Happy Birthday, Bear!
Bear’s birthday was April 2, and this year my human companion (HC) kept it really low key.
No big sheet cake. No gathering of friends. Just me and my HC having a fancy cupcake and blowing out a single candle. I asked BarkGPT (a dog translator app) to provide some general thoughts on the human/canine relationship. Here is what it said:
“The relationship between humans and dogs is one of the oldest and most unique interspecies bonds on Earth. It’s not just companionship—it’s a deeper, mutually beneficial connection shaped by evolution, biology, and culture. Basically, we hung out together, and us canines figured out how to look cute and beg for food. We also helped with chores around the homestead like guarding the turf, herding sheep, sniffing out bad guys, etc.”
The output concludes: “The human-canine connection is a rare example of two species evolving into emotional partners. It blends biology, psychology, and shared history into something that feels intuitive—almost instinctive.”
Now, I am not saying that dogs have cornered the market on this relationship, but I will say that between me and HC, we got a really good thing goin’ on. I invite you to share your thoughts on your relationship with an animal. Send a Letter to the Editor or reply on socials.
I want to recognize a phenomenon that seems to happen every holiday. I do my best to sniff out the holiday decorations that people set up, but I realize that it’s a big island, and I am bound to miss a few. So, it is natural for folks to contact me and let me know I missed their yard. To remedy this year’s deficiency, I am posting pictures of places I missed and thank those that contacted me so I could do a walk-by. In order, please enjoy the yards at 1615 Chapin Street, 2621 Central Avenue, and the sidewalk art on Alameda Avenue.
While walking along the 1800 block of Alameda Avenue, I happened upon a beautiful pink-and-green plant called Beschorneria or Mexican Lily. Judging by the name, I assumed it is native to Mexico. Once again, I went to BarkGPT to get the intel on this plant. It is very popular in Bay Area yards, is drought resistant, and hummingbirds love the nectar.
In the same block, someone put up a new Hummingbird feeder, and for you trivia buffs, the house on the left across the street is the place where Jim Morrison once lived.
Occasionally, I have reported on boxes of food that people place by the curb to give away. The last time I reported on a food find was a bunch of boxes of Saltine crackers. On Tuesday, I came across a box of Frosted Mini Wheats. It smelled fine, but it made me wonder how many people would take this box home and consume the product. Would you?
Under the heading of random sightings, I was on Eighth Street when I saw this skeleton hanging from the window of the duplex. Just another reminder that Halloween is right around the corner.
I am closing out this week’s report with a final update on the renovation of the property located at 1617 Central Avenue. Over the years, I have reported on all the work that the owners have done to restore what many recognized as the house in the worst condition in Alameda. Last week, I noticed that curtains were installed on all the windows and lights can be seen at night in the upper floors. Big thanks to the owners who took the time, money, and effort to bring this beauty back to its former glory.
It’s a rainy weekend. Hope you stay warm and dry.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
