A three hour tour

Now that's more like it!

My lord, it'd been a long time since we went for a walk like that – about four and half years by my count. It used to mean we were hosting a party later that night and the peeps wanted to tucker me out. Now that we're finally in our house, perhaps it'll mean that again? I've heard rumblings.

Anyway, Dan and I explored the new 'hood, and I gotta say I'm pleasantly surprised. I'd met NoBlo (north of Bloor for the out-of-towners) dogs before, and they all raved about the parks. At the time, I payed little attention because my home field was Trinity Bellwoods, and in my mind there was no real competition. In retrospect, the evaluation was premature.

The peeps lost two frisbees in six days. I think that's a record.

This is my new red one. The over-under is nine weeks.

Junior the Newf, one of the two dogs we met in Forest Hill Memorial Arena Park. He's 175 pounds and moves like it. He had no real chance of taking the disc from me, but it was fun watching him try.

Harvey the Dane, the second of the two.

After some spirited cardio, it was time for a little lifting.

An especially tearful goodbye

Mr. Scamper was the first four-legged fan of the Dogblog. He originally got in touch on September 30th, 2009 with stories of his Grammy and Grampy's mashed potatoes and beef gravy. I was 95% touched and 5% jealous.*

Amazingly enough, Mr. Scamper and I never met face-to-face. But we will one day – and when we do, I'm gonna ask him all about his squirrel-chasing methods. I've tried everything and come up empty for five years. It's enough to drive you nuts.

* number varies depending on what Helsi or Gramma Christine make.

I think someone spiked the cheese fondu

Ahem...

In some cultures, it's customary for the birthday boy to get everyone in his family gifts as tokens of appreciation for putting up with him for a whole year.

I'll take 100 grams of Swiss. I'm feeling rather yodelish.

Ask the Maui Monster

Dear Maui Monster...

My people are moving us to the suburbs. I heard you've been living there for the last little while. Is it true that we have to be on leash, even in the park?

~ Greener Grass?

Dear Greener Grass?

If the leashing thing isn't a law, it certainly appears to be a very strong movement. And I'm not sure why; there's a ton of space, hardly any cars and no food on the side of the road like in the city. There's sometimes bread in the school yard, but the crusts have all been removed.

Why I'm not a showdog.

How it should be:

How it is:

This is the Barbet in my neighbourhood

Gambit: Hey...you're Maui, right?

Me: Yeah, how'd you know?

Gambit: I grew up with Bonnie. Recognized you from the Dogblog. What happened to that thing, anyway?

Me: Well, it's kind of a long story.

Gambit: Like...the kind you'd document in a blog?

Me: Touché.