Friday, July 16, 2010

Summer Entertainment

Summer is finally here. I know because as the day dwindles with the heat, folks show up on our lawn much like they did last summer. It's not exactly the same. The kids are a bit bigger. There are some new ones. Some of the ones from last summer are no longer around. Boz hears their voices and lobbies to go outside to see them. I drop my work and out we go.

Boz is a known person in our neighborhood. He likes everyone, but he's partial to people his size. When I brought out his toothbrush and toothpaste the other evening, his friends gathered around to watch the excitement. This is something people my size don't ordinarily think of as entertainment.

One of the dads took this shot and I love it. It reminds me of a favorite photo from last summer when we sat on the lawn and read stories. I don't know if the kids remember that, but the grown-ups do. Now that was entertainment.

34 comments:

Dina said...

You brush his teeth?? And he lets you?
It is a sweet and unusual picture.

Shell Sherree said...

That really is beautiful, Petrea! And I love the way you styled the photo, matching your t-shirt to Boz's toothbrush...

Katie said...

This is classic! The looks on the faces of the kids are just too funny. Boz is a real sport to not only allow you to brush his teeth, but to do so in front of an (adoring) audience.

Anonymous said...

Public toothbrushing, gotta love it.

I'm with Dina, though. My dogs won't tolerate it. Even with the (yuck) meat-flavored toothpaste.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

this is not ever going to happen in my world be it summer, spring, winter or fall. Nope, leave the plaque picking to the professionals

mark said...

This looks like a Norman Rockwell painting from "The Saturday Evening Post." A perfect summer memory.

Susan Campisi said...

I'm very impressed! Tommy looks at me like I'm out of my mind when I try to brush his teeth. I'd given up but you've inspired me to try again.

Photo looks like it could be an outdoor vet class.

Tash said...

I love your neighborhood shots. Boz is the best. Still remember the photo of you reading to the girls from last year or was it spring.

Petrea Burchard said...

He lets me brush his teeth because he likes the taste of the toothpaste. And not a lot of brushing happens, really, it's more him licking the brush while I try to scrub his teeth.

And he loves being adored, so that's no problem

As to color coordination, I defer to my stylist. He did a great job, didn't he?

Tash, this photo and that one are two of my favorites--and I didn't take either one!

Susan C said...

I think I would find it highly entertaining to watch you scrub Boz's teeth!

Anonymous said...

Susan's right. We just might request a demonstration next time we visit.

Petrea Burchard said...

That's fine. We're in the learning stages so we need the practice.

dive said...

Petrea, that has to be one of the most utterly charming pictures I have ever seen.
Funny and enchanting at the same time.

Kat said...

Hilarious! I love how patient he looks! Our dogs would never sit still for that; if they get brushed, they get brushed by professionals! I'm very impressed.

Virginia said...

OH i love this so much. Look at my sweet Bozerino just sitting there so calmly, letting you dig around in his mouth! Who does the flossing, J or P? :)
V

Ms M said...

What a delightful photo! The expressions on the kids' faces are priceless. And Boz is such a good boy to let you brush his teeth!
When I had a large dog years ago, he'd let me swab his teeth with a doggie dental swab with meat flavored toothpaste. Of course, he really wanted the treat that was promised after we finished :)

Petrea Burchard said...

I let the girls each give him a small piece of carrot after he got his teeth brushed. The day after this photo was taken I arrived home and the girls all came rushing at me (with one small brother tagging along), wanting me to brush Boz's teeth again. Boz got five little carrots that time.

"Funny and enchanting," Dive, I agree. I hope the photographer reads the comments. He wasn't sure of himself but he did a great job. Of course it helps when you have such charming models.

Bellis said...

This could have been a Zen Monday, don't you think? I can't believe Boz is letting you do this - what a sweetheart. I bet the children never forget this moment - the first time they learnt that dogs have to clean their teeth as well!

John Sandel said...

This might be the moment to admit she brushes my teeth, too.

Bellis said...

Oh John! How many carrots do YOU get?

Virginia said...

J,
Somehow I just knew that. Trés romantique! ( I made that up. Is that a real French word? I hope so)
V

Greg Sweet said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdWfVhlYIM&NR=1

Mister Earl said...

Crest - Now in these new flavors: Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Chicken, Tuna, Lamb Chop, and Black Forest Ham.

Kathy H said...

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing. Love the look on the girls' faces!!

-K- said...

This is a total Norman Rockwell shot.

-K- said...

And now that I have thought to read the other comments, I see this point was already made early on. Oh well, its true nonetheless.

Petrea Burchard said...

I'm naming my next dog Ipana. (see Greg's link)

John Sandel said...

Unfortunately, I have to get in line for a carrot. So I solace myself with sausage.

Monkey make fire!

Anonymous said...

Lol, John... It does seem the treat should be species specific. I wouldn't stand in line for a carrot, either. My treat would be something like a mini cupcake... Which I guess kind of defeats the purpose of brushing your teeth.

Amy said...

Oh the things we're fascinated with when we are little. This is an adorable photo.

Anonymous said...

I’m a little late here, but take care of Boz, he’s a good guy.

DAYo.

Petrea Burchard said...

Don't you worry, Anonymous. We love him like mad.

Lori Lynn said...

Ha!

So, does Boz like the chicken or the liver-flavored toothpaste?
LL

Petrea Burchard said...

"Picky" is not a word we use when referring to Boz.