Doxie Balloon

In case you haven't seen him before in my gallery, this is Wolfgang. He's a long-haired miniature dachshund, soon to turn two years old.

Wolfgang helped us to celebrate Memorial Day. Visiting my wife's parents, and with all three of our own kids present (a rare occurrence!), we sat in a circle on the back deck and played balloon with Wolfgang.

Boy, does he love balloons! He's learned to handle them carefully, and to make them last a long time before they pop. He'll carry a balloon gingerly by its stem until it's placed where he wants it. Then, he'll push it around, or keep it in the air by jumping straight up and poking it with his nose, and even pass it to his human playmates.

A pink balloon, a lively dachshund, and a back deck: what a nice alternative to fireworks and flags!