DOGS

I have a new roommate. “Estralla” has taken up residence at our home. We are part of the emerging demographic that welcomes 30–something young men into our basement (and his dog). Zach, our first grandson has become the third member of our household for the time being. It’s a win—win for all of us. He runs his very successful handyman business from here. If we were an assisted living home Zach would be the maintenance man, part time cook, entertainment director and human duct tape. Depending on his day’s work sometimes Estralla hangs out with us. She is a delight.

Over my years I have had Sandy, Sheba, Nori, Raisins, Anne Pearl and Smiley grace my life with canine care and companionship. I have also been blessed with some wonderful “grand—dogs”—Che, Maggie, Ollie, Emmet, Milo, and Quetzie. Since Smiley died in 2000 we have remained dogless. I certainly would love to have a dog but our traveling life style would be too hard on a pup.

Colorado is dog heaven. It’s nothing to see an SUV with two dogs hanging out the back windows. Then there are the folks that walk their dog in a stroller in Washington Park. I am so tempted to address anthropomorphism— thank you Walt Disney. Or my giant “pet peeve”— dogs in restaurants. You can fill in the __________. You will know my traveling days are behind me when I write about my new dog. Right now I have the best of both worlds. I get the warm greetings every morning, and I have NO responsibilities.

Today is a bit of a photo dog blog. Cute huh?

The painting of Smiley was done by our friend Robert G. I was amazed how he captured Smiley’s essence. This week at Washington Park I saw Smiley’s Australian Cattle Dog Doppelgänger— I had to restrain myself from being the nosey old guy stranger. So I took his picture with my heart.

Woof Woof and Onward and Upward,

Mark