Lambiedog

Neither rain nor sleet

In the course of my squirrel labors I am sometimes asked to take considerable risks.  Even when the assignment is difficult, I do not shirk my duty.  

It's a dangerous job, but the work must go on.

Mallard and Maggie

Oftentimes people talk to me in baby voices, as if I was immature or unsophisticated.   

Maggie's different.  When she plays with my mallard with me, I don't feel she's patronizing me.  

      

We're just two adults enjoying a game of mallard.

Enjoying the sea air in Cambria

In Cambria, we stayed in a hostelry that welcomes my kind.  That is, they let me stay there, albeit with all sorts of limitations: can't stay in room alone, can't go into pool or hot tub, can't be on bed ever, have to pay $25 extra just because you're a dog.  There's still a lot of prejudice in this world.

But on the bright side, Moonstone Beach was lovely -- both relaxing and stimulating, what with all the squirrel and chipmunk holes under the boardwalk, and the seals sunning themselves out on the rocks. 

I enjoyed my dinner al fresco.

Road trip

We spent a lot of time in the car this week, because that's what you do on a road trip.

It was a good opportunity to bond with my family.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

My brothers and I have a tight connection.

Taking some 'me' time

I am on vacation in northern California.  When you're in a high-stress position like mine it's really important to remember to take time to unwind.  

Looking at the laid-back dogs who live here at this ranch full-time, I realize that I had practically forgotten how to relax.

  

But I think I'm getting the hang of it.

A shocking discovery

I am not alone in the world!

If you type 'Lambie' into Bing -- the new Microsoft search engine -- and then click on 'Images,' photos of a lot of other Lambie dogs come up.

     

    

Some of these guys look very nice.  I bet we could be friends.  We might also be related.  Maybe I should organize a Lambie convention so we could get to know one another.

Big time operators

So, it turns out that there are some other guys who like to watch squirrels, and these guys have a sophisticated operation -- big artillery and lots of ammunition.

It's the sanitation truck drivers, who seem to spend a good part of their Tuesday mornings sitting at the bluffs throwing food to attract squirrels to come to them.

It's hard to compete with a set-up like that.

It's lonely at the top

Every once in a while it hits me what a heavy load I carry on my shoulders.  

Because I operate via quiet diplomacy, my role in world affairs is not common knowledge.  But world leaders know they can turn to me, and in fact there is a steady stream of them coming to the bluffs to seek my counsel on matters related to national security, global warming, and various international matters that I am not at liberty to mention here.  

I try to do something lighthearted, perhaps play with my bagel, to shake off the stress when I get home.  But my grave responsibilities are never out of my mind for long.

Species confusion

A member of my entourage has just brought up an intriguing possibility:  What if I am in fact a miniature lamb rather than a dog?  Since I was abandoned as a young animal I know no one who actually recalls my mother.  

If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's a duck.  But if it looks like a lamb and walks like a dog, which is it?

We've assumed that I'm a dog because I was rescued by a dog rescuer. What if my rescuer took a few categorization liberties in a generous effort to save a young lamb lost in a dangerous neighborhood? 

Here's my position:  I am not interested in species reassignment at this point.  I have identified as a dog for quite a while now, and I prefer to retain that identity.  

Nature walk

A bush....

....my nemesis-->

....a flower-->

  

....and a bunny: