It's time for some cool...

Creak here. Ever wanted to know what life is like for an old dog on a hot summer's day? Well, I'm living proof that it's no walk in the park. Fall is always a pain because it always seems like the world is falling to pieces, winter is hellacious because I sit in my house shivering all day and especially at night, and spring is a glorious invitation to hay fevers and sniffly noses. Still, even old Creak can handle all of that. Summer, however, takes me down for the count. The heat, the humidity, the sudden storms and then the calm, it's unbearable.

Once upon a time, summer was a favorite season. No grammar school, lots of freedom, and plenty of time to enjoy it. The days were longer and the nights were hotter. Yes, as a pup, summer was where it was at. However, as the puppy that once was became the dog you now know, what was once a glorious season turned into a hated series of months which are dedicated to ruining pleasure. The heat is now too much; it beats the fur until I start truly despising the force that gave dogs a permanent parka to wear. Even lying still in the shade becomes impossible, once that humidity factors kicks in. And with these old bones of mine, moving is an ordeal indeed.

It seems like the best bet is the pool, but even this heat barely motivates me. Still, as long as the option is there, I must seize it. The pool will feel great in more ways than one, and there are always plenty of extra incentives. Example, the snack bar will remind me of those cold winter nights with a nice ice pop, a sweet reward for finally getting out there and doing something. There are plenty of little kids to bark at, and my crown as lord of the diving board must be reclaimed. Reminds me of my first dive way back in '62...

Well, that's probably a story better suited for another time, maybe when I tell you about the 18 foot perch I once caught whilst fishing. For now, it's time to cool off and get some exercise, and maybe for the briefest of moments the heat will be forgotten.