Best Dog Ever

I'm pretty sure that Masala's idea of heaven consists of millions and millions of squirrels frolicking in a never-ending forest. He loves loves squirrels. There is not much he won't ignore for a treat, but when squirrels are around, even treats won't distract him.

Because the dog has such an affinity for squirrels, sometimes I will let him "chase" them. This usually means the squirrel is already too high up on the tree for him to reach and has already freaked out that a predator is near. (I just don't have the heart to cause squirrel cardiac arrest, even for Masala.)

Today we encountered just such squirrel, and when I yelled at M to "Go get 'im!" he pounced toward the tree like a lion going in for the kill (he was still on the leash, mind you). Normally he will simply jump up, put his feet on the trunk and stare into the branches longingly thinking, "I'll get you next time, sucka!"

Not today.

No.

Today, that dog tried to climb the tree. When I tell you he tried to climb the tree, I mean he literally attempted to get his hind legs up so that he could scurry up, as if say, he was a CAT. When that didn't work, he tried to jump into the nook between a couple of branches. He got more airborne than I've ever seen him get, and quite honestly, if given time to practice, I dare say he could get up in that tree.

My neighbors must've thought I was high the way I was cackling on the sidewalk. It was truly, truly awesome. And hilarious. And so. freakin. cute!

Because one never has a video camera at the appropriate moments in life when they are most desperately needed, I do not have photographic evidence of his dog-defying feat today. I do, however, have this little video I shot a few months ago. (God. My accent has gotten out of control. Must move from here asap.)




LOL. While previewing, Masala heard me on the video, stopped what he was doing, and ran over as if to say, "Ready! Play! Where's the ball??!!"