My Dogs are Smarter (Or a lazy day in the Valley of the Sun)

A piece in Saturday's Arizona Republic documented exactly how much rain we've gotten here in Phoenix since the first of the year (Short version: Third-wettest Jan/Feb in a century). According to the Republic, rainfall in that short span in the nearby Deer Valley area has exceeded 6-inches. This has certainly been the wettest of our three winters in the Valley since coming here in 2002.

Last week's predicted rain fell a bit short, and has slowly-but-surely given way to clear skies and warmer temps. It was in the high-60's on Saturday and today was a simply gorgeous day with temps forecast for around 70. Accordingly it seemed, the dogs were anxious for more time outside.

All morning, the clawing at the patio- and doggie doors persisted. "Let me out, daddy. Can't you see how beautiful it is, how many birds need chasing off their perches, how much of the back yard demands close inspection from our trusty sniffers!" And so it went.

While she was the only-dog of the house, our Yellow Lab Lacy took up the practice of sunning herself on weekends in the back yard. Of course those were the days when she spent the most time out of her crate, and all the many hours of the day needed new things with which to pass them. Even still, on warm days when we're home we can count on indulging her desire for a tan.

As dogs go, Labrador Retrievers can be considered fairly intelligent. Lacy, as well as she learned her basic commands and even a few things she shouldn't have (how to open doors with levered handles), will never be considered the doggie-equivalent of Einstein. As one of our friends has said: "Good thing she's cute!" In other words, she's more the doggie-equivalent of a dumb blonde.

No behavior reinforces that idea more than seeing her soaking up the sun and napping serenely in the back-yard. Good thing she's cute.