Lab results
I promised to show you Andrew's Lab mix Rambo with, if not his name in lights, then he himself in lights.
Because he's a star even if he doesn't walk around with a strand of battery-operated mini lights around his neck (and sometimes draped across his face).
It's a somewhat loose interpretation to say that Rambo walks around, however; he mostly lays around.
It should be noted here that Rambo is a different dog around Andrew. They have a relationship that's special as only a dog's owner and pack leader can lay claim to.
I haven't seen this in a long time, but when Andrew and Brittany take Rambo on frequent gambols through the countryside with Maverick, he rips around the landscape like he's on fire.
He'll play and fetch and jump and cavort and exert endlessly.
At my house he's mostly motionless, sometimes with his paws crossed, perhaps remembering those times. He frequently barks in his sleep and I imagine he's dreaming about day trips.
When called, though, Rambo comes. He stands there wagging his tail (albeit lazily rather than excitedly). He makes it clear that he desires head rubs and ear scritches and full-body mini-massages and whatever else he can get in the way of tactile affection, which he craves.
It's funny because on my kitchen floor, if Rambo sits, his paws immediately begin to slide. He's so preoccupied with remaining steady, he can barely enjoy the pats and rubs coming his way.
So generally I steer him outside (he's not allowed on my still-new carpet in the TV room, because of his outrageous shedding problem, which is not his fault, but still) where, on the deck, he can sit and not slip.
Or I encourage him to stay on his bed but sit up so that his paws stay put. Then I can comfortably administer love pats and rubs and nuzzles and kisses and call him the best boy in the world and tell him that I love him.
He did not register even a hint of impatience when I began arranging the lights around his neck, securing the small flat battery pack beneath his collar.
The camera causes him no angst, either. Whereas Rizzo is leery of the lens, Rambo couldn't possibly care less even if you gave him extra treats and belly rubs for caring less.
There's no such thing as less than none.
The only problem is that Rambo lacks the wherewithal to (technically) obey certain commands. Or maybe he just chooses not to.
At any rate, simple suggestions like "Why not sit here, Rambo," get you nowhere.
Don't get me wrong; he sits on command. It's where he sits that presents a problem.
I learned this lesson when I was trying to pose him for his picture (without lights) beside Rizzo. He'd sit, but facing the wrong direction. No amount of pointing or nudging would convince him to weigh anchor.
Thoroughly nonplussed, Rizzo ran under a nearby table to create a remove between himself and the unfolding drama.
Eventually I was sliding a big heavy dog by pushing on his haunches, in an attempt to get him face-forward with my chosen backdrop behind him.
Of course I didn't hurt him, but Rambo was so traumatized by this that he ended up hunkered down, hanging his head, unresponsive to even the softest of my coaxes for him to help me out a little.
I gave up.
So when I got the bright idea, a few days later, to deck the dogs with many mini-lights, I remembered what I already know: Just let the subject do what they're going to do. Follow them around and photograph them the way they really are.
Like children. Most effectively photographed when totally unposed.
And that's what we have here. I did lead Rambo to the front door and encourage him to lounge there, which he was happy and content to do.
I believe he would have stayed there for hours if I hadn't called to him when I finished getting those shots.
Easygoing does not even begin to characterize this canine. He borders on the inert. But whether dynamic or drained, Rambo oozes sweetness.
He's a darling dog. Sugar on paws. Sometimes lethargic but always loving. In fact Dagny often observes of Rambo: He loves me.
To which I always respond: Everybody loves you, Dagny. The person has not met you who does not love you.
The same could be said of Rambo.
And that is all for now.
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Happy Monday
Reader Comments (3)
He sure has a sweetness about him; such soulful eyes.
I think you got some really good shots, Jenny.
xoxo
Aww - he's such a good looking boy. He deserves lights! We had a chocolate lab when the kids were young and he used to frolic around the yard with Bob, so I can almost imagine Rambo with Andrew.
@Sally ... he makes it easy to get good shots! xoxo
@Mari .... they're wonderful family dogs. Rambo is just extra special. xoxo