First Take: Birthday beef

Every year for his birthday, I cook a steak for our Boston terrier, Bentley – or Grandmaster B, as he prefers to be addressed. He was born on Aug. 26, 2008, which means he turned 18 this year. For a Boston terrier, that's basically the same as being 110 in human years. Most dogs his size don't make it past 14 or 15, so every birthday feels like we're breaking some kind of Guinness World Record. And Bentley knows it. He struts around like he's the world's oldest living meat‑critic, judging my steak like Gordon Ramsay in a tiny tuxedo. But honestly, I don't mind. If cooking one fancy steak keeps Grandmaster B happy in his golden years, I'll keep firing up the grill. He's earned it – and frankly, he scares me a little when he doesn't get his way, or his ribeye. Maybe the best summer smell is whichever one makes you pause, breathe in, and remember that even the hottest days have their bright spots Partly cloudy. Low 86F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy. Low 86F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 103F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Family members may submit obituaries of their loved ones here.