Charlie catching rays on the deck:

Charlie watching for squirrels:

Notice where he plants his front feet when he’s out there? Why do you suppose he does that? My last dog, Annie, did the same thing. What’s the deal with having the front paws down one step? Weird.

Then, just a few days ago, after literally years of puzzling, it finally dawned on me:

With a post on each side, sitting like this is the only way to get an unobstructed view of the yard.

D’oh. I can’t believe it took me so long to figure it out.

(I know, I know, it was obvious to you immediately. Maybe with me it’s just been a case of being too close to the obvious. Or of my central processor being really old. Or something … But better late than never, eh? At least now I can stop wondering.)