Dog Beach

The beach at the dog park is never a dull place. Dogs love the beach, and there is always a lot of action. With the coming of warmer weather, the beach has become even livelier.

A tiny Pomeranian urges his person to throw the ball so he can swim after it, even though the wind is kicking up significant waves.

A lanky Great Dane wades out far beyond where the labs start to swim. Flip, the little Jack Russell Terrier, swims after his orange ball, nothing above water but his head, his tiny stump of a tail ruddering behind him.

Joe, the dog walker. wades out with his pack, looking forward to the warmth that will make human swimming possible. Two puppies play tag over and under the benches and driftwood logs, king of the mountain as much a part of the game as chase-me.

A beautiful Golden Retriever puppy, half grown and chubby with baby fat, scampers her way into every group of people and dogs, too young to worry about manners, human or canine. In my book, even a wet, sandy puppy is worth a cuddle. Doggie smiles are joyful by definition.

Meanwhile, replete with sun, the Basset Hounds enjoy sunbathing as they convince their public that they are unloved. Not true: they have a loyal following. Basset names are often as funny as they are. Clockwise, from top, they are Cleopatra, Buster, Betty (reclining), and Buttercup. Sugarbear was sticking close to the treat source and unavailable for pictures.

Spring Alley

Stevie wanted to go stare at chickens this morning. Border Collies may choose not to bark, chase, or show wriggly excitement but they ALWAYS stare. The chickens stare back. . .

When I gave into this side trip from our morning walk, it led me to a spring adventure. The morning was crisp, but the sun was warm. The sky was oh so blue and the forsythia outside the window was brilliant.

I’d noticed an alleyway in this neighborhood of no alleys, right across from the chicken coop, I couldn’t see where it lead, where it ended, so we had to explore. I am an alley walker from way back.

We woke the neighborhood with barking dogs who bellowed from behind wooden fences. A sweet Golden Retriever with a gray face dashed the fence and then sat for pets. Nothing sweeter in this world than an aging Golden.

The crows didn’t follow us too far up the alley, so aside from the dogs, it was quiet. I took mobs of pictures of spring flowers, wooden fences creating patterns, light and shadows created by early sun on profusions of fruit tree blossoms, of ivies and ground covers, of tree trunk textures and roads leading into distance. Unfortunately, my cell camera wasn’t up to the job, and most of the photos didn’t live up to their potential. I still had a great time.

The morning sparkled with sunlight, with night-fallen raindrops, with promise for a gorgeous day and impending summer heat. Stevie and I have a new morning route to enjoy.