Lambiedog

Dog in headlights

Here I am with my pal Hannah trying to combat my tied-to-my-mother's-apron-strings complex.

With the cousins

We went back up to Ojai for a sleepover visit before the cousins' upcoming move.

We all sacked out in the playroom, but I couldn't fall asleep.  I was worrying about how I would acquit myself on the hike planned for the next day.  Ella, Leo, and Annie are all such accomplished hikers, and I'm more of a tenderfoot.

Annie was on edge as well. 

In the morning we set out on the hike.  At first I stuck close to Aunt Margie. 

     

Then I spread my wings and flew.

Encounter with a Lipizzaner stallion

My Juliet

    Each morning Delilah and I bark at one another like crazy as I walk past her home.

We never actually see each other, as we are separated by a stone wall and a wood gate.

So I was enthralled yesterday to look up and see her, posed above me like a beautiful vision.

But alas, it was not long to be.  I looked away, and she was gone.

Her delicate floral scent remained with me for hours.

Big dog

    Although I am not large in stature, I cast a long shadow.

(Quarter provided for scale.) 

Well-matched

I can't speak, and my grandfather can't hear.  We enjoy a companionable silence.

Visit to the country cousins

We went to Ojai to see the country cousins -- Leo, Ella, and Annie. I won't name names, but some of them are less friendly than others.  Overall, I felt a bit intimidated.

Aunt Margie put them outside while she took me inside and prepared a delicious meal of ground raw meat to tempt me out of my anorexia.

So thoughtful!

 

Then we went outside again for awhile.  I felt more relaxed in the open space.

When we came in, we stood around together hoping for more food. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a bonding moment, but at least it was an instant of common purpose.   It was a start.

 

Stepping lightly into 2013

    What will this year bring?

I hope, good things for all. 

Specifically I want to single out Hillary Clinton and my friend Kerry for good wishes health-wise.  Among canines, my friend Dexter comes to mind.  I hope his tumor will be controlled. 

As for me, Lambie, I feel a renewed vigor after losing several pounds in the course of my recent illness.  My plan for 2013 is to stay slimmed down, and to continue thinking deep thoughts. I'm also thinking it would be nice to acquire some talents.  For example, I'd like to learn to stop at curbs and wait for a signal before stepping into the street. 

Maybe also a showstopper trick would be good.  Perhaps I could learn to jump through a flaming hoop.  Though I don't want to get too ambitious.  Walking through a non-flaming hoop might be almost as impressive.

365 days.  That's a lot of licking opportunities for me.  I intend to appreciate them all.

The chariot of Zeus

Here's inspiration for the golden years:  Zeus' approach to encroaching age.  His limitations could have left him a homebound shut-in.  Instead, he's adapted with dignity, in a way that permits him to still get out and about and to maintain social interactions -- which study after study indicates is a critical component of happy aging.

Bad news

    Augie died over the summer. 

Along with Bennie, he's been a loyal companion to Dale, and a constant bluff-goer for many winters.  We always knew winter had started when they'd come back to the bluffs -- the seasonal inverse of swallows returning to Capistrano. 

He was a good guy, and an enthusiast.  He will be missed.