No Vespa, scooter, or motorcycle content here. Sorry.
I had to take a moment to recognize Junior’s second birthday. Since the kids are grown and no grandchildren around yet the dog is all we have to dote on. This morning Junior engaged his usual rituals — yard patrol, walk, eat, tennis ball chasing, neighborhood cat and squirrel inspections. All dog stuff.
Forgive Junior’s scruffy appearance. It mirrors my own and while the two of us do watch Project Runway none of the fashion sensibilities transfer into our lives. Junior has been particularly messy of late from time in the creek, lots of stick and slobber action, and rolling around in a pile of woodchips from a recent tree removal. So he is not up to the show dog standards of his mother McKenna and father Bing. But he does have a good time.
With much work the boy is becoming well socialized. He loves other dogs, even the ones who want to tear him up, but he was shy around people. After almost a year with us he has learned to trust that I won’t let anything bad happen to him. Just this morning we were walking through an automobile crash scene with police, ambulance, several fire trucks and a crowd of people. Junior remained calm in the heel position and when someone asked if they could pet him I gave him the command, “Say hello Junior”, and he plops down at their feet and raises his head towards them for attention. He’s a big love dog.
Junior took a few minutes from his busy schedule to pose for pictures. He has learned the camera won’t hurt him and the more cooperative he is the better things turn out. More than a few people should learn that lesson. Nothing assures a terrible picture more than a conversation beginning with, “Oh, I look terrible in pictures….”.
That’s about it. Junior is passed out after a full day. Sleep comes easy when you mix a pork chop with Pro Plan dog food. And after a good dinner he likes some cold, crisp, water. Unfortunately he prefers it now from the garden hose. So I have to go outside in the garden or on the deck and water the dog.
He has a rough life.
Our cat prefers his water from the bathroom faucet. And, I find myself turning the faucet on for him. So, I water my cat much as you water your dog. I’m glad I don’t have to go outside.
~K
Cats have servants, Junior has
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fill in the blank space
Happy Birthday Junior!
What a beautiful animal. He’s not scruffy at all. He looks like a Collie/black lab mix?
It’s wonderful having animal companions around, and he is a very beautiful dog.
Dear Steve:
Congratulations on two great years with the new dog.
If I had a cat, I’d go to school to be a txidermist.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Happy Birthday, Junior! I bet the best gift you got was being adopted by Steve and Kim. You are a great friend–even if you’re only the SECOND best dog in Centre County.
Your friend always,
Laika
Steve:
I think being a dog beats working for a living. You dog eats better than me, I wouldn’t mind a pork chop once in a while
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
Even the best blogs eventually go to the dogs. Pity.
Circle Blue: Kim thinks we should build some sort of water feature in the garden from which Junior can acquire water when he needs it. I think he would rather have it personally delivered by hand with the hose…
Bryce: That’s just wrong. I am not his slave.
Chip: Junior doesn’t seem to know that he’s two. I thought he would magically change into the most obedient dog in the world.
Still, he’s a good dog.
Paul: Junior is blushing at the comments.
He is a Belgian Sheepdog. While he is registered with the AKC he is considered defective in terms of breeding because his ears are not erect. I’m glad though. We would never have been able to purchase him if we was show material.
Jack: Junior likes cats. He plays with the neighbor cat, at least until the feline starts to bat Junior on the nose.
At 80 pounds and full of energy I don’t really trust him yet to not damage the cat because of his exuberance. He has not fully learned the meaning yet of “gentle”.
Laika: Junior says it was nice visiting with you and Alex this morning. I have asked him to apologize for trying repeatedly to mount you but he’ll have none of that.
So be warned that he may still be pestering you.
bobskoot: Junior has the life I imagine in retirement. Except he can’t ride. If I catch him on my Vespa I will ride immediately.
No pork chops for him tonight. Just roast chicken.
irondad: Yeah, as soon as I pushed the publish button I wondered what the heck I was doing.