Smudgepot

We have a german shepherd dog named Rolf. A fine german name for a fine german pup. As you can see, he's an avid gardener. At just over two years old, he's as big as a "real dog" but he acts like a puppy. He gets excited over everything. He chases his toys around the kitchen. He runs around barking at nothing and generally acting the fool.

We had snow this weekend and Rolf raced across the porch with his chin practically on the wood, scooping up snow, tossing it into the air, and snapping at it with a flash of razor sharp teeth. He loves to snap and grin. He zoomed across the porch at breakneck speed, then about six feet from the edge he'd throw on the brakes and sliiiiide to within inches of the edge. Back and forth, back and forth. It was quite amusing to watch. I have no idea how he avoided getting wood splinters in his paws or chin, but apparently it's a non-issue for him.

Well, after getting chilled, he came inside for a cup of hot cocoa and to sit by the gas heater. We reminded him that dogs don't get chocolate, and even if they did he's growing quite pudgy and wouldn't be allowed any sweets. So he had to content himself with the gas heater. He loves the gas heater. When he hears it cut on he'll trot over there and lie in front of it, hogging all the warmth. As usual, Rolf positioned himself right in front of the heater. Rather than lying down, as is his habit, he made a gross error in judgement: he turned around to get his ears scratched, and his tail hit the glass panel in front of the ceramic heating elements. In an instant there was a puff of smoke and a wretched acrid smell filled the air. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt at all - only singed the tips of his tail fur.

Now my husband has nicknamed him "Smudgepot." I have to admit, it suits him. He's kind of rusty black, roundish, and he smells burnt and funky. Poor little Smudgepot. He stays a respectful distance from the heater, though!