2018 began as a continuation of 2017 but things unexpectedly changed in mid-January when, in a routine visit, my Vet noticed a bump in my abdomen and diagnosed it as a spleen tumor, a dangerous condition that can be cancerous or fatal if not removed.  A biopsy was high risk so, with insights from the Vet, my guardians decided on an operation, a splenectomy, and before I knew it, I was awakening in the hospital without my spleen and 2 or so pounds lighter.  Whew!  The symptom I had often means cancer but I was lucky to dodge that!  Heartening to my family, in a week or so I was recovered and felt as good as new! 

Above: Christmas Eve, 2017 with family friend Lynn; with my guardians the Sunday before my operation; meeting new friend

For 5 months after my operation Laguna Beach life continued routinely in that remarkable, wonderful community.  

Then in June I noticed boxes being packed and I was soon in the Subaru for a long drive and change of residency back to SF.  My guardians had decided to return to their city of several decades and purchased a condo in Pacific Heights they named for me, Wally’s Place.  It’s close to the ground and handy to the 4 walks I take each day.

As I look back, I liked a several things about Laguna Beach a lot:  the nearby relatives, the beaches (especially Main and Woods Cove), and my career of being a pal and good listener for humans.  The main negative for me was the rather warm summer weather.

Above, clockwise from upper left: Quiet morn at Main Beach; Meeting some volleyball players; new friend, name unknown; famous lifeguard stand and Kai, the head lifeguard, whose foot I’m sitting on like I do with others too!; with my guardian; in yellow top is Lasse who bicycles in many mornings – this was my last morning in Laguna

After moving back to San Francisco, I really enjoyed getting to know my new neighborhood, which is just 7-8 blocks (which include a large hill) from my old.  A favorite feature of the neighborhood is the San Francisco Public Library’s Presidio Branch – it is right across the street and features an architecturally correct building and a nice city park with lots of grass and, often, peers from the neighborhood. These peers include Ruby & Koa, fellow residents of my building.