Big Dog in the City
Jackson and I went in to DC today to visit GA and grab lunch. GA specifically asked if Jackson could make it. When I asked him, he was, of course, pleased and more than happy to take a ride.
He was wonderful in the city. Almost everyone loved him. (Some people are apparently frightened of dogs.) For his part, he loved everyone. We ate lunch at Cosi and sat outside, and Jackson kept us company, especially since GA kept feeding him from her plate. Who knew he was a salad and bread dog? He met a lot of new friends, including a guy who was walking a couple of medium-sized dogs and who let Jackson lick his head. Random people would specifically come over just to pet him, and more than one really pretty woman would smile and say hi. If he were a guy, he'd've gotten some serious play. As it was, he took it all in stride; I wouldn't say he's so arrogant as to think it's his due, but rather, he just knew that if he loves the universe, it can't help but to love him back.
After lunch, we wandered over to Dupont Circle and spent some time walking around the little park area in the center. While GA and I talked, Jackson took the time to do the meet 'n' greet. He was particularly fond of people who were eating Chipotle, who were fond of him and called him over, who were eating pizza, who petted him when he walked by, and who were eating. A couple of older guys who were sitting back and smoking cigars spent some time with him, and everyone (especially Jackson) was pleased as punch. A woman randomly altered her course as we passed by just to come by and give him a good scratch behind the ears. And as we wandered by the southeast side, we came across a small pool in the grass where a dozen birds were taking their Spring baths. The little flower at the edge of the make-shift pool was perfect. Even birds need a spa day, right?
As we returned home, we stopped by a coffee shop and had something cool and refreshing. We had nowhere to be just yet, so we sat in a corner of the outdoor seating area, and Jackson laid down next to us and did some people watching. Another older dog walked by, and we spent some time chatting with his owner, a very nice older woman, while Jackson attempted to get peed on by the dog.
Afterwards, we dropped GA off at work and hung out in front of the Marriott for a little bit, us chatting and him having a nice nap in the middle of the side walk. As we left for home, I suggested that we take GW Pkwy and the Georgetown Pike, and he silently agreed. Of course, he fell asleep on the way home. For my part, I enjoyed the scenery and the chance to drive around, in no particular hurry, with the sun roof opened.
Both of us had a lovely time today. The weather was gorgeous, the company was superb, and the people of DC truly love labs. I was afraid that he would be a wild man, but he was actually very well behaved. He was super excited to see people, of course, but not to the point where he bowled me over or anything. So, since he did so well, we'll definitely be doing this again sometime.
He was wonderful in the city. Almost everyone loved him. (Some people are apparently frightened of dogs.) For his part, he loved everyone. We ate lunch at Cosi and sat outside, and Jackson kept us company, especially since GA kept feeding him from her plate. Who knew he was a salad and bread dog? He met a lot of new friends, including a guy who was walking a couple of medium-sized dogs and who let Jackson lick his head. Random people would specifically come over just to pet him, and more than one really pretty woman would smile and say hi. If he were a guy, he'd've gotten some serious play. As it was, he took it all in stride; I wouldn't say he's so arrogant as to think it's his due, but rather, he just knew that if he loves the universe, it can't help but to love him back.
After lunch, we wandered over to Dupont Circle and spent some time walking around the little park area in the center. While GA and I talked, Jackson took the time to do the meet 'n' greet. He was particularly fond of people who were eating Chipotle, who were fond of him and called him over, who were eating pizza, who petted him when he walked by, and who were eating. A couple of older guys who were sitting back and smoking cigars spent some time with him, and everyone (especially Jackson) was pleased as punch. A woman randomly altered her course as we passed by just to come by and give him a good scratch behind the ears. And as we wandered by the southeast side, we came across a small pool in the grass where a dozen birds were taking their Spring baths. The little flower at the edge of the make-shift pool was perfect. Even birds need a spa day, right?
As we returned home, we stopped by a coffee shop and had something cool and refreshing. We had nowhere to be just yet, so we sat in a corner of the outdoor seating area, and Jackson laid down next to us and did some people watching. Another older dog walked by, and we spent some time chatting with his owner, a very nice older woman, while Jackson attempted to get peed on by the dog.
Afterwards, we dropped GA off at work and hung out in front of the Marriott for a little bit, us chatting and him having a nice nap in the middle of the side walk. As we left for home, I suggested that we take GW Pkwy and the Georgetown Pike, and he silently agreed. Of course, he fell asleep on the way home. For my part, I enjoyed the scenery and the chance to drive around, in no particular hurry, with the sun roof opened.
Both of us had a lovely time today. The weather was gorgeous, the company was superb, and the people of DC truly love labs. I was afraid that he would be a wild man, but he was actually very well behaved. He was super excited to see people, of course, but not to the point where he bowled me over or anything. So, since he did so well, we'll definitely be doing this again sometime.