VERO BEACH — When I called Lola, a 10-year-old cairn terrier, I was really disappointed. Lola told me she and her human parents, Carole and Tom Kubachka, had already returned to Pennsylvania.
“We arrived to Sea Oaks on December 30th and we only stay in Vero for a couple of months,” Lola said. “Let me tell you something Bonzo, I’m not a happy camper. I’m freezing my tail off.”
“Don’t you watch the Weather Channel or the network news?” I asked. “They haven’t exactly been keeping it a secret that it has been a lousy winter up north.”
“Well, when I’m in Vero I’m terribly busy,” Lola said. “It figures the one time I made the time to send you an email, you chose not to get back to me promptly.”
Uh oh.
“Well, Lola,” I said, “it’s season here, and…”
“Whatever Bonzo,” Lola said cutting me off. “Better late than never, I suppose. What do you want to know about me?”
“Anything you’d like to tell me Lola,” I said warily.
“Well, for most of the year, I live in Pennsylvania and that’s fine but there are only a few squirrels to chase. But in Vero, I look forward to chasing those rascally, slithery geckos. And I’ve been known to catch a few geckos in my day. I caught three last year and one this year.”
“No way,” I said greatly impressed. “How’d you manage to do that?”
“My breed has big paws,” Lola explained. “And long ago, we cairn terriers were bred to be ratters and catch vermin. It’s in my blood. Gross, I know, Bonzo. The geckos are actually icky. I don’t get why my parents get all kinds of crazy when I have one in my mouth. It’s not like I’m going to eat it. Ewww…
“But I’ll let you in on a secret, Bonz,” Lola said. “Even though I’m happy to drop the disgusting gecko from my mouth, I wait until my parents offer me a snack before I let it go.”
“Wow, I never thought of doing that,” I said.
“Anyway, like I said, I also love going to the beach and chasing the sandpipers.”
“Me too,” I said.
“Bonzo, would you quit interrupting me?” Lola asked.
Jeez, Lola’s bossy.
“I’m not supposed to be a water-loving dog, but I love the water and waves. My mom helped me realize how much fun I can have on the beach. Unfortunately, I always have my leash on so I haven’t had the opportunity to catch one of those sandpipers. My parents would probably cramp my style and freak out if I caught one.”
“Well Lola, it sounds to me like you’re ready to live in Vero Beach for more than two months a year,” I said.
“Tell me about it, Bonzo,” Lola said. “Dad and I would love to live in Vero Beach all year. We just have to convince Mom.”
Best of luck with that, Lola…
Till next time,
The Bonz
