Adoption Face

So part of my off-the-bike training is "Volunteering: the practice of not being totally self-absorbed." It's kind of hard not to be when every day you're 80%--at least--focused on yourself, your training, how you feel, what you eat, etc. etc. Many will say cycling is a very selfish sport--as are most sports at a high level.

To fulfill my training requirement, I'm volunteering on Mondays at the Pima Animal Shelter as a dog walker. And dammit, I'm going to be the best dog walker! :) No, I actually love talking to the dogs and giving them hugs and running around with them until they're smiling.

Also, I want to help them get adopted and a happy dog is an appealing dog. So I'm working with them to work their adoption face and best assets. I admit, I've watched a few episodes of America's Next Top Model, so I thought about Tyra and tried to give them pointers when I could. Some needed a little more help than others.

Here are a couple of the models I walked.

Butch--He didn't need much help with his adoption face as he sauntered with the confidence of a pure bred German Shepard and a demeanor of a true gentleman. He could easily win the heart of any lady.

And then there was Moo--with a name like Moo, he's going to need some help. Moo is a pointer mix and a sweetheart but he likes to howl like a hound dog and add some whimpers in. I told him to give me his best pointer pose but he just whimpered :( So instead I decided to howl in unison with him, and then when I gave him a pat on the head and a quick snuggle, he immediately was quiet. It was pretty endearing.

And then there was Nexxus--either a spin on Lexus or the hair products. (I secretly renamed him Prancer as he was bounding and prancing everywhere. They really love their walks!) He is so lightweight that he would jump and then fall over backwards like a featherweight. But his real asset are those eyes--I told him just bat that baby blue and that deep brown and he'd have a home in no time.

And then the winner of the Adoption Face competition goes to...Meadow! Oh Meadow reminded me of my sweet Louise. As soon as she saw me, she said, "Oh Hello! I'll go on a walk and love you and sit and anything you want." She broke my heart--but I knew if she won me over in a second, she'd win another over very quickly.

Perhaps Meadow will grow up and acquire the sophistication of my former dog, Louise! (Who lives with my friend now--thank goodness she has a good home.)

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!