FC LIFE March 2018

Column by Lois Stern

Photography by Andrea Finkel

My Life at Frenchman's by Benny Elgort (mini labradoodle)

I never thought at the age of three I would retire, let alone move to Florida with what I heard other dogs say, the alte kacker land. It was beyond my doggy bed dreams. I arrived here almost 2 years ago and all I can say is, "this place barks." Each morning I wake up to the sun shinning and taking early walks with my mom before my dad awakens. I get to stop in my tracks for Dr. Greenberg passing me by and I continue to wag my tail waiting for Uncle Jerry to shout out from his golf cart and stop to give me rubs. Being a New Yorker at heart, this was a big transition. No smog,

no horns, no search for a place to do my business, just pure sunshine and land. I love it here. Every day my Mom and Dad take me for a ride in their golf cart. Who would have thought a golf cart ride would be so much fun off the golf course? I get to see other dogs as much as I want: Minnie, Ben, Echo, Cody, Sequel and others. I haven't gone to the dog park yet or let myself be photographed by Lois before because I am shy. Mom takes me to agility every Wednesday at Doggie Days and that is my most favorite thing to do other than getting in trouble when Mom and Dad leave me alone for a long time. At school I do the A frame, run through tunnels, weave in and out through poles, do the walk and so much more. It is harder for mom than for me. FYI get your mom and dad mentally fit and bring them to agility. It is harder for the owner than it is for the dog. Living in Frenchman's is living the dream. I can go to breakfast with my girlfriend Minnie from Limoge at the 19th hole dog area or take a yoga class or CPR training with Cora. I get tons of hugs and I have learned how to open every door and tepee the house with toilet paper when mom and Dad leave me too long. I can play my piano and get extra treats. As you can see from picture I treasure my afternoon naps long after my gecko hunt. Feel free to come by and see me play the piano. Until then keep shining. Licks and woofs, Benny Elgort

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