Yesterday was National Work Like a Dog Day. My tour manager Llily Llama and producer Philip Sloth thought that it would be nice if I gave my fans a behind the scenes look at what my day is like as an up and coming rock star. Some may think my day is all about writing music, publicity photos, going to exotic places, and hanging out with fellow celebrities. In reality, my day is a lot more relatable than many would assume.
Unlike most rock stars who keep late hours, I like to rise and shine early in the morning. Most days begin well before sunrise. This is my time to be helpful before my day gets too busy. I like to arrange Mom’s shoes and organize Dad’s socks. Occasionally I find a long lost toy under the bed too, while I help tidy up the bedroom. It usually isn’t long though, before Mom hears my happy tail wagging a beat against some piece of furniture, and decides to get up for the day with me. So as not to have Mom wake Dad, I usually lead her downstairs.
Hydration is important for a rock star, so while I take a long drink of water, Mom heads outside to do a security sweep. Occasionally I have super fans, like Mr. Skunk and Miss Porcupine, who like to wait in the yard early in the morning to catch a glimpse of me. Although I love meeting my fans, I also like my privacy. Mom politely shoos them away, before ushering me out to stretch my legs for morning zoomies.
After that cardio workout to get the blood pumping and clear the cobwebs in my head, Mom and I usually head back inside. This is our special time. She will pet me as we savor the quiet of the morning, while anticipating the day ahead. Sure most rock stars long for the roar of the crowd, but life is also about having balance by enjoying the still moments too. Sometimes it feels like the old days, when at any moment Angel Chuck Billy will come running down the stairs in search of breakfast. Alas, those days are no more. Dad however does eventually join us, and that begins the flurry of morning activities.
It being summer, I begin by going on neighborhood patrol before the heat of the day arrives. Even though I’m a rock star, I find it important to do my civic duty of watching over my neighborhood. I also use this time to work out the lyrics of new songs, often bouncing ideas off of Mom as we walk, and occasionally literally bouncing off her as we dance down the street. Once the neighborhood is deemed secure, and I’ve greeted a few early rising fans, I head back home to enjoy breakfast. Mom and Dad are very slow eaters compared to me, so this is when I usually take my first nap of the day to collect my thoughts. Then there is one more trip outside for a quick game of fetch, and to practice my squeaky ball solos for upcoming concerts. After that it’s time to head upstairs to the office, sometimes with my squeaky ball, if I’m working on a new song.
Once in the office, I settle down to supervise Mom and Dad work. I’m paws on when it comes to every aspect of my music career. Therefore as Chief Executive Dog, it is my job to make sure my staff get their work done. I assume my position under Mom or Dad’s desk, or sometimes under both desks if I really stretch out, or next to one of their chairs. It’s good to have options and be flexible. There I will slowly drift off to sleep while listening to the tapping of the keyboard or talking in a meeting. Just as they have meetings to attend, I have my own appointments in Dreamland, that cannot be missed.
Around lunchtime Mom will wake me to give me the second round of my eyedrops. Then we head outside again. It is good to keep Mom active after sitting at her desk for hours, so she will be ready for the next stop Asa’s World Tour of Maine. Usually we play fetch, or if Dad is available to join us, and the summer temperatures are cooperating, we go for a short walk. On the really hot days though, we play fetch inside the house. This is my equivalent of partying in a hotel room. But those stories are for my memoirs.
It is in the afternoon when I take up my watch dog duty at the office window. I do it not for security reasons, but rather for inspiration. I like to watch the squirrels playing the yard, the chipmunks enjoying a midday snack, and the occasional runner or bicyclist passing my home. Oh and the birds! I like to close my eye and listen to their sweet tunes. There always seems to be the hum of a lawn mower, a leaf blower, or the air conditioner, depending on the day too. You never know where the inspiration for a new song will come from, so it is good to be alert. I’ll stay at my post, until either Dad announces, “Quitting Time!” or Mom asks, “would you like your dinner, Asa?” That is my signal to head back downstairs.
As with any rock star, the evening brings with it another flurry of activity. There are more trips outside, supervising dinner preparations, enjoying dinner, and of course my evening neighborhood patrol shift. Not only is this when I take time to greet my adoring fans, it is also much needed downtime for my staff. A happy human is a socialized human, so I take this time to let Mom and Dad chat with the neighbors on my walk. Does it slow down patrol and take away from quality time with my stuffies? Yes. But after discussing it with the other dogs in the neighborhood, we all agree it is a necessary part of our day.
Finally, the day is winding to a close. Sure you would expect most up and coming rock stars to be getting ready to put on a show, but to be honest I prefer matinees to evening concerts. I use this time to check in with my tour manager Llily Llama and producer Philip Sloth, in case they have updates about my summer tour and recording career. Just between you and me, Llily Llama is all about the hustle, while Philip Sloth takes a more methodical slower pace. Alright, I admit I’ve been known to drift off to sleep during his presentations. Eventually, I’m gently stirred awake, by “Asa bedtime!” Again there is a security sweep of the yard for curious fans, and a long drink of water, before I go out. Finally I make my last ascent of the stairs, back to the bedroom where it all began.
