This will be my last note to you from Camp Carnelian, as I will see you this Saturday. I can't wait! I can't believe how time flies and I can't believe this is my 40th blog post. What a year it has been.
As I reflect on this past year I realize how much I've learned, ways I've changed, and that some things stay the same.
I've learned that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I'm not talking about the kind of tricks you do for a treat, but the real-life tricks that matter.
- I learned to swim. The hard way. I never told you this at the time Dadthzs, but I fell off the dock backwards my first week at Camp. While I have a beautiful show stride (aka Prancer) on our walks, I tend to be a bit clumsy on the dock. I was standing behind JuJu while she was lowering the pontoon in the water. I took one step too many in reverse and SPLOOSH! I fell in, started to sink, and then genetics kicked in and I started to paddle. I popped right up and swam to the shore. I shook off, got my bearings & retrieved my pride, and then slowly waded into the water again. From that day on, all of my entries into the water were from the shore, on purpose.
- I learned to be a great pontooner. It took me a few weeks to learn this trick, but once I got my sea legs I couldn't wait to get on the boat. Pontooning is my perfect speed, and pretty much exemplifies what I'm all about. Super chill.
- I learned the terms: Boat Ride, Church, Cheese-in-it, Far Enough, No Grass, Potty-Poops.
- I learned the names: Summer, Kasey, Bailey and Elli. My ears perk up and my tail wags every time I hear their names. They are my best buds.
- I learned to work a full time job. This took quite a bit of adjustment, but with persistence and a can-do attitude I believe I caught my stride and did well. I know I made a difference in the lives of my co-workers because they've told me so. Let's not kid each other though, the early bugle call on Monday morning is pretty tough after a weekend of constant activity at Camp. I'm grateful my boss let me nap more than I worked on Mondays so I could ease back into things.
- I've learned that friends are what life is all about. I've made so many friends in my time at Camp, both human and canine. I've learned that even though humans don't have tails to wag, they greet me with equal enthusiasm by knowing exactly where I like to be scratched (on my rump, of course). My canine friends warmly welcomed me as "the new kid" at Camp. After just a few butt sniffs, they accepted me and I quickly became a respected member of the pack.
I've changed in obvious ways and subtle ways alike.
- I think the most obvious change is my physical fitness. I've shed a few pounds and am in such good shape I feel lost on the rare occasion we don't go for a "W" after work. I went from struggling on my first half miler, to breezing through daily 2.5 milers, to taking on the challenge of a 5+ miler without missing a beat.
- My palate has changed. While I'm still grain free, I have developed a love for Akaushi steak, Sartori cheese, Pet n Shape Chicken on a stick, and Reddi Wip. Sorry Dadthzs, none of those things are cheap. I hope you saved a few bucks while you were on the north pole. I've got new culinary standards.
- A subtle change you'll notice is that my hearing isn't what it used to be. You know I'm a good listener, but I have to hear it to obey. Sometimes I think I may have appeared stubborn when I truly couldn't hear. Maybe sometimes I was stubborn and played the "selective hearing" card so I could eat more grass on our walks. I'm the only one who knows the truth on that.
- Here's a bonus change: I don't get car sick nearly as often. JuJu is a good driver and she doesn't go around corners or accelerate very fast. Brett, on the other hand......maybe it's all the rides with him that conditioned me.
Some things never change.
- I never really learned how to duck out of the way when I'm trying to mark my pee on top of Summer's pee and she kicks dirt in my face trying to cover it up. I don't know why I don't wait a few more seconds and/or not stand so close. I have taken many rounds of dirt, leaves and grass to the mush.
- I am still The Great Protector. I never relax with my back to the door. I'm always facing forward, watching for what's coming next. I don't let JuJu out of my sight. I lay in front of her office door so that everyone who comes to see her has to step over me to come in. I lay in front of the front door at work when she leaves for lunch and I don't move until she comes back. I've also become protective of the back yard at Camp, barking at geese & ducks, kayakers, and pontoons that pass by "my" shoreline.
As I sign off, here is a picture of Summer and me last night. I think it's a great illustration of my experience at Camp. I've caught a few of my human friends teary eyed lately, thinking about saying good-bye to me. I keep reminding them that Life Is Good and we need to enjoy each day that the Good Lord gives us, as none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. There is no reason to be sad. I have loved and I've been loved. I've made the most of every day at Camp while I've waited for you to come home. It's been a blast. I've made great memories. Now I'm ready for the next chapter of my life adventure with you.
Love,
Bruiser
PS: Dang this pollen. Makes my eyes water.
