Lap dog

Each day since summer 2009, when Casey was diagnosed with pannus, a progressive inflammatory disease of the cornea, we’ve – mostly Vic – applied tacrolimus to his eyes.  She’s got it down to a science now, a quick dab on each eye, but Case is apprehensive as heck until it’s done.  Just say the magic words, “Did we do his eyes?”, and he could end up in your lap.

By the way, Casey’s eyes are back to normal, after a loss of over 50% of his vision. He's back to 100% and we mean to keep them that way.

Entwined

Tag alongs

The kid loves it when he can get both of his “charges” traipsing about in the elements. Victoria and I each have our preferred routes, but when we’re both tagging along in one of his favorites digs…well that’s special.

And if it’s between rain showers, even better as far as we’re concerned. 

Moonlight mapping routine

Sometimes our boy just wants an after-hours sample of the neighborhood ambiance when we let him out for his one last nature call.

He’ll often stand transfixed for several minutes, inhaling the latest map of an ever changing microcosm, before acknowledging our intrusion and turning in for the night.

Tried and true

It’s been said you can tell a lot about people by the way they handle rainy days.

The difference between dogs and cats

Need to smile, even to the point of getting a little misty with sentimentality? Watch this whole clip, OK. You’ll thank us, then you’ll share it.

Our neighborhood grassland

In this undeveloped couple of acres that marks the halfway point of our neighborhood walk Casey has free reign to air it out, wherever.  I usually walk the periphery, taking in the sights, making sure that the kid stays out of trouble.  

In a couple of months you can forget about letting loose on any place but the trails. The wild grass will be at least chest high, a transformation that almost goes unnoticed until Casey is porpoising through his mini-prairie to cut corners.

Taking five

This is one pooped Border Collie, on a self-imposed break this afternoon. Can you tell? 
Unlike a lot of his distant cousins Casey has no problem taking a needed breather. 

Just check out this pose, and imagine heavy breathing and slobber.

So much for that attention span

Vic was getting a head start on seed sorting this morning, today’s category, herb varietals, and Casey was actually paying attention, with some coaxing from the cameraman – at least until I mentioned, almost under my breath, going outside for a Frisbee toss. So predictable, and laser sharp, when he wants to be.

Cover photo

This wide angle is a perfect Facebook cover photo.

But really…isn't this the essence of Casey?

So let's go with this hybrid version.  Decisions, decisions.

An lol share

Here’s a must-share video that’s going viral, a wire haired fox terrier in the middle of a Skype call. Good for a laugh, but we’d be more impressed if he was tweeting.

Favorite weekend image

This is just one of Casey’s “how much longer are you going to sit there” looks, plain and simple...and usually irresistible.     

Sun spot

At this sweet spot of the afternoon this bend along the Whatcom Creek trail focused sunlight like a prism, filtering UVs through a veil of conifers that accentuated every single forest tint to the point of exaggeration.

Today Casey and I just happened to be the fortunate ones, at this place in time, to get to take it all in. 

On our rare sunny days in February sometimes timing is everything.

Oh my man I love him so

Some relationships are just meant to be, as Stella’s unabashed display of affection for her housemate here clearly demonstrates.

Casey might appear a little above it all, but even spooning in front of the fireplace is not out of the question. Stella usually has her way with our guy.

Seen Stella?

Stella takes privacy to greater lengths than most house cats, and  sometimes at her own peril – like climbing under a top sheet and becoming “one with the bedding” for hours. 


Why Casey doesn’t flatten her, when he launches himself across the bedroom into a spread-eagle prone position, is a mystery. He’s got it down though. We’re still working on it.  

Remember me?

On a detour this afternoon through Village Books, our favorite independent bookstore, two buddies ended up nose to nose at the main entrance, and from Casey’s reaction he was as surprised as we were with 3-month-old  Truman and his recent Golden Retriever growth spurt.

Almost eye-level with each other at the door, a week ago our guy was sniffing around, in fact infatuated with, his new much shier, shorter puppy bro - not much larger than a chew toy and moving under his own power.

 

Today this rambunctious, noticeably taller version playfully went right for our guy and served notice, at least to us, that in no time he’ll be doing most of the gazing down at any new canine acquaintances.