Saturday, March 29, 2008

Waxing Philosophical

With me posting less and less, it seems like Pappy's Blog is dying the death of a thousand tiny cuts. The one assurance I can provide is that I give every bit as much attention to Pappy as ever, maybe a bit more since I spend less time pounding away on a keyboard. We go to the dog park every weekend morning, and you have to pry me out of the house if Pappy doesn't get to come along. Sick.

So here's the question... how has Pappy changed since two years ago when this blog started? One change is that he has figured out the whole ball retrieving thing, but that came pretty early on. Another is that he's packed on a few lbs-- we went to the vet last week, and they said he is now tipping the scales at a robust, Schwarzeneggerian 41.2 pounds, up two and a half pounds from last year ("perfect" said the vet). Shortly after we got him when we raced him to the vet because his eyes were red (eek!), I think his weight had fallen from 31 to a puny 29.5 pounds.

But the biggest way he has changed is that he truly appreciates being petted. Before he was always anxious to be around us, and getting petted seemed like the price he paid for being close at hand-- it was like he could take it or leave it. He's still a bit aloof, but now, when he's in the mood, he clearly relishes a good massage. And it still seems special when he comes up, gives me a poke on the elbow, and sits down next to me for a little head rub.

23 comments:

Gus said...

Hello: We have missed you and Pappy and are glad to hear that all is well. We haven't been posting much either, but we've checked regularly on you and Pappy.

gussie and muzzer

Ari_1965 said...

I still have your Pappy postcard on my bulletin board.

Peanut said...

That is great that he now likes to be petted at least some of the time.

Charlie said...

I do wonder sometimes about spending time blogging about Charlie vs. spending the time with him... Anyway, good to step back and look at the changes over time.
- Charlie's mom

FleasGang said...

It's great to hear from you and Pappy again. We missed you.

The Fleas

Princess Patches said...

Hi! We missed you! We're glad Pappy had finally figured out the finer things in life...like being petted!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy & Penny

H.A. Turbofire, Sibertarian said...

Dogs keep humans in line! wooo!

William Tell said...

Yep, a dog can get used to the good life, petting too. So glad Pappy is enjoying his family so much and spending quality time with them. It's what all dogs deserve!

Happy Tails,
William Tell

Stella and Annie said...

I still say Pappy and Stella share a lot of DNA. One of the reasons I got a second dog was because Stella was aloof and didn't like to be pet. After two years, she, like Pappy, has learned to thoroughly enjoy being the object of my affection.

Toffee said...

Happy belated birthday to you Pappy!
your pal,
toffee

Best Dog Videos said...

Sometimes the best friendships take a while to blossom. It would seem that Pappy is now as comfortable with you as you've always been with him. Congratulations on a bond that will last forever!


- Your friends at Best Dog Videos

Pet Urn Mary said...

I'm so glad to hear that Pappy is doing so great and that he is getting better about being petted! Pet Urn Mary

Anonymous said...

Great, welcome back Pappy! Its good to see you post again.

Amici said...

I am sorry we missed Pappy's birthday! I hope he had an extra special day!

Glad to hear that you and Pappy are doing great. It is hard to keep up with the blog at times.

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

Just stopping by to wish Pappy's Mom Happy Mother's Day.

Hope she had a wonderful day. You are so lucky ti have her for your Mommy.

Love Mona

Unknown said...

who wouldn't love a good massage? : )
hope you are well

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey Pappy, where are you pal? J x

Nat said...

Hey Jax,

Pappy and I are out here, just taking a... little... break... Zzzzzzz. Hope you and everyone else are well.

Pappy's Fella

Onion said...

Hello! My blog has also been sadly neglected, but walks and ear-scratches are probably better! But come by and say hello when you're next blogging!
Big lick to Pappy,
Onion

Charlie Mason said...

hi ,I'm new here ,but i;m glad is it good health

Anonymous said...

I am just starting to read through all of your past posts. There are a few haha. Nice to see Pappy is doing well. Hope to see a few more posts in the future. A great way to spend a lunch reading.

MJ's doghouse said...

hey pappy and your daddy...thanks for posting...it only took mom and i 2 and a half months to read it...i guess you could say we are a little behind...we are both happy to read ..better late than never..

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey Pappy, it's been too long! We're missing our Pappy-fix. J x