Gilbert’s photo shoot
Gilbert took part in a photo shoot the Monday before the 4th of July. Gilbert is a photogenic lad, with his large and caring brown eyes. However, it is tricky to get a good shot of a black dog. In fact, I once read that people avoid taking black dogs as a pet for this very reason. In my last article, I discussed the fact that Lions Club International was very interested in publishing an article about Gilbert and Lu to inform the public about diabetic alert dogs. Since problems with eyesight can be a complication for diabetics, the Lions Club is now focusing on Type I and Type II diabetics, as well as the Leader Dog Program. Lu’s blood sugar happened to be low that day, and after quick introductions, Christine, from Christine Olson Photo, went into action, arranging shots in the shade of a crab apple tree in our backyard.
Lions Club International was especially interested in my article about Gilbert and Lu’s bike riding exploits. So, after a quick glass of juice, Christine and Lu and Gilbert went to a nearby grove of walnut and ash trees that formed a lovely canopy over a quiet lane. It was towards the end of the day, so the light was mellow and softly filtering through the trees. Lu’s blood sugar was still on the low end of the spectrum, so Gilbert kept alerting him the entire time, and Christine snapped continuous pictures of the two of them interacting. Gilbert was very attentive and performed like the pro he has been trained to be. Eventually, Lu hopped on his bike and Gilbert kept perfect stride beside him, matching his pace to Lu’s speed, as though he has been trained to do so. Gilbert was perfectly happy trotting alongside the bike. Gilbert has always done this dance with the bike so naturally; Lu speculates he was trained to trot next to a wheelchair. At the end of the lane, Gilbert hopped on Lu’s lap, and the pair rode down a hill together, the photographer shooting photos all the while. Gilbert seemed content, and from the look on his face, to enjoy taking an occasional joyride with his best friend.
Fresh Fruits and Yogurt Ice Pops
Make your own fresh fruit-filled popsicles by blending assorted summer berries and sliced bananas with yogurt, then freezing the tasty mixture in small paper cups with popsicle sticks.
2 cups fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sliced bananas, mixed
2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup white sugar
8 small paper cups
8 popsicle sticks
Blend the mixed fruit, yogurt and sugar until the desired consistency. Fill paper cups 3/4 full with the fruit mixture. Cover the top of each cup with a strip of aluminum foil. Polk a popsicle stick through the center of the foil on each cup. Place the cups in the freezer for at least five hours. To serve, remove foil and peel off the paper cup. Enjoy on a hot summer day.
Dogs can easily overheat on a warm summer day. Lu will fill a thermos with ice and water to take on a bike ride or when they go out in the community. Gilbert loves this icy mixture!