Howdy blogaroos. Clean, fluffy Squirmy here. And WHY am I clean and fluffy? Because the Warden looked at me and said I look like a sheepdog who has been living with sheep- but in the woods. My feet were brown, my coat was covered in bits of branches and leaves and my face looked as if I had been munching on sheep morsels. Not to mention the fact that my aroma was somewhere between “Christmas pine” and “stagnant puddle.” So yesterday was a bath day for yours truly. And I survived.
And speaking of survival, the Warden is counting her lucky stars today…
Each morning, the Warden and the Boss get up and she gives him his medication. Then she grabs a biscuit, opens the front door and lets him out for a quick pee. He’s quick about it because he wants that biscuit.
This morning it was still dark, and the Warden forgot one very important thing. Her glasses. She opened the door, and as usual, the Boss headed left for the lawn. But it was then that the Warden noticed that not 20 feet in front of her, on the driveway, appeared to be “something”. But it was dark and she didn’t have her glasses. As she squinted, her brain finally woke up – and the shape of the dark “thing” began to register. She stepped out of the doorway and waved the treat for the Boss – praying he would not notice “the thing” which appeared to be moving away. Good thing he’s so food driven AND at 13 years 10 months, his eyesight could use glasses like the Warden. He ran to her as she tossed the treat inside and slammed the door. She then peeked out, squinting in the dark. Sure enough – “the thing” was moving away. The Boss had come within 20 feet (or less) of a porcupine. Talk about dodging a bullet. Or should I say, dodging some quills. Lesson learned- glasses on and no more off leash pees in the dark. Ever.
In other news, I had class yesterday after a few week hiatus because our coach had a well-earned holiday. And truth be told, she wasn’t the only one on a break. Our training had a bit of a slow down the past few weeks, so the Warden was a bit nervous that I would be rusty in class. But I’m here to tell you I was actually above my usual mediocre performance. I was actually pretty darn OK. I guess a break can be a good thing.
The Coyote continues to eat, pee, poop, drink, bark and wrestle with yours truly. So to sum it up, he’s doing well. Very well considering everything he’s been through. Keep those positive healing thoughts and prayers coming – they have REALLY worked!!!
According to the crazy calendar, today is Guinness World Records Day. And Guinness is currently investigating some recent claims about a dog that they proclaimed to be the World’s Oldest Dog. Bobi was a dog living in Portugal – and I think we talked about him before. He reportedly celebrated his 31st birthday in May. Sadly, a few weeks ago, he went to the Rainbow Bridge. It is understandable that people around the globe were thrilled to hear about a 30+ year old canine. Everyone wanted to know Bobi’s secrets to his longevity. Did he eat special food? Did he take supplements? Did he drink filtered spring water from the Andes? Did he go to the groomer regularly? Did he go to the gym? Did he have a personal trainer. Nope. Bobi had the life of a regular dog. Eating table scraps and wandering freely around his home and property. Seems like a pretty good life to me.
And although Guinness has pretty strict rules for confirming their World Records, it seems there is some skepticism about whether or not Bobi really was 31 years old. One veterinarian likened it to having a 200 year old human. While the Warden says she sometimes feels like 200, she’s not quite there yet. Although as Viktor used to say, she knew Caesar. The original one – not the TV dog training guy.
Anyway, whether or not Bobi was 31 or 21- people were still sad to hear he was gone. Unless we canines live as long as you humans, our time with you is never long enough. But we add an extra special element to your life – that make it so worth it. Despite the fact that the Warden says I have taken years OFF her life. Just kidding. Sort of. Bottom line – enjoy every cuddly, wagging tail, happy.-to-see-you, watch-your-every-move, giant licks moment. We certainly do. And remember those song lines from Canadian band, Trooper (with a little improv on my part), “ We’re here for a good time – not a long time- so have a good time…and go walk you dog today.”
Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 