When Mom pulls on her tennis shoes ,it’s time to get jiggy with it. Bust-a-move. Gotta think fast. Visions of dogs, squirrels, birds and nasty garbage trash dance in my head. I gotta get out there to get some material for tomorrow’s blog post. I have less than 30 days to drink all the smells of San Francisco in. I must secure an invitation on the walk no matter the cost.
Let’s see. Let’s quickly go through the checklist. Do I have my best shameless “aw, come on, bring me too” face to guilt Mom into bringing me along? Check. Did I run down the stairs to block the door or quickly sneak out if Mom’s not fast enough to catch me? Check. Did I not let Mom out of my sight for even a second? Check. Bingo! She got the message. Harness is on. I’m in.
We hit the road. By the backseat window, I push my face into the wind. Ginger, soy sauce and salt air whip through my nostrils as we cruise through the Inner Sunset toward the beach. We drive a little longer than usual . The salt air and seagulls are killing me! I’m ready for the beach. Bark! Bark! Come on Mom, let’s go here! Hold on. Detour. Mom turned away from the beach and up the hill. 
What the hell is she doing? Let’s hit the beach, Mom! The car is turning in somewhere. Sign says Fort Funston. Doesn’t look familiar. We park. Whatever. Let’s go! Leaping out of the car, I’m ready. Bring it on, birds! I’m onto you all! They taunt me everywhere I look. Heaven! Let the games begin.
Those birds over there are huge! I overheard Mom say they are hand gliders not birds. Hum, don’t know if I buy it. They look like birds to me. Bark! Bark!
Tags: bay area, cross country travel with dog, dog parks, fort funston, Fritz, king charles spaniels, pet car seats, san francisco, spaniels, travel with dog
