Arthur at 12

Hello Everyone,

If his life were a movie, this is part where the older version sits on a comfortable chair and remembers his younger self. Only, I’m not sure that Arthur reminisces much.

But his present is pretty good, and something to note on the recent occasion of his 12th birthday (sometime this past January, we don’t really know when).

First and foremost, he has a new small, curly-haired redhead to boss him around. This one (the Munchkin), doesn’t steal his toys like Sophie did, but she is nonetheless quite keen to give commands (with treats). Since they literally see eye to eye, Arthur isn’t super enthusiastic about taking orders from a miniature human, but complies anyway. The Munchkin also gives hugs, so that’s in the plus column, even if they are more reminiscent of a professional wrestling headlock. She also gets up into his bed, meaning he's still getting lots of company.

He doesn’t join me on mountain bike trips anymore, but we go for regular walks in the forest, and that’s even better in some ways as he has time to stop and sniff around. This past week, we did an hour walk through the snow, and he still had energy at the end. Not bad for an old fella.  

Speaking of company, there's also the neighbourhood dogs whom he sees regularly. I wouldn’t call them friends, exactly. More like, he has a gruff understanding with the older ones, and the younger ones will occasionally still win him over with their enthusiasm and he’ll play with them over a stick or a toy. Except for that big newfie, he’s never liked that guy.

As always, he enjoys car rides, but he’s had to give up his spot in the passenger seat of the car, which isn’t popular but at least he's got the backseat. In the SUV, he has to go in the trunk, which offends his dignity.

In his life, Arthur's lived on the street, in a house, a one-bedroom apartment, a camper, and now he’s back living in a house. I like to think that he enjoys the indoor space he has now, but wolves live in dens, so I’m not sure it’s that much of a benefit to him.

I don’t know how much time we have left, but that’s true of everyone in my life. I try to keep that in mind, and be conscious to spend our time together well.

Wes 

Photos

Rolling in the snow.

Squinting in the sun.

Silver fox good looks.