Animal shelters testify that black dogs are the last to get adopted. This makes no sense, particularly if you know my buddy black-Jack. His cousin-dog, Sydney, is black, too, as are three other neighborhood dogs. As a matter of fact, these five black dogs appear so often on the beach they have a name: The Black Club.

Although a handful of other dogs visit the beach every day, none of them have wanted to be in the club. The dogs try to have a daily meeting, but because they don’t wear watches, some of the members are late or even no-shows. Jack and Sydney, however, are always present and accounted for.

These two love their club and call the meetings to order by rolling in the sand. When they come up for air, both have sand in their eyes, up their noses and coating their coats. As they move through the agenda, dune-romping comes next. They’ll chase each other up and down but always take time for a second roll, this one in the tall grasses. Today Jack rolled so enthusiastically he tumbled down the dune by mistake, like a sea lion sliding down wet rocks.

Although the Black Club allows only friendly canine members to join, they can appear threatening as they race up to greet beach walkers. But all club members are cooperative with humans, and they practice the art of tail-wagging to prove they’re not up to any mischief.

Hole-digging is always on the agenda, as is swimming. Once in a while a member will make a motion to chew on driftwood, but several have been brought up for disciplinary measures after eating dead fish washed up by the waves.

Black Club dogs always feel free to produce piles at the beach, which is when their masters move in with plastic bags to scoop up these productions and take them home.

Refreshments are faithfully served at club meetings with an open bar and an all-you-can-drink philosophy.  “Creek Cocktails” are the steady favorite, although “Lake Licks” are also popular. Midway through meetings, a recess is called and naps are encouraged, although sleeping needs to remain light in case additional club members arrive and need welcoming. The preferred greeting is always nose-to-rear. This afternoon a canine three-some played “Ring Around the Rosie” in this well-loved nose-to-rear formation, enjoying each others best ends during the exercise.

After club meetings adjourn, members like to hang out and fellowship together, keeping their noses flared, should picnickers be nearby. If the need arises, they’re available to help clean out cooler contents.

Black Club members love being dogs. They never strive to be what they’re not, and they make the most of the abilities God gave them. Enthusiasm for life is one of their best qualities, and they lavish it on humans and other animals alike. At the end of a busy day, they fall asleep dreaming of club meetings at the beach and wiggle with delight even when unconscious. All members are especially looking forward to the upcoming dog-days of summer.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4)