Wherein I realize that I am among the slower students in the class

    Out at the bluffs this morning I ran into my old aquaintance Ziggy with his owner.

    It turned out that Ziggy has talents I was unaware of. 

                  

        
 
           
    He responds to a lot of commands and can perform quite a few tricks.  On top of that he's a friendly, affectionate guy. 

    It was impressive to watch Ziggy, yet also sobering as I realized that my own talents are, charitably speaking, more subtle.  So I read Proust and reflect on philosophy...what skills do I actually offer the world?  Ziggy responds to both English and German commands. The dog is brilliant.

 

    Ziggy and his owner tried to reassure me, Ziggy modestly downplaying his accomplishments.  

Then Howard and entourage showed up, and Ziggy went over to greet them because of course he also moves in that circle.

    He's a Renaissance dog, make no mistake about it.  Just being on the bench with Howard he excelled without even trying, as he performed an incredible leap of agility over the bench to go back to his owner.

Then Ziggy ran off to frolic on the bluff.  I followed him for a bit.  But I realized that he was a star so bright that I was happy just gazing at him in wonderment.

 

Comments

[Lambie]

Thomas, I miss you too. I look forward to seeing you, and to your doggie door tutelage. You'll be home in less than a month -- hurray!
Love,
Lambie

[Thomas]

Lambie! I can't believe what I'm reading! So what, Ziggy can do a few tricks. Big deal. While he was with his owner jumping up and down hoping for a snack, you were investigating various happenings on the bluffs, advising world leaders, chewing on your rawhide, hanging out with your family, and authoring this fantastic blog. And I will help you learn one very important trick while I am at home this winter: how to use the doggy door!

You are a great dog. Don't ever forget it.

Your bro,
Thomas

ps. I miss you :(

[Lambie]

Thank you for the supportive words, Maggie. It's so good to have friends like you!
-Lambie

[Maggie]

Lambie i just wanted to say that you don't need to do tricks to be a wonderful dog. Also, everyone has talents of their own. Including you!

ps. don't worry about being a social butterfly... the only thing that is important is to have a few close friends near by. quality not quantity.

have a happy thanksgiving!

your friend,
Maggie