Despite the bitter cold and slippery streets, Urban Adventure Dog (Shamus) still wants to be out and about, patrolling his block. In fact, I've noticed that the colder it is, the more Shamus seems to want to be out there - enjoying what I imagine are fresh scents augmented by the cold air. And, good dog though he is, he is simply restless inside my apartment at this point in the winter, for example leaping OVER the couch when I call him to dinner instead of running around it.
Since I started this blog, I've noticed what an effect Shamus has on people. He walks down the block smiling, his body shaking with the excitement of being out. People glance from cars and smile at him. Pedestrians ask me if they can pet him. They look out from under umbrellas and ask, "What's his name?" There have even been diners at Broadway Bistro who have seen him through the window and come outside to pet him - a family of three getting up and leaving their gourmet dishes to cool at the table, just so they could pet Shamus. His super-dog vibe must really be shining through these days. (The Bistro, by the way, is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, and their amazing website features a black lab, who in real life, is one of Urban Adventure Dog's neighborhood pals. Check it out! The website and the restaurant!)
Just yesterday, I was walking around the block and a heavy set, dread-locked woman who I've never met or seen before, took a step backwards when she saw Shamus, looked at me, and said loudly, "He walkin' like he the man." It's almost as if this dog knows I'm writing about him, knows that he's accruing fame and fans. His attitude reflects it!
Often, the old men who walk up and down Atwells in literally any weather, and sit outside the store fronts on nicer days, will comment on how cute Shamus is or try to talk to him. Sample conversation:
Old man: He looks like a good dog. Hey, doggie.
Olivia Sage: Oh, yes, he's the best dog.
Shamus: (pees on a trash can)
Olivia Sage: (nods towards peeing dog) He thinks this whole neighborhood is his territory.
Old man: (first appears stunned that we are talking about pee before recovering to make witty comment) I know some guys like that. Heh. Heh. Heh.
So, I owe Urban Adventure Dog some gratitude, partly because he gets me out and moving around even in the worst weather, and partly because being out and about all the time makes me interact with my neighbors in a more positive and frequent manner.
Side note: The beachy picture of Shamus above was taken on Valentine's Day at Watch Hill in Westerly, Rhode Island. This is one of the best dog hikes that I know in RI. I always walk down the rocky bay side of the peninsula, and then back on the sandy beach side. It's just about three miles and Shamus and I have been going there since he was a pup. The crazy dog was in the water on Valentine's Day.
Side note #2: I didn't know much about blogging, and I didn't realize you were supposed to write frequently. So, check back often, much more Urban Adventure Dog is on the way, much more often.
