I paddled a kayak down the Russian River recently. The mouth of the river had just been closed by bulldozer at Goat Rock Beach, so it was like a long, glassy lake snaking through the rain-soaked hills and hamlets between Monte Rio and Jenner.
It was a day of green and gold glinting off the water, river otters splashing about, and engaging conversations with Tom, my compadre de paddle.
As we floated past Austin Creek, I noticed a red motorcycle speeding over the bridge. It had a sidecar, and the passenger therein clearly enjoyed allowing her long black tongue and ears to flap in the wind. She barked at us, but only to say “hi”. I wonder if REI carries kayaks with sidecars.
I finally caught the much talked up interview of the Obamas by Barbara Walters on YouTube. The dog queries were, of course, amusing. Barak said he had received far more mail advising him about his choice of a dog than about his economic policy. I guess the economy is so far gone that now “It’s the canine company you keep, stupid!”
The Pres-Elect said he didn’t want one of those “yappy” little dogs, not surprising for one known as No-drama Obama. An excitable canine might not be a good match for Mr. Calm and Collected. Besides, would someone who prides himself on seeking a variety of opinions ever consult a “lap dog” in a crisis?
Furthermore, Obama wants to avoid the image the McCain campaign tried to saddle him with, that of silly celebrity. There’s nothing that says silly celeb more than a Pomeranian on one arm. You might as well be sporting a rhinestone cigarette holder. You might as well be wearing a fur coat and big hair. Jamie Foxx urged BHO to “keep it street” and get a Pit Bull. Obama, street? With a gat and a sideways hat? Can’t see it.
Despite Michelle’s argument that theirs is a household full of girls, the pater insisted he didn’t want one of those “girly dogs” scampering about. He says he wants a big, rambunctious dog. Perhaps he’s of the school that if it’s not big and rambunctious, it’s not really a dog. Comedy Channel regular Jeff Dunham concurs that it’s not really a dog if it bounces when it barks.
In this post-Austin Powers period, perhaps it’s unwise for people dependent on good PR to be pictured with smirky little lap pets. Still, when it comes to reputation, why don’t all politicians realize that call girls and graft are even more important to eschew than Pomeranians?
Our extremely scientific poll indicates that the three most popular New Year’s resolutions among dogs for 2009 are:
- Don’t proscrastinate. If you don’t immediately bark at that man walking down the sidewalk, he’ll leave before you can scare him away.
- Share more with others. If you kill a gopher, bring it into the house so everyone can enjoy it.
- Stop and smell the roses (before you pee on them).
Come to think of it, dogs in general seem pretty content with themselves, so maybe their resolutions have more to do with helping us. If such is the case, their favorite resolutions might be:
- Take Dad for more walks. In fact, I should attach him to my collar right now and get him out of the house
- Remind Mom that I still need her, even if her kids don’t.
- Help them both achieve their weight loss goals by scarfing up any food that might be left unattended on the table. (In fact, next time I pass the family cat’s food bowl, I just might lighten her load a bit, too.)
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