That Mutt Life: What we’ve been up to – December

Just a bit about what we’ve been up to lately …

Thanks again to Lola the Pitty for the idea to write a personal update every now and then. Sometimes it’s nice to get to know the person behind the blog.

You can also read my first That Mutt Life post here.

Thanksgiving travel

We made the 750-mile drive up to the logging town of Weed, Calif., where my husband Josh’s grandparents live. Yes, Weed. You have to be crazy to drive from one end of California to the other in one day. I’ve done this a few times now. It takes at least 10 hours (cat and dog along too). On the way back, we visited more family.

Here I am out for a walk in Weed.

The one that got away …

We came close to adopting this 7-month-old German shepherd/malinois mix from Labs & More. We made it through the adoption process (wasn’t easy) and met her at the foster’s home. Ace played with her, and they got along so well.

Ultimately, we decided we weren’t quite ready to adopt. Plus, the dog was a little too shy in new environments and around other dogs. Since we love taking our dog/s to coffee shops, outdoor restaurants, the dog beach, etc., we decided she wasn’t the right one for us.

Anyway, we’re now approved to adopt from this rescue when we decide we’re ready and when we find the right dog. There’s no shortage of dogs in need of homes.

Local hikes

Although we live a mile from the beach, hiking is what I really enjoy. Our area has lots of trails for horses, bikers and dogs. We live right by the Del Mar horse racing track, and this gives the area an (almost) rural feel. There are stables all over, and our grocery store sells giant bags of carrots as horse treats.

I’m so lucky I get to walk and run my clients’ dogs here. It reminds me of where I grew up, on the edge of the Twin Cities suburbs where urban and rural overlap. I’m definitely not a city girl. I’m more of a wannabe country girl.

Here’s one of my running buddies, Nina.

My mutt Ace

Ace has had some sore joints this year, but he’s improved since June. I’ve also found a couple of bumps and bulges on him. I know this is common for older dogs, and I’m hoping they are nothing serious. Yes, I’ve been talking with the vet. *Update: Ace got a good report from the vet! He’s OK!

Overall, Ace is doing great and I’m just thankful to have him in my life.

My cats

Here they are. That is all. 🙂

Christmas

We’ll be having a quiet, relaxing Christmas Eve and Christmas at home. While I’m sad we won’t be seeing my parents or other family, I’m also really excited to Just. Relax.

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. I have so many good memories of my brothers and parents and grandparents. And the day usually involves a peaceful walk with my dog/s. Also, a Starbucks hot chocolate. We open our presents Christmas Eve night because that is our tradition, and why wait?

So that’s about it!

I know I’m lucky to be doing what I love and what I always knew I would do in one way or another – write about dogs.

As always, I’d love if you left a comment to say hi. It’s nice to know who’s reading. Or, shoot me an email (Lindsay@ThatMutt.com) to let me know what’s new with you.

You can also sign up for my email updates here. You’ll hear from me about twice a month with what I believe is my best content.

Take care, and have a wonderful holiday season.

– Lindsay (and Josh and Ace, Beamer and Scout)