Lambiedog

Encounter with an alien

Trophy dog

One of my readers (thank you, Peter A.!) has alerted me to an interview in this month's AARP Magazine with Stump, a Sussex spaniel who in February, at age 10, became the oldest dog ever to win "Best in Show" at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Stump contends that, "Ten is the new five in dog years."  Good words to live by, even if, like me,  you're not into that show-dog kind of thing.

Just in passing, I note from the photo that Stump's stomach seems to hang down almost to the floor.  Yet he won a big medal.  I guess his achievements are inspirational not only for aging dogs but also for the plump contingent.

The gut issue

Thomas is home now and he looks really skinny.  He and Maggie think I am looking fat.  So we did a weigh-in, and they're right -- I've been gaining weight.  That's got to be reversed.

Everyone says that the key to weight control is a combination of exercise and diet.

As far as exercise, the problem is that my squirrel work, though it takes place outdoors, is mostly cerebral.  You don't burn calories staring intently into squirrel holes.  I suppose I could force myself to take long hikes.

Although I don't really think it is my exercise level that is responsible for the weight gain.  I've always been a laid-back guy in the exercise department.

More, what has changed in the last couple of months is that I've gone from being a guy who ate to live, to being an individual who truly appreciates my food.  The chef improved my meals, and they've become so tasty that I devour them, rather than grazing as I used to.  I have a feeling that the kitchen is going to be instituting some changes soon that I'm not going to like. 

Airport reunion

Thomas came home today.

The closer he got, the better I looked.

Then I saw Maggie, and we had a group hug.

I stayed cool while we loaded the car, and then I sat in Maggie's lap while Thomas ate In 'N Out Burger as we drove home.

My heart was full.

Morning walk

There's a spring in my step when we set out for our walk in the morning.

First I take care of business.  Then we head down the street toward the bluffs.

The day is full of possibilities.

Nighttime ritual

At night I like to do a little play fighting before I go to sleep.

 

Rich and I practice our karate moves.

 

 

 

It's very relaxing.

Ebony and ivory

We do all seem to get along no matter what the color of our fur or hair.  

Yet I notice on the other hand that I feel most relaxed with my own kind:  small - definitely, white - not as much so but probably more than black.

What is it with that?

The pause that refreshes

One of the things that's nice about our bluff gatherings is the libations.  Suse from across the street often brings over a bowl of water for us to enjoy.

Everyone appreciates it, especially on hot days.  

I've noticed that dogs often seem more peppy after they stop by the water bowl.

Heroes, the canine version

Sometimes I dream about what might have been.

What if I had been a mutant dog born with opposable thumbs?

It would present amazing opportunities, but also...a choice of whether to use my abilities for good or evil.

I could get up early to grind the coffee beans and prepare coffee for my family.  Or I could get up early to do some cat burgling, using those opposable thumbs to break into local residences.

I like to think that I would use my abilities for good.

But ultimately, one never knows until he is tested.

Excitement at the bluffs

The buzz at the bluffs last night was over a palm frond that Dolce carried up from the hillside.

Everyone gathered around to admire her trophy.

Then she and Buddy ran around with it like a pair of Budweiser Clydesdales.

I was feeling a little under the weather, but I still enjoyed the excitement.