Treading water in the muddy pond of the Hinterweb

Apparently my blog was posted on this Facebook feature called Networked Blogs. Luddite that I am, I of course had no clue until my techy colleague, Randy Mitson, pointed it out. So, if you are both an avid Facebooker and fan of this humble blog, you can do "one-stop shopping" by becoming a Follower. I knew I was a guru, now I can have Followers. Hope it doesn't go to my head. Please scroll down the right-hand sidebar of the page and click on "follow this blog" in the Networked Blogs gadget. Every time I do a blog post, it will then magically appear in your FB news feed (I think).

Thanks for paying attention!

Gord

A random post about dogs

Rule # 1: when out in the woods, blend in and stay alert

In case you hadn't noticed, the gang here at Algonquin Outfitters is pretty dog-friendly. You never know when you might enter the store and receive a friendly greeting from Utah, Max, Hogan or any one of the regular canine visitors at Oxtongue Lake. The recent edition of one of the many email newsletters I receive contained a great ode to our best friend in the animal world, which may be a good set of "rules to live by" for the new decade:

Things we can learn from a dog:

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
• When it is in your best interest, practice obedience
• Let others know when they have invaded your territory
• Run, romp and play daily
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
• Be loyal
• Never pretend to be something that you’re not
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
• When someone else is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and muzzle them gently
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your whole body
• No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple job of a long walk.

Here are a few more rules, as illustrated by various dogs from my life:

Utah's rule: don't go in over your head, even if it is a good stick

Nellie's rule: take some time to relax in the middle of a busy work day

Mica's rule: let your human know what's on your mind