Nova and Pop

Aahh...summertime... Time to stretch our paws (for you humans, those things attached to your flip-flops) and breathe deep that sweet, salty air. I’d give summer a great big, furry hug if I could, but I know that summer lovin’ would mean nothin’ without the ones I love.

Our loving family got a little bigger when cousin Nova, a larger-than-life lab, strutted onto the shore scene. We first met during Easter weekend, when Nova towered over me and fellow pugs Lettie, Maddy, and Bridget (she could have made a light snack out of yorkie Maggie). I tried overlooking the fact that this oversized newcomer completely took over our beloved shore sanctuary. When she stole, there’s no other word for it, our bones, toys, and worse, our food, Lettie and Bridget attempted to show her who wasn’t boss. Again, I looked the other way. I am, however, touchy about my territory, so when Nova landed in our much-loved Pop’s lap, I saw stars (and not the pretty ones lurking over the ocean). I’m trying to love her, we all are, but laps are off limits!

In the interest of getting along, my canine crew and I have decided to teach Nova the “shore ropes.” We’ve taught her that chilling out in the shade is the perfect antidote to life’s troubles. She’s learning nothing beats a cool summer breeze gently caressing hot fur. This is our definition of happiness.

May all my readers find their definition of happiness, along with the perfect breeze, during this idyllic time of year.