I finally got to the beach yesterday. That was nice, even though we couldn't actually get in until 4 in the afternoon -- we got there around 8:15, then waited with a zillion other cars on the highway for two hours, just to be told, when we finally got to the gate, that the beach was full and they weren't allowing anyone else in. (We later found out that the beach had been closed around 8, and the past two hours of traffic had just been from the police telling each car individually that they had to go elsewhere. They seriously need some better organization there.) So we went to a park for a little while, ate lunch overlooking the river, and then sat out in the sun there for a little while. Then back to the hotel, napped for a few hours, and tried the beach again, and it was actually open, so we stayed for about three or four hours, until sunset.

She says the best toy you can buy a border collie is a farm. With sheep.

Huh. Just read a short article [link] on the Great Pyrenese Dog, and it said that they get along well with other animals, usually loving cats. I wonder if that's because cats are such a challenge to herd.

Both of these cracked me up. Totally true!

I feel so bad for the border collies around here. Everyone thinks they want a smart dog. No! No you don't! Not unless you have a lot of time and energy to devote to their education and entertainment. With no job, there is no peace.

One of my client dogs came by for a visit this morning and Bartleby actually played with him in the 90 degree heat. That feat has left him a big loaf on the floor, sweet boy.

eta: Mmm. After hitting 'post', I realized that last bit could be interpreted with a far more scatological interpretation than I would ever intend. I mean to say, he is very tired and loafing around.

Everyone thinks they want a smart dog. No! No you don't!

After adopting a Brittany Spaniel from the pound at the tender age of 21, I have to agree. Awesome, loving dog, but wayyyyy too intelligent to belong to a couple that had to work 50+ hours/week to survive in the city. Poor Spencer. (My ex got him in the break-up, specifically because he was moving out to the suburbs and would have a yard.)

I want a pet goat. This will have to wait until I retire and live on a ranch, though.

Hee. The Biscuit is a ridiculously smart dog and it's totally an issue. But he's a good dog for us because we are home a lot or travel with him a lot and he has lots of stimulation and we do a lot of training with him.

Latest thing? We're teaching him to play piano. There's a bit during one of our band's songs that's just random notes on the keys. So we taught him "tap" touching our open palm with his nose. Then tap with a post-it note on our palm as the target. Then tap with the post-it on the keyboard. He can totally do it. We need to be more consistent with it, because our band leader wants to record him for his album. Hee.

I am so happy for the new Kaylee homecoming. The videos are so completely adorable and she is such a good puppy! I expect many stories. I am puppy-stories love carrots.

I did not yet see the Hammerheads, but it should be waiting for me on the Tivo when I get home. I am excited.

Emmett's godparents had a lot of trouble with a very bright, sweet bearded collie. Belle just got into too much trouble.

We're teaching him to play piano

That is awesome.

What breed of dog is Biscuit?

Sometime you must post video of Biscuit playing the piano! The world will be a sadder place if you don't.

Went Kayaking in the back bay this morning. It was chilly, but quite nice. We got out before the boaters were out causing lots of wakes. So I got minimal water logged. And, not fighting all those waves made for some nice paddling. So lots of birds, sand pipers, egrets and such. It was nice. And good seeing friends I haven't seen in a few years.

x-posted with Natter because I don't know where you lurk these days:

Oh Kate, I am so incredibly sorry. What a tragedy for you, Mark, and his family. My thoughts are with you.