Specifically this one:

Dog in Shades/Too Cool for Me

Meta information is typically information about information.  In the case of a photograph, the meta information might be the location, the time of day, f/stop, shutter speed, weather conditions, etc.

A couple of days ago I was given an update from a relative of this dog (well, the owner), making it information about the location where the photo was taken – meta-meta-information. The news isn’t really good, I’m afraid: the owner sold the building, and the new owners apparently don’t allow pets.  So out goes the dog and his owner, it seems.

In a way, as someone who has lived in Alaska for some time and who has traveled around, I find this sad. Most places are so homogeneous that there’s nothing special to ‘em.  Lahaina is like Waikiki is like downtown Kona is like Cozumel is like the San Diego piers is like Catalina is like Long Beach is like any other beach in California is like… well, you get the picture.  And yeah, each location has its own flavor, language, and feel, but the similarities are striking.  Businesses strive for consistency, land owners strive for higher property values…

…So it’s rare to find something that really sticks in your mind. Ketchikan does that, if you’re a tourist, but only somewhat: it’s nice, rustic-ish yet homey in a Pacific NW sorta way. When the fish are running, you can catch ‘em right in the middle of town – that’s something you won’t forget anytime soon.  And these dogs (there is more than one): You just don’t forget ‘em.

Now Ketchikan is a little more forgettable.

Disclaimer: of course, all of this is predicated on the commenter being honest, but I have no reason to disbelieve the core of the information.