Lambiedog

Alta Loma

    It was time for Walk #37 in the Fleming Secret Staircases book:  a trip to the High Tower Loop above the Hollywood Bowl. 

As we  came along Camrose Drive, we encountered a friendly little dog who didn't seem to have a home or an owner.

We were concerned about him, but then he skittered back home into a house on a side street.  It seemed he'd run out an open gate.

At High Tower Drive we looked up and saw High Tower, an exclusive elevator serving the people who live in the buildings near the top of the elevator.  Residents park in the garages below and, if they're lucky enough to have the magic key, can take the elevator up to their little neighborhood.  The High Tower was built in the 1930s and has shown up in a bunch of movies.

Since we didn't have the elevator key we walked up the Broadview Terrace steps and arrived at the upper exit of the High Tower.  

 

We were surrounded by incredible views and interesting houses.

     We soaked up the ambiance for a bit, then walked downhill along the Alta Loma Terrace walk street, which was also very ambiantic, if I might coin a word.  

       
    The heat was daunting.   I tried to grab the shade wherever I could.

On our next expedition we're going to have to take a page from the mountaineers who ascend Everest or Kilimanjaro, and get going way before sunrise.  I am something of a delicate flower, and tend to wilt in the heat.

Sparkly, ball chaser and lovely presence

       
        Sparkly, Suse's beloved dog, died yesterday after a long life.   She was a fixture at the bluffs for many years. Even when she was in pain from her arthritis, she still loved to chase balls.

    She will be greatly missed.

 

Shuttle diplomat

When I went out to the bluffs the other day I found a new dog,  Olive by name, as well as all the complications that crop up when a new individual is introduced into a tight social world.

  There was a lot of curiosity about Olive, especially from Oliver, who didn't want to share his name. 

I tried to get Olive off to the side, where I could speak to her privately and warn her to tread lightly with Oliver.

  

She got the gist of my message.  With my mediation assistance, the two of them spent some quality moments together and worked their issues through.

 

With that problem resolved, I left for my next assignment -- some delicate matters requiring my attention in Kosovo.

Although my departure was felt deeply, everyone understood that I was needed elsewhere.

 

 

 

From the archives

        It seems I never published the above photo, taken early last summer.  

     The image, which captures well the gravitas with which my life is conducted, depicts me walking into the family room in the evening. You can see that I have the weight of the world on my shoulders.  In tone it reminds me of the iconic photo of JFK and RFK during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sunset Junction

Another Sunday, another stair walk.  Last weekend it was Walk #20 from the Secret Stairs book.

       

             On the agenda:  evocative architecture, magnificent views, and lovely flowers.
    
          

We also met a number of dogs. Several were on a group power walk with a trainer.  Another was being carried, in a manner familiar to me.

At the walk's end we stopped at a cafe. I had a moment of anxiety while my owner went inside to place our order, but Teresa comforted me.   And soon everything was back in its place.

           

Patron to runners

    

    My years as track-and-cross-country muse are coming to an end, and I must say that I'm feeling a bit sentimental.  

        Here are a couple of photos of me providing encouragement at the Chaminade meet in March.  The figure in red pants on the left in the distance is Charlie, looking relieved that I am there to support him.

Transformation

            I started yesterday morning out as a rugged St. Bernard herder.

  By the afternoon, after a hair appointment,  I had become a contemplative flower appreciator. 

            The medium is the message.

Enigmatic keeper of secrets

Comfort zone

        The level of activity at the bluffs this evening was just my style:  energetic, yet contained.

    Actually, when we first came outside there was no one there.

But, looking down to the other end of the bluff, I saw a contingent approaching.

    I took a moment to center myself.  Really, that's all I need.  As long as other dogs are respectful and not wild or scary, I can handle things. 

    And then I'm free to take on all the roles I enjoy: 

                  Sniffer,                                              Investigator,                                       Participant,        

         and general Dog About Town.

A more mellow moment

     

    After my heartbreak of not fitting in, I was glad to have a soothing get-together with Bruno. 

    Bruno is quiet and diminutive like me.  Actually, he's more diminutive.  And, whereas I look like a common well-fed lamb, Bruno has an exotic high-cheekboned look.

      In his bearing he reminds me of an aristocratic llama.  

 

      Being with Bruno is relaxing because we share the same sensibilities.  He is very attuned to his owner.  Which, obviously, is something I can relate to.