Dear Oscar, Is it me or do you seem sun-tanned? And do dogs need to worry about the sun’s ultra-violet rays? -- An SPF-wearing admirer

Dear SPF,

I honestly don’t know, do you think I’m tan?

What I do know is that I have been living the life up here at the Aiken family camp on Lake Champlain. Hanging out all day on the deck, except when I get a little warm, then I amble down to the water and cool the old dog-temp back down. It’s great!

Although our extended time here is just about over, it is just refreshing to spend time next to the lake. Take Scout the cat, for example. At 14 years-old, he takes it easy ordinarily, often spending whole days in the basement. Up here, though, he’s like a cat who has recharged and rejuvenated himself by the sea! Socializing, mingling, wandering, napping, lazing right out in the open… he is rivaling me for out-and-out gregariousness.

Okay, that may be an exaggeration; I guess I win the gregarious department. As for your question, I have never concerned myself about too much sun. I mean, heck, I don't even own sunglasses! That said, I do seek shade and shelter on hot days. But that is probably more the result of the real issue: overheating. That’s something a dog needs to stay on top of, especially a runner like me. We generally do all of our summer running in the morning and we follow up with plenty of swimming.

And, take it from me, if you’re going to be running in the summertime, here at Camp is the place to do it.

Your friend, Oscar

Time Off For Good Behavior

Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers could not have imagined a more perfect weekend for the 4th of July. Weather-wise, it was just perfect. Clear, sunny, hot. Perfect for sitting next to a lake, sipping cold drinks (or if you're me, slurping then slobbering them), and submerging yourself in the water every little while just to cool down.

I mean, we did a little more than just that. For example, on July 3rd, we hiked up Vermont's highest peak by sunset to watch 20 fireworks displays. They were all around us, and I somehow felt glad to be an American dog as I saw fireworks being shot off in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.

The next morning, we headed up to Camp in North Hero. But not before stopping in South Hero to run 12 miles (Ali and me -- 16 if you're crazy, I mean, Mark). Thus began the lake-dipping that would continue for the rest of the weekend.

Another thing that many onlookers noticed and commented on was my behavior this weekend. I mean, they discuss it right in front of me like I'm not there. Do they think I can't hear? Anyway, my parents and grandparents have barricades on the deck of the Camp designed to keep me from running off. Notwithstanding the fact that, if I wanted, I could go over or through the barricades or just knock them over, for the most part, they didn't even set them up this weekend. I never ventured across the street to that barn where the owner keeps his cat food uncovered. I came every time when called. I didn't jump on anyone that was elderly or carrying a baby. I was really good!

Listen, I don't want to go setting any bars overly high. Don't get your expectations up. I'll run off in a second if I feel like it.

Just telling it like it is. Happy July everyone!