Mr. Tan Man’s morning #sniffari featured the intoxicating aroma of jasmine, combined with honeysuckle and magnolia blossoms, three sure indicators that summer is just around the corner here in North Carolina. #DogsOfCoSo

Little Miss Attitude, like the rest of our pack, is staying active and engaged despite getting more grizzled by the day. #DogsOfCoSo

#FlashbackFriday to the day that I met and adopted Little Miss Attitude in March 2014. I was her “handler” at an adoption fair for the shelter where I volunteered. #DogsOfCoSo

Little Miss Attitude is exhausted after the #eclipse excitement. #DogsOfCoSo

I’ve found it very liberating to skip doing a March Madness bracket this year for myself and for each of my dogs. Little Miss Attitude was the winner of our most recent pack pool but even she is relieved to be rid of the drama and profanity. #DogsOfCoSo #NCAA

It’s National Puppy Day but I’m here to tell you folks: adopting an adult dog from a shelter is a great alternative to getting a puppy (even a shelter puppy.) Mr. Tan Man and Little Miss Attitude came from separate shelters, each 1-2 years old, housebroken (yay) and ready to take their place as responsible members of our pack.#DogsOfCoSo

Happy #Caturdy from the two best dogs on Earth, or anywhere, really. #DogsOfCoSo

Time for Little Miss Attitude to head to the veterinarian’s office for her senior exam. She’s a favorite over there, and for good reason. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man wishes everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day from the #sniffari trail. #DogsOfCoSo

“Pardon me, ma’am… that #pie cooling on your windowsill sure smells like it’s ready to eat. Is there any chance you could spare a slice for this hungry traveler?”

#PiDay #314 #DogsOfCoSo

Shout out to the big mutts of #CoSo and their devoted owners who, regardless of their exhaustion or the weather, are always ready for one more leash walk. #DogsOfCoSo

Ten years ago, I was Little Miss Attitude’s “handler” as a volunteer for our county animal shelter. Here she is in her St. Patrick’s Day finery. Needless to say, my whole pack was enchanted with her! #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man channeling his springtime persona. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man is 13 years old, equivalent to 82 years old on the nonlinear weight adjusted scale. He had a laser treatment on his spine yesterday and the vet tech suggested that applying ice after his walks would help a lot. I was skeptical that he’d tolerate it, but placing a long cold gel pack along his back weighted down with a bean-filled strip works like a charm. #DogsOfCoSo

Time to take Mr. Tan Man to the veterinarian for his laser treatment. It works wonders on his achy shoulders. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man grinning as he hears his four favorite words: “Want to keep going?” #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man heading home from the veterinarian’s office where he aced his “senior exam” and got another laser treatment for his shoulder muscles. Pending any unusual findings from his blood, urine, or stool analysis, he would seem to be in great shape for 13 human years or 82 dog years. #DogsOfCoSo

Little Miss Attitude looking a bit grizzled at 12 years old but still going strong. Same with me at age 71. #DogsOfCoSo

I wonder whether Mr. Tan Man reflects on his good fortune in going from stray to two years in a shelter to living large on the North Carolina coast. I never take my good fortune for granted in having retired here with the human love of my life. #DogsOfCoSo

Despite the cold morning temperatures, spring has sprung and Mr. Tan Man is here for it on his #sniffari walk. #DogsOfCoSo