A New Attitude!

Kai, my beloved long-haired Dachsund, finally made his grooming appointment.  And oh, what a difference a shampoo and scissors can make!  You might remember that Kai lives the most unassuming life.  Daily walks highlight his days except when it's too cold, too rainy, or I'm just too lazy to make that extra effort! His black and white coat grows slowly and can withstand an extra couple of months or so between visits with Lisa.  Especially during the snowy or inclement Colorado winter months.

This year, winter lingered longer and spring took its time pushing crocuses and tulips through the soil.   Not as bad as a long, Norweigian winter, but long enough!  Groomer Lisa's, skills generate loads of "parents" vying for an appointment.  She's just that professionally adroit.  Getting on the roster took another couple of weeks, so by the time Lisa came to take Kai into the Vet's Office, he looked a little Alaskan-shaggy.   And yes, she had to gently coax him from the backseat floor.  Hmm.  

After Lisa's detailed ministrations, though, Kai came out swagging! Swagging! I declare he was a sight to behold!

Since that day over two weeks ago, changes in Kai have been phenomenal.  He still goes into a frenzy when he sees his lead 'cause it means "free at last!" for him.   It still takes a lot of energy just to subdue him enough to secure the lead.  As impatient as he always is, that first day it seemed like he did a "reset" as soon as I opened the door.  If a mirror had been available, he would have paused long enough to ensure how perfect he looked! 

Is it possible for a long-haired Dachshund to swag with such extreme aplomb?  If you answer to the name, "Kai," then yes!  Cool as a dude in black tie and tails, he led the way out the door, down the steps, only stopping to sniff once or twice, as he led the way down the street.  He paused when we came to the north-south street and waited for me to catch up.

"You don't seem in such a rush this morning,  Dude, and you're stopping to smell the grass," I remarked. 

Self assuredly, Kai tilted his head to acknowledge my voice as he carefully studied the lie of grass,  '"Everything's in order, Ma'am."

We walked further along our prescribed route as he searched for the right spot, stopped, and waited for me to collect his waste.

"Oh, look, Kai, it looks like a family of rabbits."  Normally, that signals a chase.  Not today.

Kai swagged a while longer, then stopped and sniffed the air as if alert to imminent danger.  I stopped too and waited.  Satisfied, we moved along.  "What's going on today, Kai? You seem different and even distant.  What's up?"

"What's with the nonstop chatter? Can't we just enjoy our morning Constitutional? I'm used to her talking nonstop at home, but this is a bit much! I just want to relish my early morning Spring day!"

Twenty or so minutes later as we neared home, Kai's steps quickened.   A woman approached and leaned down, staring all the while at Kai.  "Oh, my! What a handsome guy you are," she exclaimed.  I almost fainted while Kai came as close to preening as I've ever seen.

Doing his happy dance reserved only for special occasions, Kai responded, "Wow! Are you talking about me to me? Yes, you are! She's doing both! Hot dog! Hot Diggity Dog!"

"Thank you," I stated graciously as befits the owner of a certified Swag-ger; we moved on.  I could barely keep up with Kai as we wended our way home.  Certainly, he was humming,

"Oh, what a beautiful morning
Oh, what a  beautiful day.
I've got a beautiful feeling
Everything's going my way!"