Weighing In

I forgot to mention the other day that I'm only 112 pounds now. How's that for an astounding drop in weight over the last few years? I used to weigh 132 pounds, and the vets would say terrible things about my weight. Not any more! If I were a human, I'd get my nails done and go shopping. Alas. I'm not.

Best wishes, Juno

Like a New Woman

I just got home from the Babylon Animal Hospital where I was prodded and probed and--here's the crazy part--given a very professional bath. The bath alone cost $60!!!!

Joan doesn't know what the medications and shots and prodding cost because she closed her eyes when she signed the credit card receipt. Can't blame her. I'm an expensive (but worth it) girl. Anyway, the end result is that I do feel rather good: "Like a new woman," said the receptionist. The bath took over an hour! Now, I'm just plain exhausted. But, I've got to admit, my smell is rather vibrant and attractive. Ahhhh, if only you could sniff me.

Shane isn't doing so well these days. He's taking all kinds of pills to make him feel better, but they're not working too well. He still loves to eat, and he still wants to chase squirrels & cats, even though he can't get far with his two front legs dragging his big old body across the yard.

Saki's still Saki. He came to pick me up at the vet's. It was such a nice surprise, but I think he prefers my old smell.

Best wishes, Juno

Perspective

While Shane and I prefer to see the world right side up, Saki prefers to experiment from other vantage points. It gives him a handle on things. I like that.

The Chase

After the Chase

Shane sometimes hangs his head, and he looks at nothing I can see as he tries to tell us his truth. And like many truths, his truth is only of the moment.

Then, just when we think he's about to die, a squirrel runs up a tree and Shane drags himself across the yard on his two good legs, his back fur rising to form a quivering ridge from his neck to his tail, his baritone bark welling up from the depths of his greatest fear. Of course, the squirrel is long gone before he has a chance to notice, and he suddenly stops, exhausted, his hind legs collapsing into a cross. The wild chase is over.

Joan brings him inside, and he limps resolutely to his bed, his eyes on the floor, his breath hot and insistent. He seems to feel the run was worth it—something to dream about, maybe even to reflect upon during long nights when we're all asleep and he looks about the dark room distinguishing gradations of gray that no one else can distinguish.

Best wishes, Juno

Late in Life

Shane and I know there are things happening around us. Saki and Bailey play almost every day; they run—sometimes for an hour or two—hop in the kiddie pool, run some more, play tug-of-war, fetch frisbees. We know that cars speed by and children play and neighbors come and go. Yet, we sleep like babies sleep—without worry or fear—or we look up and listen to stories told by passing clouds and oblique sunrays.

It's okay. It's our time to sleep, and it's our time to hear what no one else can hear.

Best wishes, Juno

Who's Tallest (moi, that's who)

Saki and Bailey always have this "who's taller" contest. Saki's still winning, but it might be because Bailey sits so firmly and squarely on his bum. Me? I'm obviously taller than both of them, so I have nothing much to prove. In a way, I raise the bar; I give them someone to look up to. They need that.

If you're wondering where Shane is these days, well, he's in his room on his soft bed. He doesn't come out when Bailey's here. You know how they say that when you get old you get more and more like you really are? It's true. Shane is now like Shane concentrated--all his good and not-so-good qualities are denser than ever. When you're young and impressionable, you're like a sponge. But, when you're old and get set in your ways, you're like a bowling ball. That's how I see it anyway.

Best wishes, Juno

Tug o'War 'n Manners

Bailey and Saki: In the car or on the field, they're BFs-4-ever

Yes, the young'uns love tug o'war (and contractions). Even on the hottest day, Bailey comes over to play with Saki. They run and tug at toys and chase Frisbees and splash in the doggie pool while I sit and pretend I'm not watching. (Shane stays inside where it's completely peaceful.)

Bailey is learning his manners from me. If he jumps on my head, I let him know how wrong and imposing that is. When he barks in my face, I bark right back with my much more mature and dominating voice. When he blocks the door so I can't get through, I have to admit I become quite severe. He's learning to be a very good dog, and I'm proud to say I probably have something to do with his education.

I guess educating my fellow dogs is my calling.

Best wishes, Juno

Rainbow

One great thing about a hot afternoon is the rainbow under the droplets of water. It's simple, yet profound, especially since you can't touch it or hear it. And if you step just a little to the left or the right, it disappears. Catching sight of a rainbow, then, is all about being in the right spot at the right time. But you can't actually catch a rainbow; that's a myth. Yet, Saki keeps trying. He's such a dreamer.

Best wishes (also things you can't catch), Juno

I Can Play

A dirty frisbee makes for a happy Juno. You should try it.

Just Wondering

You might think this is the same picture as below, but it's not. This is called,

"Watch Bailey Grow 3."

There I was on a Thursday evening—that's now—enjoying the quiet of the neighborhood. Well, sort of quiet. The noise was fine—kids playing, kicking a big green ball from one side of the street to the other, one mother yelling to watch out for the car, an icecream truck tootling down the street, Saki and Bailey doing their crazy run in the yard. These are good noises, I'm sure you'll agree.

Then someone showed up next door with a chainsaw. Yup, maybe two chainsaws. Yup, 8:30at night, and they decided it’s a good time to trim the branches over the house.
So, now we’re inside. Saki’s asleep. Shane isn’t happy with the noise at all. Me? I’m just wondering about the human power to reason.

So, that’s it. Just wondering.
Best wishes, Juno