Chugging Along

Susan and I are dog people. We keep our canine companions close whether we’re working, adventuring, playing, or sleeping. So, needless to say, our dogs (Tasha, Griffin, and Carley) have all been comfortable around construction sites. And we’re comfortable with dogs on site. Even Susan, who tends to worry about risks more than I (and who overprotects our pups more than I), has long become habituated to our dog — and sometimes the dogs of others working with us — navigating contractors, construction equipment, and the hurly-burly of an active construction site chugging along.

Chugging along indeed!

Today I rewind our Rosslyn adventure to April 23, 2007 so that I can remember fondly, and introduce you to, Chug, the late Labrador retriever of Bob Kaleita. Still a curious and exuberant puppy when these photographs were taken during the first spring of our historic rehabilitation project, Chug’s charm shines through even eighteen years later.

Bob’s team was a frequent part of the action during that first year or so, tackling an ongoing punch list of site work projects including foundation excavation, drainage and mechanicals installation, septic systems installation, and general sitework including painstakingly salvaging locally quarried limestone from earlier generations of foundations and cisterns for repurposing later. (It’s worth noting that the latter was not Bob’s favorite, but he did an exceptional job nevertheless.)

All the while Bob’s 4-legged buddy was chugging along, keeping pace with the busy buzz of the job site. So many books and crannies to explore, so many people to play with.

From time to time Chug settled in for a midday nap. A shady spot under in the shade of Bob’s truck. Or wherever he happened to be when the realization crossed his mind that he was tuckered out. Stop. Drop. Sleep…

I’ll wrap up with this poor quality but fun photo of my bride with Tasha, our Labrador retriever in those early Rosslyn days, and Chug. Tasha was fascinated with this miniature version of herself, so full of spunk and mischief. So many years later, both have passed on to the canine Elysian Fields. Both are remembered fondly, and both are part of our Rosslyn memories and story. Thank you, Bob!