a Millie day

Yes, there are still tasks to take care of in the garden (think of this as a constant). And yes, there's always the paperwork that lags behind a move. But Millie has priority today. I want to work through some of the issues she has faced with the move. She's a gentle and sensitive pup and if I ever needed proof of that -- well, I have plenty of it that came with the move.

Her barking at any activity outside (here she is, in position!)...

... you might say is just a puppy thing, perhaps specific to this breed, this dog, this age. Except I don't fully buy that. Millie barks when she doesn't understand who that person (or dog or other living form) is and what their intentions are. At Sally's House, once she understood that construction workers are a fixture and that they will not attack her and pull her limbs out one by one, she ignored them. She dismissed angry dogs, delivery trucks, cars pulling out of driveways with her nose up, as if to say "I cant be bothered with the whole lot of you." I want to get her to that place now, because at the moment, everything that is strange and new can set her off and whereas I do not really mind her barks and songs, I'd rather she learn to hold it in sometime.

Morning walk, morning light...

 

 

We eat breakfast outside...

After a few cuddles, Millie relaxes and keeps an eye on the construction crew next door quietly.

 

 

But then comes the yard and a new set of noises and movements. Again, we cuddle, I let her loose, she is concerned about something, barks, I pick her up, snuggle, let loose. On repeat. But by noon she is visibly more relaxed. We walk over to Tati's coffee shop for lunch with Ed. Typically the cafe is pretty empty in the early afternoon. Not so today. And again she's unsure. All those new people! But, she gets her pup cup and a spot on the couch next to me. Life is good again.

In the late afternoon, I pick up Snowdrop from her summer program and bring her... home. To my home.

This place suits you, I like it  -- she tells me. Indeed it does! 

Sandpiper comes (with dad) to pick her up and he, too, is approving. But of course, kids are easy to please. The younger they are the fewer the judgments. Still, it's great to see everyone with all smiles. And Millie relaxes even more with the little ones here. I can see it in her eyes -- it's just like in my other life, same goofy kids, same belly rubs, same damn brush she uses on me! 

But once you're done with that chair, little guy, it's my turn. There are still some strange noises and movements out there that I need to bark at.

with so much love...