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!