There are few things in life that change the total direction of one’s day-to-day existence. Having a baby is one. Becoming a doggy daddy is another. I’m overwhelmed! And not just with the sudden care of a puppy dog (which is not unlike looking after a baby), but by the love and support that came with this life-changing adventure.
I was of course the last to know, and was, up until the end, still very much resisting this gesture of love orchestrated and conducted by my daughter. But as some of you will know, she can be very persuasive (because she is smarter than me), and although the balance has very much tipped in favour of accepting this incomparable wonder, I’m still a bit terrified by the responsibility I’ve assumed.
As those of you who have already had children know, one is never really ready for what that entails, but it somehow seems to work out regardless. I look forward to you meeting him if you haven’t already.
Arlo, which means ‘energetic’ and ‘courageous’ in Old English, is definitely the first, and if a willingness to leap with love in all directions without hesitation is any indication of courage, then he is decidedly that as well.
Aristophanes because we were kind of stuck on Ari for a while as we drove down to Saumur to pick up the pup, and so Aristotle was put forth. Before and after that, we must have come up with a hundred different names. Basile was high on the list, as was Zeoffo (at least for some). But Aristophanes, the greatest Greek comic playwright was a link to my studies of the Classics and my original intention to live in Greece. So there was historic relevance (of a sort). And Aristophanic means shrewd and witty, and we’re quite certain he’ll develop both those qualities.
It’s yet much too early to bring him on wine walks, but that will certainly happen in the months to come.
So, if I fall behind keeping up with my commitment to posting weekly, please forgive me. I’m out walking Arlo.
Meanwhile, having consulted the endless wizardry of the Internet on the subject of Golden Retrievers and wine, I found this piece:
10 Things Golden Retrievers Can Teach Us About Wine Tasting
People, people, people! Goldens light up and smile when they see people. A day wine tasting is about the connections with friends and family, not just good wine. So, like a golden, love others unconditionally and, if need be, quickly forgive a friend if they get mad at you (a wet kiss is optional).
Sniff, lick and move on: Drink the kind of wines you like. Be alright with that. If someone wants you to drink something totally different, maybe give it a lick/taste and then kindly decline. To give our retriever some medicine we put a small pill in her dinner. She would eat everything and leave just the pill in the bowl. Now THAT is a good palate.
Take short sniffs. Why do dogs do this? We humans take big, long sniffs. Dog’s noses have 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses. We have about 6 million. Try taking 2-3 quick sniffs of a glass of wine and see if you can detect more aromas. You’d be surprised.
Take a nap. Could this be the secret of contentment for dogs? After a busy day of wine tasting, a nap can recharge your batteries. A recent study says a 20-30-minute nap is the perfect length.
Drink water: Dogs seem to lap up a lot of water. When you drink wine, the rule of thumb is to drink a 12-ounce bottle of water for every glass of wine. You will enjoy the day (and the next morning) much more when you are hydrated.
Lie down in the shade when you can. There’s something about finding a spot of grass in the cool shade. Don’t rush from place to place. Maybe just chill out at one location for a bit.
Wear your dog tags. Bring your I.D. to each place. Don’t leave your wallet or purse in the car (break-ins happen). And if you drank too much and get lost, someone can check your “tags” and call someone for you.
Let someone feed you. When wine tasting, enjoy a lunch at a nearby restaurant. Let someone do the cooking and serve you!
Don’t drive. Dogs love to be a passenger. If you have been drinking, get an Uber or have a designated driver. This way you don’t end up in the dog pound. If you are the passenger, maybe stick your head out the window a little bit. Why not?
Leave your worries at home for the day: Dogs aren’t anxious about tomorrow, or what they will eat, or where they will sleep. Dogs exist in the now.
Don’t just go to the inside of tasting rooms. Walk through a vineyard and look at the vines, the soil, the birds. Take it all in. Breathe. Chasing rabbits or digging for gophers is optional.
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We've had several Golden Retrievers in the family, all so beloved. They are worth the attention and care they need, especially in the beginning, for the sweetness they bring to your life. (BTW, they stay puppysish for about five years.) Seven years after I looked after Dode, my ex's Golden, daily in his first year, he continues to greet me as though I'm his mother (and sometimes still climbs onto my lap and snuggles). Unconditional love, always. And lots of dog hair everywhere—I hope you have a good vacuum cleaner! And I've never known the three I've lived with to ever eat food off the counter. As with other big dogs, you can't walk them too much in the first year as their joints aren't stable. So, a lot of work at first, but big rewards.
I look forward to enjoying one of your wine walks the next time I return to Paris. By that time, Arlo Aristophanes might be joining us. Great name (AA?????)
You are hilarious! Cannot wait to receive first-hand instruction on wine drinking tips from young Arlo. He is cute beyond words. Back in two weeks and want an introduction soonest! xoxox