Greetings blog readers. Frodo here for your reading pleasure today. Although, I must share, that currently the weather outside our warm abode is hardly pleasurable. We appear to be experiencing a Snowmageddon – the likes of which we have not seen in several years. I followed closely behind Her Highness as she forged her way through the drifts to take me on my morning constitutional. She was insistent that I make my morning “deposit” – as I do so EVERY morning. I pleadingly looked at her – hoping, just this once, I could simply make my deposit in the house. But no. We trudged up the mile long driveway and onto the road which must have been plowed once during the night. (I confess- I exaggerated the length of the driveway- but it certainly felt like a mile). The road was a bit less deep – and thankfully- easier to find an appropriate spot to do my duty. My walking pace increased noticeably on the way home.
Yesterday, the prognosticating rodent, better known as the groundhog, predicted we would be having an early Spring. It was not even 24 hours before his prediction appeared somewhat unreliable. Tsk tsk. I bet the hamster on steroids is all comfy in his den today. And he didn’t have to walk a mile in snowdrifts to do his business. I want to know how one applies to get his job. Think of it – you work one day a year – and are never held accountable for your work. He could make an excellent politician.
In other, brighter news, I had a marvelous 14th birthday. We had special treats for the occasion- little canine cupcakes for each of us. You see them in the above photo. We were instructed not to touch them – hence our serious expressions. The Imp and I quickly consumed ours, while the Coyote batted his around and then walked away. While the lad is eating fairly well – he still remains particular about new foods. The cupcake was not in his previous dining experiences- so he opted to leave it. But not to worry – food never goes to waste in this house. Not with two PONs.
While the Imp had neutral results in his rally foray last weekend- with one pass and one NQ, some photos were taken in which he actually appears to be performing quite well. Cast your eyes on these:
He CAN perform quite well. It’s whether or not he wants to that is the issue. I believe yours truly was more amenable to following instructions. I understood that rewards would come – sometimes after a short period of work. The Imp still prefers immediate rewards. His brain is like that of a hummingbird who has been into too much nectar. But he’ll learn. Hope springs eternal.
In world news, a new study has been published in the UK, looking at dog longevity. They looked at the data on over a half million dogs – and looked at longevity considering a number of factors including breed. The average for PONs was 13.2 years. Yours truly is above average- as I have been in all aspects of my life. Picards are not mentioned – as their numbers are likely low in the UK- so they couldn’t obtain the data. It was interesting to note in this particular study, contrary to popular belief, purebred dogs had slightly better longevity than mixed breed dogs. The theory of hybrid vigor did not prove true in this study. But like ANY study, one must carefully analyze the data. And frankly, Her Highness is a bit surprised that the lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog was over 10 years! She was excited, but a bit skeptical about that number. Still – interesting to look at the information-and use it with other information to learn about different breeds.
Well, back to napping. I will retreat to my room (previously referred to as the DFZ) and make myself comfortable. Until nature calls. Which I wouldn’t answer until I absolutely must. Cheers.
Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.
Viktorsviews. The Next Chapter. 