Saturday, March 11, 2017

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!

6 comments:

Boe said...

Loved the story Tanya. I admire you so much. Your smart, pretty, and you have a huge heart. My sweet Tanya, have a hell of a good time!!!

Anonymous said...

I miss this beautiful pup. Glad her life is so great. Thank you for being awesome.

Tanya Cass said...

Very sweet compliments Boe, which I have graciously passed along to Tanya. She is blushing and gushing about how wonderful YOU are and how she loves you and misses you bunches. Honestly, this mutual admiration society the two of you have is taking way too much attention away from me. Love, Gracie

Tanya Cass said...

Oh Miss Anonymous, my sweet heart knows who you are! Yes, Todd and Tanya are totally awesome, but I think of you and all my Lipinski family often. Please give everyone my best and let them know that I do follow their antics via your Facebook posts. Tell the girls (from one fashionista to others) that they have grown up quite beautifully - I am a proud puppy. I am loving my new boat home as there is something so relaxing about the ocean. And the occasional wiff of dead fish is heavenly. Love you and miss you, Gracie

Unknown said...

Gracie, it was wonderful reading your recent blog. Tanya sent it to me, knowing that I love to hear from you and that I think you are a fabulous writer. I enjoyed hearing about all the fun you've been having, getting acclimated to the high seas--I assume you've learned by now what that term means. Hearing about your seafaring "potty training" had me laughing so hard I almost had to grab my personal piece of astroturf! I really like your closing line, too. It complements your adorable photo so well. It's funny because that's the same tag line the president of my new employer uses when she signs her emails. Now, I'll see it and always think of you! Until I get to read your next post...Love, Barb

Tanya Cass said...

You are so sweet I am blushing (hmmmm, not sure if a red face coordinates with pink sunglasses - good thing my mug is covered with fur). I always love to get such nice feedback from one of my loyal fans. XXOO