The Real Colonel
The Oldest in Our Family
The eldest in our family is my master’s father-in-law. For everyone, he is simply Grandpa.
It’s commonly said that one dog year equals seven human years. By that count, Grandpa is almost twice as old as I am — and I am already seven!
What amazes me is that at 86 years old, Grandpa’s desire and ability to maintain an active life, filled with work, creativity, and movement, could make anyone much younger envy him. He often explains to my master that this ability was developed during his long years of service in the army. One of the main principles, he says, is strict adherence to a daily routine.
That, I understand very well. My masters taught me to eat at 6:00 PM sharp. Now my “inner clock” keeps track of the time all by itself, and I never let them forget. At 5:59 I’m already standing with my bowl, reminding them to serve dinner. Grandpa lives the same way — always on schedule.
Grandpa’s Daily Routine
Wake up, breakfast. In between — morning exercise and helping my masters prepare the meal.
Grandpa once told my master that he can lie on his back and lift his legs over his head a hundred times. Later it turned out he meant spread out across the day — but still, I can’t even imagine doing such a thing, let alone at his age!
After breakfast comes a short rest, then a walk to the ocean. Upon returning, he reports to my masters: “Walked three or four kilometers, tired, need a little rest, now ready to work.” The day’s “front of work” is already set.
Work with short breaks until lunch. After lunch, some rest, then more work — at the computer or with his coins. Grandpa writes books, on all kinds of topics. Right now he’s fascinated by theories about the origins of humanity on Earth. It’s interesting to listen to his conversations with my master about such lofty matters — especially if I know there are treats in my master’s left pocket. Then I can stay by their side for hours.
A couple of years ago, Grandpa also decided to collect working coins from every country in the world. And he’s already gathered more than 90%! He recently reported this with great pride.
Creative work usually goes on until about 8:00 PM. After that — yogurt, the news, maybe a movie, sometimes sitting by the fireplace on a cold evening, and finally bed closer to midnight.
By the Fireplace
Work in the Garden
Every day my master assigns a “front of work” for Grandpa — at Grandpa’s own request. By his schedule, he must spend 3–4 hours a day doing physical labor.
Of course, Grandpa only lifts the sledgehammer for photo shoots, but he truly works in the garden every day. And there’s always something to do there. I help him as best I can.
With a stick in my teeth on the paved canvas
In the garden there is a fine paved area under a tree. Grandpa and my master call it “the paved canvas.” I love lying there, but my masters dislike the way grass keeps pushing up between the stones. They had tried everything, and then cleverly explained to Grandpa that this should be his duty.
First, it’s outdoors. Second, it’s not too heavy (though a bit monotonous). Third, it’s right next to his resting spot. And most importantly — it’s a task that never ends. With each visit, the moss and grass return. Perfect for Grandpa: now, until he arrives, my masters don’t even touch the paved canvas. They wait for him.
Work on the front line
Adventures and Hobbies
Grandpa’s routine includes plenty of other adventures too.
Like flying in an airplane. My master loves to tell the story: during a flight, the pilot handed Grandpa the controls. Grandpa turned to my master and asked where the autopilot button was. But the plane was just a training aircraft — no autopilot at all, only a second yoke. Grandpa didn’t believe it, gave the yoke a little tug, and the plane rocked its wings dramatically. Luckily, the pilot had quick reflexes!
Flying in an aeroplane
We also love accompanying our masters on shopping trips. True, only Grandpa is allowed into the stores, while I wait in the car. But they can’t do it without us. The car ends up packed with delicious-smelling bags. I love sticking my nose in, while Grandpa pretends to be annoyed when I poke my head past his shoulder. After every trip, I always get a treat — and I’m sure Grandpa does too.
In the car for shopping
Sometimes we all go on plein-air trips, visiting interesting spots on the island. I enjoy walking with Grandpa — he doesn’t rush, and my master lets me sniff everything along the way. There are many dogs on the island, so I always get a chance to mark my territory. My master often turns these walks into photo hunts: ruins, the ocean, flowers. I don’t mind. My fee is modest: one treat per photo. Grandpa enjoys it too.
Along the ruins
Grandpa also loves swimming in our pool, playing five games of billiards in the evening, climbing ropes, standing at the wheel of a great sailing ship, and much more. Click the button below to see the evidence in the Photo Gallery. It’s astonishing how he manages to do it all.
And somewhere beyond all of that, Grandpa receives two pensions and still works as a lawyer. Sometimes he even gets business calls here.
Our True Colonel
That’s our Grandpa. A true Colonel, as my master always proudly says.
