Blu: aka My Love

Let's circle back for a moment before I launch into the pups...

I think David said it best when there was a weekend I was suppose to pup sit Blu, and then things changed. I was sulking a bit, and in an effort to cheer me up he was suggesting other ways for me to get my "pup fix".
D: Maybe we can find another dog to steal for you to play with one day this weekend?
Me: Who's? You don't know anyone who has a dog! (Did I say sulking? I meant to say: acting like a brat.)
D: Well, we can go to the SPCA again and see the dogs.
Me: Nooo. They make it so much work to even pet a dog.
D: Let's walk down to Chrissy and stalk dogs. That always delivers.
Me: It's not the same. I was looking forward to seeing Blu.
D: I know it's not. The difference is, not only do you love Blu, but she loves you too.

And that makes all the difference.
Blu follows me into the bathroom when I go pee (I suppose I do the same to her though to be fair). She turns into a squeaky toy for the first 30 minutes (or half mile) after I show up as she's overcome with excitement. She jumps into my car at every chance.
At any given time I can easily picture her Sammy Smile bounding next to me down the Embarcadero on those dark, cold Wednesday nights, both of us preceded by clouds of hot breath. Her blazing eyes looking up at me about every third stride, checking in, waiting for the next command. I run Blu off leash. She's actually better, more attentive, that way. She watches my movements, the placement of each step, my hand signals, trying to decipher if we're turning, or weaving, stopping, or sprinting. The sled dog in her listens as well. This is the Iditarod, they're all the Iditarod, and she'll be damned if she's left behind.

It's never too late, or too early for a romp to Blu, and it's never long enough (well, almost never, I've found her kryptonite: stairs). It's never the same without her.

I really believe exercise is one of the greatest gifts you can give a dog (treats are overrated and I've never given Blu a single one), and Blu and I bonded quick and strong because of our runs. I am her running partner, and she is mine.

[Some required post script: We don't actually "steal" or "stalk" dogs, these are just part of a playful dialogue I've developed over the course of my dog loving life.
I am that person who goes to "dog locations" without a dog though. Chrissy field, Fort Funston, the beach, the park... thank goodness SF doesn't have those signs like they do for playgrounds: "You must be accompanied by a dog to enter this area."
And Blu has a wonderful Dad who also runs and bikes with her, and at times us. No wonder she's such a good pup.]