March 17, 2003
Cuddle puppy! (another photo from the party)
6:00 p.m.
It was yet another spectacular day and Dusty and I spent several hours on Bloor Street, just hanging out.
I brought a book along with me, thinking that as Dusty watched the world go by, I could do some reading. But I've found that the puppy generally requires my full attention, even if we're just sitting on a bench. Dusty's intense focus on the present moment draws me into her world, and I found myself completely absorbed in the sights, sounds and smells of Bloor Street.
We didn't get as much attention as we did yesterday, which is actually pretty interesting because there were just as many people. I think that on a weekday, people are hurrying from place to place rather than strolling as they were on Sunday.
Every time we met a new person, Dusty received a treat. Kids on skateboards were worth two treats, as were inquisitive small children. A fire truck roaring past was worth 5 treats and a car alarm earned her 6 treats.
When a group of Hare Krishnas marched past, chanting and pounding on drums, Dusty didn't make a sound because she was too busy chomping down on the handful of treats I offered. The next time the Hare Krishnas marched by, Dusty didn't even 'woof,' she just looked for kibble.
I never thought I would see the day that Hare Krishnas could be a 'learning opportunity.'
10:00 p.m.
A few miscellaneous notes:
- It was actually 17C today. This explains why I was sweating buckets in my leather coat on Bloor.
- The snow is melting, though not nearly as fast as we would like. The snow on our front lawn, however, is gone. The front lawn is now a Brave New World of Dead Things to Eat. Dusty is beside herself.
- There are few things that smell worse than a Puppy Fart.
- and finally, last night Dusty demostrated her latest new accomplishment: jumping up on the bed. We have liftoff...