We took Rufus for a long walk a couple of nights ago. Despite the hour - after 9:00 pm - it seemed that every Hill resident was out walking a dog. It was a crisp, dry night - the first non-damp, non-rainy, non-muddy night we've had in awhile, and the dogs were out in force.
We were taking one last long loop up A Street NE before heading home, when we looked up and saw a dog and his person heading our way. Rufus and a fashionably-jacketed Pomeranian started politely sniffing, and we realized we'd run into
Donna Brazile and
her dog Chip. We often see them playing fetch and playing with other dogs in a park near our house. We'd read all about Chip in a
Washingtonian magazine article:
"Chip travels with Brazile--from Florida (he swims and surfs) to the Virginia mountains (he skis). He's frequently gone to work with her. An Andy Warhol-style painting of Chip hangs in Brazile's Capitol Hill home, along with photos of Chip with Santa and dressed up for Halloween."
Chip's even more of a jet-setter than Rufus, who lives in London, but of course summers on Martha's Vineyard.
Rufus and Chip continued sniffing and promptly got their leashes tangled, so Seth had to do the "happy leash dance" with Ms. Brazile to get the dogs untangled. Ms. Brazile laughed in her sonorous New Orleans-tinged voice, introduced us to "Chip-Chip" and showed us how much he loves to fetch his ball.
So, Rufus now knows Chip, at least as a passing acquaintance. Rufus was quite polite and a very good dog. It was what passes for an exciting night on a winter weekday on Capitol Hill.
Rufus waits under the tree for his presents. He got some delicious treats, and lots of petting.
Rufus covets the Yule ham. (This pose might look familiar!)
After dinner, Rufus naps under the tree...
...and on the floor....
...and by the fire. The holidays are exhausting, after all.
...in front of the fire....
...and on the sofa with Seth. This dog is definitely a Kaufman.
Rufus's little cousin Abbie thought Rufus would look great in her long pearl necklace.
Rufus is not so sure. He looks to Seth for a second opinion on Abbie's fashion choice.
Seth assures Rufus that he is still a "real dog."
Rufus' "Jackie O" look.
We like to call this photo "Dog Tired."
The poor allergic dog wants the steak sandwiches. 
Sitting politely is good, but it will only get you so far.
Poor dog hasn't given up yet. Mmmmmm......steak.......
Every night, Rufus attacks his bed and puts in upside down. It doesn't seem to be affecting his sleep.
