2024’s first #sniffari of the year finds Mr. Tan Man enjoying all new smells along the nature trail. I used to get annoyed at having to stop every few feet to let him sniff a plant or a branch or a stump or a patch of dirt but once I learned that this behavior is an essential part of canine cognition, I have let him set the pace. The result is a calmer, happier dog. #DogsOfCoSo

Good morning to all the #DogsOfCoSo and their devoted owners who structure their entire days around the needs and desires of their canine companions.

Mr. Tan Man enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures on our morning #sniffari along the pond where the alligator can usually be found basking… but not today. #DogsOfCoSo

Little Miss Attitude and I were reading way too much into these strangely ominous clouds on this morning’s #sniffari. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man and I enjoyed our restorative “low tide” #sniffari this morning down by the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man began his day freaking out, barking at my neighbor who was lurking along our shared property boundary picking up pine cones at 7:15 in the morning. While I’m grateful for his vigilance, I was freaking out myself at my inability to get him to stop barking. This non-dog-owning neighbor keeps wanting to approach Mr. Tan Man, so maybe he’ll rethink this unwanted incursion and leave us both the f*** alone. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man spent two years in a South Carolina “no kill” shelter - most of it living outdoors. Located on a dirt road with farm animals wandering around, it wasn’t like a typical shelter. The folks running it were very passionate about animal rescue and had taken good care of him, but they required vet references and a home visit before we could become his “guardians.” Requirements like this - or that adopters have fenced yards, be home during the day, etc. - are why dogs languish. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man checking for Santa just in case he appears a few weeks early. #DogsOfCoSo

Given the proliferation of “doodles” and other designer dogs in our neighborhood, Mr. Tan Man can be forgiven for checking out the Christmas decoration dogs at the local park. #DogsOfCoSo

When the tryptophan kicks in later in the afternoon… Happy Thanksgiving to the #DogsOfCoSo who really shouldn’t be eating much turkey due to the fat content and risk of pancreatitis.

Little Miss Attitude enjoying a walk in the woods. #DogsOfCoSo

Good morning to all the big mutts of #CoSo and the under-caffeinated humans who’ve already taken them out for their morning walks regardless of the weather. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man enjoying his morning #sniffari along the nature trail that runs behind our house. As always, every single pine needle and leaf has taken on a new smell that must be fully investigated and catalogued.
#DogsOfCoSo

See ya later, alligator! Mr. Tan Man has seen his share of alligators here in SE coastal North Carolina. #DogsOfCoSo

While we’re accustomed to thinking about #dogs aging at seven dog years for every human year, it’s apparently a bit more complicated. This decoder wheel at the veterinarian’s office suggests that 13-year-old 60-pound Mr. Tan Man has an equivalent age of 82. If so, he’s the elder statesman of our pack, and truly doing well for his age. #DogsOfCoSo

If estimates are to be believed, today is Mr. Tan Man’s 13th birthday. He joined our pack just over 10 years, adopted from an outdoor shelter in South Carolina where he spent over 2 years after being found as a full-grown stray. He’s still going strong, walking over a mile with me every day. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man loves it when we take the trail for his morning #sniffari. #DogsOfCoSo

Here’s Little Miss Attitude on the day I adopted her. I was working at an adoption fair for our county shelter where I was a long-time volunteer. I called Mr. Carolina and told him to come over with our other dog, Mr. Tan Man. At first, Mr. Carolina was resistant to the idea of adding a second dog, but it was live at first sight for Mr. Tan Man. Little Miss Attitude is totally “daddy’s girl” and our pack has been complete ever since that day in 2014. #DogsOfCoSo

Mr. Tan Man approves of my neighbors’ “Live, Love, Bark” sentiment. #DogsOfCoSo

Little Miss Attitude looking positively angelic on this morning’s #sniffari through our neighborhood native plant garden. #DogsOfCoSo