The Dogs of San Francisco

It’s Verna! We first met her when she was just a (hilariously cute) puppy close to four years ago, and then when she was all grown up (but still hilariously cute) two years ago. Her dad says he thinks she’s part Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever, both because she kind of has that look and because she loves swimming and attracts all the ducks. (Which, after all, is what duck tollers were bred for. AKA ‘My toller brings all the ducks to the yard, and they’re like, ‘quack quack quack quack quack’.) I can totally see it… the fur looks quite similar, including the white patch on the chest. He suspects she’s mixed with chow, and/or possibly some kind of shepherd, so we’ll just say that. Because I like having two obscure chow mixes in a row, so why not?

Funny, I caught her doing this when she was a puppy too. She must be an itchy dog.

Verna has blossomed into a self-confident, playful, happy, and very curious dog.

Look at that glorious tail.

There’s that amazing smile.

Verna runs alongside dad’s bike. No leash to get caught, she’s just incredibly well-trained and obedient.

I would totally follow Verna home.