BACK TO BARK ISLAND

Shadow had not been on the beach since April. We were turned away in September and finally in November we got to the sand. A lot of people (and dogs) remembered this gray weimaraner and remarked how much he'd grown and how his temperment had improved. Shadow was there to frolic and he spent the first 30 minutes running from one end of the beach to the other. It felt so good to see him loose and with other dogs.

On this trip, Shadow felt perfectly at home running out into the water. During past visits, he was timid and would rarely go deeper than one inch deep water. Today he followed his friend Digby into the water and it was no big deal. I think the time we'd spent in the Weeki Wachi River had paid off. Shadow is beginning to grow into his "Water dog" heritage.

There was a silver Weimaraner at the beach, today. Shadow and he said hello but after playing together for only a few minutes, they each went to meet other dogs. I'd guess that there were 60 dogs there at the beach today.

On Little Cats Paws

Mom and I had gone out to dinner with Shadow guarding the household in our absence. We came back, got Mom settled and comfortable and I took Shadow out for his business. He was aware of someone or something out there in the dark. He didn't bark but rather "pointed". His body was straight and elongated, his nose pointing out into the darkness and his right front leg bent. He looked over to me as if to ask, "Don't you see (smell) it?". Their senses are so much more powerful, that if you let them, dogs will definitely extend your range. But no, I didn't see it but was glad he did.

We came back inside to my room after checking on Mom. She was fine and sitting happily in her recliner. Because the heat has abated, I left the bedroom window open. Shadow and I were there together and he kept looking towards the window. The room was very quiet. Shadow makes very little noise. I heard this very faint chomping noise. I looked at Shadow to see if he perhaps was gnawing on a leather bone in his crate. He wasn't. He was sitting virtually at my feet staring at the window ad then looking back at me. He was telling me something was going on. Now, HE knew what it was, but I didn't.

I quietly picked up a powerful flashlight and moved to the window. I shined the light downwards out the window and saw a very contented kitty munching away at Shadow's food dish. He hadn't quite finished all his supper and kitty was going to town. Kitty had a collar on, and looked up at the light source and kept eating.
I went outside, picked up the dish and kitty looked up, meowed his thanks and sauntered away.

The mystery guest was unmasked.