Snowbirds and polar bears

I have to begin this post by telling you how often we are asked if Petey is "the dog in the commercial?" He seems much smaller than the real star, but I can see the resemblance...

Can you?
We also get asked if Petey is a mixed breed or a West Highland Terrier (do they think he's dirty?). So for once and for all, no, he's an AKC registered Cairn terrier. Yes he's big for the breed —too much personality to fit into the standard size—and yes, they come in lots of colors, not just Toto gray. In fact, for the first four years of their lives, Cairns can change their haircolor entirely. No big deal, I've done the same thing over 4 years!

The past week has been unseasonably cold, resulting in lots of things washing up onshore. Summer beachcombers would be delighted with the treasure trove they'd find on the winter beach. Lots of clam shells and starfish and horseshoe crabs. And loads of seabirds. They'll fly out over the ocean in clouds of white wings, perfectly synchronized. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

We usually walk down to the tall, lone tree, but lately, Petey finds some willing "victim" to play ball with him and we end up talking more than walking!

I'm sure these people were wondering why I was aiming my telephoto lens at their house, but I've always loved these brilliant turquoise chairs, how they stand out among the gray and beiges of the beachscape.

Petey is the same color as the beach. He's a natural there. His coat is way overdue for a stripping, but since it's winter, I'd rather he has a thicker coat for warmth. He is scruffy as can be!

Now, keep in mind, when I shot these photos yesterday, it was about 50 degrees on the beach and the ocean temperature is about the same if not a bit cooler. I shiver just watching him run in for a belly dunk.

Shake, shake, shake!

These orange rubber Chukka balls are just the best. They're the same size as tennis balls but they don't get soggy, can be washed off and can be spotted on the sand. They still bounce like crazy and they're not too heavy. And...they're terrier-proof and approved!

Off goes "Disregard" to check out the birds.

Eh, not that interested! He's a ball dog, not a bird dog after all.

The Piping Plovers and Peeps seem just fine ignoring Petey!

Even a ball-chasing boy needs to take a break now and then. Nothing finer than a bellyful of wet sand.

Muzzer was asking about our local bird life so I thought I'd take some photos just for her. I just got a new camera and was trying it out on the beach. It was so bright, I really couldn't see the LCD screen too well, so I was delighted when I downloaded my shots when I got home and found this fellow wading in the surf.

Then we made this happy face for our pals Sorcha, Murray and Clive—Hilton Head is sending then a big smile!

Ahhh, now this is one contented dog. Life is indeed good. I read a quote where you should purposefully try to find at least one thing that brings you joy each day. With Petey, those opportunities for joy are countless.

We also met this handsome fellow named Barney. I think he might be the perfect Southern gentleman for Aunties Martha and Bailey.

Just check out the size of those soup bowl paws! He wasn't interested in chasing Petey or the ball, just having his velvety head and ears scratched by me as he thumped that big tail in the sand.
Another gull for Muzzer...

And one more with those beautiful yellow legs. (I knew there was a reason I like to wear my yellow pumps with my gray pants!)

We didn't catch the name of this soggy doggie, but she was very cute with her damp curls and happy to chase Petey.

You've gotta be awfully fast to get to the ball ahead of my scruffy dog! Wish I had a better shot of some of his airborne catches.

This Sheltie gal was determined to herd Petey up and down the beach. He figured out that she didn't really like the water, so he'd head into the ocean to shake her off. We should find a polar bear club for him to join! While the weather was bright and sunny, it wasn't particularly hot but that didn't stop the weekend visitors from putting on their shorts and flipflops and pretending they weren't cold.

Look at that sandy, weary yet very contented face! Time to hit the hose before we head home for a bowl of water and a nice long nap on a soft sofa in the late afternoon sunshine.

Petey's got it made. No doubt about it.