Dog Day Thoughts

I’m pretty wiped out from doing so much outside in the heat. I know Apache and I are both looking forward to the promised cold front. But today is National Dog Day in the US, so I’ll focus on the dogs for once.

Starting from small to large, Vlassic is doing very well, still staying in the garage apartment with Lee’s older brother. He’s a great companion and gives Jim purpose. Vlassic is no longer solid black. His head is quite salt-and-pepper, and the rest of his body has white hairs, but he has not slowed down one bit. He loves to sit in the sun and go visit the horses. At least he no longer tries to herd cattle.

Penney is next in size. She is still the most neurotic dog I’ve ever owned, and perhaps that I’ve ever met. It’s hard to be nice to her, because if you pet her, she starts whining and groveling and trying to lick you. She must have had a weird puppyhood. She hates loud noises, but can occasionally be brave and bark at perceived intruders.

I notice, though, that she lets the resident rabbits graze peacefully in the yard quite close to her. They also graze close to me. I think they’re becoming domesticated.

Goldie wouldn’t have let those rabbits in HER yard! But Penney does. And she’s happy in her neurotic way. She enjoys sitting with Lee in his chair, and sleeping under my desk while I work.

Carlton is Penney’s favorite playmate. Each evening they have to have their episode of running around and playing, either indoors or out.

Carlton is still one great dog. We enjoy him so much. He’s friendly, funny, and beautiful. I love that he always sleeps with me in bed, like he’s the other person. He even uses a pillow. (Lee is in his recliner next to us.)

I just love watching him run around the yard and sniff out whatever it is he finds in the grass. He’s just a perfect buddy for me.

Harvey, who’s been a grumpy old man his entire life, is still hanging in there. His liver disease and interesting bumps and protrusions don’t seem to stop him from having a good life. After his stroke last year while we were dealing with Goldie’s cancer, he has improved enough to be able to climb the stairs again and get on his beloved couch for sleeping.

He gets whatever he wants at this point in his life. We’re just glad he is still with us, growls and all.

And of course, there’s Alfred, the big guy. He is shedding an incredible amount of hair right now. I took enough off him today that I swear he looks smaller now.

He is just about as sweet as he can be, though quite insistent when he believes it’s his turn to be petted. Suddenly there’s a huge head pressed against you. You must pet it. He seems to be doing very well on his joint medication. He runs, plays, and bounces around so joyfully sometimes that I get choked up. I’m so glad he’s happy here.

Of course, there are some nights when he barks for hours at coyotes or something. That’s why we have a fan in the bedroom. White noise.

Yeah, the only thing about the dogs is the barking when they detect an intruder or arriving family member. It’s loud. But if I were a criminal I would think twice about crossing our valiant protectors. They do a good job, so I appreciate them all.