Lambiedog

What sort of dog am I really?

It's rare that one is required to so baldly delineate oneself. 

Am I a runner or a walker?

These are the times that try dogs' souls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      The key thing is to act confident about your decision.

Smoke and mirrors

 I was disheartened to learn that the overweight dog featured in VW's 2012 Superbowl commercial was actually an in-shape dog wearing a fat suit.

    The inspirational story line had resonated with me: 

Fat dog struggles to get through doggie door / Decides to get in shape / Works out/ Achieves athleticism and good health. 

    But apparently it was all a lie. 

    Would the FTC let Jennie Craig photograph trim models for "After" photos, and then encase them in fat suits to obtain the "Before" shots?

Hot day strains my enthusiasm

     Although we chose a blazingly hot day to do Secret Stairs Walk #1, in Pasadena, I nevertheless started the walk in an upbeat mood.  

Then it turned out that the stairs between Glenullen and Tamarac were blocked by tree trimmers (photo below), requiring us to detour. (Later the stairs were cleared enough so that we could climb them to get back -- see photo at left.)  

That was the beginning of the end of my enthusiasm.  

Noticing that many of the staircases we took were tree-shaded, I seized the opportunity to rest at each. No whining. Just  nonviolent protest.

    

My owner came over with some water to resuscitate me.

That enabled me to make it through the rest of the walk, and back to the car,

    
where I rested and took a vow never to walk in such unrelenting conditions again.

Dolce in Surf Dog competition

        My neighbor Dolce headed for Coronado earlier this month to participate in the 6th annual Surf Dog competition, a charity fundraiser for the San Diego County public schools.

     With more than 50 dogs competing, this was no lightweight event.  Dolce had an official vest and an entry heat.  And, through family member Brett Rolin, she even had a sponsor: Banfield, The Pet Hospital.

     Although Dolce swims daily, she did not have surfing experience.  Luckily, the tournament provided some crack surf instructors who helped her pick up the rudiments of the sport.

    In the end, Dolce did not win the competition -- that honor went to a French bulldog -- but her performance was amazing for a dog who had never surfed before.  

    Her family was very proud of her.

 

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.

A baroque interlude

    So, everyone wants to know where I've been.  

    I've been right here.  Resting.

  
 

    Thomas came home, so I haven't needed to update my status as regularly.   And he's been using the camera so there haven't been as many Lambie photo ops.  

    And I've needed the respite so that I could focus all my psychic energies on curing Andrew Bynum's knee.     

Lambie doin work

          A sports figure whom I admire starred last year in a Spike Lee documentary about his work ethic.  Entitled "Kobe Doin Work," the documentary followed Kobe Bryant through a day in the life.

I've been inspired by that film to present this homage, which I call, "Lambie Doin Work."

 
           
         
         
         
         
         
           
         
 
         
 

Roadside assistance

    Bo was doing some maintenance on his vehicle.   I offered to help.

He checked the oil with his dip stick. 

   

I checked the gas cap.

All systems looked good.  

 Bo was ready to hit the road.

 Before he left we compared our fur coats.   

           

Everyone's an expert when it comes to diet advice

 

Actually, Charlie does know a lot about fitness.

In fact, I'm trying to convince him to be my healthy lifestyle coach.  I'm sure I would slim down if he trained me to run cross-country with him.  

He is not enthusiastic -- he says I have short legs and will get tired too fast and mess up his runs.

But he will give me a chance.

My favorite sports

I have several:

1. Basketball 
2. Cross-country 
3. Track 

Track is distinctly in last place.  Really, I am only enthusiastic about those middle distances.