To Be Toby

February 20, 2007. Well today started the same. We got up early to go for coffee and then take Renee to work. Afterwards Tom and I came back to the house. The sun was shining and it was turning into a beautiful, but cold day. Unfortunately, with all the bad weather over the past couple of days, it seemed like the park was constantly full of every puff-ball dog in the neighbourhood. Helicopter Man and The Chicken Wing Dancers made an appearance, and stayed, for what seemed like forever. So Tom and I changed the routine and went for breakfast instead.

After breakfast we came home and discovered that the dancers were still there flapping their wings and still more little dogs had appeared. Finally it was time to go and meet Renee for lunch. Some exercise, yippee. Of course, as we walked by the park, it was deserted. Just the way my luck has been running. We met Renee and then afterwards Tom took me on an extended walk, so I was feeling pretty good. We ran into three separate dogs though that were being walked off-leash. Gee, I wish I could do that. Unfortunately, I am still way to impulsive and disobedient for that to happen yet. Maybe one day.

Tom and I watched some TV. That show King of Queens, sure is funny. Now the routine has really changed, we are going to the park at 4:30 in the afternoon. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I get to chase the ball finally. We were doing great, Tom throwing and me chasing. Then a man and his dog showed up. I went to say hello, and the big guy snarled at me. Wow, someone who is dominant over me. I immediately flipped on my back to show him I mean no harm. First time I have shown submission to any dog.

During one fetch after the big guy left, I ended up biting my tongue and was bleeding quite a bit. It made my nice new yellow tennis ball look orange. Finally a couple of guys showed up and set up a cage that looked like a lobster trap and started pitching batting practice. I went over to take a look, but I didn’t like that lobster trap, and Tom was calling me anyway. We walked home and I got to carry my ball all the way home. I’m very proud of myself and Tom was telling me what a good dog I am. Now that I am fed and watered, we are going to settle in and watch the hockey game. Ducks vs. Canucks tonight.