Our Fair City

Seattle is known for many things — rain, coffee, and the Space Needle among them. While I experience the rain (though not a lot this summer, just gray skies) and I often smell the coffee, the Space Needle is a rarity on my walks. I mean to see the Space Needle requires that we drive to certain parts of the city or, if we wedge ourselves onto cornered hilltops or staircases, we might see the top of it floating in between all the tall buildings.

Yesterday, I got to walk on Queen Anne Hill and from there you can really see the Space Needle up close and personal, only you can’t see it on my website from yesterday because Gretchen climbed the great big hills without her camera.

That’s a pity.

Still, I marveled at the sight I rarely get to see and vowed that when the Space Needle next came into view and Gretchen had her camera, I’d make certain she got a photo of the odd shaped tourist attraction.

When I woke up this morning, I didn’t think I’d see the Space Needle for a long time. Especially since the first walk of the day took us in the opposite direction. I did get to walk around Seward Park with Ollie and while it’s one of my favorite places in the city, you can’t see the Space Needle at any point on the walk. Ollie didn’t seem to mind and since I never intended to really see it today, I didn’t mind either.

When Gretchen set off on her walk with Rosie I instructed her to take photos of the Space Needle if she saw it. She kind of laughed at me and said, “Oh Rubin, I doubt we’ll see it today.” Instead, she saw flowers and hummingbirds (look closely on the red Lucifers)…

…and of course, Ms. Rosie!

Next, Gretchen picked up Gemma who came by to get me at the house only I was I was in the middle of eating my brunch — yes, I’m back to eating brunch, but that’s beside the point. While we got to play some, our real intent was to walk over to Saber’s house so that he and Gemma could have a mini-romp if the tennis courts were open. They were, but since I’d just eaten, I was only allowed to sit on Monty’s bench (the one he loves to spend time on whenever we’re at the courts) and watch with intrigue as Saber fetched the ball and then lost it…

…how Gemma retrieved the ball and then played keep away…

…until finally Saber stole it back and all the while I sat patiently and watched.

Ironically, the Space Needle can be see from the tennis courts if you stand on your tippy-toes on the bench, but you can only see the top of it and since I was in a sit stay command, I wasn’t allowed to go up on my tippy-toes.

We dropped Gemma off at her house and then Saber and I got to go for a nice long walk down to the lake (though we weren’t allowed to go in) and then up over the hill where we posed for a photo on top of I-90 — and no, you can’t see the Space Needle from there either.

But remember, I never expected to see the tourist attraction today. Nope, I just kept hoping that soon we’d wander into a neighborhood that would allow for a photo opportunity of me with the Space Needle pointing up behind me. Even when we went to Paige’s house and headed out on a nice long walk, I never imagined that over the fences and ports, over the grassy knolls and ships the Space Needle was lurking.

Not until we got around the bend at Jack Block Park did I see it and then and only then I insisted that Gretchen take our picture with the Space Needle in the background. Paige was a bit confused as to why the Space Needle intrigued me so, but that’s because she gets a view of if far more often than I do. Still, it made for a great photo because 1) there was the Space Needle (however faintly) in the background and 2) I got hang out with Paige and have my photo taken with hers (big sigh!).

I’m not sure why I’m so intrigued by the Space Needle, but maybe it has something to do with how much I love our fair city. Yes, even when it’s gray and rainy, yes even when the mountains are hidden behind the clouds, and yes even when I can’t see all the tourist sights. Seattle is a great place to live. Seattle is a great place to be a dog. And more importantly, Seattle is a great place to be a dog walker!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Field Trip

I’m a pretty adventurous guy. My job takes me to lots of great places in the city and when I look at how far my range of service extends, I guess it makes a lot of sense that on a day like this one, I’m pretty tired by the end of it. What made this day so special? Well, lots of things.

First, I got to go to the lake with my buddy Ollie. We didn’t go for long and though Ollie got in for a few minutes, I waded in for a long time (check out the skinny legs) and was a wee bit disappointed when we had to leave.

Ollie wasn’t disappointed because he got some treats and that always makes him happy!

Though I didn’t get to go with Rosie on her walk, I did get to see the lovely photos of Rosie smiling in front of the beautiful flowers. I know exactly where that spot is since we pass it in our travels all the time. I’m so glad she got to enjoy it, too!

"Aren't they pretty flowers?"

I did get to walk with Gemma and Woobie as we made our way around a very big loop (from Gemma’s to Woobie’s) and posed in the sun while completing the circle.

And to top it all off, Woobie, Saber, and I had a pool party in the backyard though Saber just wanted me to play with him and Woobie just wanted to rest in the shade of the table on the porch.

But that wasn’t the end of the day. Nope, I got to take my new friend (and a special friend at that!) on a field trip to one of my favorite spots in the whole wide world! Yep, Paige came over to my house and we walked down to the lake, swam and fetched balls, walked back home and then hung out in our backyard.

What made this field trip so special is that I had no idea it was planned. Nope, Gretchen just drove off and the next thing I know, she returned with the lively (and beautiful, I might add) Paige in the back seat. My heart leapt, my tail started to wag uncontrollably, and when Paige bounced out of the car and went immediately into a play bow, I thought I was going to faint with joy!

Off we went, down through the park, down through the tunnel, down the big stairs, under the noisy bridge, and within a matter of moments, we were standing at the edge of the lake where I stood pointing the sights out to Paige. “That’s Mt. Rainier,” I said, “And over there are the nutria nests — stay away because they are nasty and ugly.” I pointed out the nests and though we never saw a nutria, I showed Paige an ugly photo of one when we got back home. She immediately wanted to go back and hunt them!

But I digress. As I was saying to Paige while at the lake, “And if you hop off this ledge, you land smack dab in the best water in Washington. Give it a try. Go for a swim. Gretchen will take you!”

Yep, that’s them out there in the water! You can even see Gretchen’s gray hair and Paige’s long ears if you click on the photo and take a closer look!

Usually I don’t like to let Gretchen leave me behind, but this afternoon, on this unexpected and glorious field trip, I was proud to share all my joys with Paige. She sure seemed to appreciate everything I showed her. (I just didn’t understand why I had to wear the life vest and she didn’t!)

And then we walked back up the hill, back under the noisy bridge, up those long and many stairs, through the cool tunnel, back through the park (only I showed Paige the shortcut) and to our house where we hung out in the backyard in the shade of the old cherry tree. I rolled around, Paige watched, we both got lots of loving, and the smiles were permanently plastered onto our faces.

What a glorious day. The tiredness I feel now was well worth the effort. Work and play — sometimes in my life it’s hard to distinguish between the two and I must say, that makes me very happy!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Blogged Paws

I was comparing my paws to Ollie’s today. We are both Labradoodles and though he is a smaller version, I wanted to see if being a blogger has changed my paws significantly. While they look very much the same, Ollie had to agree that my paws are a bit stronger.

“All that typing,” Ollie said in awe, “How do you do it?”

I’ve never really thought about how much I type, but lately, I’ve reviewed all the postings not only on this blog, but also on my Rubinations blog in addition to my help with Gretchen’s new blog for her work — Front Paige News. I type a lot! I’m not complaining. I really like to tell stories (or Tails as I like to say), but it certainly has developed my digits!

And then there’s the walking. We walk a lot as many of you know and well, my digits get a workout there as well. So I’ve concluded, I am a dog with mighty paws or what I like to call, Blogged Paws!

There was quite a bit of walking today and though it started out cloudy, the sun finally made a wonderful appearance in the afternoon. Our morning started with Ollie (as I mentioned) and Ann came with us so we decided to tour the flowers of Seward Park.

Of course, Ollie’s interest wasn’t so much on the flowers as on the treats he gets for sitting and waiting (only he’s not very good about the waiting part — well, not as good as me!).

Ann and I then rested at home while Gretchen walked Rosie. While Rosie doesn’t keep a blog (though she should), she has very strong paws and while they played “Fetch the Treat” in the park today, Rosie started to get a little demanding about the treat coming out of the hand a bit quicker.

But then she saw a crow and she turned her attention to the possibility of chasing it.

Luckily for the crow (and for Gretchen) Rosie never got the chance!

Instead, she got another treat for showing some amazing restraint!

Gemma got to walk with Zoe today and when I uploaded the pictures from Gretchen’s camera, I was shocked to see that they walked to a pet store where the owner gave them free samples!

Sure wish I’d gone with them, but my blog paws were still resting.

Of course, they woke right up when Saber came over for a game of wrestling…

…then of chase…

…followed by tug…

…a splash in the pool (though not photos of that)…and finally a rest in the shade (notice who won the game of tug!).

My blog paws are in fine form after today’s exercise and though I might be a bit tired, I heard “tails” that I might be playing fetch with Monty at the park tonight. Better stop typing now so I can have enough digit power to steal Monty’s ball!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

How to stay cool in 94 degree heat…

As predicted, the temperatures soared to record heights again today and so Gretchen and I spent the morning trying to figure out how to keep cool. Actually, I didn’t really want to go to work today because it felt so wonderful to be splayed out in front of the cool fan this morning. My paws kind of ached thinking of the hot pavement I’d have to walk on and my tongue was tired remembering how much I panted when the temperatures were just in the 80s.

But duty calls and so we sat this morning over our respective breakfasts and came up with a list of how to stay cool in 94 degree heat — the predicted high.

1. Find Shade

Finding shade was particularly important for Rosie since she is not a big fan of going into water (like I am). So on their walk, Gretchen walked along the shady sides of the streets, meandered through the park (because Rosie doesn’t like to move too fast in the heat either) under the trees, and then they both took a rest under the shade of a big, big tree. Rosie was extremely appreciative. She even took a drink of water from the canister Gretchen carried with her!

2. Drive to water.

Luckily, we do not live in some landlocked state where there is no access to rivers or lakes or even the sea. We live in a place where we can pick up a dog — Ollie in this case — and transport him within minutes down to the Park that sits almost in the middle of a lake. Ollie, not particularly fond of swimming, decided it was hot enough today to take the plunge only he’s not as adept at fetching the ball as I am! Still, he dunked in and then we walked around the shady trails of the park incorporating #1 in our #2 on the list!

3. When there is no water to be found, make some.

One of the best toys my moms bought for me was a kiddie pool. I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved my life. And when it’s too hot to walk (as it was with Gemma and Saber) a pool party at our house is just the thing!

And we even invited the neighbor’s and their dogs — Oshi and Perrito — for a cool dip (though forced upon them) in the pool and a rest in the shade.

4. When you’ve used up all your lifelines, phone a friend.

When it gets this hot, I know of only one place even better than the lake — Ben’s House! Ben is so lucky because he has a pool in his backyard. An unheated pool and while this might seem like a silly investment in the winter months, when it gets this hot, I can think of no place I’d rather be!! And the babies agreed! Thanks Doris and Steven for sharing the pool! And Ben, for sharing your special red ball! Are you sure I can’t take it home?

Tomorrow will be hot, though they (whoever they are) promise it won’t be as hot as today. If they aren’t right, I may have to extend my list on how to stay cool. Stay tuned!

Until then,

Rubin

Bring Out the Fans

We have new curtains in the bedroom, which is nice because now the sun doesn’t wake me up at 4:30 every morning. Of course, until today we really haven’t had much sun to complain about, but after looking at the weather forecast for the week, I’m happy we have curtains. Yes, temperatures in the 60s (what we’ve been having of late) are about to be swept off the record books making way for temperatures in the 90s.

IN THE 90s!!!!!!

I’m not really looking forward to this, but since there are only a few things I can control in life I’m going to have to grin and bear it. I knew things were going to heat up when the fan from the basement made its way to the bedroom. I love the fan particularly when it gets so hot there’s not much I can do but lie in front of it all day.

Of course, the best way to get the best cooling effects of the fan is when I lie on the human bed, which requires a bit of finagling on my part. Luckily, this isn’t so hard when the fireworks of the Fourth of July keep exploding past the date of celebration. I am not a big fan (ha ha) of fireworks (I want to say that I “hate” them but I’m trying to be a bit more accepting of those who enjoy them), but when they go off well past the legal day I really struggle with them.

Take last night, for instance. They started up as soon as the sun went down and after three phone calls to the police, they eventually stopped late last night. Because I don’t like them much (I bark and get that worried look on my face) I am usually able to win over a place on the human bed and once there, I don’t bark or shake or whimper. Instead, I cuddle in and lie perfectly still so as not to lose my prized place.

When the fan comes out, I’m in dog heaven — sleeping on the human bed in direct line of the cool flow. Oh, how I love it when I can manipulate my humans! And after looking at this week’s weather forecast, I’m going to have to manipulate like a pro. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, there are dogs to walk after a 3-day weekend. Yes, I took yesterday off and spent the long weekend at my Uncle’s house in Oregon. I love my Aunt and Uncle and when I got there, I was even more thrilled to see that my cousins (Hope and Ringo) had a visitor — Darwin. Unfortunately, Gretchen’s camera battery died and she only got two usable photos of our trip.

Even though there is little photographic documentation of our time in Oregon, let me tell you, it was a joyful time especially the time I got to spend with Darwin. We even went for a hike up to the large wooded hill next to my Uncle’s house. Darwin and I raced in the fields hunting rabbits and rodents and bounding over the tall grass with happy tails. Oh how I wish Gretchen’s camera was working, but I’ll just have to create the pictures in my mind of my time with Darwin in the wild.

So it was back to work today and because of the increasing heat of the day, we took it slow and had many breaks to lap up some cool water.

Rosie was the first dog. Gretchen took her out earlier because she struggles the most in the heat. Rosie appreciated it.

Then we drove to Ollie’s house, picked him up, and made our way to Zoe’s house. They hadn’t met yet, but since both of them have joyous dog-a-nalities, they were fast friends within seconds!

Gretchen posed us on this big log and we were all really good about waiting and staying!

Gemma and Saber ended our warm day and while Saber’s tongue gets longer and he slows down with each increase in temperature, Gemma doesn’t seem to notice as much. Still, we were all feeling the effects of summer finally arriving. Too bad we don’t have portable fans to carry with us throughout the day! Instead, we went for a walk and then…headed to my house for a pool party! Yahoo!!!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Sticky Leaves

Everyone has their irritations in life. For me, it’s one something gets on my fur like a twig or leaf. I get very upset. Sometimes, when the wind is particularly whipped up it will blow through my fur and I can’t stand it. I twist and turn and try to get the wind out between my hairs. I can’t, of course, but that doesn’t stop me from trying.

But lately the large maple tree right outside our house (identical to all the others on our block) has been kind of an irritation. First, it has these seed pods that drop all over the place. They’re just the right size to get stuck under shoes or worse, in between my pads. Then these furry pods fall from the tree and the latch onto me like barbed wire.

I’m pretty good at ripping all of that off, but what I really find irritating and the thing I struggle with the most are the sticky, sappy leaves that are currently falling from the tree. I don’t remember this happening last year and Gretchen concurs — for some reason the sap on the maple trees is running wild! Leaves scatter all over the ground — green ones, not yellow or gold ones — and they are covered in something equivalent to rubber cement.  Gretchen calls it maple syrup and I guess, given that the tree is a maple, that just may be what it is.

Regardless, her shoes and my pads are pretty sick and tired of it. They latch on and no matter how hard I pull with my teeth, those leaves won’t come off. Or worse, they come off in pieces — crumbled sticky leaves stuck in my teeth and on my feet and fur.

Yep, that is probably the thing that irritates me the most of late. I think Gretchen’s pretty sick of them too. And the car — you should see the globs of sap that cover it! We washed the car the other weekend and within a day, blobs that looked like resin were splattered all over. One day I even saw a squirrel (they usually catch my attention) who had a big sticky leaf plastered on his two back legs. “Here’s my chance,” I thought knowing that the little guy was pretty crippled — like a tripod trying to make an escape — but when I lunged toward him, he bunny-hopped his way down the street too fast for me to catch.

I had to laugh, though. Even the squirrels find the sticky leaves irritating.

But there are other irritants in life. Each of us has our own list. For Ollie, the irritations come in the form of cats (I can relate). When we walk, he is always on the lookout. If he sees a cat perched in a windowsill or on a doorstep, he leaps up and barks with irritated excitement. I appreciate his alerts because I, too, like to pester the cats, but for Ollie it’s as if the cats were put solely in this work to bug him.

Quillette’s irritant is frisky dogs. As an older gal, she doesn’t much like it when a young dog comes racing toward her with unbridled excitement. She’ll snarl and snap if need be. Luckily, Ollie understood the rules and was very good about approaching the old bird.

Rosie has many irritants — cats among them — but another one is loud and rumbling trucks or buses. Boy do they make her jump! If they rumble by too close, she skitters away and tries to get as low to the ground as possible. That’s when Gretchen finds a beautiful garden for Rosie to meditate and relax. Works like a charm every time!

I’m tempted to say that Gemma is the irritant in many instances, but I suppose that wouldn’t be too nice. Do things irritate her? At first, I didn’t think so, but today as walked up to get Woobie, a city light crew was working on some lines and they had a machine to trim away the branches. Gemma did not like that at all. She, too, tried to skitter away, but Gretchen reassured her and I tried to explain that humans make all sorts of bizarre noises but that we wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her!

Now Woobie, I think, isn’t irritated by much, but then again Gemma was kind of an irritant today. She just gets so excited to see Woobie that she wants to play right away and Woobie, equally excited to see us, races around the porch and up and down the steps to her house that Gemma can’t help but play bite at her. Woobie doesn’t like that much, but Woobie knows amazing restraint. She’ll snarl and then quickly back away and go about her business. Yes, Gemma might be an irritant for Woobie, but Woobie doesn’t hold onto the irritation for long.

Saber is irritated by one thing mainly and that’s his nose collar. He hates that thing. He spends all his time trying to get it off, so much so that when Gretchen has to take his photo, she pulls it off and makes him pose in a stay position. If there were sound for this photo, it would be, “Ahhhh, that feels so much better!”

Of course, when he’s playing with me, he could care less about the nose collar!

I’m just getting to know Paige, but today I got to see her irritations. We headed out on our walk and this time, instead of weaving through the neighborhoods, we climbed up a long couple flights of stairs and ended up in a great little spot with lots and lots of trails. (I’m sworn to secrecy about this particular location, but you’ll have to trust me that it was pretty amazing and fun.) Of course, Paige and I are both nursing mild injuries so we were not allowed off leash. Bummer.

But it’s super bummer for Paige because she LOVES to chase things and the things at this wooded, traily location were rabbits!!! Oh my, oh my, oh my! I got as excited as Paige, but because of some superficial owies we weren’t allowed to chase them. I have to admit, that irritated me as much as it did Paige…well, almost. She got pretty agitated, so much so that we had to abandon the walk on the trails and head back to the safer streets of the neighborhood.

Not before a photo op. Though I must tell you that one of my other irritants is one dogs touch me. Saber will often butt into me or in the car, while we’re driving Gemma will want to be right next to me. I do not like this in the least and will often loudly show my disapproval. But today, while posing with Paige, she sidled up to me in a very affectionate way and I must admit, it was very nice. I didn’t snarl or move away. Instead, I leaned right into her and we both enjoyed the moment.

I think there’s a lesson in all of this — something about trying new things and trying not to be irritated — but frankly, it’s been a long day and the lessons will have to wait until tomorrow.

Until then — I sure hope life’s irritants stay clear of your paths!

Rubin

Confidence

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

Dr. Seuss

I woke this morning, stretched my noisy stretched, saw the gray outside and reminded myself that I have the best life I could possibly have. My cheery outlook on the gray day comes not from some hidden knowledge about the mysteries of life, but from reading Dr. Seuss books. I found a stash last night in the basement — a stack so tall I think it qualifies as an earthquake hazard.

Simple books to read, Dr. Seuss offers anything but simple wisdom. In fact, he is quite profound. And his poetic, sing-songy approach stuck in my head all day today as we went about our business. I’m tempted to try and duplicate his writing style, but I know I can’t do it justice. Still, reading his work has given me a new perspective on the world.

Lately, Gretchen and I have been having deep and meaningful conversations about confidence. I find confidence a curious human attribute and have come to realize that confidence in dogs is as complicated as it is with people. For instance, there are days when my confidence feels like a balloon expanding in my chest. I head out on a walk, see a squirrel, and am convinced (despite past experience) that I can catch it. Inside of me the balloon fills rapidly and full of its energy, I burst forth with such a belief in myself that I know nothing can stop me.

Other times, there is no balloon. Instead, there is a quivering hole inside my belly sucking any belief in myself right out through my toes. I worry that I am not brave enough or trusting enough or smart enough or strong enough to face the thing that I worry about — like a stranger’s hand coming to pet the top of my head or the big Rottweiler slobbering toward me or the unexpected bone-shaking boom of (illegal) fireworks.

Gretchen says she has the same insecurities and that her confidence waxes and wanes throughout the day and has done so throughout her lifetime. I’m not sure that gives me a lot of confidence that I might overcome my fears, but she assures me that as I get older the gripping fear that sometimes makes me bark or tremble will diminish and not have any power over me. I can tell, now that I’m three-years-old, that it’s already starting to subside, but still there are those times when confidence alludes me and I must contemplate why I feel so uncertain and doubtful.

On our first walk of the day, Ollie and I discussed confidence at length. Younger than me, Ollie is skittish about certain things. When I asked him about his confidence he said, “I try, Rubin. I really, really try not to jump at weird shapes and sounds and people, but something inside of me reacts before I can contain it.”

I know how he feels, but I tried to reassure him. “That happened to me, too, Ollie, but as I’ve gotten older and seen and experienced more of life, I am less jumpy. Be patient with yourself.”

Rosie, according to Gretchen, has her confidence and insecurities all tangled together. “She had a rough start to life,” Gretchen told me, “And so there are instances and experiences where the past flares up and grabs and shakes her confidence at the neck.”

“Is she getting better?” I asked.

“Yes, much better and she’s very lucky to be with such a wonderful family.”

That made me smile.

Now Gemma is probably the picture next to the dictionary definition of “confidence” since everything about her vibrates confidence. “But sometimes that gets her into trouble,” Gretchen warned.

“How so?” I asked, curious.

“Well, she boldly steps into situations that can sometimes be dangerous — like putting her face into the face of a muzzled dog.”

“Oh, yeah, that would be bad,” I agreed.

“Wait a minute,” Gemma interrupted, “I take umbrage with that comment.”

Umbrage? I rest my case about Gemma and her confidence!

Where Gemma has a cocky confidence, Zoe has a goofy confidence. She bounds through life confident that everything and everyone is going to like her. She approaches each new situation like it’s an invitation and then proceeds to curl up next to it waiting for the love to ooze forth. If I were to bottle up confidence and drink it for breakfast, I’d bottle up Zoe’s.

Or maybe even Saber’s because he’s a lot like Zoe. He has a few more fears — like umbrellas and weird garbage in the street — but overall he is liquid confidence that wiggles hilariously at the hips. And that tail!  I think Gretchen and I have both been happily bruised by that tail wagging with such joy it sends out vibrations into the world.

Yes, today — despite the philosophical undertones — was good and fun and tomorrow, yes, will be another one!

Keep your chin up!

Rubin

And they think I’m loud!

It’s true. I like to bark. Not all the time, but sometimes. Like when the crows are perching on the fence or when the squirrels race across the trellis or when strangers come to the door. Gretchen says it’s the poodle in me and I guess it is, but I like to think it’s because I’m guarding my property. Still, when it happens at 6 in the morning or even at 7, some people aren’t so pleased.

But I’d like to point out I’m not the only noise maker in the neighborhood. Take, for instance, the chickens that live behind us. Now that the sun is up pretty early, those chickens start right in laying eggs. When they get ready to push one out, they make a lot of noise. It wakes me from a deep sleep and I look over at Gretchen very worried that something (a raccoon or coyote) might be getting one of the chickens. She reassures me that the gals are just laying an egg. Wow. That must be some egg!

And then there are the crows. Every year they build nests in the big maple trees that line the street on which we live. When the babies get big enough to perch on a branch they can make quite a ruckus calling for their parent or screaming about the distance down to the ground.

And then there’s the dog across the street and the one behind us. They each have their own distinctive barks and they aren’t exactly quiet in the mornings. And what about the garbage trucks on Friday mornings? The boom-boom cars that travel up the street at too fast a speed late at night? Or the planes that fly overhead? My three barks once a week can’t really compare to the cacophony of sound this city produces, so I don’t think the neighbors should really complain about me.

Besides, I’m gone most of the day especially when the day was like this one. I looked at the schedule this morning and my jaw dropped. First because there were 9 dogs on the schedule. There’s rarely ever 9 dogs on our schedule, but mostly my jaw dropped when I read “Four Boys to the Groomer.”

“Which four boys?” I asked myself and then I looked closely at the schedule. There were names conspicuously absent — Monty, Oshi, and Perrito. That made three boys and something told me that I was the fourth.

I hate it when I’m right! So up the hill we went, four shaggy boys!

Okay, so it’s not that bad. I really like Liliana and her brother Claudio. They never put me in a kennel, I get to run around with the other dogs while I wait for my turn, and in this late June heat it feels kind of nice to have a short haircut. Still, I missed out on all the dogs today…well, not all, but most.

After Gretchen dropped us off, she picked up Rosie who was already complaining about the heat! Still, she had enough energy to play some cookie fetch before they headed out on a slow walk (slowly only because Rosie was hot!).

Gretchen says that figuring out which dogs to walk when is kind of like solving a Rubik’s Cube. While she walked Rosie (who she likes to walk in the morning because Rosie gets overheated quickly), Gretchen worked the puzzle in her mind. I usually help her with this, but since she was on her own today, she had to figure it out by herself. And that’s just what she did.

Next came Gemma and together they walked up to Woobie’s house, then down through the park where both of them hung their tongues in what I like to call a dog sweat.

They picked up Saber before dropping Gemma back at her house and then Saber and Woobie piled into the car (which Gretchen left at Rosie’s house). Confused yet? You can see the cube moving, can’t you? Anyway, down the road they drove to pick up Ollie who, as always, was delighted to be with his friends though Gretchen told me that he missed me and kept looking back over his shoulder on the first part of the walk wondering where I was!

I was getting clipped and snipped and pruned and plucked! But after Ollie went home and then Woobie and finally Saber, Gretchen came to pick us up, though not all four of us — just Monty and me. We looked fine in our red bandannas and that’s when Gretchen told us she had a surprise — we were going to Paige’s house!

Monty was excited to meet Paige and when they met, I was surprised at how shy they were. It was most likely because we were greeting each other in the hottest part of the day, but I also think they were both a little smitten. I have to admit Paige is so attractive that I blush when I’m around her so I kind of expected Monty to have the same reaction. Instead, he sniffed and then turned away. “She’s cute,” said Monty, “but I think she likes you best, Rubin, so we’ll just be friends okay?”

Wow, did that make me blush even more! In fact, I was so embarrassed I didn’t even have a quick comeback!

On the walk, though, I could tell Paige and Monty really liked each other because they’d imitate what the other was doing all the time. Still, when it was time to pose for our photo, Paige flopped down right by me. Can you see how much I’m blushing? And no, it’s not from the heat of the day or a reflection off my red bandanna!

I know going to the groomer makes me tired, but I imagine Gretchen is worn out as well having to walk 9 dogs by herself so I’m going to finish up this blog, go QUIETLY lie by her tired feet, and see if she needs anything.

I am a good dog, aren’t I? I know exactly when to be quiet.

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Solstice

Sunday, the day before the first day of summer was, according to the experts, one of the darkest days in 15 years. Um, what does that mean? I know I was happily playing on a beach and oblivious to the weather, but when Solstice rolled around yesterday — the longest day of the year — I was happy it didn’t rain. In fact, the sun came out long enough to make my tongue flop to the side of my mouth in a hot and bothered pant.

Today it did the same and that sun — the thing that has lost its way in our skies of late — made a beautiful and friendly appearance. I must say that I was very happy to feel the warmth and the light on my skin. I think everyone we walked today was happy as well.

The day started with Ollie. He was very happy to see me, though I suppose he’s always jovial when company arrives. Jovial is a perfect name for Mr. Ollie. He expects every day to be sunny and doesn’t seem to notice when it’s not. That’s an attitude I wish I could maintain, but since I can’t, I just make certain to hang around Ollie — the bubbly ray of sunshine. We walked down to the lake, but never got to go in. I looked longingly at the water most of the time, but Gretchen said we didn’t have time. Shucks. We should make time for swimming despite the chilly June.

On the way back up the hill (and it’s a big one, let me tell you) we stopped for an impromptu drink and then a pose on the hot rocks.

Rosie was next and her name sort of sets the tone for nice days like this. Unlike most of us, she’s not particularly fond of the sun because she overheats quickly. But Gretchen just takes it slow and Rosie likes that because aside from treats, the thing Rosie likes the most is sniffing everywhere! And posing with the blue skies behind her!

Gemma still has a house guest (Cooper) so they loaded into the car and all went over to Zoe’s house. Gretchen says it was a contrast in personalities — Gemma, the confident, bossy Terrier, Zoe the laid back and joyous Bernese, and Cooper, the timid and skittish Whippet. But they all got along just fine and Cooper even found comfort hanging close to Zoe.

Finally, I got to play with Saber at the end of the day. Since no one was at the dog park, we played there for awhile, but it was hot so while Saber busied himself with a large stick (dare I say a log), I looked for shade!

After our mini-romp, we headed on a walk up to the ridge where Saber proved once again that he is much braver than I lying down on the grate looking at the view. I was just holding on for dear life!

So this may be the only Solstice we get according to the weather reports. I tried to back in the glory of it…hope you did too!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Attracting and Repelling

There are things I like and things I don’t. There are days when what I like is different than the day before or even the day after, but still, I’m a pretty predictable guy in terms of things that set me off and things that make me dance.

Top of the “Like List” is playing. I love to play more than anything and sometimes that gets me in trouble. I also like to go to new places and today we got to do both — play and explore. Gretchen says I have strong Attract and Repel magnets somewhere in my genes. What I like, I attract to me with full force, and with an equal and opposite force I repel those things I don’t like (usually with a loud growl or bark!).

Top of the “Don’t Like List” is my raincoat, but luckily today I didn’t have to wear it. Don’t think that’s because summer is here because it’s not. Our friend Colleen (Monty’s mom) calls this month “Juneary” and I’m beginning to think she’s right. It was cold out there today, but luckily playing and exploring kept us warm.

It started with a nice, brisk walk with Ollie and off we went exploring the new neighborhood in which he now lives. We found this really long trail right through the neighborhood and even though it felt kind of dark and creepy, we ventured down it and down it and down it. Ollie kept looking at Gretchen slightly worried about how dark it was and Woobie kept looking over her shoulder.

I just tried to stay positive so everyone felt safe. I mean somebody had to do it.

Besides, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, and like a magnet I just kept letting it attract me!

Rosie has serious attractions and repulsions. She’s repulsed by cats (you go, girl!) more than anything and she’s seriously attracted to treats. So much so that she’ll sit and wait for them for long stretches of time…something she didn’t do when Gretchen first started walking her. In fact, she’ll hold a pose even close to the open grated walk, which is right behind her in these photos and Rosie hates those open grated walks as much as I do!

Look at her! She’s doing better than I would have, only when I have to stand for this pose, Gretchen drags me onto the grate and makes me sit there for an eternity.

Grates go on my “Repulsion List” for sure! I mean, why do they do it? Why not just put a firm, solid, concrete slab down or build your park on the ground. Suspending it high above the air and making it so you can see down it is just cruel. Rosie totally agrees!

Gemma’s got attractions and repulsions are all mixed up sometimes. She seems to be attracted and repelled by many of the same things — dogs barking from behind a fence, squirrels chattering in the trees, cats who slither under parked cards — she wants to get to them as much as she wants to GET THEM, if you know what I mean.

Woobie thinks Gemma’s kind of funny, but one of the things I’m learning about Woobie is that she’s kind of repelled by the camera. Every time Gretchen pulls it out, Woobie turns her head. It takes a lot of coaxing to get her to do otherwise. Not Gemma though. She’ll look straight into it every time she’s asked. I think she finds her own reflection attractive!

But eventually, when Woobie is really tired and resting while I’m still playing, she’ll look at the camera. She does have a sweet face even though sometimes it’s hard to see her eyes.

As you know, Woobie is staying with us for awhile and while she has always found exploring an attraction, I think today she may have been a bit repulsed.

“Gee, Rubin,” she quietly whispered to me this afternoon, “I never realized you worked so hard at your job! Your paws must get really tired by the end of the week!”

“Not just my paws,” I complained. “I mean, have you seen how some of my clients treat me?”

Woobie shook her long locks “yes” and after our play time with Saber, I think she got a much better understanding of just how hard I work!

Saber, Saber, Saber — he is attracted to EVERYTHING. Only once have I seen him repulsed by something — an umbrella — though today he was a little worried about the water bags they put around trees to keep them hydrated. But it wasn’t repulsion, just curiosity with a bit of nervousness. Once he smelled it, he was okay.

If there is anything that attracts him the most, it’s my favorite ball!

I pretty much thought the day was over at this point, and I was looking forward to a nice afternoon nap on my favorite (attractive) bed. But no, it was time to not only play and explore, but to meet a new dog!

This is Paige. Gretchen walked her once before, but today Woobie and I got to meet her. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? I certainly found myself attracted to her, so much so that even though I was super tired, I pranced my best prance just to get her attention. I sure hope she noticed!

Every time Paige looked my way, though, I got really shy and turned away. I guess that’s the fine line between things that attract and things that repel. When I was around Paige today, I got all flustered and clumsy.

She didn’t seem to mind, though. Nope, she was the best hostess as we explored her neighborhood. She showed us the trails that cut in and out of her neighborhood and wind around a gentle creek. She even let me walk close to her for awhile, but it was very hard for me because I found her so attractive. Eventually, I got so hot and bothered, I had to walk on the other side of Gretchen just to keep my attractions in check.

I sure hope Paige is on the schedule every day, though Gretchen tells me that it will be more like once a week. I guess I’ll have to take what I can get. Sigh.

What a day, what a day, what a day. My paws are sloppily typing out the last lines of this blog and my eyes are all droopy. Playing and exploring, attracting and repelling, spending time with new friends and old — it’s a wonder I’m still standing by the end of the week.

It’s a good thing I love my job, isn’t it?

Until tomorrow,

Rubin