Zip’s Dog Blog (2.0)

It is true that I intend to write a bit about my being twitterpated (which has nothing to do with Twitter). I thought
perhaps to give you a little video distraction first. Sure Dad and I climbed Mt. Agamenticus with Erik but somehow
this video of his work on the Naked Edge in Eldorado Canyon, Colorado puts perspective on things a little more clearly.

Seriously, you really should go catch this video if you can spare the time. Now that said, I’m not interested in
guiding Dad on these types of adventures. I’ll watch…and worry if he ever does such things but finding the easier
handholds as mentioned in tis…that’s all on others. If he wants me finding the ‘easy’ route then he can pick the
less vertical options and we’ll partner up again.

So I hope everyone had a great Christmas as I most certainly managed. The flurry began, no not those flurries, with a
Christmas Eve – Eve trip to Grammy’s place since she wasn’t available to visit on Christmas Day with the rest of the
family. As fun as it is to say Christmas Eve – Eve, December 23 is probably more clear. We went to her place and
(some of us ) had egg nog whle Grammy played her guitar and sang carols together with Dad and Tracy. We shared
gifts and I got a squeeky ball which has already made the rounds (no groaning please) of play. We made it a little
early of an evening as December 24 was the trip to Rhode Island to spend the day with Tracy and family. There was a
flurry of shopping for groceries first and while I didn’t have to repeat my performance of guiding Dad through Walmart
with a shovel in his hand on the Saturday before Christmas and mere hours before a snowstorm; I still had some serious
work in this project. That’s the boring stuff. The fun part was loading up Tracy’s Saturn View so I could have the
back clear for a blanket sprawl. We arrived to her brother Chris’ home and were greeted by Jess and one of her rather
fantastic puppies. Calla is an Anatolian Shepherd which has her very similar in color to me although she’s a bit larger
than me. I was instantly excited and we hit it off great so Dad let us play for a quick bit before I had to Harness up
and guide him into the house. It was a beautiful home and after greeting Tracy’s Mom (Sandy), Niece (Olivia) and
settling until Chris and Tracy’s Dad (Bob) returned, I just made eyes at Calla and got to know Ari, a 120 lb. Great
Dane Puppy) The parental pooch, Georgie, was there and we were old friends still. Calla and I continued to play with
each other a fair bit even as more and more guests arrived. There was some serious flirtation at work here and bashful
or not we hit a little Christmas magic together and I’m posting pics of my girlfriend in the not too distant future so
watch for the updates. As the home had a few acres of snow coverred ground, we got to go out and play free for a short
bit with Tracy watching. Synchronized Play bowing, darting, sprinting, dancing and more were all in order. A little
hide and seek around the trees and some good old fashioned agility demonstrations helped me win her heart too. I told
Dad we can go visit anytime! The humans all seemed to have much fun especially when Robin (Tracy’s Sister), husband
Graeme with his Dad, Alan, in from Scotland all joined the festivities. This might also be in large part due to Robin
and Graeme’s daughter Chase adding the magic of a youngster to the Christmas medley.Then again it might have been the
meal of the seven fishes which accompanied all the gift exchanges. I won’t even tell you how lucky dad was at how
well they treated and welcomed him into their traditions. They have an occasional tradition of each person toasting
something of the past year and Good Health and loved family was common in a year of many health and career crisis
points. I’m with them on this and I hope I get to visit them all again – not just because of Calla either. I’ll even
try to get along better with Ari who was apparently jealous of my time with Calla.

Christmas Day we hosted Rick, Monique and Pepe and although my new photo blanket gift collage wasn’t ready for Pepe,
the teaser of it arrived and a blanket adourned with the Mighty Quinn’s image is a pretty spiffy thing. Blame Dad for
teaching me a word like spiffy! Dad did his trips out on the day without me and that seemed foolish to me but I had
good company with Monique and Tracy so didn’t complain too much. Long lazy days of much talking and not nearly enough
play. The only saving grace was Dad and Trtacy getting a joint trip to the Big Apple with Monique and Rick to see
Avenue Q. I like the notion of another city working trip and hope they schedule it soon. The next day was after
Christmas but seemed like round 4 as nephew Chris and his, Amy and their son Elijah joined us for more of the same.
Elijah really took to me and I had to excercise a little doggy patience as the not quite two year old was good to me
but persistent. It’s good to know I still top all toys in the world!

So this run all would have come to a crashing halt with Dad going to the Pats with both Tracy and Jen while Thomas
across the street reportedly would oversee me so I could skip the rain. Jay had told us the rain would hold off but
Dad believed NECN (wrong!) and thought it would be too wet for me. A Thomas absence changed the Game Day decision to
active and I only had to wait out the pre-game tailgate to get the good weather and much love and work I love. It was
a 54 degree game time with spots of sun and a happy Quinn who was even well supplied with Charlie Bears! This reminds
me of one Holiday bonus. Shopping at Trader Joe’s the manager was so overwhelmed with my work she asked if she could
give me a treat. Dad declined and told her he well supplied me with love (not quite boring but come on here…) and
‘appropriate’ treats. She inquired further and Dad realized Sarah/Varju had gotten me my first ever Charlee Bear
purchase as a graduate from…none other than Trader Joe’s. The woman quickly got me my reward and I had a whole new
bag of complimentary C-Bears! Alas the Pats were good but not that good to use a whole bag. At least there is now a
confirmed home playoff game for the chance of more!

So that’s my speedy holiday review though one Blog observor who gives great Q-scritches did come to the tailgate and
get to spend a little time with me. Thanks Paula and Happy New Year to you and the many other friends out here!

Be Well,
Mighty Quinn
and his erstwhile Dad

We didn’t even get to mention the Sherpa John LaCorretta rendezvous…so many details in this busy world!