My AC went out in Arizona and while I waited for the warranty company, who proved useless, I went to San Diego to stay with my son and his new puppy. His wife was in Jupiter, Florida living the high life so it was up to Jonah and myself to train the puppy. Or should I say the puppy trained us?

San Diego is very dog friendly. Even though people live in very tiny houses, they have very big dogs. It’s such a friendly and beautiful city and why shouldn’t it be? Who wouldn’t be happy living by the gorgeous water and balmy weather of California perfection. Now, I’m a Northern California girl, but I would pick San Diego or Santa Barbara any day of the week if I had the money. Such a great city and may I just say as a new Arizona resident that if you go back to California, the manic aggressive driving comes right back to you. No issues there.

My son just got out of the Marines, so he has some free time on his hands until he goes back to school. He and his wife have been using their Quarantine time to housesit the dogs in their condo building. And in doing so, fell in love with a Boxer. My son had to have one of his own and started the mad hunt for a Boxer — which ironically came from our old home near San Jose, CA. He flew up and stayed with his in-laws the first night. Then, he was on his own. This is when my AC broke down and I needed a place to stay. I packed up and we outfitted the house so that dog is SET!

Anyway, my theory is dog people are happy people. So dog-friendly cities make for happier cities. I can’t prove this of course, but I have a grand puppy who has been loved everywhere we went. Malls, restaurants, and on Downtown walks. (Even though we kept her in her bag for most of the walks since she’s so young.)

So pictures don’t do this dog justice. Her brindle is very tiger-like and her face is gorgeous, but it doesn’t show up well in pictures.