Dog Days of Summer

In keeping with the theme of the happiness that our dogs bring us (or cats too!), I can’t help but share a series of videos that I took the other day despite the fact that I had other posts prepared.
The other evening the light was lovely and I thought that it could be a good moment to try and capture a certain video that I had in mind for a while. Following the interest in My Dream Houses in Arles, I had decided to film some of my favorite haunts around town and started with the Cour de L’Archeveché where I go frequently to play with Ben.
 
Save that Mr. B obviously had another plan in mind and decided to become a dust-ball. Here is demonstrating his infamous “Digging to China” move, one that is put into motion only in moments of utter abandon.
And then, for only the second time in his life, he jumped into the fountain in the middle of the Place de la Republique, much to the delight of a large group of Japanese tourists who applauded and filmed the entire thing. Me? I was laughing too hard as you can hear! I especially love his stoic expression. Ah, to be a dog during the Dog Days of Summer!

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes about my Sister’s visit. She has arrived safely and we are having a wonderful time! 

33 comments

  1. Ben is just the cutest EVER! I had to laugh watching these. Also, how lovely to hear your voice, Heather 😉

    ~ Clare x

  2. Hello Heather

    I so enjoyed these short videos of your time with Ben. He is a riot and I love his digging to China, with such enthusiasm. It is also lovely to hear your voice and to now know how you sound. Your voice is gentle, fun loving and kind, like your writing.

    Enjoy your time with your sister.

    Helen xx

  3. Your dog is so cute! I am a dog adorer, I just love all breeds, shapes and sizes. I have a whippet and she is the funniest thing ever!
    I found you via glamour Drops. Penny x

  4. Trop mignon! I guess I'm not the only one who is loving the animals this summer! I guess we can't help but fall victim to their total cuteness.

    Have fun with your sister! 🙂

  5. What a fun post! Loved seeing your beautiful dog and I know how he feels! We are in New Orleans for a few days with our daughter and her husband and their poor dog is so hot here! Whenever we walk he LONGS for puddles of water to splash in! He would be in heaven in that beautiful fountain! I will have to show my daughter, Holly this video! Thanks for sharing them!

  6. Heather he is such a precious fun-loving dog..yes that face and his expressions are priceless!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  7. I actually saw one of the Roma or gypsy kids swimming in the fountain the other day! Looked good to me too!

  8. I still would love to see photos of your pups at some point Leslie! Have a fantastic time this weekend–how wonderful…yes, the happiness they give us in so pure, isn't it?

  9. Bravo Contessa! Ooh, I can't wait to see photos of Theodore, what a great name! And yes, those pups of yours better behave but at 15 pounds something tells me that the cat can take care of himself!!

    And yes, it was in the 90s that day and still in the high 80s when I filmed them–Ben was in survival mode!

  10. "Took good care of us"–so perfectly said. They do, don't they? I know Ben takes that job quite seriously actually and hates it when anything is amiss. Very happy to have brought back some good memories, BLW.

  11. Thank you Victoria! Robin has headed up to see her boyfriend in London for a few days but we have been having the best time!

  12. Isn't that funny? I can "put one on" for you in the future! 😉 I am still very much American in so many ways…

  13. We just would have needed to put a kitten on his head and it would have been perfect!

  14. Vicki, he could have stayed and stayed and stayed. Wondering if your Mastiff does the same in your canal or pool?

  15. What a beautiful response Judith. How fantastic to have such happy memories come up from watching my silly boy and how lovely that you had Hobbes for such a long time!

  16. Always thought he was a smart dog. We should all jump in fountains in high summer – sounds good to me!! xx

  17. I knew that Ben would prove to be a water dog. He looks so happy up to his shoulders in the fountain! And playing in the dust and in the courtyard! My favorite moments right now are watching dogs play, watching children play, and (best of all) playing with dogs and/or children!

    With any luck at all, we will take Henry the Golden Retriever and Bob the Long-Haired Dachshund to a (Pacific Ocean) beach next weekend and play all day long! Have fun with your wonderful Ben!!

  18. The fountain wins the prize!!!!!!!!!!!How HOT was it????????He is adorable!Its know wonder you are smitten!Iam. Just watching him play…………..I just adopted a CAT.THEODORE!He must weigh 15 pounds and is an orange tiger with green eyes…….they had to neuter him first so I cannot pick him up until SATURDAY!!!!!!!Photos will be coming…………hope my pups welcome him with manners!I have been toooooo long without a cat……….and of course as my husband pointed out he is another BOY!

  19. I love the videos of your Ben! What a beautiful, happy soul. Makes me miss our lovable, sloppy, spirited mutt of a dog – who also loved to squirm on her back and sleep on her back in a very unladylike position… she kept us laughing and took good care of us for many years. Good memories, sparked by these videos.

  20. Ben is an absolute delight. It was lovely to see him in action and to hear your voice. Enjoy your visit with your sister.
    Best…Victoria

  21. Thank you for sharing those charming videos

    I put away the heat and pen to take a break. Seeing Ben frolicing is wonderful spirit lift. On another fun note, somehow I expected you to have a French accent. lol

  22. Ben obviously enjoyed his Dolce Vita moment. Have a wonderful time with your sister.

  23. Ben is a cheeky boy Heather…. but also a very bright boy… the perfect cool down… Have fun with your sister… xv

  24. Ben reminds me so much of my dearly departed Hobbes, a jolly yellow lab. We had Hobbes when our sons were growing up, and during their moody teen years my frequent comment was that "Thank goodness that Hobbes, at least, only comes with one mood: happy!"

    One of the last times we took Hobbes down to our local pond, he was quite old — 15 years! — and he stood on the shore and watched the other dogs go in while I reminded him that he was once the fastest, strongest swimmer in the pond.

    I loved the video of Ben in the fountain, my Hobbes would have been right there with him. Thank you for the sweet reminder.

  25. Thanks ladies and Happy 4th of July to those who are celebrating!!!

    xo,
    H

  26. How wonderful it is to see Ben in his element. He has not a worry in the world. I see the same antics in our two dogs and I am so happy that they share our lives with us. ox, Gina

  27. I absolutely love Ben and who wouldn't he is so cute! Smart boy for going into the fountain water dogs know how to treat themselves. I could watch this guy all day he's so much fun!

    Enjoy your visit with your sister and Happy Fourth of July!
    XX
    Debra~

  28. What a ham! I am glad you video-taped the whole thing! You go, Ben. Enjoy summer in Arles with your sister, Heather! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle) PS: On my way to Seattle tomorrow. Snif, snif!

  29. the Littlest and I watched 'again, again, again' the videos of Ben although he kept insisting it was Clementine. I love him in the fountain.
    Have a wonderful time with your sister.
    Clementine+Ben=LURVE
    aidan x

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