When I was Charlotte this weekend I took my absolute most favorite furry critter for a walk. He’s such a great guy, so forgiving. He’d not been for a walk in a long time. Sure, when I’m at home, I take him down to the neighbor’s house so that he can play with Poo, a female shih tzu, and he usually ends up doing what he likes to do best. Explore.
This weekend we went on one of our one hour exploration walks where he’s on the leash for about 20 minutes, off for 40. We always go to the same place. There’s a side of the neighborhood that remains undeveloped. As we were walking in this area, I noticed that the signs that were normally posted had changed. Formerly, the signs read: Available. Available meant that this lot had not been chosen for a home and it was available to choose. Now, all of the signs read: Lot for Sale. The builders in the neighborhood have called it quits, basically. The have a few pre-built homes remaining, but are building no more. Further, the lots that they still own, where they would have built other houses, are now for sale to the general public. Build it yourself!
On this particular journey, I did not take my camera with me. This was Hobbs’ time and I wanted him to have my full attention, though he doesn’t need it. I like to give him my full attention because, quite frankly, it gives me joy to watch him zig zag around, smell, pee, zig zag, smell, pee, repeat! He’s always so grateful, too. He’ll take a pause from this meanderings, come back, lick my hand a couple of times, then be on his merry way.
Related posts:
4 Responses to “Signs of the times.”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
What a touching story on so many levels. It is easy to read into the first photo Hobbs’ thoughts that might be “Am I finally going to get a walk?” As much as I love seeing your new pictures, I say an hour with Hobbs is a higher priority. I know those trips back to lick your hand are heartfelt “thank you’s”.
The second photo is certainly touching on another level. What do you know? There are some things in life that are free.
As someone who has worked in an industry I had long thought was recession-proof (and, indeed, had advertised itself as such for many years) and yet went through that rough time this year, images like the one above induce an involuntary wince. I know many people who, even if they haven’t been truly threatened by the economy, are thinking two and three times about spending money on anything, which, of course, in the long run affects all of us. I wonder how long this will last, or if indeed it bodes a fundamental change in how the world operates.
Speaking of ‘dog time’ as opposed to ‘camera time,’ when Peg and I went to that park a few weeks ago and I published those images she took, we had our black lab with us, and we discovered that dogs on a leash and tripods don’t mix so well. Next time, it’s either Omega or the cameras, not both.
Good move for Hobbs; I’m sure he wants your company.
I like the sharing of what you and Hobbs are up to, I’m the kind of guy that likes my dogs better than most people. Fortunately working at home I am allowed to spend most of the day with the “boys” and get the occasional ‘Timmy’s in the well’ talk to get me to go out with them.
Things are starting to turn a bit here on the Peninsula but still no where they need to be. Most of the guys I know in the building trades are still struggling.
That pic of Hobbes has the expression “Man, I’ve got p-mail to check – let’s go!!”