Happy 2010

Saki and I went to visit Rea and Joe Jacobs today. We romped in the snowy woods behind their house and sniffed all kinds of deer and squirrel scents. Wow. I actually ran up the little hill after Saki. It was the best time.

Then we went inside and Joan snuck us little pieces of her egg salad. We should get out more. Of course, not everyone would welcome two dogs and a human into their house. I guess we just lucked out.

Wishing everyone a very happy new year. (Shane, that goes for you wherever you are.)

Juno

Happy Holidays

Photos by Ari Scott

Well, the snow has melted. The great snow fall that brought silence and white hills to the entire world--that is, my entire world. Joan spent Christmas in bed, but Saki and I stayed with her while festivities went on in other houses.

Then the next day we were all well enough to have our portrait taken. Ari's a great dog & person photographer. She really knows how to make a dog relax and look natural in front of a camera. Just look at Bailey and Saki--they look very natural. That's no pose, is it? Nice going, Ari.

Best wishes, Juno

Paw Shoes: No Way

It was with the best of intentions that Kyla bought snow shoes for Saki. He has just the right type of paws that loves to collect hundreds of little ice balls. The ice balls then make him very unhappy, and he has to come back into the house and get his paws washed with warm water. Such an ordeal.

He kept the new shoes on for all of 30 seconds, and that was the end of them. You can't put shoes on a dog who's always been free-pawed--even with the best of intentions. Alas, until the snow melts, Saki will have to endure ice balls between his toes. Actually, I wouldn't want those things on my paws either.

Best wishes, Juno

Moving On--(an inch)

It's not easy to write about life now that Shane isn't in it. The big snow storm made me remember that Shane didn't like the cold, and he certainly didn't like snow. I think maybe he knows about the storm that he missed and he's relieved he didn't have to negotiate the piles of snow.

I've always liked the snow, you know, the way it cools my belly. And there's something so quiet about a white landscape that brings a certain peace.

Well, Saki is still bouncing around and enjoys everything. If it's hot out, he's thrilled; if it's freezing, he's overjoyed; if it's raining--well, he's just as happy to stay inside and chew a Nylabone. Yes, Saki's very easy. Like me, only with more energy.

I hope Shane is romping around in Dog Heaven with Rebel, Blackberry, Geordie, Alec, Scotty, and all their dog friends. I hope so. I really do.

Best wishes, Juno

SHANE: Rest in Peace

Shane had a good heart, even though not many people knew that about him. He started out life in a litter of abandoned puppies whose mother had died. Whoever dumped that mother dog and her newborn pups created a lifetime of fear for Shane. No matter how much Joan loved him and cared for him, he was always afraid. Right up to the end, no one could assure him or make him calm; no one could convince him that they wouldn’t do him harm.

But on some level, I guess he knew, because he felt safe on his bed, and he felt safe when the house was quiet. And, as for food—well—I never knew a dog who loved food more than Shane did. It’s best to remember how he loved riding in the car, his head resting on the seat back, staring out the rear window. People in cars behind us would wave at him. He might have felt their friendliness. I’m not sure. He also loved his long walks, and it was a sad day for him when we had to turn around and go home because he just couldn’t do it anymore.

I really hope there's a place for beautiful dogs to go when they're done with earth. Saki and I said our goodbyes in our own dog ways. For us, it's okay. We know for sure that dying is what happens. We accept that in ways that no human can accept it.

The house is empty, and a strange silence rises like a chill. Outside the night carries on as it always has.

Best wishes, Juno

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

Coma Schoma

Saki and Bailey taking a break after a dip in the doggie pool.

That's me wishing I had that coffee.

And Shane. See what I mean about the coma?

Hi. I’m back from the Middle Ages and ready to enjoy the rest of the summer. No, I wasn’t really in the Middle Ages, but it sure felt like it what with Joan too busy to help me get it together and all the rain and Shane limping around.

You know, the funny thing about Shane is that he always looks like he’s just about to slip into a coma. And then, someone rattles a bag of dog food or reaches for a biscuit, and suddenly he’s a puppy again. An ancient puppy, but a puppy nevertheless.

This morning, Joan had to help him get off the porch, and then five minutes later, the neighbor’s cat walked by, and Shane tore across the lawn to bark at her from the fence. I just don’t get it. With me, there are no surprises. I’m just me. I know we can’t all be the same, but it would be a lot less exhausting if everyone had my internal sense of serenity.

Best wishes, Juno

Ball Philosophy

Saki and Bailey share a ball, a pool, a backyard, a sunny day, a hot day. They're sort of best friends, which is sweet.

Me? I'm too old to rush around. Shane just gets grumpier and grumpier. But the beauty of being a puppy is that you just don't care about grumpy dogs. All you care about is that dopey ball and the dog pool. Now, that's philosophy.

Best wishes, Juno

Around and Around

From rain and cold, we zip into impossibly hot, and I’ll stay in the kitchen while crazy Saki and Bailey run around in the heat.

Shane has to stay in bed since he’s still not used to Bailey and we can’t have him near the little guy. Not that he could catch him, but it’s better not to upset anyone. So, I won’t come out of the kitchen. Shane’s in the bedroom with a biscuit. Saki and Bailey—who’s shot from nine pounds to 25 pounds in a month (!)—are running around outside. Around the yard, around the azalea, around the doggy pool, around and around they go.

Yes, it’s another summer. Our eleventh summer with Joan, and what changes we’ve seen—three houses, seasons coming and going, Saki’s arrival, our slowing down from speedy (okay, Shane was speedy; I wasn’t) to almost neutral, Bailey’s visits, snow and heat, leaky roofs, three cars, the park, no park, four or five vets, and who knows what else. Oh, that’s right: old age.

This is the way life's supposed to be. Around and around we go.

Have a lovely summer,
Juno

Just Before the Rain Came

Saki and Bailey were panting and running their paws off, and I'm pretty sure these two puppies are now best friends forever.

Shane has now progressed to sitting on the other side of the sliding-glass door where he growls and gets all tense every time a new dog comes on the scene. Oh, Cesar Milan, how we need you. Alas! We'll just have to do things our way and introduce Shane and Bailey a little at a time.

As for me, I pretty much stay out of their way. It's fine when Bailey walks around my head and trips over my nose. It's really fine. But, when he and Saki start running, I just have to go inside.

And then the sky darkened. Bailey went home. It thundered. It's raining now. Wow, what excitement.

Best wishes, Juno

Bailey Comes to Visit

I feel so young today. Really.

Bailey came over to play with Saki, and I found him very intriguing. His smell, his attitude, his subtle signs of respect—very impressive.

I really had a good time doing my semi-romp around the yard. They're a little too fast and enthusiastic for me, but it was okay. Poor Shane had to stay inside. He needs more time to calm down when a new dog shows up. Me? I don't mind one bit.

Best wishes, Juno

Semi-Walking

I had my first walk in months, but we didn't get very far. Oh, well. It was more of a semi-walk, an almost walk. That firecracker was so loud and the cars so fast, it just didn't have that soft-grassy-yard feeling of security.

After all, what is a walk? It's a sneaky form of exercise. Too difficult these days, especially for Shane.

So we turned around and headed home. Shellavon—that's one of the neighbors—came out to say hello and pet me on the head. She told me I was beautiful and felt very bad about Shane's decline. Shane just stared at Joan. Meanwhile, Saki was bouncing all around, getting all itchy to run and play.

He's still a puppy, I guess.

Not me. Not Shane. We're adults.

Best wishes, Juno

Saki & Bailey: First Meeting

Today, Saki met Bailey, and suddenly Saki was the big dog instead of the little dog. See, it’s all relative. When Saki is with me and Shane, he’s just a cute little guy who runs his tail off and doesn’t know when to call a day a day. He’s a non-stop romping, circle running, hole-digging puppy with enough energy to light Manhattan.

Well, today he met Bailey, and Saki became the big dog, the mature, been-around-the-block strutting guy. And Bailey? He took Saki’s role and became the romping party boy all fired up and ready to dig a hole to China.

After fifteen minutes, Saki was all tuckered out, that is, until he saw Shane. Then, he ran circles around Shane for half an hour, splashed in the pool for about 20 minutes. Bored with that, he looked around for something to do.

Yup. Life. It's all relative.

Best wishes, Juno

Saturday Mornings in May

Toward the end of May, the grass is at its greenest, the azalea petals have dropped, and the rain rushes in and out like tantrums, leaving the sky confused, cloudy, clear, perplexed.

This morning is peaceful. As you can see, even Saki is learning how to soak life in instead of constantly running around in circles. I like Saturday mornings before the trips to the mall and fat-food eateries and backyard arguments. Early Saturday morning is like Sunday morning used to be before shopping became the god of everything.

My life is winding down. It’s slow and still. Sleep is so beautiful. Some people think old age is a curse, but I don’t see it that way. It’s more like a letting up of all the madness—a peaceful slipping into sleep. I wake up for treats and excursions into the yard. And then I sleep again. I can hear people asking, “Is she alive?”

And I think, “Yes. I’m alive. And it’s good.”

Best wishes, Juno

PS: Shane's inside. He likes it better there.

Lunch Hour on a Sunny Day

You see that inchworm coming at me?

Shane and Saki, uhm. What are they doing anyway?

Azaleas & LIfe

Every year, somewhere in the middle of May on a sunny day, it's azalea-picture day. Shane and Saki and I get called to the front yard, directed to the big azalea bush, and told to sit. And every year, Joan says, “Wow. What beautiful colors.”

And she takes about 100 pictures.

It's a strange ritual since we think, well, if you've seen one picture of us sitting in front of the azalea bush, you've pretty much seen them all. Don't you think?

But, it's also a way we mark the passing of the years. It might seem silly, but it's kind of nice. I mean, life is just like a bush full of azalea flowers. When it blooms, it really blooms in the most spectacularly rich colors, and you think, wow, I'm glad I'm alive to see this.

And when it's not in bloom, that is, when it's just sitting there being green, you forget it's there, forget to appreciate the beauty that whirls inside of it like a great rainbow of the best secrets.

So, getting our picture taken in front of the blooming azalea is like getting our picture taken in front of life when it's at its peak of perfection. And so I think, Oh, I like being included in this.

Best wishes, Juno

Rugged Life

Saki keeps things interesting for Shane. Me? I'm fine.

Shane has started to fall, so now we have rugs all over the house—mismatched rugs and runners all colors of the rug rainbow. But, outside, we don’t need rugs what with the green grass, which hasn’t been green for so long.

I’m getting forgetful. Or, else, I’m remembering things before they happen. Like this morning when I started to bark fifteen minutes before Joan came home for lunch. Shane and Saki got all excited and ran out to the sunroom all puffed up with love and ready to greet. But, no Joan. I think Kyla was wondering what the fuss was all about. Then I barked again when Joan pulled into the driveway fifteen minutes later. Everyone just ignored me. Thought it was a trick. Isn’t there a story about this—a boy and a wolf?

At my age, I can do what I want. And if I want to remember something before it happens, well, just chalk it up to old age.

I think Saki is keeping Shane alive. This morning, we thought he was going to die because he couldn’t get up. Then, this afternoon he and Saki started chasing the bees around the azalea bush. Saki makes him get up and get out in the world—well, out in the yard. Not everyone has the same size world. That’s what I think.

I hope you have a good spring.
Best wishes, Juno

Easter

Saki sometimes stops to sit near me, and then he's off again. Shane, he just wants be go inside. Ari followed us with her camera and took these shots today. She calls them "headshots," you know, like we're movie stars.

Easter Sunday. Lots of good smells--Shana's lasagne, Joan's cake. And the sun was out, the wind blowing like crazy, and everything was bright and clean after the rain--lots of rain last night.

I'm getting a waistline, and so is Shane, but I've been trying to compensate for this diet by eating dirt. Love that dirt. Joan doesn't like it when I eat dirt.

"Don't I feed you enough?" she asks, exasperated.

Well, just because the vet said I'd feel better if I were thinner, doesn't mean I feel better. I mean, I don't see the vet losing any weight.

So, do you think the Obamas' new dog looks like me? I'm sort of flattered that they're getting a dog with my black-and-white patches. Well, I wish them all great happiness. Maybe they should also get a shelter dog. I used to be a shelter dog, and I think we're a good deal.

Best wishes to everyone, Juno

Just Checking In

Yesterday was beautiful, more than a hint of spring--it really was spring. And, then, that old reminder that all good things must come to an end, today it's a cold rain that no one feels good in, not Saki, and especially not Shane or Joan. Well, maybe tomorrow will prove the old adage that all bad things must come to an end. The sun will shine, the rain will be elsewhere, and life will be life once again. Now that I've checked in, it's time to sleep again.

Best wishes to all, Juno