Things I’ve Noticed

In the last week, I’ve noticed a number of things. First of all, I always sleep on my right side. And, when I do, Joan brushes my fur—you know, what with my “undergrowth” problem (that’s what the vet calls it). Well, I caught Shane looking at me very quizzically and thought I’d better take a look in the mirror. My left side is all smooth and shiny and my right side is just kind of, well, not so smooth and shiny. Joan says I’ll have to learn to rest on my left side so she can brush the right side, but lying on my right side is the only way that feels normal. You try sleeping on one of the four sides you don’t usually sleep on, and you’ll see what I mean. Life’s a habit.

This week the dandelions have started to pop up. Joan tries to chop off their heads with the lawn mower and fails 98 percent of the time. I don’t see the problem with dandelions. The yellow dots all over the green lawn are so Monet, so Van Gogh.

I’m back to walking around the block with Joan and Shane. It’s so much fun with all the kids who pet me and all the tough guys who call me “Boo-Boo” and “Fluff” (which they say in the most complimentary way). Yesterday, I man who was working on his car showed me his dirty hands and apologized because he couldn’t pet me. So Joan said he was allowed to kiss me. He didn’t, but I know he wanted to. I think he was afraid Shane would get jealous.

Now I’m looking forward to today’s walk. But Joan’s watching all six hours of Martin Chuzzlewit and says she can’t drag herself away—that’s how good it is. I don’t get it.

Isn’t that just like life? When you don’t want something, there it is staring at you in the face every day; and when you finally want it, it floats away on the first good breeze. Poof.

Best wishes, Juno

PS: Joan's father, Scott Taber, did the drawing. It's funny, isn't it?