I have to start on a positive note so mom understands my observations are made in a loving spirit. We don’t want any misinterpretations of my intentions, do we? All the tummy rubs and ear massages could go down the tube. We don’t want that.
So how have you been? I hope life’s treating you well. As to myself, I can’t complain. I still take mom on long walks in the morning and in the evening. Or perhaps I should say walk-run-walks. And they are more pleasant now. You see, mom is much faster and smaller than last year. She didn’t shrink much vertically as far as I can see, maybe half an inch tops, but she’s shrunk a lot horizontally. It’s no longer like pulling a close to 200 pound sac behind me, and now we can actually compete. I’m still faster, but she’s making some progress.
Oh, I almost forgot! I have finally graduated from the Bird Photographer’s Assistant class. My final exam was a week ago. And that was a difficult one: I had to walk past two mottled ducks on a loose leash without scaring them away. And then sit quietly while mom took pictures of them. That was the hardest test. You see, ducks are in my DNA. They must be hunted. But against all odds I did it!
The female looked at me from the corner of her eye but the male pretended I wasn’t even there. Can you believe it? I passed with flying colors! And expected immediate rewards. But mom had none. No treats in her pocket. She made up a poor explanation about going to the dog park and how it was not suitable to carry treats. That doesn’t hold water. She knows, as do I, that I could have eaten them all before we entered the park! I suspect she didn’t believe I would pass my exam because I had failed a couple of times before. I got some treats when we got home. Oh well, better late than never.
Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. We went to the dog park. This time I was lucky. There were no 75 pound dogs in the small dog park! But all my best friends were there and even a new friend, a brown dachshund named Olli. I have to admit that he is as nice as he’s handsome.
I love the attention we get at the park, but sometimes we have to stand in the back rub line and wait for our turn. But it’s all worth it.
And I love running the fence. Barking at bicycles and other strange vehicles with Saki and Eli. And suspicious people walking too close to the fence. We have the responsibility to protect our parents. It doesn’t stop even when we’re off leash and off duty. And since I’m not allowed to bark at home this is the only opportunity to exercise my vocal cords. But Bentley takes his recreation seriously. No running the fence, just calm exploration of the park…and posing for photographers.
My friend Snickers doesn’t run the fence either. He loves to dig. And as you can see, it’s serious business.
Sometimes we all pose for mom. She’s very persuasive. Saki and Eli love to impress her by flashing their best smiles.
It’s easy for them to smile. They are young. No missing teeth. But I’m very self-conscious and hardly ever smile for the camera. I can turn and look at mom when her tone gets desperate. But she should understand that I like to stay behind the camera and assist.
That brings me to the traumatic event of last Saturday. Mom woke up early. We went onto the terrace and she snapped pictures of the sunrise.
She had breakfast, but I didn’t get any. What did I do? And we didn’t go for a walk. What was wrong with this picture? She allowed me to go to the bathroom at the garage corner and then right into her car. I thought we were heading to the Taylor Park to chase the alligators. Exciting! But mom missed the turn. Where were we going? She was tightlipped. I thought she looked a bit guilty. This was not good. Finally we stopped and I saw it! The vet’s office. I wanted to run. To beg. To vanish into thin air. But the only thing I could do was to pretend not to see or hear her.
Mom carried me in, the girls met me…and then I don’t remember anything until I woke up in the afternoon. My mouth was hurting. My gums were sore. I hadn’t eaten anything the whole day and I was hungry. But couldn’t even think of putting anything in my mouth. I was miserable the whole evening. I definitely do not recommend teeth cleaning to anyone. Even the everyday chores are more fun. Like cleaning the kitchen floor from all scraps that mom drops when she’s cooking. Chicken and cheese are my favorites. Anyway, I felt a bit better already the next day. And the following day I forgave her. That’s what love does.
Oh, before I go I need to tell you that I really like my new Photo Assistant job. I get to walk a lot and sniff around in all kinds of interesting places. Last week on Tuesday I didn’t even expect to go on a walk. The weather was iffy and mom said it could rain any minute. But out we went to see the ospreys. When we got to the nest, mom said the mama bird was laying another egg. Ssshhh. I had to sit quietly while mom was watching and clicking.
And then we went looking for the daddy bird. I thought I’d seen him when we passed the Sailing Center, but I kept quiet. I’d get a long walk around the marsh. Many new smells. Finally mom looked beyond the park and spotted the daddy… at the Sailing Center on the other side of the road. Ha!
I look forward to seeing the osprey chicks. I hope there are many. Ten or even a hundred. I’d like to draw many names from the hat later in the spring, just like I’ve done for the past three years. And get many treats.
That’s all from me folks. Be good now. With love, Dylan.
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
This is a delightful story Dylan! Your writing skills are progressing right along with your assistant skills. You and mom make a good team. Thanks for sharing your love for birds and storytelling.
Thank you, Brad! Right now I’m eagerly waiting for my evening walk-run-walk. Much love, D.
Ha, ha. You’re a good kid D, helping mom get her exercise. 🙂
Hi Dylan, I love your adventurous spirit and keen insights into the world of your Mum and people! Thank you for bringing such a wonderful perspective to what happens in your daily life. To be honest, I think a dog’s perspective and the dog park can be even more interesting than the marsh sometimes. Don’t tell your mum though. 😉
I hope your mouth feels better. We all have to go through torment to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But it’s worth it on the long run.
Another egg in the nest eh? Your Mum will be keeping her eagle human eye on the ospreys for a while. I’m so glad you are now a confirmed photographer assistant. It’s an important job to have!
Hi Val – mom and I just saw (from the terrace) that the osprey mama turned eggs in the nest. I wish I could see them better. I love my job…yesterday I went to Honeymoon Island with mom…a long walk, a bit exhausting but very interesting. Love, D.
Thanks for the update Dylan! It’s always great to hear your news. Have a great week 💕
Ah, Dylan, you are getting to be a pretty darn good journalist. Mom can’t get away with anything! Good boy! 😉 ❤
You’re a wise woman Jackie. Mom shouldn’t be able to get a away with anything 😀 . I hope Sam keeps an eye on you, a good eye…Dylan ❤
Way to go, Dylan. I hope your mom realizes how lucky she is to have you around. Sorry to hear about the teeth cleaning and believe me I know exactly how you feel about that. At least it’s over for a while. Please let us know how your osprey chick count goes. Take care now.
Thank you Sha’Tara. I’m glad you took a peek into my world. Right now I’m waiting for my evening walk…life is simple, not many worries for me. Take care too. Much love, D.
What a great blog post, Dylan. Your walk/runs with mom sound just perfect. You must both be so fit now. What with that and your beautiful clean teeth, you must be the stars of the dog park. It was so nice to meet all your friends. They’re all so handsome and I loved Saki and Eli’s smiles. Well done to you for remaining calm when the ducks appeared. I bet they were very surprised. 😮 How exciting about the additions to the Osprey family. I look forward to seeing those chicks. Hugs to you and mom. 😘🤗🕳
Hiff Sylvia! Sorry, I’ve not been able to respond because mom has taken over the laptop, feels like 24/7. Today I got here first…and I can tell you that we haven’t seen any baby ospreys as yet, but mom says they may hatch this coming week. But she’ll be away. How do I know? I see the big suitcase on the bed in the last guest room. Mom thinks I haven’t noticed that she keeps sneaking stuff in there many time every day…
Have a great weekend. Love D.
Thanks so much for the news update, dear Dylan. I’m sure you miss your mom when she has to go away, but always remember this; she’ll be back soon and then the fun will begin all over again. 🤗😘
You’re doing a great job Dylan, your mom’s photographs are superb. 🐶
Thanks you Maverick! Have a great weekend. D.
What a good photographic assistant you are, Dylan. Better than most people. I don’t like getting my teeth cleaned either. Wish they would put me to sleep first too. Great photos of all the wonderful birds.
Thank you, Marlene! I am sorry for the late response, but mom took over the computer for many days…and only today, I managed to be the first one here in the office 🙂 With love, Dylan
Dylan is a great reporter, he even introduced all his friend from the park.
I’m so glad to hear that eggs are being laid already. The saga continues. It’s going to be great to read your narration step by step and then the naming of the new family. Take care my friend. 🙂
Hi H.J.! Sorry for the late response! The ospreys are still incubating today, but we expect hatching in the coming week 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend! D & AH
Dylan, I love your positive stories. Too bad about the teeth cleaning. That was a tough day.
Hiff there! I love writing stories, but now was not even able to respond…mom has been at the computer non-stop in the last two weeks. We are watching the ospreys…and hoping for some hatchlings in the coming week. Much love, D.
Well done, Dylan! Tigger didn’t like dental visits at the vet either . . . but his mouth always felt better afterwards.
Hi Nancy! My mouth feels much better now too, I can run to catch the ball at the park and carry it back to mom. That’s my new favorite exercise 🙂 D.
Dylan and tummy rubs. What’s better than that?
Nothing is better than tummy rubs! Got some this morning 🙂 D.
There isn’t!
Loved your story Dylan.
Thank you, Susan! D.
Thanks for keeping us up to date on the news, Dylan. You have some good-looking friends at the park too.
Thanks GP for coming along on my tour of the park. And sorry for the late response. You see, mom has occupied the laptop non-stop since I blogged. Have a good weekend. D.
Thank you. You and mom do as well.
Thank you for introducing us to your lovely pals dear Dylan and you make a pawsome assistant! So happy to hear you recovered from your visit to vets and that you have forgiven Helen and it’s great news we have another egg on the nest! We wish you a wonderful weekend and much love to you both from all of us here 🤗🐾💖🐾 xxx
Hiff friends! Sorry for my late response. Mom has occupied the laptop non stop since I blogged…but we have been going out to see the ospreys. They are still incubating, but mom says we may have hatching(s) soon, perhaps next week. Much love, Dylan ❤
Dylan – You have a charmed life – even with the teeth cleaning – but you also give your Tiny so much love! Keep walk-run-walking!
Cheers -Susan
Hiff Susan! Yes, I’m taking mom out for walk-runs as soon as she steps away from the computer 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend. Much love, D.
We plan to visit the swamp Sunday. New camera in hand.
Weather forecast is perfect. If were lucky, we may get to met the assistant. ME and the Boss
I’ll ask if mom can take me to the dog park soon after midday. We will also check on the ospreys. Woof! Dylan
Good job keeping your mom healthy and fit with regular walks, Dylan, and I’m glad you feel better after the teeth cleaning. I hope you got a few extra tummy rubs to make up for the bad day.
Thank you Meg! Yes, I’m getting tummy rubs on good days…and bad 🙂 Sunny greetings, D.
Thanks for the great report, Dylan! I was worried when you went in for your teeth cleaning (I dislike the vet, too) and it was good to run and play a little catch with you Wednesday night at the dog park. It’s especially nice when the really big dogs stay out of our small dog park so that we can run and play safely.
Great news about the osprey eggs….we’ll have babies to watch soon. The photo of Sandy 🦅laying her egg is incredible…..your mom takes the very best pictures! Would you mind if I come with you to Taylor Park one of these days? Chasing alligators 🐊 sounds like so much fun!!
With love, your friend Saki 🐩 💌 🦊
Thank you Saki ❤ and sorry I have not been able to respond. You know the reason…mom is occupying my laptop!! We need to go to Taylor Park together to chase gators, I promise it'll be so much fun 🙂 Hope to see you tonight. With love, Dylan
Dylan has become quite a story teller like his mum. A great read Tiny, and some chuckles along the way. It was good to meet his friends and see him pass his new photography assistant accreditation. Great you are both keeping fit and well, blessings dear friend!.
Dylan is happy that you got some chuckles 🙂 He says he’s my personal trainer…and there is a lot of truth to it. We are expecting to see osprey hatchlings soon! Thank you, my friend.
Tremendous kudos goes to any reporter who manages not to frighten the ducks. It is very impressive to have such a lightweight figure to pull around on your walks.
Thanks Tom. I’m trying my best not to frighten any birds, and now, finally, ducks are on the list too. Have a good weekend. D.
Amazing story, Dylan! Mom got some wonderful photos of you! Congrats on graduating from Bird Photography Assistant class. Now you can make friends with birds 🙂
Thanks Mabel! I am making friends with birds…but ducks are still a bit “iffy” for me 🙂 Love, D.
Lovely post, Dylan! I’m sorry about your very difficult teeth-cleaning day, but I’m glad that things have gotten back to normal and that you graduated from the Bird Photographer’s Assistant class! Well done! It sounds like you have loads of fun with your friends at the dog park. 🙂 And you are lucky to have such a wonderful mom. *pettings*
Thank you for the *pettings* Barbara 🙂 I am always having fun at the dog park. My new thing is that I run, very fast mind you, to catch the ball and bring it back to mom or Debbie, Saki’s mom, who is the best thrower. Love, D.
I’m smiling a huge smile, Dylan; I thoroughly enjoyed your story telling. Perhaps you could write a book! 🙂
As for your assistant position; wow, you are fab. And your friends are also fab – so handsome.
Clean teeth are so important, Dylan. I know it can be painful; and visiting the vet is never nice (just ask my Sweetie). She says commiserations; she understands your position entirely. I think she forgives me; until the next time…!
And now on to new life! It will be such a pleasure to travel along with you and mom as we visit the osprey’s nesting adventures.
Thank you Carolyn! And hiff Sweetie! I am now fully recovered from my vet visit and enjoy fetching the ball at the doggy park. And we walk past the osprey nest…no little one as yet, but mom says we may have some hatchlings as soon as next week. I think she’ll miss that event because the big suitcase is on the bed in the guest room…and she’s sneaking stuff in there when she things I’m not observing her. She should know better. I’m always observant 🙂 XOXO D.
Great photos – each dog clearly has its own unique personality.
Thank you, Sheryl!
Great to hear from you again, Dylan! I’m quite proud of your passing the Bird Photographer’s Assistant class, I knew you could do it. Sorry about that dental cleaning, it’s never a pleasant thing for any of us. Glad to hear you’re taking good care of mom, she needs your love & support, and all those good-for-your-soul nature walks, too, that you take her on!
Thanks Donna – I’m happy you liked my small report from the doggy park and the salt marsh. I can tell you that the osprey couple is still incubating, but mom says there might be hatchlings sometime next week 🙂 Love D.
Hello Dylan,
Congratulations on passing the Bird Photographer’s Assistant course! It must have been challenging indeed, but we are all very proud of you. I am sure Mom was beaming all day. Very glad to hear you and Mom have been enjoying your walks together, and it helps you in spirit and in health. We humans understand too – it is not fun to have anyone clean our mouths. But I am sure Mom has only the best intentions for you.
You and your friends are all so beautiful and handsome ❤
Please give my best to your Mom too 🙂
Your friend in Japan,
Takami
Dear Takami – it is wonderful to have a friend in Japan! Mom say you love birds and nature too, just like we do 🙂 I am quite proud of passing the last test and two days ago, I did it again. Just to show mom that it was skill and not a coincidence that I passed. Much love ❤ D.
Congrats on the weight loss and glad to hear that you have been forgiven after the vet’s.
Thank you ZL !
Sometimes a dog has to do what a dog has to do. Going to the vet is such a thing. But you seem to have done well. And you are even passing the test of Bird Photographer’s Assistant. No bad.
Thanks Otto. I appreciate your kind comment…now that mom kindly let me near the laptop again. Bird photography is fun…ruff! Dylan
Hi Tiny 🙂 Poor Dylan…hope he feels better now! Loved hearing from him 🙂
Sounds like you are well…and it sounds like you dropped some weight…Hope it was planned and that you are taking care of yourself!!
Sending lots of good energy. I’m so excited…the Yellow Crowned Night Herons came back to nest…we were worried because they massacred the trees (condo management…shame on them) and we weren’t sure they would come back. The only problem is the black crows who try to eat the eggs are also back. Becomes quite the commotion when the attack/protection begins.
Take care, Helen. Hope you head into a beautiful weekend! ❤
Thank you dear Lorrie! Yes, my 45lbs weight drop was a result of changing my diet completely last year…fell so much better now. So excited to hear that the Yellow-Crowned Night Herons are back! I hope their nesting is going well and that the crows were not able to eat all the eggs. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
45lbs! Oh my…that is a huge weight loss, Helen! I am happy it was a planned change and how great that you feel so much better! I am in the midst of figuring out what to do. I gained 15-20 lbs in the 2 years I was my Mom’s caretaker. It seems stress can do a number on us physically. So I am tweaking things…I’m not a huge believer in “diets,” but think it’s more important to make lifestyle changes. But I’m not going to lie…I REALLY LIKE TO EAT!! 😉
Sweet blessings, Tiny! 💜
Ahh…Dylan a superlative post and insight into your life, teeth-cleaning trauma and all! Congrats on the Photo Assistant position – a career for life and you excel. How you could not chase away those ducks beggars belief, I’d be ever so tempted to! 😀 As for the Dog Park, are you sure it isn’t a showcase for all the local pooches – all are so cute!
Hugs to you dear Dylan … and Helen too of course!😀 Happy Weekend! xx
Ohff, you are quite funny, Annika 🙂 I don’t think you’d chase away the ducks, you’d just click away like mom does….and if I’d try to talk when you’re watching the ducks, you’d probably say sssshhh, wouldn’t you? And our dog park is more like a local sports association…we fetch ball, little bit like in base ball, but we run it back instead of throwing. I am very fast 😀 You’re welcome to play too. Love, Dylan
😀❤️
Congratulations sweet Dylan for passing the exam for Photo Assistant good job. Wow, we would love to know what your mom did to become lighter. What nice and beautiful friends you have at the dog park. Sorry you had to go get your teeth cleaned but happy to know you are doing well after it was done. Wow, more eggs for Sandy and Stanley…we hope too that they have lots of baby chicks. We send lots of love and hugs to you and your sweet mom. and some tummy rubs and nose kisses for you. Chancy and Mags
Hi Mags and Chancy! I wish Chancy could come and play with us at the dog park… we would run and fetch the ball. And we’d go and see the baby ospreys when they appear…they are not yet there, but mom says they may hatch sometime next week. I send Chancy nose kisses and mom sends hugs to Mags. Dylan
Chancy would really enjoy playing with you at the dog park. Hugs and nose kisses to you and mom from us.
Tiny! Oops, I mean Dylan, I love, love this post. Well done. All your photos are lovely. And is that an Akita I see? Our family also loves Akitas.
Hiff Cynthia! Saki is a Shiba Inu. She is a bit smaller than Akita and that’s good because now she’s only a bit bigger than me…and I can easily pretend to be the same size. Dylan
The photos at the dog park are beautiful. They really captured the dog’s personalities.
Ohhhhh, those precious puppy faces!
Congratulations on passing your exam, Dylan! It’s not easy to ignore something you previously viewed as prey. 🙂
Dylan so glad to see you managed to get a turn at the laptop. You are a very clever pup. It sounds like your Mom is getting healthy and fit. I hope you are barking your encouragement. Congratulations on being a professional assistant. Next thing you will be taking the photos too! I hope the teeth are feeling better. If you are to be a famous writer and photographer you will want a big smile for your bio photo.