Snowy Goes To College. And Graduates. (From The Archives.)

I apologize for my recent paucity of posts. I’ve been on two different antibiotics for an infection and the second antibiotic threw me for a loop and landed me in bed. It doesn’t help matters that one of my RA medications suppresses the immune system which makes infections a little harder to fight. (And if you’re wondering why RA meds do that, it’s because RA is a disease which causes the immune system to mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.The medication tries to keep that from happening by weakening the immune system.)

I’m going to call my doctor this morning and let her know the second antibiotic isn’t working for me and see where she wants to go from there. In the meantime, I’ll lie low and try to think happy thoughts.  

In my effort to give my body and brain a rest, I thought I would re-post one of my favorite Snowy Stories. It’s especially appropriate for this time of year because of all the graduations taking place. (If you’re not familiar with the back story, three years ago, Snowy went to Obedience School which we nicknamed “College.”  This post depicts his final class and his graduation.)

Snowy Goes To College. And Graduates  (Written from Snowy’s perspective.)

MARCH 4, 2010

I know you’ve all been wondering, “Did Snowy really do it? Did he really graduate from college?”

The answers are “Yes,” and “Yes.” And if you’re wondering what degree I received, it was my Bachelor’s Degree.

Um. A Bachelor’s Degree as in, “I am still a bachelor. I am still single.”

I must say though, that college is a tough place to stay a single man. Gabby Girl could hardly even concentrate on her studies because she was so distracted by my rugged good looks and fluffy physical prowess.

Think I’m kidding? Just take a gander at these pictures!

Aw, shucks.

This is getting a little embarrassing. Look at the way she’s lookin’ at me!

I hate to break a girl’s heart, but I have to say that I’m trying to find someone with a bit more motivation, a bit more drive, a bit more focus. I mean, look at her, for crying out loud! Does this look like the kind of woman with a lot of get up and go? Does this look like the kind of gal who is going to cook me three meals a day and keep my kennel clean? I think not.

Sorry, Gabby, ol’ gal.

(Although I do applaud you for so diligently adhering to the College Rule of two paws on the rug at all times. Good job!)

So even though nothing really worked out between Gabby and me (hence, the aforementioned Bachelor’s Degree), I was still thankful she was there because when it came time for us to show everyone what we had learned, Gabby’s owner volunteered her to go first. (Thanks, Sarah, for not volunteering me. I would say I didn’t want to go first because I believe in ladies first but actually it’s because I wanted to see someone else go through her paces first so I would know what to do. I’m a strong leader, like that.)

Watching carefully.

Closely observing the technique.

Please take note of my complete mastery of the “two paw rule,” even while I’m focusing my immense mental powers on what’s going on in front of me.

And now Maggie is coming to the end of her test which is to demonstrate the “stay” command.

I’m pulling for you, Maggie. I’m on my feet for you! You can do it, girl! (Sorry. Got a little carried away there. But the two paws are still remaining. Man, I’m good!)

And now? Now the professor is telling me it’s MY turn. I am one nervous fella.This one demonstration has the potential to decide my entire destiny as a professional man.

The professor starts by laying a treat down on the floor to see if I have the self-control to ignore it when walking by.

I don’t. I’m a lot like my mom that way. (Um. Did I just say that out loud?)

Looks like I won’t be passing THAT part of the test. Treats just call my name. Loudly. And I wouldn’t want to be rude and ignore them, now would I?

As I listen to instructions as to what to do next, please note how nicely I am sitting and how carefully I am listening. (I impress even myself.)

Showing off my lying down skills. Hey, when you’re good, you’re good.

Waiting for Sarah tell me to “Come!”

And for once (or twice) in my life, I obeyed. (Hey, there were girls in the room that needed impressing.)

Did I do good? Huh, huh?

Here are all of us college kids listening to the Prof’s last lecture.

Listening is exhausting work.

And finally? Finally, college comes to an end. It’s time to blow the joint. It’s time to get our diplomas.  It’s time to go home.

Speaking of diplomas, my mom says I should have gotten an award called, “Most Likely to Improve.” I think that she thinks that’s funny so I’ll humor her.

However, before we take our little ol’ graduated selves and boogie on out of there, we have to first engage in a little happy talk and a little mingling.

And I have to apologize to Gabby for breaking her heart.

And now it really is time for us all to head out the door for the last time. Time to enter the real world. Time to send out resumes and get jobs. Time to take naps and lick ourselves in inappropriate places at inappropriate times.

Wait. What’s that? My Mom is asking everyone to come back into the room for a class picture?

How embarrassing is that? Why is it always MY mom who has to create a scene?

Come on back, guys. Er, girls. Let’s move it here!

Get goin’, Big Girl! (I mean, “Lovely Female Canine.”)

Alright! Everyone get lined up! I will be your example! Follow me! Everyone follow me, I say!

Oh. Wait. I think I’m pointing the wrong end at the camera. How humiliating. Let me get turned around here.

Much better. Thanks, Sis.

Um. Hello, girls? Look over there! Quick! Shiny! Squirrel!

Ah. Distract the competition. Be the only one posing. 

 Life is good when you’re a fluffy,macho College Grad.