by Abigail Waterman

Created on: January 27, 2009

Offering a Unique Perspective for Pups and their People:

My neighborhood? Sure, I know a lot about it. My person and I take lots of walks, usually on the same three or four different routes, but we've been all over the place at one time or another.

Mom and I live in the Highlands. My name is Lola, and I love my house and my streets. Being part Australian Shepherd and blue heeler, I'm very protective of all that's familiar to me, and that includes the streets I walk two times daily. I love the noble old trees, and lovely shadows on the grass cast by the branches. I pee as many times as possible and I like lifting my leg like a boy.

Mom thinks I hate being on my leash because I pull her so hard all the time. I don't know how she stands it; I'm very ill-behaved on my leash. I like being on it though because I can act real ferocious toward all the other neighborhood dogs I sense encroaching on my turf. I can also scare kitties far and wide. I do enjoy that because I secretly fear them. As long as I know mom's on the other end of my leash, I don't hold back. I go all out, growling, teeth gnashing in a ghastly display of hostility.

We usually walk up 23rd Avenue where we live, to Julian Street and take that to 26th and Java Court. Up Java to 29th, then over to Irving Street and West Hayward Place. We take Hooker Street home. I like the walk because we often run into other people who mom knows, and they're always glad to see me, even though I really just want to get home and have my dinner or treat. Sometimes the other people have their own dogs, and I make sure to show enough aggression that mom can't get close enough to pet them; though I always let their people pet me.

I'm high spirited and beautiful. I have thick black fur that shines almost blue in the sunshine; and I have lovely beige and cream highlights. Because of my impressive coat, I do prefer winter to summer, and snow is my absolute favorite. Mom always wants to walk extra fast on the cold days, but she tries to slow me down when it's warm and all I want to do is get to my water dish.

All in all, I can't complain; I notice that I walk more than most dogs; we are out there a lot. My favorite street is probably Platte Street in the Commons Park area, because when we walk over there it usually means I get to go play in the river with other pups and I can have my leash off. I love to get wet in the cold water and drink from the brisk current with my mouth wide open, like a hippo. I'm scared to swim, and I don't

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