So today was the first day that the rain actually interfered with my plans for the day. I wanted to get up early, make some hot tea to go, and take the dogs to the beach, where I we could walk calmly while sipping hot tea.

However, I didn’t wake up until about 9am. I wanted to be there by 9am. So that was kinda out of the question at that point. But I got up, got everything going, figuring after breakfast, we could go for a while. Next thing you know, as The Girl is getting ready to go, the rain comes in. Sweet. Now I don’t mind walking in a slight mist, but I’m not about to go prancing about at the beach in a downpour either. So that plan was shot. Poor dogs.

And if you’re going to try and put the blame on ME, for waking up late, well I’m just not going to listen.



And then the rain went
Luckily for us, the rain subsided not too long after it began, and we made it to the beach. And great thing for us that we made the journey too, because it was beautiful. The sun poked out through the soft, fluffy, leftover clouds, and the water was blue, white, and magical. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed it of course, and thus so did I. Except for one thing.



Miles! Pay the F**k attention!
I don’t know what’s up of recent, but he’s not watching the ball anymore. See, I love to take the damn dog to the beach because it’s great exercise for him. He’s officially 11 years old this month, and the more frequently he gets out, the better condition he stays in. If he goes hiking 8 miles a day, then he’s fine every day. If he goes hiking 4 miles once a week, he’ll be sore for a few.

Anyway, the beach is great because of all the swimming and fighting of the waves. I throw the ball out there, he swims, two hours later he’s gotten more than 2 hours-worth of exercise. Very convenient for me, usually.

Except that for the last two weeks or so, instead of keeping an eye on the ball and rushing out after it, he just takes off into the general direction of the waves, and hopes it lands somewhere in front of him. This is a great head start technique, provided you run the right direction. When you don’t, which he doesn’t often enough, it’s a great way to lose track of a ball. Which sucks and is quite irritating, because the game of fetch is best when the part of fetcher is played by Miles, not me, but since I actually see the ball into the ocean, I usually end up tracking it to shore, and retrieving it from there.

I don’t recall this being a big issue except for the last couple of weeks, but man is it getting irritating. WATCH THE BALL, MILES!



Found elsewhere, entertaining enough for here, too
OK, I can’t claim that this little gem was my find, as I only found it because I frequent this other blog (though I don’t remember why anymore). However, I implore you to take a gander at this youtube video. Yes, a youtube video. Might not ever see me linking to one ever again, so take this chance while it’s there.

Now, you have to wait until about 1:30 into the skit for it to get good. But it’s pretty impressive after that. Corny, but impressive nonetheless. What are you waiting for? Go watch!

Peace.

Tags: Animals