that feel by my house, on my street, and in my neighborhood.

This year, I got my wish. Snow fell and snow is still falling, much to the displeasure of some humans in my life. Still, we've skied, we've walked, we've played odd games of fetch-the-frisbee under the snow bank. Ice balls have formed on my legs more times than I can count and I've buried my head as deep as it will go into large, fluffy piles of the white stuff.

This is what my mama was talking about...
This morning, more snow is falling. We already have about 8 inches on the ground and they predict up to another 6 by this afternoon. Mama Ann goes out in it often to shake the snow from the bamboo plants. This morning she did so in her pajamas and I watched.
She's used to snow since she grew up in a place like where I was born -- known for its snow. Still, you'd think she'd change out of her pajamas.This is our street. Most of the cars were cleared of snow last night as many of our neighbors went out yesterday. So, the snow you see on their cars fell just this morning. In her pajamas still, Mama Ann went out and shoveled the walkway.
My mom told me that snow was wonderful, but she never told me that my new family would become oddballs in the snow.More photos later...we're getting ready to go outside soon! Yippee!

I'm tired!

2008-12-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

We skied yesterday along the lake. I was out front trying not to pull my mom by my leash. I did pretty well, but man, was I tired after that. In fact, I was still tired today when we went up to fetch Ollie. He wasn't tired at all, but watching him bound and play made me exhausted.

He's a bouncy boy and he looks quite fetching (to overuse a term) in his new coat that his mom bought for him. He's still wearing my boots though, but they don't bug him as much as they bug me.
I slept all afternoon once I was done with my Ollie obligations and then we went out again with Monty and Quillette to the dog park. It was empty of dogs except for us and since it was dark, we have no photos. We had a big dinner when we got home and now I'm curled up asleep in the TV room while mom reads my notes for this blog.

More snow tonight! Hope I get lots of rest so we can ski again!

I Thought It Was Global Warming????

2008-12-20T11:57:00.001-08:00

I woke up to 18 degrees and snow still on the ground with more predicted this afternoon along with wind gusts up to 90 miles an hour. (I'm a good dog, I listen to the radio weather report every morning!) So, I put on my warm coat, my black booties, and we headed out to get a good romp before the snowstorm hits. On the way, we stopped at the grocery store and got "stove top essentials"...that's what my moms call it since we can still use our stove top when/if the power goes out.

After we dropped off the groceries, we picked up Perdito. We tried to take Oshi with us, but he wouldn't step onto the snow and literally froze in his tracks. Perdito, on the other hand, is a Husky dog at heart. He loved the snow, though snow balls form on his paws just like mine so momma Ann had to pick them off!
Quillette LOVES the snow and even found a frozen tennis ball on our walk to the park. She chewed it soft and then used her ears as radar to hear an update on the incoming storm.
Meanwhile, I played with my frisbee. With the deep snow and the white out conditions, it was hard to find tennis balls thrown for me, so they brought out my neon green frisbee and we had a great game fetch.
When we got home, Quillette and I had a hearty breakfast while Momma Gretchen made a sausage, spinach, broccoli and onion frittata. It smelled yummy. Hope she saved some of that sausage for me! All this cold weather makes a boy mighty hungry!

I'm just wild about snow!

2008-12-18T16:39:00.001-08:00

My paws have thawed out enough to give the afternoon report. If you didn't see the morning report, check rainingagain.blogspot.com for mom's blog update. She was kind enough to type for me earlier. My paws were a tad bit frozen.

We went out again today -- Monty, Quillette, and me. We got kind of wild -- wrestling (Monty and me) and chewing sticks (Quillette and me). The snow is still falling. Can you believe it? My moms tell me that this is the most snow we've had in a long, long time. Well before I was born, they say, there were times when snow like this hit the city.

Everyone was a bit surprised this year. It's been unseasonably warm most of this winter and then BAM! icy cold and WHAM! hit by snow. I'm not complaining. I love the snow. In fact, I think I love all the phases of water -- liquid and solid especially, but even that evaporation phase is kind of cool.

Enough of the science lesson. Here are this afternoon's photos o' fun!

Quillette and her stick. That's my head at the corner of the photo. I'm eyeballing that stick!

This is me after burying my head in the snow. I LOVE to bury my head in the snow. I can pick up some extra-special scents when I do it and it makes me extremely happy when ice forms on my whiskers.
Monty and I had just finished a wild game of chase and wrestle when this photo was snapped. He's panting slightly, but as you can tell from the smile on his face, he's super-duper happy.

And here we are playing chase. I like to pop out of the bushes and Monty likes to lie in wait. It's a hard photo to nab, but mom did an nice job snapping it just in time.

They just announced -- NO SCHOOL TOMORROW! That means I'll be home with both my moms. What a glorious, glorious life!

No Snow...wait...snow?

2008-12-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

Not much snow as Monty and I played chase in the park. By the afternoon yesterday, in fact, the snow was completely gone. And momma Ann even got the day off from school for a SNOW DAY! Without SNOW! What a magical world.

Quillette is staying with us for part of the holiday break. She slept upstairs on my other bed last night and we all woke up to a mighty crack of thunder. We all thought the house was going to split in two! After the ruckus, Quillette headed downstairs where I found her sleeping ON THE COUCH! I never get to sleep on the couch! Why's that?

We all slept a smidge more and then looked outside. Guess what? SNOW! And it's still snowing as we prepare to go out for the day. Stay tuned for more snow photos soon!

7 Ways To Survive Freezing Temperatures

2008-12-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

1. Avoid kissing on the lips...

2. Wear a warm hat...

3. Play a game of chase or a game of... "Don't let your feet hit the ground!"

4. Get your buddy to leap out at you when you least expect it...

5. Leap at your buddy when he least expects it...

6. Leap for no apparent reason (though it helps to have a ball in your mouth -- I'm not sure why, but it does)...

7. When all is said and done, bundle up and set your eyes on fire!

Recipe for Mischief

2008-12-14T18:26:00.001-08:00

3 cups of sun and truckloads of snow
Mix until well-blended with two frisky boys
And one early morning frost
Whip together a puree of ice balls with a dash of curls
Whisk in one more friend
Chill for an hour
Then serve in the wind...

Weeeeeeeee!

2008-12-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I like Ollie. He's not on the level of Monty as a buddy, but he's close. He likes to have fun, just like me. He likes to hop and wrestle and play chase, which frankly is about the best game ever.

Yesterday, we headed for the tennis courts, but imagine. Someone was actually playing tennis. Yeah, just ONE person. How, you may ask? Well, he had this machine that shot out tennis balls across the court where he stood slamming them back. Silly, though it would be fun to have one of those machines! So we headed over to the little field at the park and mom let us go. Well, Ollie had to drag his leash so we could catch him easier, but we still got to run free.

Quillette was with us and she found a stick. I stole the stick...I mean, I borrowed the stick from her and then it was "game on" as Ollie tried to take the stick away from me. He didn't, of course, but I kept giving him hope letting the stick dangle out long so he could grab it and slowing down so he could catch up.

Quilette, on the other hand, found another stick and just laid down with it and chewed. Ollie found that kind of fascinating as well.There is snow in the forecast today and when I went out to do my business this morning, I could smell it in the air. It's cold, mighty cold and if the predictions are correct (my moms said to be wary of weather forecasts) we could get a dumping! Oh I do hope so! Imagine how much fun I'd have with all my pals then! Just imagine!

Today, is a Monty day, but it won't be as fun as yesterday. We're off to the spa for a pedicure, shampoo, and styling. I hate going to the spa. Monty actually likes it so if I have to go, it's fun to go with him. We're having a party at our house tonight so my moms wanted me to look my best. I'm not a big fan of parties either, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Hopefully, my new haircut will stay fresh and beautiful for a visit from my grandparents tomorrow. I know they like me all fresh and clean.

Then after they leave, if it snows, I can go out and get really, really wet and dirty.

Who's decorating the tree?

2008-12-10T07:22:00.001-08:00

Boys will be Boys!

2008-12-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

There's not much to say except, perhaps, that Fridays are my favorite days. I get Monty all to myself. And, as you can see, we had a time of it today on our secret wooded path. He chased me...he wrestled with me...he waited to ambush me...
...and in the end...
...we made our way home for a nice nap and noon snack. What a good dog life!

How Cute Is This?

2008-12-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

My moms say I'm really cute, but I don't see it. I'm just an average guy in an average curly coat. That's what I've always thought until my mom snapped this picture.

Today was an Ollie day, but we decided to pick up Monty so he could meet Ollie. I knew they'd hit it off and they did! We spent the day at the park chasing balls and chasing each other, but unfortunately, mom forgot the camera. On our way back from the park, two women in a car stopped us and commented on how cute were were. That made mom decide to swing by the house and get the camera. She made us sit on the front step, but Monty was tired (we'd had two busy days in a row) so he laid down.

Ollie sat quite patiently for such a young guy, but I was too nervous to sit as the edge of the porch was very close so I found safety standing over Ollie. He didn't seem to mind and in the end, well, it made for quite a cute photograph, if I do say so myself. There's something about an oodle dog, isn't there?

Who tires first?

2008-12-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

We played fetch at the park today -- me, Monty, and Lucy. Monty is the oldest and therefore tires first. Of course, this shot was taken after we'd played fetch for quite awhile AND Monty and I had played chase through the bushes...

I AM in this picture (above) making my way through the bushes. It's a game I play with Monty. I race around the bushes and then cut through a tunnel-like passageway. Usually it throws him off, but today he figured it out and is waiting for me just outside the hole in the bushes. If you look closely, you can see me in the center of the picture!

Lucy tires last. She always does. In fact, I don't think she's really tires at all. In the above shot, she's waiting for the ball to be thrown again. The only time she holds still is when someone else has the ball, but she's whimpering in this picture even though you can't hear it!

Even in this shot, Lucy is hunched in anticipation of the ball flinging across the field. I'm barking because I think that's what all this waiting is about. Monty is just happy. I'm happy, too and I suppose, in Lucy's obsessed way, she's happy as well.

Posers

2008-11-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Quillette is staying with us for a few days. Yesterday, we went for a walk to Volunteer Park where we posed for photos of Seattle icons. The picture above was taken at a small park outside the big park and it's impossible to see, but in the distance the mountains have snow on them. While we both look bored, I'm a thrilled the snow is finally falling. I can hardly wait until we head to the hills for fluffy romps in the cold crystals.
Next, we posed by the "donut" in Volunteer Park. Quillette is staring at a small dog walking across the street from us. She isn't the friendlist to strange dogs, but she obeys well and "stayed" when asked. I, on the other hand, am smirking with impatience. How many photos do they need of me?
Now, here's the kind of photo I love. I got to play with Oshi and Perdito (in the foreground) yesterday. Perdito likes to pretend he's going to get the ball from me and I like to pretend I'm going to let him have it. But he doesn't and I don't. Oshi occasionally chases after us, but never with much vim or vigor.

We're about to head out today to pick up Ollie. Quillette doesn't get to go because she doesn't play well with others. She's older, too, and needs more rest.

I don't. So, let's go!

Balls

2008-11-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

I don't get it. Perdito (above) is a dog. Dogs play fetch. Dogs chase balls. It's what we do. But Perdito he just doesn't get it. "Ball, what ball? What's a ball anyway?" he's always saying.

I try to show him...
..."This is a ball, dude, and this is how you hold it in your mouth," I tell him, but he still doesn't get it... He just sniffs it and keeps walking right on by.

"Dude! It's a ball, play with it! Chase it. Kick it. Growl at it. Toss it in the air. Squish it in your mean teeth. Roll it with your nose. Get really excited when the ball comes out of the backpack or the pocket. Race like the wind when the ball is thrown. Fetch it, dude!"

But he doesn't. No matter how much education all of his dog pals try to provide...
...he doesn't get it!

Keeping everyone happy

2008-11-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

This is Quillette. She's an older dog and kind of temperamental, but occasionally, she let's her hair down. We took her on a long walk this afternoon and headed for my favorite new trail in town. We both got to run off leash and I helped her practice "frisky in the leaves!"

Earlier that day, we played with Lucy and a new friend, Tacoma or Taco for short. Taco is a pesky little devil. He stole Lucy's ball again and again, but eventually, she gave up on him and stole my ball instead.

And then there's Ollie. He loved romping with me and Lucy. When Taco joined us, he was all around pleased with himself. Oh, and he finally figured out what he's supposed to do with a ball!

I'm exhausted now, though I keep my eye on the back porch. Cats are approaching these days and when I see a cat, I am out of control beside myself crazed. There are no pictures of that, but I imagine there will be soon.

A November Summer

2008-11-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

It's unseasonably warm this mid-November. 62 degrees today. I wanted to go swimming, but my pal Lucy isn't much of a swimmer so we played fetch instead.

Fetch makes me bounce. My ears go up and I get this uncontrollable smile on my face. Can you see it? I'm pretty good at fetch, but Lucy is the Queen of Fetch. She's speedy, she's quick, and she's obsessive. Every picture we have of her looks like this...

And in every picture I am far behind. Oh well. The sun was out, the day was beautiful and tomorrow promises the same. I'm hoping for swimming, but I don't think it's going to happen.

Fetch anyone?

Frivolity

2008-11-15T06:53:00.001-08:00

This might look like a seriously awful fight -- two dogs showing their mighty fangs -- but not to worry. It's just me and my best buddy in the whole wide world, Monty. We play like this a lot. Yesterday, we got to go to our favorite off-leash park and we had a wonderful time. We ran, we chased, we played fetch, we swam, we sniffed, and we wrestled. It was glorious.

Sometimes in our wild play, things get awkward. Above is a picture of Monty (who was chasing me but then I stopped) jumping over me. We moved on, as we always do, and I started running and he started chasing me.

It helps to have a ball in my mouth. That way, I feel as if it's the ball he's after and not me.

After we wear ourselves out, we head to the river, which this year, is mighty high. Usually there are steps down to the water, but this year the steps are under water. The fences are still up, too. These protect the salmon who are trying to spawn, though the flooding, I'm told, sort of ruined all of that.

Still, it was nice to take a dip in the water after such frivolity.

Monty liked it, too.

Levitating

2008-11-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

The rain stopped. It made Ollie levitate. I tried, but I think it's too hard to carry a ball in your mouth and lift yourself off the ground all at the same time.

Besides, Ollie's a lot younger...

And it's supposed to be nice today. Hallelujah!

Tuesday...not so dry!

2008-11-11T13:15:00.001-08:00

Well, as you can tell from the photo, it's raining today. Not hard, but enough of a steady mist to make everyone a little wet. Tuesday is Ollie's day, but Ollie, like me, has a curly coat that tends to mat when it gets wet. So mom dug out my old raincoat, the one I've outgrown, and fitted it to Ollie. He jumped for joy...as you can see!
I, on the other hand, hate my coat. I only ignored it after a long walk and a chance to play fetch at the tennis courts. Momma Ann got to go with us as she is off today, though she is working very hard on what she calls Report Cards. I thought the idea of vacation was to NOT work, but I guess I worked today, too, so who am I to judge.

Ollie likes the rain, though he's not very good about fetching the ball. He just runs around and occasionally we play, but mostly we look stylish in our coats...even though I hate mine.

Here's one last shot of Ollie trying to look stylin' in his/my coat!

More rain for tomorrow. More wind, too. It's not supposed to be pretty, which means I'll more than likely have to wear that damn coat again.

Monday

2008-11-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

Despite the threat of rain, it turned out pretty good today. We didn't have to walk in the rain (yet) and we got to play fetch at the tennis courts, which is always fun for me.

This is Perdito. It's hard to get him in a standing position. He's always moving, even when he isn't.

This is Oshi. It's hard to get him moving unless we're heading back to his house. Then he's in the lead and in a hurry.And believe it or not, this is a picture of the three of them though it looks like Oshi is an addition to Perdito. Perdito LOVED Lucy though she wasn't so sure about this carpet sample smelling her backside.

And where am I? Staying out of the fray.

Check out Lucy's sweater, though. Hard to see it, but it's a white skull and cross bones on a black background. It makes her look bad ass. She's not as this picture also tells because I have her tennis ball as well as my own and she's just waiting patiently for me to let her play with one. A true bad ass will just bully it away from me, so while the sweater is cool, it doesn't really change her personality.

The day is only half over. There's more to do, but mom's a little under the weather so I think we get to nap before we venture out again.

And still...no rain!

A Rainy Work Week

2008-11-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

I got to sleep in this morning. This is a good thing for I haven't had a lot of sleep this past week. I've been working. Unfortunately, because of the rain, we haven't taken a lot of pictures.

Well, there are these:

This is Lucy who ALWAYS gets the ball first!

This is Perdito who my mom calls a carpet sample on a leash...

Lucy again, and Monty. Somehow Monty got the ball first and Lucy is none too pleased...other than that, they liked each other...

...and this is me and Monty yesterday evening after a long week of work...

Tinkerbell

2008-10-30T08:24:00.001-07:00

I am tired again this morning. I played with Monty yesterday and then at night, I went to Ben's house where I played with Ben and his cousin, Bailey. I even went swimming. It was by accident. Ben's house has a pool in the backyard. I swim in it often during the warm summer months, but last night, as we raced and chased around the pool, it looked inviting, so I jumped in.

I didn't swim for long. But this morning, I am so tired I have yet to rise from my bed.

Yesterday was a great day. Here is my favorite photo of me and Monty.
We've just finished chasing each other around the yard and then, chased a squirrel as it raced above us on the grape arbor, and the sun was so beautiful -- it made the air around us orange with Autumn. When we saw the photo later, I asked Monty what that purple light was on his ear. He told me it was Tinkerbell.

"Whose Tinkerbell?" I asked.

"She's a fairy," Monty explained.

"What's a fairy?" I still have so much to learn.

"Well," he said, "Perhaps it's best explained how Tinkerbell explained it to Peter -- 'When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about... that was the beginning of fairies.'"

I was going to ask who Peter was, but I didn't want to be more of a pest than I already was. "Why did Tinkerbell show up in the picture?" was my last question.

"Oh, she shows up to mark the happiest moments of your life," Monty explained.

Later, I read up on Tinkerbell and found out all about Peter Pan. A very nice story though there aren't any dogs in it. Oh well.

I liked this part the best, when Tinkerbell tells Peter, "You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you."

That's how I feel -- about Monty, about my human family, about life in general.

And right now, I am exactly in that place between sleep and awake. The day has yet to start and when it does, there are jobs to complete -- dog walking top of the list.

But for now, I shall rest and twitch and sigh deeply and think of all the Tinkerbell moments I've had in my short life. Maybe, if I believe hard enough, she'll show up hovering around my head in my next photograph.

I'm exhausted

2008-10-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Five walks, three games of fetch, two wrestling matches, and digging in the garden (which got me in the dog house)...

...just look...

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

2008-10-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have a bed in the office, a nice soft bed where I sleep while mom works on the computer. On Friday, the day my job requires me to take care of Monty, I shared a special moment mom captured on film. Friday's are the day when my job as a dog dog walker is exceptionally wonderful because, as my faithful blog readers know, Monty is my best friend ever.

Anyway, I was asleep on my bed and Monty was standing in the kitchen staring at mom when she asked him, "Would you like a bed, too, Monty?" With that, she grabbed my other bed from the kitchen and scooted it into the hallway right by the office. Monty laid down and I decided he needed company so I crawled into bed with him.

I think he was a bit surprised, but soon, we both fell asleep and all was right in the world.

It's now Sunday and I'm finding it hard to wake up. Last night our friends came over with their two young daughters. It was exhausting though lots and lots of fun. I'm supposed to go for a long walk soon, but I'm having a slow morning so I'm not rushing out the door.

Besides, every hard working dog deserves a day off. Don't you think?

The last days of warmth

2008-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is Quillette. She's older than me. A lot older. She's very talkative, too, baying like a wolf whenever she enters our house. We hung out together and while she played for a little while with MY tennis ball, she eventually fell asleep in the sun.

It was a beautiful day yesterday. We went on 3 long walks and I got to play fetch twice -- once at the park by the lake and once with Monty at the big field where I haven't played since my bad-dog mistake of chasing a bicycle (I almost chased one last night, but that "hand of god" got me and I made a better choice). I exercised so much yesterday I ended up eating TWO dinners. Eating two dinners is rare for me. I'm usually not a big eater, but last night I licked my empty bowl and my moms decided to give me more. Yum! Another bowl of food is exactly what I needed.

Quillette and Monty weren't the only dogs I played with yesterday. There was Lucy, too. She's very busy, busier than me and faster, too, but she's really fun because she likes to play fetch and slide through the colorful leaves.

And there is Ollie...
...what can I say about Ollie other than, HE'S A PUPPY!

Was I this obnoxious when I was a puppy? I couldn't have been.

Don't let that cute pose in the leaves fool you. He's a bouncing, jumping, mop of a guy who wants nothing more than to steal my toys.

He follows me everywhere and even when I try to ignore him, he is solely focused on me and what I'm doing.

It's exhausting...

But apparently, this is what being a business owner is all about: You can't complain about the customers because they put food on your table and in my case, eating two dinners requires more food than usual.

Monty's Scar

2008-10-18T17:23:00.001-07:00

About a month ago, Monty had surgery for his flipped stomach. He's lucky to be alive. He's healing well and we've spent the day hanging together, romping together, and posing together.

As you can tell from my closed eyes, I got kind of tired of all the posing.

Spa Day

2008-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is me right before I get dropped off at the Doggie Spa. Don't let the yawn fool you. I am not a Spa kind of dog. It makes me very nervous and in doggie language, a yawn means "nervous." In this picture I am walking to the Spa with Momma G and Monty (you'll see his before picture in a moment). We stopped on the bluff to snap these photos and while I wanted to trust that we were just capturing a moment on a windy fall day, I sensed we were headed to THE SPA.

Don't get me wrong. There are some things I love about the Spa. There's Lillianna, who owns it, and her brother Claudio who usually caters to my needs. There's Tikka, their little dog, and there is the smell of every treat a dog could possibly love. But there's also the bathtub, the blow dryer, the nail trimmers, the combs, and the most dreaded event of all, the expressing of my anal glands.

I shall spare you the details.

Here is Monty's before picture...

Like any good "before" picture, he looks disshevelled, but he is not the least bit nervous. He loves Spa days and wags his tail as if someone is about to offer him a steak for a treat. The only thing that makes Spa Day bearable for me, is going with Monty. He calms me down. He reassures me that the clippers and the soap and the pinch of my anal glands is really an enjoyable experience.

I know he's lying, but he's my best friend and he's just trying to make the experience as positive as it can be and so I forgive him the deceit.

And when it's all over, when the trimming and the snipping and the combing is complete, we look pretty damn good, if I do say so myself!

A Play Date With Monty

2008-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Monty is healed! He's fully functional and ready to rumble and that's just what we did this morning in the chilly fog of mid-October. We headed to the dog park and raced and chased and played to our heart's content. After a month of recovery from his stomach surgery, Monty is back and in full form.

He played fetch...

He visited everyone...

...and he's still my best friend ever!

Welcome back, buddy!

My Job: Part Two

2008-10-14T18:09:00.001-07:00

This is my new friend, Ollie. He's a Labradoodle, too, though slightly smaller and slightly darker than me. We hung out today at my new job -- the Dog Dog Walker. Ollie's kind of a goof and he totally looks up to me, and while I sometimes find him a pest, he's growing on me with every walk.

See what I mean...? Kind of a goof.

This is Lucy. She's not a goof at all and she's one of my favorite girlfriends. But Lucy is aloof and obsessed with the game of fetch as this picture so beautifully illustrates. She is saying, for those who cannot read dog lips, "Here's the ball! Did you see the ball?" Lucy never gets tired. She could play fetch for days and never even break into a pant. She's like a machine, too. Chase the ball, catch the ball, bring the ball back to the feet of whoever throws the ball, and look up. Then do it all again and again and again.

I, on the other hand, enjoy a game of fetch, but I also enjoy a game of keep away. This is the game Ollie and I were playing at the tennis courts. He's young so he gets easily distracted. In the middle of chase, he decides to see whose ears can flop the highest and who can get all four paws off the ground at once. He won on both accounts.

Eventually, the games were over and we posed for our final snapshot. Notice though, Lucy is not panting. She wasn't the least bit tired. Ollie and I were very tired and walked slowly back to Ollie's house while Lucy pulled us up the street.

I'm tired tonight. My face feels slightly warm from the sun and the wind, but I read this morning in the newspaper that milk and sunshine every day kept the doctor away. While I don't drink milk, I'm hoping I make up for it in sunshine and exercise.

My job continues again on Thursday. We'll pick up Ollie and Lucy not for a walk, but according to the forecast, we'll take a walk in the rain this time. I wonder if I can write off towels on my income tax?

And I wonder when I'm going to get my first paycheck?

I'm going to have to talk with my boss about that.

A New Job

2008-10-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

It appears, with this economic down turn, I must be employed. Another wage earner is needed as my family investments tank. Alas, it's a difficult job, but I have never been one to shirk my pack duties, so I now have a day job. I am a dog walker. I am, rather, a dog dog walker. I am a dog, walking other dogs. I am the toy that all dog clients are allowed to harass, bully, cajole, and irritate.

I do what I can.

Above is a photo of one of our new clients. Look carefully because, if you'll notice, he has a tendency to take flight. Nothing seems to inspire this leaping; it appears to be spontaneous and random. For instance, when this blast of airborne spontaneity hit Ollie (the said client), we were engaging in a rousing came of chase -- he chasing me. Without any provocation from me, he launched himself just as mom was snapping the photograph. Earlier, as we walked around the neighborhood on our leashes, he leaped with abandon sporadically. It was as if his feet were springs and the unknown push of a button sent him soaring. And just as quickly, he'd be walking as if nothing had happened.

Ollie is, like me, a Labradoodle, but he is what's known as a miniature Labradoodle, his poodle side being slightly smaller than my own. Despite his apparent rambunctious dog-a-nality, he is quite good on the leash, walking by my side with a slight bounce to his step and the occasional unprovoked leap of apparent delight.

Contrary to Ollie's leash manners, there is Lucy, the Boston terrier mix who is a walking fashion statement.

This is another lucky portrait of the three of us being relatively calm and patient. Lucy is in the middle in her stylish red coat looking surprisingly calm. Lucy is anything but calm. On our walks, she is out front pulling her leash to its very end. Her ears, erect and large, act as the neighborhood satellite dish catching the sound of squirrels as they brave the leap from bush to tree or tree to lawn. Lucy rarely sleeps. She is busy busy busy and while I feel compelled to help out my family by taking on a new job when needed, Lucy is always looking for work even when there is none to be found. I must be called to service. Lucy volunteers.

At this point, my work is limited to these two clients, but I have a feeling it's about to get busier. Mom is working on her business plan complete with business cards, an official license, fliers, and a strategy to post her availability at every local pet store. She's even talked about placing her business card at the doors of people who she knows have dogs who spend their days alone.

The benefits to me are turning out to be quite nice. I get more walks in a day than ever before. I get to eat more snacks during the day and I get to spend time with my mom out in the smells of the world. Yesterday was my first day on the job and last night I slept mightly. For these younger dogs I must be a good role model and for the older ones, I must temper my exhuberance. This can be exhausting, but I am ready for the challenge.

Anything to help my pack is worth the effort. I do what I can.

Our Latest

2008-09-15T17:07:00.001-07:00

We climbed Rattlesnake Mountain again this year, but without Ann. Now that school's started she has to work weekdays. But the weather feels nothing like school starting. It's at least 80 degrees and was at least that on the mountain. I am sitting down in this photo because I am afraid of heights. Monty is not, so he feels much more comfortable looking over ledges.

The hike isn't too hard. It's about 2 miles one way and 4 miles roundtrip. Of course, that's 2 miles up and 2 miles down. We took an hour to go up and about 40 minutes to go down only because we had to stop and visit other dogs and people. The up was hard because it was so warm, but the down promised Rattlesnake Lake and frankly, that's my favorite part!

Monty likes it, too.

When we got home, Gretchen made an iMovie of our day using silly music -- "Summertime" sung by African singer Angelique Kidjo, "Stairway To Heaven" performed by guitarist Rodrigo y Gabriella and finally, "Heavenly Day" by Patti Griffin (who wrote the song on the last day of her beloved dog's life). It's way too big to put on my blog and it was her first real attempt at iMovie on her new computer, but it turned out kind of fun.

The day was heavenly during this summertime September as we climbed the stairway to heaven. Here's how happy I was about it, so happy my face wouldn't stay in the frame.

Monty was happy enough for a full-frontal smile!

Wrestle-mania

2008-09-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's been warm. Really warm. Like summer in September. Every day we go for a long walk and on special days, we go for a swim in the lake, "we" being me and Monty. When we get home from our excursions, we get a snack just like daycare and then, well then we play.

Hard.

After our play sessions we sleep.

Hard.

I like this extended summer. I like having Monty as my best friend. I like the walks and the swims and playing fetch in the park.

But I really really like wrestling. It must be the poodle side of me.

And I really really like Monty. He's a great pal.

Fitness Camp

2008-09-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

While this picture embodies relaxation, it must be known that the relaxation came only after a 90-minute brisk walk, a swim in the lake (well, a lot of swims in the lake as we were playing fetch), and a wild game of chase in a very big field. When I really think about it, it's amazing that our heads are not done, fast asleep.

This is what my mom affectionately calls Doggie Fitness Camp. Now that she works part-time and mostly in the afternoons and evenings, our days have developed a routine of their own. We get up with Ann (my other mom), read the paper and drink hot beverages, and then we head up the street to pick up my workout buddy, Monty.

And we're off. Usually it's a long walk down by the lake, but yesterday the city closed off the lake road and we got to run free (not on leashes) and splash around in the water. Mom threw sticks for us and we swam and swam and swam. Then we headed to the big field where we dried off by chasing each other. Finally, we headed home where we were fed a snack and then laid out in the last of the summer sun on the deck. We were tired, but after our nap, we did another spin around the park before we took Monty home.

Mom went off to work, riding her bike, and my other mom came home, riding her bike (everyone's into fitness around here!). We ate dinner (my other mom and I) and then went for the last walk of the evening with Monty and his mom, Colleen. Later, mom got home from work and we headed off to bed where I slept as soundly as a newborn baby.

My moms keep talking about how my appetite has improved. I used to be a skimpy eater, but now I down my breakfast AND my dinner with gusto. It's no wonder with all the exercise I'm getting.

I'm a lean machine these days, muscular and fit thanks to fitness camp!

On the first day

2008-09-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

On the first day my mom didn't teach, she took me for a walk. It was a short one, but it was at the park where all the squirrels tease and chatter at me.

On the first day my mom didn't teach, she cleaned the house. I was banished to the back yard, but my friend Monty was visiting me so I passed the time playing chase with him. Meanwhile, mom went at it -- dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing. We were only allowed to come in after she'd placed the rugs back on the floor and then she wiped our feet off since they were wet from the lawn.

On the first day my mom didn't teach, she sat at the computer and wrote. This is good, I think because it is the reason she decided not to teach anymore -- more room for writing.

On the first day my mom didn't teach, she decided to take us both (me and Monty) for a long walk by the lake. We were tired from chasing each other, but we were still game to go. There is sunshine today and from my vast experience as an 18 month old dog, I know the weather will change soon and these long, warm walks will be a thing of the past.

On the first day my mom didn't teach, she packed up all the things that needed to get mailed -- returns, gifts for foreign relatives, bills, etc. She did some laundry and made some pasta sauce. She listened to music and even resolved to go for a swim later in the afternoon. That may or may not happen, but she's thinking about it. She gave cookies she baked yesterday to the neighbor and piled up the paid bills that needed to get filed. She hung up coats that had gathered on the backs of chairs and even took a brief nap, though her original intent was to finish reading her book (that will have to wait until later).

It's a busy day, this first day of not teaching.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Doggie Daycare

2008-08-26T07:30:00.001-07:00

Now that my one mom is working part-time, I'm able to invite friends over to the house for play-dates. Of course, the only friend I've invited over is Monty because he lives right up the street and he is often left alone all day one his single-mom goes off to her work. AND, he is my best friend ever.

Our day usually begins with a long walk and sometimes a game of fetch. If the weather is nice, we go swimming in the lake, but lately the weather has been as wet as the lake and so we just end up walking. Yesterday, in fact, it rained so hard we were drenched by the time we got home.

Monty was going to go home after the walk, but I convinced mom to let him stay for the day. She was a bit hesitant at first since even after our long walk, Monty and I had some horsing around to do. Since it was too wet to go outside, we decided to chase each other throughout the house -- up the stairs, back down the stairs, into the living room and back into the kitchen. I guess we got out of hand because mom put me in a time out keeping me away from attacking Monty.

We settled down after that and she gave us a snack. Well, she gave Monty a snack and I got my breakfast. I eat a late breakfast most mornings, but to make Monty feel okay about my eating, she always gives him a little bit of food, too.

Once our bellies were full, we were ready for our nap. Usually, Monty sleeps on the bed in the living room and I sleep by my mom who writes at the computer, but yesterday I decided to curl up with my best friend. Monty's a big fellow, but luckily the bed is big enough to hold both of us. He slept on the bed part and I curled up behind him on the bolster around the bed.

It was so quiet, mom had no idea where we were so she got up from her desk and came to find us. When she saw how cute we were, she got her camera and tried to snap a picture. By that time, we'd picked up our heads to see what she was up to so we weren't as cute as we were when we were sleeping.

We're still cute, though, aren't we? Mom works this afternoon, but I think we get to spend the morning swimming with Monty. The rain has stopped and the sun is out. Life is good.

Goldilocks and the Visitors

2008-07-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a timid pooch. Pretty happy-go-lucky and playful most of the time, but I'm not super fond of strangers petting me vigorously on the head. Despite the endless "training" I still back away when I see a hand coming over my head to give me an "atta boy" pat on my curly noggin.

But for a week, I have been, as best as I can describe it, man-handled. Apparently this was training too, in preparation for a visit from Keenan and her pack of humans -- Jane and Monica. Monica's not so bad. She gives me space and when I'm ready, I weave myself in and out of her legs while she scratches my back and rubs behind my ears.

But JANE...she comes at me full force and even when I show signs of caution -- back away, run the other direction, or give a little bark -- she scoops me up and holds me like a sack of potatoes. Everyone thinks it's so cute, so cute in fact they try to take endless pictures of us together, but it never quite works out to be very photogenic. They say I don't hold still, but Jesus, what's a dog to do when all 35 pounds of you is swept off the floor, hurled into the air, and squeezed with such enthusiasm it feels like your breath is leaving your body for good?

As you can see from the above photo, what a dog does, what THIS dog does is tolerate it. They think I like it. They think my following Jane around after she's coddled me so is a sure sign I want to be hoisted and squeezed one more time, but I'm just keeping her in my sights. I don't want any back end attacks!

This time, after the endless hugs and the multiple attempts at photos, after all the hoisting and cuddling any one dog can stand, Jane and Monica went on their way leaving their dog, Keenan, at our house.

I like Keenan. I like older women. She's ten and very mellow and pretty much spends her days sleeping though she does enjoy a nice walk and a fun game of fetch only if the ball is thrown less than 30 feet away. I've been super nice to Keenan. I've shared my food, my bed, and the affection of my family with her and I've gotta say, it's been nice having her around.

Until...

...what's this? Has someone been reading my book?

Has someone been sleeping on the forbidden couch?

I'm beginning to pick up a bit of a double standard here. I get swept up in a flurry of energetic adoration while Keenan walks around (on all fours, I might add) with my toy in her mouth singing throughout the house. I am forbidden on the furniture and yet here's Keenan making herself at home on the couch and with my library!

Wait just one minute! For some reason, this doesn't seem fair and when I protest even the slightest, I get the lecture on how fair doesn't mean equal, how sharing is a sign of hospitality, how house guests have more advantages than those of us loyal enough to stay here 24-7!

I am a gentleman, though. I do not let the inequities ruffle my golden locks. I temper my behavior in front of our friends -- human and canine alike. I move out of the way when Keenan wants my bed. I move out of the way when I am offered a treat so Keenan gave have the first bite. I hand over my beloved toys and chew sticks when I am ordered, but underneath it all, I am biting my lip in swells of frustration.

"This is breedist!" I want to bark. "This is ageist!" I want to howl. Preferential treatment goes against the basic tenet of doggie manners. Do I love one parent more than the other? Do I scoff at which of them walks me? Do I turn up my nose when I am forced to sleep on one side of the bed and not the other, or even worse, forced to sleep back on the cold floor in the dead of night?

NO! I am a perfect gentleman -- happy-go-lucky and playful, adoring and kind -- but next time a visitor comes to stay in this house, I want to lay down a few ground rules first.

Do you hear me?

My friend

2008-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

I know I've written about my best friend, Monty before, but recently, he's been on my mind.

He hurt his front left shoulder recently and is on "bed rest" for two weeks. He can swim next week, but no fetch, no chase, and no wrestling. During the week, when his mom is at work, he comes to visit our house. Generally we romp around the backyard or play at the big field in the park, but with his recent injury, we just have to "stay calm"... those are the words everyone uses.

So we lie around a lot. Monty gets a massage and I lie as close as I can get. I think it relaxes him. Sometimes we watch TV -- The Dog Whisperer or It's Me or the Dog or a basketball game. Other times Monty stretches out to indicate other areas that would like to be massaged and I watch.

It's hard when your best friend can't play as hard as you'd like. Soon though. At least, that's what they tell me. Soon.

Summertime and the living is easy...

2008-07-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

All summer long (well, the past few weeks) I've been trying to learn to dive into water. Today I succeeded and we got it on video. Here we are at Doris and Steven's pool. Doris is tossing the ball for me, Momma G is filming me with her camera and doing that wheezy laugh of hers, and Momma A is floating on the air mattress in the pool. Sometimes I dive, sometimes I slither in, but no matter. It is so much fun I don't even mind wearing my silly, bothersome life jacket.

Oh, and the dog running crazy in the background and barking at me is Ben. He's a good guy, but kind of nervous. He doesn't like people in the pool and he doesn't like ME in the pool because I get his tennis balls out of the water. He's afraid to go swimming in the pool though he will swim in the lake.

This is Doris and Steven. They are good friends and we made them pose by their wheelbarrow of flowers and lettuce. Yes, that's a typical thing Doris will do -- plant flowers and lettuce in the same bed. Her lettuce is beautiful. Hell, her whole garden is amazing, but the wheelbarrow is so Doris we had to have them pose there. They're so cute. I particularly like Steven. I don't let many people pet the top of my head, but Steven can pet me anywhere. He's a really good guy.

Finally, this is a picture of our neighbors. Antonio (on the left) and his wife Sequoia have a dog name Oshi and now a new dog who is as yet, unnamed, though I'm voting for Ramon. I like to roll my "r's" and Ramon kind of fits him. Aldo is the man in the background and he lives in the basement apartment of their house. He's a great cook and made me some flank steak the other night. Well, he made it for Momma A, but she shared some with me. Yum.

All this activity today has made me famished. I think I'll go lie by my bowl and stare like a beggar at Momma G. She'll feel compelled.

I am a very smart dog!

Doggie Disneyland

2008-07-09T15:39:00.001-07:00

It's hot. 80 degrees may not feel hot in some parts of the world, but in this part, it's hot. So when Mom leashed me up and we walked up the street to get Monty (my best friend), I got excited. When she piled us into the back of the car, I could hardly contain my joy. We were going somewhere fun and hopefully somewhere cool!

I was not disappointed. 15 miles away is Doggie Disneyland -- 44 acres and one big long river of doggie nirvana. Tall grass, winding paths, a bunch of other dogs, intriguing smells that go on for miles and miles -- and the river, the nice cool, wet river that meanders by slowly and refreshingly.

But it was hot and as the video shows, while I was willing to play "rough," Monty was a bit hot and couldn't sustain a long romp until he cooled off in the river.

We met lots of friends on the shore of that river. Monty and I swam together sometimes and other times we swam with new friends. Monty met a few dogs bigger than he is
and I found a nice patch of tall grass in which to scratch my belly.
I'm exhausted now, stretched out under the cool breeze finding its way through the window, dictating this post to my mom. Monty is lying outside in the shade and will soon go back to his house, but even he agrees a fun time was had by all!

On the farm

2008-07-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

We had a busy weekend. They call it the Fourth of July and while I've lived through one before, I can't quite remember it. This one I will remember. Not because I got to see the fireworks that were thankfully far, far away, but because I got to see my relatives -- my aunt, uncle, and cousins -- down on their farm.

We did many things, but among my favorites were these:

1. Playing with Ringo. While Hope is also my cousin (and Lindsey, too), Ringo is, by far, the coolest cousin. He chased me around the yard, through the garden, and helped me cough up as much dusty dirt as I could. He even taught me how to jump on juniper bushes to hunt down squirrels. It was a blast.

2) Hanging out with my Aunt Patti and Uncle Paul. We went every where together and when they weren't around, I went searching for them. Below is a picture of me with them at the local Farmer's Market. It was cool to hang out with them because they bought me things -- like fresh jerky -- and let me rub up against them for lots and lots of pets. We also went to their friends' house and I got to play with Ramsey, a big bad boy of a dog. He makes me look like a gem of a puppy. We chased each other and played fetch by the vineyard.

3) The food tastes better. I know it's just my food, but sometimes Aunt Patti would sneak in Ringo's food and that was the best ever. Ringo eats really fast, but they make sure he doesn't hoover mine like he hoovers his. I'm a more delicate and particular eater, but since Ringo is older, he doesn't really listen to my way of doing things. Still, the food tastes homemade and fresh. It must be the farm air.

4) Playing farmer. Okay, I didn't get to go on the tractor, but I got to sit in the bucket (above phot0) and pose with my moms who DID get to drive the tractor. It was cool to watch, though it made me nervous and I whined a bit.

5) The cat, Simon. Simon likes to hang out under the cars parked in the driveway. And I like to sniff him out and chase around the car like a madman. This doesn't please the family, but sometimes a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. Instincts are hard to fight. But Simon's cool. He only hissed at me and try as I might, I couldn't get him to run, which would have been even more fun. If I got too close, he swatted a big old paw at me, but I howled like I'd been hit by a truck and that sent every human into immediate action. Nary a scar on me, I could get everyone to chase me around the car while I barked and woofed and whined for Simon to just run...even a little bit. But no go. Still, Simon's a cool dude

We had a fun time this Fourth of July. It's always is a good time for me when I get to hang out with family. This city dog loves to play country pooch whenever he can. Of course, I had to get a brushing and a bath when I got home, but still it was worth every moment!

Food Whores

2008-06-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

"Food Whore" is often a name by which my best friend, Monty and I are called. I'm not sure why, though they offer up this photograph of so-called "begging" for food, but hell, it was brie on chewy bread and we'd just hiked a few miles and damn it, we were hungry.

This is the second day of our summer experiences. Since I'm an only child, my moms let me invite a friend to share in the adventures. I picked Monty. I will always pick Monty for, while I have many friends, Monty is my BFF (Best Friend Forever!). Today was a hike and yesterday was like Disneyland for Dogs -- a 40-acre dog park filled with tall grass, intertwining trails, and a deep, slow-moving river. It was nirvana!

Today's hike was cool, too. Lots to smell and a waterfall! I've never seen a waterfall so I waded around underneath it and soaked up the spray.

Here we are posing for food...the treat is held out of the picture and above our heads. I have learned, through my extensive training that looking at the treat will not get it in my mouth. Instead, I must look my mom straight in the eye and wait patiently. Monty hasn't learned that yet, so he's staring at the treat. I tried to elbow him to look at mom, but I haven't yet learned to use my elbows in that way.

After our dirty hike, we went to the lake where we swam and chased each other until eventually we had to lie under a tree in the cool shade because we were worn out.

That's what summer is all about, isn't it? Overeating, playing really hard, and then an afternoon nap.

I'm diggin' it!

Rubin at the zoo

2008-06-04T18:30:00.001-07:00

This is my first attempt at uploading a video from my camera. Not sure it will work, but my paws are crossed.

I got a new toy this weekend. It's a plastic ball, but inside lives a zoo. Is there sound on blog? I know not, but if there is, you'll hear the zoo of animals that live inside this ball. For the life of me, I can't get them out no matter how much I jump and bark and toss the damn thing around the yard.

Go figure.

Meanwhile, I've played nursemaid to my Momma Ann who is home with an injured shoulder and a bout of fainting that tossed this house upside down for the whole week. I have a job...stay calm and at her feet while she rests and does some school work (report cards) and drinks lots and lots of fluids (Momma G's instructions).

Don't laugh, it's hard work, so the zoo ball was a nice distraction. And now we're waiting for Monty and his Momma to arrive for a game of fetch at the park.

I am so ready for a game of fetch at the park.

This video is taking forever to upload. Hope it works.

My moms have put the ball away for now. It's locked in some closet. I have yet to master the unlocking of doors though I can nose my way through a cracked one.

Is Monty here yet?

No, it was just the neighbor walking by. Maybe if I give my most forlorn look they'll open that locked door.

I sure hope this video works. I want everyone to see how frustrating this ball of animals can be. Is there sound? Oh yeah, I already asked that.

I guess I'm a little anxious about this. I mean, it's my first real movie debut. Sure, they've shot lots of film of me especially when I was a puppy, but this one is kind of priceless. Well, there are some even more priceless. Like when I played with Monty at the lake or that first snow last winter.

I thought technology was supposed to make our lives better or more efficient. This seems like it's taking a long, long time. Of course, I'm not the most patient pup. I was very patient today with Momma Ann. She was kind of boring, but I was dutiful and attended to her every need. I was also watchful. I didn't want her falling over like she did yesterday. That was spooky.

This video is "processing" or so says the little dialog box. What the hell does that mean?

Oh look, here it is! Enjoy!

Summer!

2008-05-16T19:17:00.001-07:00

Can you see the hint of summer light on my face? It has arrived. Not my face, but summer. Yesterday was a teaser, but today was the real deal. 83 degrees last time I checked. It was 40 degrees cooler this time last week. Amazing.

I enjoyed a swim at the lake and then a roll in the new lawn. I played with my favorite toy and then came inside the house to snuggle up with a lamb chewy.

I am adorable, if I do say so myself.

This last picture was taken today (Saturday) when we decided to pull out the pool to officially christen the warm summer weather. I love my pool. I can dig in it for hours and it's so cool on my belly.

I like summer, yes I do!

My Life Under the Desk

2008-04-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

While this picture is old (or at least shows me in my younger years), it represents how my days are spent when I am a "working dog" hanging out under my mom's desk at school. It's not all I do, but lets just say, I don't have free rein in the classroom.

I read with students, which is fun, but does require me lying down; I wander around following my mom doing errands, teaching, and visiting the copy machine; and on occasion, I sniff around the room and eventually snuggle up by some student's feet and fall asleep.

But there are times during the day when sleeping under my mom's desk is exactly what I need. No one accidentally steps on my tail, I don't fall victim to dropped goodies -- cookies, candy, or colored pencils -- and frankly, in-line with my innate nature to seek out caves like my wolf ancestors, I get to feel more comfortable with a roof over my head.

It's an exhausting life really, though no one has any sympathy for me since I am surrounded by girls who pet me incessantly or play tug with me when I'm bored or find my ball when I nose it under the file cabinets. Still think about it for a minute: This is my pack and I must stay diligent in protecting them from intruders. Some of the "flock" stray and I must alert the "authorities" that someone is lagging behind or racing ahead. Running in the halls, screaming with delight, and even the occasional argument all need my attention.

And I am attentive. So attentive, in fact, that after a full day at school, I am bushed. Completely. Totally. Bushed.

The Poser

2008-04-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

We went to the river this weekend. A long car ride followed by a romp around the cabin smelling all the animal life that had passed since my last visit (a year ago). It was warm and sunny and I felt compelled to pose on the bench by the river. No prompting, no commands, just the desire to be higher up, posing. If you click on the picture you'll see the perfection of this picture is marred by a pine needle on my whiskers!

And then the shot by the river. I was desperately waiting for someone to fetch my blue ball that had dropped over the embankment, through a snow patch and lodged itself next to a rock. I was unable to wiggle it free so by posing stoically by the edge of the river, I knew I'd get someone's attention some time soon. It worked.

Finally today...they ate lunch and I cooled myself on a mound of snow. We'd hiked in the heat and my belly on the chill of white was a perfect way to end a perfect weekend.

If you look closely, you can see my blue ball at my chest between my legs. I never travel without it!

The Games We Play

2008-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a lucky dog. I have lots and lots of great toys. They're kept in a woven basket in the family room. I ignore them most days, but every once in awhile, a toy calls to me.

And so I dig.

Inevitably, the toy calling is at the bottom of the basket and though its scent is strong, I must work very hard to find it.

I bury my head in the basket, locate the specific toy, and then toss out the ones in the way.

This can take quite awhile and though my moms are intent on watching the NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball game, I dig and sniff and dig and toss until I find the exact toy I want.

Occasionally, I lift my head to take a breath. It's hard work though it may not look like it. My moms aren't really any help. They just sit on the couch, watch the game, and throw out some encouraging words like, "Good dog" or "Keep digging, fella!"

But finding the toy is up to me and me alone. It's Zen in a way. Sole focus, in the now, dogged determination...(a puppy pun that is!)...and eventually, eventually I get to the bottom of that basket to find my nemesis...the toy calling my name.

This time it was a bone, one my best friend Monty had chewed on the night before. His scent was still on it and, in fact, it was his scent that knew my name.

Oh, the games we play.

Humiliation

2008-03-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

We played hard. Really hard. We ran, chased each other, swam, fetched, and slid in the water and mud. We were very dirty.

They didn't take any pictures of the fun. Only the humiliation.

Monty went first. I felt for him

Then I went, but no pictures of me. I refused to sign the release form. I bet Monty will refuse the next time.

Don't let the human smiles fool you...

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-02-28T20:19:00.000-08:00

(Me with Momma G last week on our ski trip...when I was younger!)

It's been a day. A very long day, which actually started last night when Monty, Buffy, Misty and I played fetch in the big field in the dark, our glow in the dark balls blinking back and forth across the soccer green. That wiped me out. I slept long and hard and dreamt with whimpers and moans.

Then this morning, my one-year birthday morning, and I'm stiff and achy and my stomach hurt. Still, we got up. They had breakfast, I didn't. Too queasy. I think I had a puppy hangover.

We went to work, though and once there, I threw up on the classroom floor.

Twice.

It wasn't looking very good for my birthday.

Oh, and I had a limp in my back left leg. Not sure why, but it hurts and there are times when all I want to do is lick it.

That's when I get sprayed with bitter apple...

...on a queasy stomach. Blech.

But then the students came and the whole school sang me happy birthday and everyone rubbed me and smiled at me until my tail just about wagged itself off.

That wasn't the end of it, though. Everyone -- all 19 students -- came to my house for a birthday celebration of brownies and ice cream. I almost got a brownie when one fell on the floor, but I wasn't quick enough though I did get to lick up the small dribble of ice cream.

I got presents, too. Two rubbery balls -- one blue and one green -- to dog biscuits, a doggie donut with blue frosting (I'm not allowed to eat it until tomorrow), a chewy, and a small rubber chicken to replace the one I ripped up a month ago.

It's been a day. A good day. A very good day.

Off Leash

2008-02-24T16:20:00.001-08:00

We spent four days in the Methow Valley in Eastern Washington. It was a long drive there and a long drive home, but in between we skied and ate and slept and skied some more.

First photo: Ann skis behind me while I race up ahead to Gretchen who is snapping photos of my happy face.

Second Photo: In Gretchen's continuous snapping of photos, she got some silly shots of me as a I raced, in my slick black booties, over the snow and skidded to a stop. My moms decided my nickname was Kramer like the guy from Seinfeld because I skated at every turn and stop.

Third Photo: A brief rest on a late afternoon with the setting sun bouncing off Goat Mountain in the background. That night we saw a Lunar Eclipse.

I am still tired today, but it was the best vacation yet!

Snow Dog Part One

2008-02-18T15:34:00.001-08:00

We went skiing on Friday. We played hooky. It was a blast. Here I am with Momma Ann. I'm teaching her to cock her head. Next, I'm showing how versatile I am -- I can cock my head either way. And finally, after we got home...I needed a rest. Skiing is hard work.

But there is more to come. We leave Wednesday morning, "bright and early" I was told, for a long drive and then four days of skiing east of the mountains (whatever that means!). I'm looking forward to it though it required new booties and I hate those things.

Today I romped with Monty at the park. He chased me. And yesterday I was chased by 7 dogs at the dog romp in Woodinville. I'm tired so now I'm sleeping next to momma Ann who is tired, too. She's on the couch. I'm not.

It's been a big weekend, now that I think about it. Uncle Paul and Aunt Patti came for a visit and we had a great time going to the public market, playing ball on the steps, and then they let me sleep in their bed. I was sad when they left, but then it was okay as I got to go to the dog romp and be chased and play fetch.

Tonight, it's my last agility class. That's partly why I need to sleep now because agility really takes concentration and effort. Maybe I'll have pictures to show for my next blog.

It's a busy life, but as Becky the trainer said yesterday, "If you want to liven up a party, bring a doodle." That's me...the life of the party!

A Long Time Since Christmas

2008-02-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

It's cold out tonight. I'm hoping for snow. I love snow. Even though my moms put booties on my feet.

Each day I get up and go to school with one mom. I trot all the way, no matter which way we head. Sometimes we take the direct route. Other times we head south for a few miles and then north toward school. No matter, each day I end up in a classroom where a classroom full of students greet me, pet me, and toss the ball for me.

I enjoy it, but I also enjoy a good snow day.

Snow days start in this house with the watching of TV. The news, to be exact. And every once in awhile a cheer goes up as my moms are reminded that they don't have to go to work. I cheer too. When they stay home there's more walks, there's more fetch, there's more chance to play in the white stuff.

But tonight, even though it's cold, it isn't that cold. We'll go to school tomorrow. For now, I'll rest in a curled ball on the floor of someone's feet. I'll huff a woof every now and then when I hear the house creak or see a shadow out of the corner of my eye. I'll twitch out an itch and sigh deeply.

I'll be warm and nestled in my bed, dreaming of snow and snow days.

My First Christmas

2007-12-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

It took about three takes to get this shot. I wouldn't behave, but eventually Grandma snapped the shot we were all happy with. I just wanted to play with my cousin, Ringo.

This is one of my quieter moments with Ringo. In dog body language, this pose means we love and accept each other. The mirrored pose and the lack of eye contact signal that Ringo, the alpha dog, actually loves me.

I love him.

The humans ate a lot. I mean a whole a lot a lot. I was confined to a leash and made to rest by my mom's side. I didn't like it, but I gave in. Ringo can't be seen in this photo, but he's under my mom's chair NOT on a leash pestering me to play with him.

And here I am in front of the tree with all the presents. Apparently this was a sparse year. The presents, they tell me, were triple in the past. It's hard to believe. But there were presents under that very fat tree for me and that made me happy.

I shared my presents with Ringo.

I miss him.

My First Snow!!!!!

2007-12-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

The Walk to the Park...

I'm chasing Monty, Cocoa's chasing me!
Cocoa is a big, big dog!

Those are snowballs on my feet! Mom says she's going to enter me into a dog show as a Poodle with pom poms!

They kept trying to get me to look at the camera, but everyone else was romping in the snow. I couldn't focus on anything but my friends playing. And yes, my legs are all snow from the knee down!

I was asleep after a long walk with my friend Salal. Momma G got up from her computer work and I followed her into the kitchen and barked! What was that stuff falling from the sky? I'd never seen anything like it. She let me outside and gingerly I made my way onto the deck, then the back yard. It was cold on my feet, but it smelled like fun and so I frolicked on the back deck and tried to catch the stuff in my snapping mouth. No luck.

Then Momma G called Monty and we headed to the park, tromping through what I now knew to be snow. I love this stuff! First we went to the small park and played. We met Cocoa, the Newfoundland and then Cody, the black lab. Next we walked to the big field where kids were rolling snow into huge, huge balls. We played with Sydney there and then Buffy and Misty (Monty's good friends) came to join us.

It snowed and it snowed and it snowed and soon there was 2 inches of the stuff on the ground. And I got iceballs on my legs, but still I ran and ran and ran with all the dogs chasing me.

Then we walked home and Momma G put me in the bath tub and melted the snowballs off my legs and feet.

Now I'm drifting off to sleep again.

What a great dog day!

Dear Grand-paw

2007-10-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is how I spent my day:

I woke at 7 this morning. That's good for me and I'm glad no one woke me up earlier like they do during the middle of the week. I was tired last night. I'd played with my dog friend Becky, walked with both my moms once in the morning and once in the evening, and then played with Akina and Sakura, the girls who have more energy than me.

So sleeping in was exactly what I needed. Ten hours on my bed, flat on my back, legs stretched limply over my head. Then mom got up and made coffee, which requires my astute supervision. Then a long walk and I mean a long, long walk. Two hours of walk, through the tunnel, over the hill, down the hill, past the lake, then back up the hill and back down it again. And in between it all, a mangled tennis ball hiding in the bushes that required chasing while mom threw it in the wet, grassy field where Toby and Riley came to play (new dog friends).

I got tired, but then we had to go to Lowe's for fence caps for our new fence and big, fat boards to border the fence where the gravel will go.

Then a nap, or an attempt at one, but the neighbors drove by and parked their loud, thumpy car at the end of the block and no one could sleep so we got up and worked in the yard. Actually, we worked in the neighbor's yard. Now that she's moved out, her son offered us his rhubarb plants, the plants my mom has coveted for years.

I didn't get to go, though, which made me whine at the sliding glass door. Then we went for another walk because frankly, it was so beautiful today the trees ached with orange and the squirrels needed chasing. We went back up the hill to Salal's house (yet another dog-friend) whose mom is out of town. We leashed up Salal and walked along the ridgetop and looked at the lake and Bellevue and the Cascades to the east and the Olympics to the west, which made me think of you.

We're coming to visit you know, in another couple of weeks.

I'll try to get some rest before then because right now I'm bushed and can hardly wait until we go to bed.

Can I sit in your lap again? I'm a bit bigger these days, but I think we can swing it if you sit on the couch and I'm allowed to sort of rest on you while also resting on the couch. Probably not acceptable in my puppy training, but still, you're my grandpaw and spoiling me is exactly what you're supposed to do (don't tell my moms that I wrote that last sentence!).

Anyway, I'll try to be on my best puppy behavior that weekend, though my moms say I'm barking too much these days. I am, but there's just so much happening outside the door and I am always on the alert for squirrels and intruders, but mostly I'm on alert for the neighbor's cats who NEVER go home. They like to hide under our car or sit on the new fence and stare at me. Torture, I tell you, simply torture.

I have no impulse control. That's what the dog trainer says. But I'm only 7 and a half months old! Who in their right mind has impulse control at such a young age?

Anyway, when I sit with you on the couch, you'll have to look at the pads on my paws. They're really adult-like. Big dog kind of paws. I even impress myself, so I imagine you'll be really impressed.

Oh, and can you make sure you have a cookie in your pocket? That's my favorite thing about coming to your house...next to sitting in your lap.

I'll make sure I have a bath before I come and a comb out so you can see how soft my coat is even though it's changing and some of that curly hair is now straight, stiff red hair.

So, I'll sleep well tonight, don't you think? My moms moved the bedroom around though so I'm a bit worried I'll get up in the morning and not really know where I am. Hope they don't step on me on their way to the bathroom.

And why do they pee in the house anyway? Disgusting!

Okay, I must go to bed because frankly, this has been a busy, busy day.

Love you,
Rubin

The Beach

2007-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Rubin is a Labradoodle, which means that he is part Lab (about a 1/3) and part Poodle (about 2/3). Both breeds like the water and it seems as if the combination of lab and poodle have had an exponential effect on his love of water.

This weekend we went to a friend's 40th birthday party in Port Townsend. They live on the beach or near it and so we wandered down and let the dogs play. They have one dog now, but when I first met them, they shared their home with three dogs -- two cockers and a big, burly dog with the kindness eyes known to dogkind.

But now there is just Buster, pictured above attempting to tolerant Rubin's need to get wild whenever he is near the water.

Visiting, though, was another dog, a yellow lab, named Dali and Rubin did whatever he could to engage either adult dog in any kind of play.

Ari, one of Buster's moms, took the photos and when she sent them to us she wrote: Notice how many of the pictures have Rubin half in the frame or just leaving it.

Yes, the boy has energy to spare, but that energy seems even more pronounced at the beach.

This is my favorite picture from the series. Buster has finally claimed Rubin's rubber ball and if you look closely, you can see Buster is snarling at Rubin. Meanwhile, Rubin is not paying attention to the warning signals and shortly after this picture was snapped, was chased down the beach by a growling, grunting Buster who felt extremely threatened by Rubin's dance of excitment illustrated so perfectly in this picture.

Eventually, though, Rubin settled down and Buster felt safe enough to approach. Here is the result...

It was a wild weekend. By the time we got into the car and headed home, Rubin fell asleep like a wet rag in the back of the car -- flat on his back, his legs stretched out.

It's not such a bad dog's life...

Life Saving

2007-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Can a dog save your life? I suppose he or she can. In fact, a dog has saved my life more than once.

Abbie was the first dog who literally kept me from driving off a bridge when I was the most depressed. She was in the back of my truck and her presence kept me driving home versus ending it all right there. In my darkest hours, she still loved me and it was that love that eventually taught me how to love myself.

This is a picture of Abbie at 13 years of age. She died on her 14th birthday and even in her death she taught me about love.

Next came Chester who opened his home and his heart to let me in. He was Ann's dog, but in no time, he let me call him my dog and my only regret was that I never knew him for his entire 14 years of life.

This is a picture of Chester on his 11th birthday halfway through an eleven-mile hike. He, too died at 14 and his death, while painful because of his seizures and brain tumor, was another reminder of the gift that animals are in our lives.

And now there is Rubin...

...and this picture tipifies his goofy and necessary presence in my life.

Can dogs save your life? Yes, but even more than saving it, they make it worth living.

Woof!

The Last Hoorah

2007-09-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Ann and I took Rubin and his best buddy, Monty on a hike to Rattlesnake Ledge. It's a short hike, only 5 miles roundtrip, but it was just the right length for Rubin who is fast approaching 7 months old. It's a great hike. It winds through beautiful forests and then ends up here, on a ledge (as advertised) overlooking the Cedar River Watershed, the source of our drinking water. (Off in the distance, just beyond my head, is Chester Morse lake. Actually, if you took off my head, you'd see the lake!)

Rubin loved the hike, as did Monty, though when we got to the top, the shear drop off freaked Rubin out a bit. As you can see in the picture, he's literally clutching me while he rests in my lap. During lunch, he clutched the side of the rocks refusing to get up unless one of us stood by his side and kept him from "falling" off the edge. The more time we spent at the top, the more relaxed and confident he became, but for that half hour, he was tense with the notion that the sky was so close to the earth.

Traditionally, Ann and I go on a quick adventure before the craziness of work begins. While I've been at it for two weeks now, Ann went back to work last Tuesday though neither of us have any students in our classrooms. Instead, it's been meetings and plannings, organizing and reorganizing. Next week the kids come and the real work begins.

For both of us it's been hard to get motivated. Ann has been working with a financial planner, investing and reinvesting her recent inheritance after her father's unexpected death so she can "retire" in three years. Retire is perhaps the wrong word. It's more like transitioning out of teaching and into something else. For Ann, the something else is still an unknown, though I envision her working outdoors with plants somehow.

For me, the personal plan to move into dog training is slowly taking shape. I've convinced our current dog trainers to take me on as a "apprentice" though the apprentiship won't begin until next year. For now, I'll train the dogs of friends through Dave and Becky (the dog trainers) and learn more by watching, helping, and repeated classes with a variety of dogs. Then, if all goes as planned, I'll take a year's leave of absence and focus every day on learning as much as I can about training dogs.

In a way, it's still teaching only my students have changed as will the parents and my relationship with them.

It's hard to carry a vision for change and not actually make the change. Ann is much more pragmatic in her mid-life crisis. She's not willing to make a change until all of her affairs are in perfect order. I, on the other hand, am ready to jump, which makes it difficult to put my head to the grindstone of another year of teaching.

But it's what I must do.

The hike on Friday was a reminder that reaching one's goals isn't easy. I sweated up to the ledge and on the way down, my knees burned with old age and years of competitive sports. It also reminded me of my lifelong goal -- to stay in the moment. Rubin is a good teacher in this regard. He relishes each moment and hops from one silly adventure to the next. What's best about this hike is that when we're done, there's Rattlesnake Lake -- an inviting mountain lake sitting at the base of the ledge. Rubin was tired when we got done with the hike, but when we showed him the lake, he revived and ran circles around Monty who lunged out into the shallow water every time we threw the ball.

It was only in the car as we were heading home that Rubin flopped out like a wet rag. That's when I realized that living in the moment for me has been more of the Rubin-at-the-top-of-the-mountain variety -- I'm tense and nervous, uncertain of the solidity of my surroundings. The goal for this year then, will be to live in the moment a little more relaxed, a little more carefree -- like Rubin bounding through the lake even after his 5 mile hike.

I learned from Rubin that there is always time for sleep. I learned from Rubin that if there's a lake at the end of an exhausting adventure, jump in and nap later. I learned from Rubin that each moment offers something extraordinary and if you relax (and trust) you won't miss a thing. Instead, the world will offer up amazing views, extraordinary challenges, and refreshing lakes when you least expect them.