I know, I know -- April showers bring May flowers. I suppose I should consider myself lucky -- we have entered a period of daily rain and at the moment I do not have a dog to walk. At least not in the physical meaning of ownership. Sadey is still constantly on my mind. Getting up without her greeting, taking a shower without her licking the shower door, going downstairs and ... not going out immediately for a walk with her. Okay, so the rain and mud outside make this part at least a bit of a relief. Short-lived. Breakfast without Sadey is a sad state of affairs.
I've paused my usual reading to dive more deeply into dog books. I used to do this with dogs I cared for many decades ago, but I haven't gone back to it this time around. People are much more likely to watch video clips that address particular dog issues that worry them, but we don't look for a comprehensive overview anymore. Much of what I've learned about today's science on dog care and dog training comes from dog classes and dog people I've met out there. With the occasional video and online report thrown in. But the book approach is so much better! It gives a fuller picture, covering topics you don't know are relevant until you read them and think to yourself -- wow, that' useful information! Lesson learned: just because you raised dogs in the past does not make you well equipped to raise dogs today. The science has changed. Dog ownership has changed. Dog availability has changed. It's a brave new world out there!
Just before noon, I meet up with Ed for lunch at Tati's. His idea and one I like. Our neighborhood coffee shop is adored by residents, but it's a very theoretical adoration. The place is almost always empty and they have been cutting back hours as a result. If we don't use it, I'm sure we'll lose it.
And then I'm back on kid duty: pick ups, feedings, and transports to Sally's House.
(yellow boots on a gray day)
(at Hubbard Diner)
(running in the rain)
(Sally's House games)
Because I do not have a dog at doggie daycare, I let their dad pick the kids up here. Funny how much Henry and then Sadey shaped my day! Transporting them to the other side of town took time. And yet, I felt I had to give them that play experience. You learn a lot about dog socialization in the pup literature of today. A quiet home for the day is not exactly a great way to get your dog to feel comfortable with other canines or their owners. Doggie daycare isn't just there to address their separation anxiety. If done well, it serves many good purposes, in the same way that schools, when done well, are essential for a kid's full development. And indeed, both Henry and Sadey were exceptionally adept at managing play with other dogs. My next dog will most certainly have doggie daycare hours as well.
Ed comes over while the kids are still here. Sweet guy is helping me put together a lawn mower. (Okay, "helping me" is inaccurate -- I'm not doing any of it.) The young two leave, he and I linger on the couch, I fix a light supper. Like old times, though once the strong storm warnings come at us, he's off to look after the farmhouse animals.
A quiet evening for me. To reflect, to read, to burn my candle -- of hope this time. For the well being of sweet Sadey. I love you, old girl, I really love you.
with so much love...
