Summer Dog Days

This is Vegas - the original rescue dog on the deck of a small cottage on a lake in Washington. My working vacation has begun. The work consists of talking on a phone and supporting a software system of a large manufacturing firm. It is never ending and often requires weird hours. Vegas' work consists of waiting patiently for my work to end so that she can go swimming and chase a tennis ball. Her work is much more difficult than mine because it involves patience. Like Vegas, I am extremely patient, until I am not. Vegas begins: "Bark!" It's time to go swimming!! I ignore. Like a dutiful parent, if you acknowledge the behavior, you know you are rewarding it. You must show the dog that you are in charge. Vegas continues: "Bark!! Bark!!" Louder, with more insistence. I say firmly, with love, "Vegas, no. Sit. I'm not done working." BARK BARK BARK BARK!!! I DON'T CARE!!! IT'S TIME TO GO SWIMMING!!! I can't ignore. I give in to quiet the dog. I show her clearly who is in charge. The rescue dogs are here to remind me that there is a lake to be discovered, woods to be walked and naps to be taken, one paw print at a time.

Part of a Pack

There are many days when I don't know if you could pick me out from the pack that lives in our part of heaven. Yes, it is Iowa. Like Black Dog, I anxiously await the arrival of any of the pack members when they have been absent. I dance in delight at what is the best part of the day - breakfast and dinner. I search out an idle hand for a caress or a hug. I long to nap and read in quiet corner. Like the Golden Retriever Vegas, the original rescue dog, I have my completely obsessive compuslive moments. Find squirrel, find squirrel, find squirrel, watch squirrel, watch squirrel, watch squirrel, chase squirrel, repeat. I am chasing code most days but it's the same concept. Our hair coloring is similar and neither of us is particularly keen on grooming it. But for the pack that surrounds me, I would be lost most days. They ground me; Remind me of what's important; Teach me how to be a better member of the pack. A pack. A family. I love mine.