When You're Smilin'

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

Dr. Seuss

Some people said I always looked sad. Folks, that's just what a Weimaraner's face looks like! But those who knew me could always tell when I was smiling. And lots of things made me smile. Chasing just about any critter that dared think it could out run me. Taking long walks. Having Todd rub any part of my body, especially my belly (maybe not my ears really, but I tolerated that because he liked it so much). Cuddling under the fleece blanket that Tanya made for me, especially when it was warm and fresh from the dryer. Barking my head off at anybody I took a mind to, especially if I could race around the corner of the yard and surprise the pee outta them! Laying on my giant puppy pillow. Sneaking into Todd and Tanya’s bed. Letting strangers pet me, call me beautiful, and give me numerous well-deserved compliments. Riding in the truck with my nose out the window. Spitting out my pills so that I could have them covered in peanut butter. Happy hour, Saturday morning donuts, and dog biscuits from my friend Mike at the marina. Surprising people by my skill at opening doors. Fooling everyone into thinking I was just a puppy even at the ripe old age of 12 years, 8 months (to the day). And of course, eating absolutely anything I could get my paws on (see all my prior posts) except for bananas – nasty things those bananas. 

But even better than my own smiles? Making others smile.

I was really awesome at that.

Grayson “Gracie” Lipinski Cass
August 10, 2004 – April 10, 2017
Forever Would Not Have Been Long Enough

Aren't I SPECtacular?!

And some say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Au contraire. I am living proof that a truly spectacular canine (me) can learn anything at any age. After a lifetime of rule on dry land, I have now become a Salty Dog, Captain of My Own Destiny, First Mate Extraordinaire, and Most Popular Marina Mascot.

To be expected of course, I have adjusted beautifully to my new career as boat dog. I quickly mastered walking the gangplank, and while the companionway steps were a little more challenging, I convinced Todd to add some nonslip treads and now I can navigate from cockpit to salon with barely a slip and slide. And seasickness? HA – me of the iron stomach? Ain’t never gonna be a problem!

Some of my favorite things about my new home? Well for starters, when you live on a boat you quickly get to know all of your neighbors, who can’t resist stopping to pet me, compliment my adorableness, and generally provide me with well-deserved spoiledness. Why just this morning Mike at the shipstore gave me a huge dog biscuit, I got to enjoy a complimentary Saturday morning donut, a sailor across the way asked to take my picture, and the lovely lady on the boat next door brought me a doggie treat specially purchased from Three Dog Bakery just for me. And all before lunchtime! I can’t wait to see what the afternoon brings. It is so gratifying when humans easily recognize and reward my specialness - makes a gal humble (well, not really, but I try).

I also love going to the Marina restaurant’s outdoor bar for happy hour and sunset watching. The bartender provides me an unending supply of ice in my water bowl, everyone stops to admire me, and as a member of the restaurant’s email list I get free coupons for the Cabo Bites fish appetizer, which is simply delish.

Honestly, the only thing I haven’t quite mastered is the peeing and pooping thing on AstroTurf. Todd bought some, I sniffed, laid down on it, then got up and watched it promptly blow right off the deck (of course, I was falsely accused of giving it a slight nudge). Anyway, I overheard Todd telling Tanya that he has an entire roll packed away in the storage unit, so I suppose this is a skill I am going to have to attain at some point unless I want to bust a bladder.

Now, if I could just convince Tanya to let me assume the role of Galley Wench, with its accompanying access to all things edible, I would consider my transition successfully complete.

My future is definitely so bright I gotta wear shades!