This Dog's Life

Sunrise at Goose Rocks, 1-1-11

When Beate was just 8 weeks old, we walked on Goose Rocks. I have some great pictures from that day, too; and countless other days on various beaches with her over the years. Playing frisbee, swimming, running sideways in circles. I only did the former and watched the latter in awe...for years and years she ran and jumped and wiggled to catch tennis balls and frisbees, snowballs and stuffed toys. You name it, and she chased it. And, when I would not throw any more- "all done!"- she would start the forage. The nose knows. Golf balls, softballs, lacrosse balls, whiffle balls and shuttlecocks. Remnants of tenants who played at the beach and left their toys behind. Sometimes, she'll steal a toy from the neighbors' yards - and we always return it, but her slight teeth marks on whatever she's found will give her away. This dog's life has been so fun. So far. For as many more days as I get to have her around, we'll keep on playing and foraging. When she doesn't want to play, when she doesn't perk up as we drive down Route 9 and anticipate the blinker going on, then I'll know. It'll be my signal.