Outward Hound

May 20, 2007. It has been another couple of busy days; the weather even cooperated for a little while yesterday. When we got up in the morning, it was pouring rain and it looked like we would be trapped inside. Tom had even thought about taking me the cabin for the long weekend, but the long range weather report was not cooperating.

Karl has gone away camping for the weekend with his Venturer Crew and it looks like they are going to get more than a little wet. That’s one way to celebrate a birthday, going camping with your friends. It’s like three parties for Karl. He had one with Tom, Renee and I. There was one with his Mom, Aunt and Sisters, and now one with his buddies in Venturers.

So we got up and went to Starbuck’s for morning coffee. After coffee, I got a surprise when we ended up at Burnaby Lake. By the time we got there, the sun was actually shining. Who would have believed it? We headed out on our usual trail and when we came to the lookout area, we were surprised to see that the lake was almost completely overgrown by weeds.

A few short weeks ago, the lake was completely clear. Apparently this happens every year and because the silt has built up so much, the whole lake is no more than a couple of feet deep. At this rate, in a couple of years, the lake will be gone. Hopefully, the plan to dredge the lake will be allowed to proceed to save it.

During the walk, we bumped into a man with his son, dog and horse. His dog was very well behaved and sat down as we went past. I was very well behaved as well, because I visited with the dog and ignored the horse. I even looked at him a little more closely than the last time I met one. This guy was a lot shorter than the last horse we bumped into.

After a two hour walk, we headed home. Tom barbecued ribs for him and Renee, but I didn’t get any tonight because they were pork ribs. I did get my own barbecued steak on Friday though. Yum was it ever good. I get a treat like that at least once a week.

Today was another grey, miserable rainy day. We went for breakfast and then coffee. Afterwards, I got another surprise. We went to my favourite store, Petcetera and we got to walk around. Tom and Renee got me two very nice bones to munch on and Tom got me a bright orange contraption. I’m not quite sure what it is though.

Once we got home, Renee gave me one bone to chew on. While I was doing that, she worked hard at de-matting me some more. She does a little bit every weekend and Tom brushes me during the week. The idea is that this will prevent another 8 hour session in the groomers. Hopefully that works. I think I am due soon for another bath too as the white parts of my fur are starting to look a little on the dirty side.

I got to run around a bit outside Petcetera and I also got to explore inside the store. I got to meet other dogs and their owners. I was given lots of pets and some treats by staff members. Almost everyone stopped to look at me and tell me how cute I am. It’s starting to go to my head because I hear it so often. I wouldn’t trade it though, it’s kind of fun.

After my brushing session, during which I completely demolished the bone, Tom pulled out that new fangled gadget for me. I’m still not sure what it is, but then Tom put it on me and it became clear. It is a life jacket for me to wear when I ride in the boat. It fits me very well and if I do say so myself, I look very stylish in it. Yes sir, a real fashion plate, that’s me.

Far from just looking good though, it will keep me from drowning if I get silly and jump out of the boat, or accidentally fall in. It also provides a nice secure handle for Tom to be able to drag me back into the boat if that does happen. It won’t be long now. Another six weeks and Tom and I will be heading to the cabin for the summer. We expect to be joined at various times by Renee, Caitlin, Karl, Matias and maybe Tamara and Jess.

I have heard Tom talk so much about the cabin and the lake, so I am really looking forward to going. Hopefully, I will be nice and calm in the truck during the drive up. I usually am when it is just Tom and I in the truck, but, we don’t know who will join us on the drive up. If Caitlin and Matias come, they will likely drive their own car so they can get home earlier.

The weather has not let up all day, but, we decided to go for a walk anyway just to burn off some energy and allow me to take care of business as well. If you know what I mean?