Lambiedog

Boundary setting

    A recent New York Times story , although unfairly judgmental of the current generation of canines, has caused me to take a rueful look at my own behavior and how I may be contributing to negative perceptions.  The article's thesis is that while dogs in the olden days were noted for their heroic contributions (think Balto, Lassie, and Rin Tin Tin), the current generation is a smarmy, maladjusted me-generation of dogs whose acclaim comes from misbehaving on reality TV, or from being therapized by Cesar Milan. 

    From a personal standpoint, I feel that I do play an important positive role in both my family and my community.  Not showy or dramatic, but important in terms of recognizing, honoring, and furthering relationships.  On the other hand, the article's disparaging reference to a dog on "It's Me or the Dog" who sticks its tongue up its owner's nostril did touch a nerve, and reminds me that I need to work harder on recognizing appropriate boundaries. 

Giggles in treatment

        Giggles was under stress.  He had a lot on his mind, and needed to process and share.

    I find it often works best to approach tough topics in the course of some other activity.

 So I proposed that we go for a 'frolic' at the end of the bluff.

 
        As we strolled, Giggles laid out his heartache for me, and we worked through it.

      

    By the end of our session, his step was much lighter.  It was as if a weight had been lifted.

New and improved 2011 model -- 30% longer!

    Here's a photo of me beta-testing a stretch version of myself.  Features include a longer trunk, two added paws, and a bit of mid-region fluff on top.

Rambo hits his prime

    Over the past year or so, Rambo has really matured.  He started out being a bit of a bully, turned into a playmate, and then grew into his present stature as a role model possessed of great self-control as well as some impressive tricks.     

       

My lightness of being

  I may have lost some weight.  I say this because yesterday, when my owner picked me after I begged her to as usual, I so surprised her with my lightness that in one swift movement she hoisted me up and dropped me overboard on my head.  

    We were worried that I might have been paralyzed or something, but all that happened was that I got dirty, as shown in the photo on the left.  

In the photo on the right, we are looking happy that I'm not paralyzed.

 

Unfortunately yet predictably, the aftermath involved a bath.

Remembering Sam

    
         Sam died this morning after being hit by a car.

    He was a free thinker who went his own way.

    He will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Sam.

Letter from a loved one

Thomas sent the following response to my most recent post:

lambie! i think about you all the time, i can't wait to play with you when i get back to la on dec 22! by the way, i found this photo of you, lookin pretty cool...

love,
thomas

Halloween is in the air

Trudie started us off in a festive mood by identifying an orange mushroom growing out of a tree.

Around the same time, Willy started wearing his pumpkin outfit almost daily.

Then, this weekend, he acquired a natty new costume.  

 

He's a hot dog.

       
 I'm not much of a dog for dressing up, myself.
 

I leave the flash to the other guys.

Exercise program

I have a new exercise program that optimally requires two attendants working with me.

    The first one holds me stationary, while the second one walks down the block away from me. When the second one has gotten a distance away, he or she calls me and the other person releases me.  I run like a piston, like a Champion of Fire, and I am very happy.

    It's a great program because it works at any time of day.  When we do the program at night I focus on my hamstrings.  In the morning I like to work on my quads.

         
    If you want to try it, feel free.  In fact, I have a feeling that this may sweep the land.  Just give me credit.

Excess in hard times

 
          The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about a new resort for dogs, Spa Paws Hotel, in Fort Worth, Texas.  Spa Paws' offerings include flat-screen TVs, turn-down service at night, and an atrium with robotic squirrels as the floor show. The resort will be anchored by a wellness center where pets can heal their bodies and minds via Eastern medicine.

    While I applaud dog owners who like to pamper their canines, this level of luxury does seem a bit indulgent in the current economic climate. Maybe Spa Paws could offer an option to forego the facial and give the money instead to an organization like No Paws Left Behind, which assists dogs whose families face foreclosure.