I am getting older

...but I am still kind of small. Mama says I am getting more handsome than cute. This is my questioning look... I am patiently asking, "When are you going to throw the pine cone, Mama?" I still love playing fetch, and I always bring it back and drop it by Mama's feet. Then I sit and stay until she raises the pine cone to throw it far. That black thing with the eye can slow our game. Silly Mama! But she says she loves me so much she can't resist. The camera records her love. Her love, my love... It's all mixed up together. 

In the studio, I am learning to catch the ball. It is really fun! Each time I catch it, Mama barks. Well, that's what it sounds like to me: Yes! Yes! Yes! And she gives me a treat. I also get treats when I walk by her side. She says, "Walk by Mama..." or "Heel, Lumen..." Heel is not as much fun, especially when we take our walks outside. My enthusiasm gets the better of me. Outside we see people, other dogs, squirrels, rabbits... And BIRDS! Many Great Blue Herons live where we live. Talk about exciting! Heeling is pretty boring. I think Mama thinks so, too, but pulling too much can hurt her shoulder. We are both learning... She says this often. To the people we meet, also... Sometimes I can't help jumping up. Most people pet me anyway. When we walk away, she speaks very softly: No hurry, little Lumen. I love your happy nature. I will always love your happy nature.  Let's go home and take a nap. Mama and me... We both love naps. 

The extra is kind of silly, but Mama says it shows my pantaloons and my plume of a tail. I guess it shows how long my hair is getting. What is grooming? Mama says it is almost time.