Steamy Summer Sidewalk

Here they are tonight, in their familiar places where Willie is usually camera left of Oates and often looking away while Oates, despite being very gimpy and tired and heat exhausted tonight, kept his gaze at the camera as usual.

Posing

A couple walked by around the time I caught this shot, laughing at me in sympathy for how hard it is getting dogs to pose.  By now, the daily photo shoot seems to be something at least Willie has caught on to, and perhaps finds a bit of a drag.

I've noticed that Oates is more eager to meet my gaze for the camera.  But Willie does strike a graceful pose looking into the sunset.

Brotherly Gaze

This picture from this morning is the closest one yet on the blog of them looking at each other. They are having their weekly outdoor brunch with me and for this brief instant they're looking away from me (and the food on the table).

Willie is clearly looking at Oates but it's not a clear that Oates is returning his gaze.  A little bit maybe.

Not long after this picture, Oates had an eye exam because I've grown concerned with his vision. He's not yet bumping into things, but often can't see treats right in front of him.

It turns out he has cataracts in both eyes. Additionally, he has pigment in each caused by some typical Pug eyelid issues, and these pigments prevent him from even being a candidate for cataract surgery. So we have to treat the pigments for two months to see if that clears things up.

The lovely eye doctor called me a saint for taking care of two elderly dogs so well, but I demurred, saying that I am probably closer to a fool.

The 4th Of July

The first half of this Independence Day was bleary and overcast, as when this picture was taken right before a light drizzle.  Then later the sun came out.

Willie and Oates, flanking the Freedom Tower on the horizon, seem to be enjoying this little moment by the Hudson. I've got to get them up to the country and natural grass soon.

Kitschin'

My trainer this morning (I retain the services of a young woman who occasionally monitors my weight-lifting and exercise which, with keeping this blog, helps make my life look at once both virtuous and silly) remarked that, after seeing and hearing of a friendlier side of me with others, maybe this blog is making me softer. Not physically of course, while I do grim exercises with names like "skull crusher", but emotionally.

Basically, we toyed with the thought that maybe posting this daily picture blog about my old dogs is essentially me turning into someone's grandmother.

Here they are in the kitchen, Oates looking at Willie and Willie looking at me.

Sidewalking

This morning was a challenge to get them still and pointed to the camera.  Open mouths always look like smiles and closed mouths look like enigmatic stares.

Stoopin'

Here they are on a stoop tonight. We do not live here.