A Dog's Life

Bailey and MacGregor

2011-12-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

Saki on Flim

2011-09-08T18:02:00.000-07:00

Shhhh. I'm trying to sleep.

Rebel's Birthday

2011-08-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Rebel. Like soft moonlight, perfume of rose, and whispering lilt of song, you live forever in my soul.

Saki's Anniversary

2011-02-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, Joan found a cold, scared, very dirty dog in the street and brought him home to get cleaned up and fed. "Just for the weekend," she said.

Saki stretching out on "Chula's" chair, just because it's "Chula's" chair.

Well that dog is still here, and his name has been Saki since Kyla named him that first day. He's a little crazy, but he's got a great big heart and I think it would be a lonely house without him. I guess he's here for a lifetime. Like me.

Best wishes,
Juno

See Chula Jump

2011-02-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

Yup. We had to get a six-foot fence because we don't want to lose crazy Chula. Look, I know she's very happy living here, but that doesn't mean she doesn't want to explore life beyond the yard, beyond the morning walk. But, the girl still doesn't know how to control herself when she sees other dogs, so we want to make sure she's, well, "contained."

However, here she is trying to get "uncontained." Oh Chula, you're very silly. (Shhhh. Don't tell her I said this, but, she's not going anywhere. Shhhhh.)

Jumping Chula: Good thing it's a 6-ft. fence!

Best wishes everyone,

Juno

PS: I'm free to go wherever I want, because I don't want to go anywhere anyway.

Winter Blahs

2011-02-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

What a winter. We've all been cooped up inside, so really, what's a dog to write about? I mean, you can churn out only so many philosophical tidbits, and then all you want to do is sit in the yard and feel the breeze.

See me out in the snow? I actually love it, but Joan's afraid I'll freeze.

We're getting a fence—I mean a taller fence—because Chula has decided she's a cat instead of a dog. The girl can jump anything. No running start, no warning. Boing! She's over the four-foot fence in a flash. She's cost so much at this point she might as well be one of those Westminster dogs.

Chula's getting a little chunky: "Winter Speck"

Anyway, excuse me for not being in touch with the world much any more. It's just such a chore to get around. But, hey, I'm old. I can do whatever I want.

Best wishes to all of you,
Juno

Wee Geordie

2010-12-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Geordie. Joan hasn't forgotten you.

This is Wee Geordie, but everyone called him Geordie. He was born on December 29, 1968 in a New York City loft. Papa was a Malamute and Mamma was a black Labrador.

When Joan first saw him, he was hiding in a corner, afraid to come out, afraid of the puppies, afraid of light, afraid to be touched. Joan picked him for all those reasons, but also because he had a softness about him that wouldn’t turn into a hard shell or a bite of fear.

He lived for twelve years and saw all sorts of changes in his world, including the arrival of Joan's four babies who never became rivals. He just accepted the babies and watched them grow. And when the babies got big enough to go beyond the yard, they adopted an abandoned puppy that had been dumped in a neighbor’s yard. Geordie didn't get jealous; instead, he got younger and let the puppy—named Scotty—jump all over his head and climb on his back. He tried to play, but he wasn’t sure how. So, he would stand up and bow, stand up and bow, over and over.

When he died, there was great sadness in a small part of the world because, well, it’s always that way when someone gentle is no more. Their leaving ruins the earth's balance between kindness and cruelty; and it’s a sadness indeed that cruelty so often gets the upper hand.

Best wishes, Juno
PS: Charles Scott made the portrait.

Time, Snow, Sleep

2010-12-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

I realize that time is passing me by. I'm not so active anymore. Sleep is fun. So is getting Joan up in the middle of the night. So is eating. Gone are the days of traipsing around the park, hopping in the car (now, I tremble and struggle to get up on that seat), and chasing after that cat that used to taunt me.

It's somehow okay. This is what life is supposed to be like. First you tumble and frolic from morning until night; then you get more serious and make a concerted effort to observe and comment on the world; and then you realize that a good sleep and a deep stretch followed by a nice meal are the real stuff of happiness.

Saki and Chula do my running around for me now. I don't mind. And I still love a good snow storm. Ah, yes, the beautiful snow. I still have that. And dreams.

Best wishes, Juno

Bath Time for Juno and Saki

2010-11-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

What's with the baths? Oh, just because I don't pass the human smell test? So today was bath day for me and Saki. While it feels good when it's over, I'm not so sure it's worth the humiliation. Okay, I admit it. I smell pretty. Saki smells pretty. However, world, we are dogs. We're not really supposed to smell pretty.

Here we are drying off after the baths. Oh, for the sweet scent of earth.

On Tuesday I have to go to see Dr. Liguori. Sigh. I have some old-dog problems, and everyone is hoping I'm still going to be around. Not to worry. I'll always be around—in reality, in memory, even in someone's imagination. That's what makes life so interesting.

Joan keeps telling me I'm magnificent. She likes that word. It's way better than cute or beautiful, although I'm not one to turn down a compliment involving those adjectives. Now that I'm all clean, it's time for my nap. Call me when supper is ready.

Hey, why didn't Chula get a bath?????? Look at her, all dry and superior. Hrumph!

Chula on her perch. La-de-da.

Best wishes, Juno

Shhhhhhhh (I'm sleeping)

2010-10-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Life is getting very slow and sleepy. Shhhhhhh.

Hot Sept. Finally Over

2010-10-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

I don't care what you all say about nice warm weather. Eventually, you just get tired of it. Thanks all the same, but I prefer to sit inside. Let the mad dogs of summer, like Saki and Chula, go out in the noon time sun. Anyway, today it is, at last, cool.

Now I can venture forth. Well, not too fast.

Some people think Chula is cured of her problems, but she's not. Maybe this is as good as it gets. She's fine here in the house. She fine in the yard as long as no dogs pass the house. We'll keep her around and hope that someday she'll blossom into a relaxed and happy dog. My goodness, the terrible things humans do to animals. Yikes. Oh well. At least Chula is safe with us.

She loves her stuffed turtle and the ceramic look-alike dog, but she also has Saki for a best friend.

Best wishes, Juno

Down at the Pool

2010-09-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I'm not in this video. It was just too hot to go out, and stepping in the pool is a great challenge for a girl of my age. But, as you can clearly see, Saki and Chula are cool with it (ha, ha; I made a pun).

Best wishes, Juno

PS: Chula looks really happy, doesn't she?

Chula's Still Swinging on the Proverbial Learning Curve

2010-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Chula's going to a therapy session today; wish her well

She still has issues, but I'm doing the best I can
(and never mind Joan's foot, which you probably didn't notice until I pointed it out to you)

So, it's another beautiful day in uptown W. Babylon. That makes three beautiful days all summer. Chula is on her way to the park for Crazy Dogs Anonymous meeting. We hope it goes well and teaches her that she should never be afraid of dogs—only people are scary.

Anyway, she's a little scared of me. ME! And I don't know why because I'm so damned nice. She's not scared of Saki at all, but sometimes she just prefers to sit on her daybed with her stuffed turtle. Alas. I do what I can.

Best wishes, Juno

Rebel

2010-08-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

Rebel 22 August 1956 - 10 March 1958

See that? Kids never forget. Happy birthday, Rebel.

Jason and All That Alpha

2010-08-11T06:51:00.001-07:00

Chula & Saki at the lake teaching Joan some alpha moves

So, yesterday, Jason Mickalauskas, the dog genius of Best Paw Forward, came to the house with three dogs—big Ranger the Pit Bull & two little bitty dogs who love to stand in the doggie pool on a hot day. Allegedly, Jason was going to teach Chula how to chill. But, the truth is he was really trying to show Joan how to be alpha.

You wouldn’t believe it. The yard was suddenly filled with dogs—the two little ones hanging out in the doggie pool, Ranger Macho Dog being the boss of the world; tired Saki panting in the shade; rambunctious Bailey trying to steal a ball from Ranger, which isn't the best idea ever; me going in and out of the house, occasionally barking just because I can, and constantly watching this crazy party; and, through it all—well, almost it all—there was Chula acting pretty much like a regular dog.

Jason did refer to me as “the old lady.” At first, Joan took umbrage to this, but I didn't mind at all. After all, there are certain privileges that come with being the old lady in the group. First, I have the right to be grumpy; second, I can bark and complain all I want and everybody leaves me alone about it, saying, "She can't help it; she's old"; third, I get to go inside and rest in the air-conditioning while all the humans have to stay outside with sweat pouring down their back trying to impart alpha-ness on Joan's psyche.

It’s good to be the old lady in the yard (or house).

Anyway, I’ve got to say that Jason is a miracle worker. I mean, to get Chula to chill with a pack of dogs—it's nothing short of wondrous.

Ahhhhhh, air-conditioning.

Best wishes, Juno

Learning to Play & Chill

2010-08-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is the day Chula learned to play

I've never known how to play, and I admit it. It seems that Chula has the same problem, but it's way worse because she WANTS to play. Now, Saki. Saki knows instinctively how to play. So, after an hour or so of learning how to get the ball without getting mad and pulling on a pull toy without attacking the world, Chula stood in the pool to cool down and then condescended to have her picture taken with me and Saki.

See? She's getting there. She'll never be chill like me, but she's trying.

Best wishes, Juno

Too Hot for Words

2010-08-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

SAKI: Hey Chula, you want to go out?

CHULA: You're kidding. I'm not going out there. Too hot. I'm staying in the air conditioning.

SAKI: You think Juno would like to go out?

CHULA: What are you, nuts? I just moved here, and I already figured out that Juno doesn't go out unless Joan forces her out.

SAKI: So, what are we going to do today?

CHULA: We're doing it already.

SAKI: Yeah, I guess this is good.

CHULA: Nice bed. What is this, some sort of memory foam?

SAKI: Yeah. It used to be thicker, but I ate the top layer.

CHULA: Was it good?

SAKI: Yeah. I was a lot younger then. I wouldn't eat it today.

CHULA: I'm getting sleepy.

SAKI: Me too.

CHULA: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

SAKI: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

JUNO: It's about time.

She's Home

2010-08-01T17:43:00.001-07:00

When Joan came home, I wasn't sure if she had really been gone. I remember waking up and hearing her come in the house. So, first I thought that was normal. Then, I realized, it wasn't normal since she hadn't been around for a while.

I was so happy that I sniffed mightily for maybe five minutes and even wagged my tail. Hey, I'm an old girl and can't manage much more than that.

Now, all is well. Joan's back from wherever she was; Saki's happy (that's him perched on the back step looking at the world); Chula's learning to be a dog in a dogs' world. Now, to sleep; perchance to dream.

Best wishes, Juno

Where's Joan?

2010-07-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

An entire month without writing! How could this happen?

Yo! Joan? Come home!

I'm on my way, Juno.

See you tonight.

Chula's Doggie Rehab Hope

2010-06-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

SEE, CHULA, THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE! (Not to worry; you'll get there.)

So, on Monday, Chula--former garage dog who lived in the corner of a garage tied to a tool box, who slept on a filthy piece of cardboard, never got petted, never even knew a kind word (see below for more Chula news)--WELL, Chula is going to doggie rehab for at least two weeks.

We will keep everyone posted as to her progress. Jason Mickalauskas at Best Paw Forward seems to be Mr. Alpha Cool Miracle Man, and we're all full of hope that Chula will learn how to live in the world as a happy dog.

I'm not saying she could ever be as chill as I am or as cocky as Saki, but she might just learn to wake up with a smile on her face every morning and sigh a contented sigh at night. Yeah, Jason. We all have some serious hope for that!

Best wishes, Juno

A Little Chula Update

2010-06-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Chula: A Garage Dog No More

2010-06-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Chula. Yes, here are two pictures of Chula--sad Chula and happy Chula. Just imagine, they were taken about one week apart.

Chula spent around two years chained up inside a garage in New York City. No one cared anything about her--no one even washed her or petted her or spoke to her. That's why she looks so haunted, so tormented, so hopeless.

Then, along came people who wanted to help, and Kyla brought her home. We want her to come and live with us, but she's got some major dog issues before she can do that. (Yikes, when I say major I mean crazy major!)

I guess the people who read my blog already love dogs, so I'm barking to the choir when I make this quiet observation that humans who don't like dogs shouldn't be adopting them to begin with. I just don't get it.

You can read more about Chula here, and maybe you can even help.

Best wishes, Juno

The Perks of Summer

2010-06-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Pool or Sleep

2010-06-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Sleepy Spring

2010-06-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. I've been remiss. How profound my need for sleep these days, so I hardly manage to haul myself to the blog. It's been a sleep month, indeed.

For a while, everyone thought I was a goner, but I surprised them and came back with a rambunctious waddle across Charles's lawn. However, that spurt of energy was short-lived, and I retired to my favorite perch in the sunroom to sleep it off and half listen to Saki and Bailey romping around outside, tugging and pulling on their toys, and racing around just for the sake of racing around. They always end up back in the same spot at the back of the house, so I don't really get it.

I'm a happy dog. I hope you're happy, too.

Best wishes, Juno

Who Am I?

2010-05-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

There's a discussion on Facebook about my origins. It's stirred up quite an interest, so if anyone would like to leave a comment here, I'll be happy to relay it to my Facebook friends. Majority guesses are Newfoundland + Great Pyrenees.

I don't think I look like Beethoven at all.

Anyway, it's not absolutely essential that I know who I am or what my tendencies might be given my origin. As they say in Italian, "Ormai?" That means, at this point, does it really matter?

Best wishes, Juno (And, yes, my Italian's not so bad.)

Trouble Getting Around Today

2010-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here we are, just yesterday, for our annual picture in front of the azalea. This is the first year without Shane, but we remember. We're here. We're not here. It's life.

I’m not having an easy time getting up. Ouch. That’s what I say to old age. Ouch again. However, the good part is that everyone’s testing my state of health by offering me biscuits. Of course, what am I going to do—refuse them?

So I take the biscuit, and everyone says, “Well, she still likes her food.”

Then they appear to be all relieved for an hour or so. Then they get worried because I haven’t moved from my spot, and they bring me another biscuit. Of course I take the biscuit. I’m not one to turn down something like that.

“Well, she still likes her food,” they say. And the seem happy about that.

Well, of course I like my food. Don't you?

I was able to walk in the park yesterday where I met three nice dogs and a nice man who said I was beautiful. What more could a dog want? Biscuits and compliments a happy dog make.

Best wishes to you all, Juno

Summer's Back

2010-05-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

It must be summer, because the pool is out and Bailey came over to play. What a run-around day for Saki. It’s just as well since he’s packed on a few pounds over the winter. Not that that’s a bad thing, but he gets all tuckered out a little too soon. Not like me, but a little exercise doesn’t hurt.

No, really, Saki, you look great, and everyone loves you just the way you are. (Whew!)

Best wishes, Juno.

The Cat & Cool

2010-05-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

The orange cat on the other side of the fence drives me and Saki crazy. She’s so la-de-da about rubbing up against the chain links, knowing perfectly well that we can’t do anything but bark and look dumb. And that’s just what we do—we bark and look dumb.

Sometimes, especially when Saki’s inside and I’m alone by the fence, the cat comes over and we stare at each other. I’m calmer about the whole thing when Saki’s not there to tempt me into barking. She’s very cautious about me, but I can tell she’s curious and maybe even wonders what it would be like to befriend me. After all, what can I do at my age? And I’ve never been given to violence or rowdiness.

She’s a pretty cat. Maybe she thinks I’m a pretty dog. I don’t know. But, she does love to tease us strutting the way she does, pretending she doesn’t notice us, looking like she’s the queen of cool.

My trick is to wander nonchalantly into the sunroom, climb up on the couch, and pass out. It perplexes Saki, but he doesn’t know cool the way I know cool. Not yet.

Best wishes, Juno

Absences

2010-04-15T09:10:00.001-07:00

Life goes on, and so does the fun.

We’re having a beautiful spring. Shane would have liked it, but then this is the time of year when we think how much everyone would have liked it if they were still alive. (That's him and Saki and me in front of the azalea last May.)

A picture of Joan’s Rebel is now in the living room, and that makes his absence less of an absence. I can’t tell her how dogs feel about dying, because we don’t think about it. We just accept it. Just think about the flowers. They blossom and they’re so beautiful that people stop and stare and breathe deeply. Puppies and kittens and human babies have the same power. Then, the flowers wilt, the puppies, kittens, and babies grow up, puff up, and then wrinkle up and drop off the face of the earth. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone. They’re just not where you think they are.

Seems easy enough to me.

Best wishes, Juno

Love Spilling Into the Years

2010-04-04T14:07:00.001-07:00

So, 52 years have passed since the first two pictures were taken. That's Joan and Rebel and Henry in the first picture, and Joan and Rebel in the second. Fifty-two years! Wow. And here we are all these years later. Instead of Henry and Rebel, Joan is loving me and Saki. So the love never goes away, does it? It just grows and grows and spills into the years.

Is that what they call good Karma? Yes, I believe it is. So, Rebel and Henry wherever you are, you are also here. I like that notion.

Best wishes for love splashing across the centuries,

Juno

Ish's Escape

2010-03-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

So today I got a bath. Alas, another bath. One of these days, I'm just not going to get into the tub by myself and then what's Joan going to do with her freaky cleanness? (Rhetorical question.)

Saki did a lot of moping by the front door (see picture). No one to play with. Rain still coming down. Then, when he was about to despair entirely, Ish jumped over his jail fence and came running across the street. Naturally, Joan let him come in the yard and he ran with Saki for about an hour (see picture). Wow. Where do they get that energy?

I'm still miffed over the bath thing, but I've got to admit that clean feels better than stinky. Saki got a bath, too. Now we're all very clean and extremely tired. Joan finally brought Ish back to his yard and left him with a giant biscuit. No one was home over there, so I guess he got to eat it in peace. I'll bet he's one tired dog tonight.

Best wishes, Juno

Rainy Days

2010-03-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, everyone's been going a little "stir-crazy," as Shana put it. So she brought Bailey over for a run, or many runs, around the house with Saki.

I stayed firmly inside, thanks all the same. Running around just isn't my cup of tea. However, the running was interrupted several times when Saki and Bailey came in to get rub downs. As you see, we had a picture-taking session during the drying out periods. Bailey did jump over my head at one point, but as you can see from the picture, we had a little chat about it and all is well.

Too bad humans can't manage that last trick.

Best wishes for better weather,

Juno

Needing to Get Out More

2010-03-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

So, it's back in the house again with Joan sick for over a week. And what are we to do? Thank goodness--I can't believe I'm saying this--Bailey came over to play and relieve the boredom. Really, sitting around is great stuff, but you need relief from it.

Poor Bailey jumped on Joan's bed and landed like a seal--that is, on his chin. We tried not to laugh, but it was funny. Then he tried to steal a treat right from my mouth! It's good that he was here, but, sorry, no pictures for this visit. Next time.

So, it's time to think about getting out of the house for a bit. Too much of a good thing is so bad for me.

Best wishes, Juno

Bailey's Growth Spurt

2010-03-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday--the first day of spring, so Bailey came over for a visit. Would you just look at what's happened in ten months! Bailey keeps growing and growing, and Saki just hangs around smiling like he doesn't notice the change.

Everyone else notices. Mark is so proud that Bailey has grown so much. You know, like he's responsible for the growth spurt. The next time they come over, I think we're do for a Juno-Bailey picture. Then we'll talk about big!

Best wishes for a healthy growing season,

Juno

Too Much

2010-03-17T18:36:00.001-07:00

I couldn't make it through the park today. The noise, the warm weather. My apologies to Saki who wanted to run and play.

It's just too difficult. Oh, and then getting back into the car. Let me sit in the yard and watch the people pass and the neighbor's cat roll on her back. She likes that. I like that. Or let me sit on my nice big bed and relax. I'm at least 11 years old at this point. A girl that age needs her rest.

Yesterday, Joan got stuck on the roof when she kicked over the ladder by mistake. The man across the street came over and put the ladder back up for her. That was fun to watch. Actually, it was pretty funny to watch. Silly. See? I still love life and find it amusing. But I don't want any more long walks to find it. In short, let life come to me.

Best wishes, Juno

REBEL

2010-03-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Rebel: 22 August 1956 - 11 March 1958

Rebel was a lover of a dog who ate Joan’s shoes, slept in her bed, played catch and king of the mountain with her, ate the hated vegetables she slipped to him under the table, and sat by her side when she needed a friend. He had a white cross on his chest and four white paws.

One summer, Joan went away for three weeks, and Rebel roamed all over the neighborhood looking for her. When she finally came home, Rebel shook from happiness and relief. And, when Rebel died the following spring, Joan roamed all over her lifetime looking for him.

She found him again and again in other dogs who lived in other times and other places. Rebel was kind to Joan when she was a child; now Joan is all grown up and believes that people should be kind to dogs and to all the animals of the earth.

We animals have a lot to give to humans. Our devotion to you lasts way beyond our own brief lifetimes; and, long after we're gone, we continue to send flowers into your lives—always when you least expect it.

We hope you remember that the next time you find a flower.

Best wishes, Juno & Saki

Spring Came Back

2010-03-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

It's not easy to write when all you do is sit on a patch of snow and don't go anywhere. But today things are looking up.

The sun came out, it stopped raining and snowing, we took a walk in the park, we went to the health-food store. Saki played with his squeaky car and ran around the house many times.

All this gives me hope that better days are here to stay. Yes, I know nothing lasts. But that just makes me savor the good moments even more.

Best wishes and happy spring,

Juno

Mystery Solved

2010-02-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

The mystery is solved. We know why Saki was afraid to go out the front door. It wasn't the shovel Joan left there; it wasn't the fallen branch peeking through the snow drift. No. Someone had thrown snowballs at him, poor baby.

We know this because yesterday some kids came to the door and asked to play with Saki. Joan said sure and held the door to let him out. One of the kids made a snowball and asked Saki if he wanted to play.

Well, Saki turned made a 180 and ran back into the house. "Ah ha. So it was the snowball."

He had never before been afraid of snowballs, so we figured someone must have thrown them at him the day before. They must have made him feel bad. He's always so trusting.

Charles brought him a present this morning (see picture). Now he's a happy dog again. And that's the way it should be.

Best wishes, Juno

The Mystery

2010-02-18T15:18:00.001-08:00

Something mysterious happened to Saki yesterday. Joan was inside on the phone when she heard him scratching at the front door to come in. She opened the door, and Saki ran into the bathroom and hopped in the tub. He refused ti come out until Joan washed his feet and brushed his teeth. But he kept running back and sat there looking at himself in the mirror.

Something was up. This was not Saki behavior.

About two hours later, I decided to go out. Joan opened the front door for me and out I went into the wonderful snow and ice. But not Saki. He was afraid to go out. He stood by the door, and poked his head very tentatively out the door, and and would not move.

"What's up?" I thought to myself.

"What's up, Saki" asked Joan.

Well, he turned around and ran back into the house. Obviously, something had scared him. Now, Saki will only go out the back door. It's really a mystery. Any ideas? We don't get it.

Best wishes, Juno

Saki the Snow Eater

2010-02-17T11:58:00.001-08:00

I've been known to eat some strange things--like the time I ate the TV changer and back in the olden days when I used to eat apples and, sometimes, poop. But I was never was much of a snow eater. I like to lie in snow and walk in snow, but Saki--who doesn't like to like or walk in snow--likes to eat snow.

But, here's the novel aspect of his snow eating: he feels guilty about it. So when Joan brings him inside, he runs directly to the bathtub and gets in. He knows he has to do that when he eats something disgusting (like poop) or when he gets dirty from digging or when snow sticks to his paws. But, for snow eating? I don't know. He's such a dog. Me, I'm more like a regal canine. Me, I have a certain dignity. Some even call me Diva, and I like that. But, Saki--he's all dog.

Best wishes, Juno

Snow Bunny/Dog

2010-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love snow. Give me a soft bed of snow or even a hard bed of snow-ice, and I'm one happy snow bunny/dog.

Now Saki's a different breed. Saki gets snow stuck in his paws, which he doesn't like one bit. So, as soon as he comes back into the house, he heads straight for the bathtub to get a warm-water foot bath. Ahhhhh! Then he runs around with his frisbee between his teeth, and I wonder where he gets all that energy. I never had energy like that.

Joan doesn't let me spend too much time in snowy comfort. Arthritis? Stiff joints? She thinks I'm better off inside. She really has trouble accepting the fact that I'm a dog.

Best wishes, Juno

Cold PARK, FROZEN FINGERS

2010-01-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we were the only two dogs in the entire park, and Joan was the only human. Wow, that cold air off the frozen lake felt so good. I could have walked forever, but Joan kept complaining that her fingers were going to freeze dry and break off. Saki was all excited about the hundreds of geese and scurrying squirrels and quacking ducks. In fact, no one was cold but Joan. This new exercise craze of mine is really working for me.

Today was another story. We didn't do much of anything but hang around the house. Saki played a little frisbee at lunch time and sulked when we were stuck in the house. Me? I just took many long naps to make up for yesterday's adventure.

Best wishes on a cold day, Juno

A Walk in the Park

2010-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Saki trying to make me playful (sometimes he succeeds).

For the first time in over a year, I consented to go to the park and take in the lake air. Wow, that wind was cold, but we all braved it. Saki wanted to chase the geese, but they flew up and away before he could spring into action. Before we left for the park, Joan made the first video ever of me and Saki. It's here if you want to see it.

Anyway, I'm proud of my adventuresomeness and might even continue these little romps in the park. Could I be getting younger?

Best wishes, Juno

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-27T04:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T16:46:00.001-08:00

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)

2009-12-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-11T14:40:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T16:25:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-08-30T16:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

Just Wondering

2009-08-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-30T05:18:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-21T09:31:00.001-07:00

You see that inchworm coming at me?

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

Azaleas & LIfe

2009-05-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-12T15:13:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

Slowing Down

2009-03-29T12:56:00.001-07:00

Nap time is any time.

It's over, park. It's over. Shane can't take that long walk anymore, and neither can I. The winding road through the woods, the big hill behind the lake, all those steps; and once you've reached the half-way point, there's no turning back. Panic. Got to keep going. Alas.

But, on occasion, I permit myself a little walk around the block. Shane and I plod, slowly, slowly, each on one side of Joan; Saki runs ahead, not understanding, not appreciating our aches, our huffing and puffing. We have to go really slowly or Shane's legs will just give out.

So Saki gets to go to the park for a real walk, and then we all go together on a sort of old-timer shuffle though the old neighborhood. It's okay. The sun still shines; the early spring flowers still strut their stuff. Well, maybe strut's the wrong word.

Best wishes, Juno

When the Cat's Away

2009-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

" Whoops."

(When no one was looking.)

Saki hasn’t learned that quilts aren’t for eating. I’m sure he knows that on some deep level, but, really, I don’t get it. I mean, what’s so tasty about a quilt? Okay, I admit I once at a remote control, but I was young and inexperienced.

Or, maybe there's some logic to his appetite for that particular quilt. Perhaps he's driven by someone’s scent. Jaaron's? Kyla's? Or is it a memory? A fantasy of some sort?

Everyone loves Saki. But you’ve got to keep your eye on him or the naughty side of him takes over.

Saki & Buddy

2009-03-05T12:02:00.001-08:00

If they look like dogs and act like dogs, they must be Saki and Buddy.

Buddy is our backyard neighbor who barks every single morning until he gets his biscuit from Joan. When he was young, he got himself arrested a number of times—see his history here—but he’s calmed down a lot since he’s gotten older. For a while, I thought he was maturing, you know, like me. But, today, I know better.

When Joan came home for lunch, she let Buddy in the yard so he could play dog games with us. Well, as it turned out, he and Saki ran around and around hopping and flipping and falling in the snow for an entire lunch hour. It was crazy. I barked so much, Joan brought me inside, you know, so I wouldn’t get all stressed out. And those dogs never stopped.

I think they must have had an excellent time together. Of course, Shane wasn’t allowed out. Wow, talk about stress. That would have been very bad news, indeed. But, he seemed happy enough to watch the proceedings from the safety of the house.

Yes, snow is sitting over the land like a great vanilla cake, but spring is in the air. I can smell its perfume and feel the barely perceptible rumble of its promise.

Best wishes, Juno

Dog In the Dark

2009-03-04T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ah, what a bed of snow is March. It’s got to be 10 inches. I’m in heaven. Don’t want to go inside. If I keep my back to Joan, she'll never guess I’m out here sitting in this great swath of dark, in this soft and snowy world where silence rules and people run for shelter into their homes, into their recliners, into their make-believe television lands.

Oh to be a dog now that March is here. (Wait! I am a dog! It is March! Wow. It’s all true about the universe making your dreams come true.) Shhhhh. Don’t tell anyone I’m here in my nighttime paradise of crunchy snow.

Best wishes, Juno

PS: Shane's going to try to stick it out.

Shane, What Are You Trying To Say?

2009-03-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Shane, Shane, with your head hung down in a dark silhouette, what are you trying to say? Is it your time to live or is it your time to die? Are you ready, are you willing, to give it all up? Shane, Shane, with your eyes downcast, what are you trying to say?

Food is still good, and you gobble it up, and water still cools your tongue. And the sun, the same bright sun that we’ve always known, drapes its rays across your brown-black back. Yet, the light never shines from your eyes. You can’t look up or protest or complain. Yet the day still follows on the heels of your night. You lie, so still, we think you’re dead, as you stare across the wood-grainy floor, as you wait for we don’t know what, as you see what we still can’t see.

And everyone says your time is up, but we’re not sure about that. It seems that you smile when it’s breakfast time or when the crocuses reach through the snow. And we think you remember last year’s azaleas—how they were all fired up in pink—and bumblebees sucking up their nectar while buzzing all around in a dance. We think you remember that ice-cream truck tootling up and down through the town, and the streets all ripe with sound. We think you remember how the oak trees stretch, how they reach all the way up, and how they play and how they sway in the white symphony of clouds racing across the blue summer sky. We think you might want one last look, and maybe you’ll give it a try.

So, Shane, what do you want us to do for you? Shall we decide or will you decide? Shane, just tell us and it’s already done. Shane, what do you want us to do? What are you trying to say?

The bad days were few; now the good days are gone, or so it seems, or is this all a lie? But shadows always skip out from their hiding places, and wind still cools the fever in your eyes, and the crocuses will get here yet.

Shane, Shane, with your head hanging low, your muzzle nuzzling the ground, what are you trying to say?

Up and About Again

2009-02-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

Longtime, no write. I told you I was getting old. But, today, we all went out for a nice walk through the neighborhood. It was freezing, but the late-afternoon sun warmed our backs and made up for the garbage strewn along the wooded side of the road. Why do you humans eat garbage and then throw the wrappers in the street. And, god, the cigarette butts! Yuk.

Shane’s not been well, but he enjoyed the walk and even sort of barked at the sound of a fenced-in dog who wanted so badly to shred his tether and join us on our romp. He’s been very lethargic for some time now. He’s got pancreatitis, so Joan put him on a diet to make him feel better. I think he’d rather eat. Anyway, it was a good day, and Shane's up and about again. Maybe tomorrow will be even better. Tonight, we just hung out in the living room and watched Saki chomp on his Nylabone. We’re a nice little group here.

Best wishes, Juno

Slowly Speeding Around and Around

2009-02-11T15:00:00.001-08:00

Oh oh. Saki’s in trouble with Shane for running around too much and acting pretty much like a dog. I know he gets a little hyper, but he sure loves his Frisbee, and he sure is funny. I guess Shane’s too old to appreciate his antics.

We’re really getting old, me and Shane. But, it’s okay. It’s the way life has to be, or should be. Food still tastes good. A nice breeze still ruffles the fur. And the distant sound of cats meowing still has the power to life our ears. Not everyone has such joys.

And young Saki keeps the cycle going.

Best wishes, Juno putting it all in perspective.

Ice and Beginnings

2009-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:00

And then there was ice, and the ice didn’t melt, and the dogs slipped and slid, and the people didn’t manage to walk on their driveways, and the birds stayed high in the sky for none of them wanted to land on the ice where we slipped and slid. And that’s my January story.

It has a happy ending. We’re still here. Waiting for spring. Waiting for the big thaw that’s just around the corner from the black cloud. It’s okay. It’s life. Everything goes around again to the beginning and touches the end. Or maybe it all starts in the middle. What do we know? We're dogs.

Best wishes, Juno

Running Dog

2009-01-22T09:38:00.001-08:00

Rather handsome, don't you think?

He runs and romps and digs and acts very much like a dog. I’d say Saki is a dog’s dog. He loves the snow, curling up on the couch, eating earthly things, sniffing out the bad stuff, jumping on Shane, going places. Most of yesterday and today, he spent lying on Joan’s stomach—she’s got the flu—but, every now and then, he’s just got to get outside and run off all that energy. I call him Running Dog. Me? I pretty much rest all day.

Best wishes, Juno

Snow Dog

2009-01-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

Don’t make me go inside. I like the snow, the falling of lily white dots that settle on my fur, that make it obvious that I’m not black and white, but black and off-white, or maybe off-black and off-white. The snow cushions me and the rest of the neighborhood, makes it all slow down, makes us reflect. So, why do I have to go inside? I’m a dog, people. A dog!

Shane, he's inside. Saki, he's with Kyla in front of the wood stove. They don't know what they're missing. But, I know what I'll be missing as soon as Joan gets me inside. Not right away, though. Not now. Later.

Chilly Morning

2009-01-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last summer, we sought a shady patch far from the sunshine.

Now it's just a memory in the snow of our lives.

And to think we thought it would last forever.

All the weather forecasters say the same thing—"Stay indoors." "Don't leave your pets outside." "It's too cold even for a polar bear." A few months ago, they were telling people not to leave their pets outside because it was too hot even for a camel.

I love the cold. But, this morning I didn't last more than five minutes outside. The wind whipped right through me, which felt good at first. But, Shane couldn't stand it. All that thick fur of his, and he hates the cold. Saki doesn't notice weather—at least when there are more exciting happenings like the cat across the street or the squirrel on the neighbor's roof.

The people across the street are still leaving Ish outside. They claim his doghouse is heated, but it's still pretty horrible to get a dog and dump it in the corner of your yard. Very sad. Very sad, indeed. Humans. I just don't get it. Alas.

Best wishes, Juno

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Sun and snow—an unlikely pair? Not in my logic. Snow muffles the noise from the parkway; it’s cool against my underbelly. Sun makes my eyes half-closed. And somehow it all seems right.

As usual, Saki looks for things to dig and throw and chase. Shane looks for someone to open the door and let him back in. It’s these differences that make us a threesome of curiosity. All dogs are not alike. It’s a good thing.

Best wishes, Juno

Saki & the Age of Passive Entertainment

2008-12-22T06:35:00.001-08:00

1. Why do I have to come in so soon?

2. Saki watches Benji save the cubs.

Saki loves television. Yes, he’s become a truly modern child of the mechanical age of passive entertainment. Well, not so fast. He doesn’t just sit in front of the television; he checks out the speakers—especially when there’s a bark or a meow—and he searches the screen, behind the screen, everywhere imaginable, for the source. So, it was no surprise that he sat through the adventures of Benji and the Hunters, watching as Benji saved the three cubs from certain death, as the mother cat thanked him with her silent appreciation, as the cubs waved goodbye, their eyes moist. I almost cried myself.

It’s super cold. Joan won’t let me stay outside. Doesn’t want me to freeze to the ice-covered grass. So silly. I’m a cold-weather dog. So, I bug her—demanding to go out six, seven, eight times a day. It’s a little game that’s been going on for nine years. She never does catch on.

Best wishes, Juno

Walking the Floor?

2008-12-14T14:32:00.001-08:00

I no longer walk on wooden floors. How slippery a welcome they suddenly have for me, and I tread not—not even with my great paws that should be big enough to provide support to a dog twice my size. Joan keeps buying runner rugs to make a safe passageway through the uncarpeted part of the living room. They’re very handy for dogs like me who’ve become unsure of their steps. The trouble is Saki keeps eating the rugs. He eats one end, and Joan cuts off the messy fringe left over from his bite marks. The more Saki eats, the shorter the rugs become until, finally, they’re useless. Like napkins.

Alas, I don’t complain about this situation. It’s just an observation.

So, here I stand on the edge of the precipice with nothing but floor between me and the door. Floor floor everywhere and not a rug in sight.

Best wishes, Juno

Saki, Shane, Snow, and Moi

2008-12-07T05:24:00.000-08:00

Saki’s first official snowfall, that is, since he joined our household. He woke us all up a five this morning demanding to go out—not for anything urgent—just so he could run in circles in the snow, eat the snow, nose the snow, roll in the snow, jump on Shane’s face in the snow. Kids.

For me, the snow is always welcome. I’m basically a snow dog, and I’m sure my ancestors were lovers of icy snow-swept winters, who knows, maybe in the mountains of China or Canada. How I ended up here on Long Island I’ll never know. But, there’s no denying one’s genes.

Shane is of different stuff. He’s indifferent to everything. Snow, schmow; that’s how he feels. So, while Saki is practically doing somersaults of joy and exuberation (MS Word doesn’t think "exuberation" is a proper word), I sit peacefully with my nose buried in a white soupçon of fresh snow watching him tear through the dawning of the day. Shane? Shane sits and stares at the house, wondering when the door will open.

We’re all put together rather haphazardly, wouldn’t you agree?

Best wishes, Juno

Saki: Pen Eater

2008-11-29T10:52:00.001-08:00

At least he didn't eat the wires—this time.

Saki eats whatever’s available. A sock, a couch, a banana, a pen. He doesn’t distinguish. It’s all good. See those paw prints on the floor? Those are Saki prints left over from his pen-eating endeavor. We all thought he was chewing on one of his toys—of which he has like one hundred, or maybe just ten. But, all the time, he was sitting under Joan’s computer desk—chomp, chomp, chomp—chewing on a black fine-point Uniball pen, dribbling ink all over his front paws, turning his tongue an unsightly somewhat Chow-Chow gray, looking very cute, looking like a little doggy angel who could do no wrong.

A long bath ensued. Then came the blow-drying, the tub scrubbing, and the ink removal. He still doesn’t get it. A toy, a pen, a ball, a tree, a chair leg—it’s all within the realm of juicy eating possibilities.

I marvel at the way the world itself is Saki’s silver lining. It's a special talent, I guess.

Best wishes, Juno

Reaching 116 (pounds)

2008-11-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

I’m still recovering from Thursday. Joan comes in from work, sniffs me, chucks me under the chin, and announces it’s time for a bath. I’m quite dutiful about stepping into the tub and wonder if she realizes that I have the power to refuse. She’d never be able to lift me. Yet, I’m silent on this matter.

Well, after the bath I underwent the usual fluffing with the hairdryer, the fifty towels trying to absorb leftover moisture, the remarks about the flying fur. But, then came the surprise trip to the Babylon Animal Hospital where I was scheduled to undergo my annual ordeal of poking and prying by the vet. Shane came along for the ride, and he did his usual growling behind his muzzle, scaring the personnel—and you’d think they’d be used to nervous dogs by now. I mean, not everyone can be even tempered like I am.

Saki stayed behind with Shana, and it’s just as well, because we did a lot of waiting around, and I think Saki would have driven everyone a little mad with his abundance of energy.

But, here’s the real news. Remember how I used to be called words related to “plump”? (If not, you can read about it here.) Well, I’ll have you all know that I’ve lost my baby fat and now weigh only 116 pounds! That’s ten pounds less than Shane! What with bikini season another seven months away, who knows what possibilities lie in my future!

Best wishes, Juno

Brrrrr!

2008-11-17T16:18:00.001-08:00

Brrrrrrr. Love it. Joan’s thinks that if she’s cold, I must be cold, too. But, it’s not so. Give me your chilly whipping wind from the North, a blast of Antarctica, a big splash of rain from what’s left of the Polar Caps. Yeah. Cold rain and ice are my solace.

Best wishes, Juno

2008-11-12T09:02:00.001-08:00

Memories of Summer (we'll get a picture of the cat when health permits)

I haven’t left the yard for days. Joan’s fault. Something about the flu. But, it’s okay since there’s enough activity to keep my interest—that huge striped cat for example. She teases me, entices me, intrigues me with her great balloon of a belly and the way she struts along the chain-link fence acting as though she owns that particular strip of grass, as though she owns the air we breathe.

I admire her audacity. I like the way she doesn’t try to act like Saki or Shane. She’s her own cat. Sometimes I sit in the corner of the yard, and that cat sits on top of the fence and stares at me. We have a silent agreement—she doesn’t jump on my head; I don’t bark.

Best wishes, Juno

Old Age So Far

2008-11-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

November has been perfect so far. Warm outside weather—even the cool weather is warm as long as the sun shines. I’m easing into old age with great aplomb. No complaints, no regrets, no nightmarish reminiscences, no wish-I-hads. Shane’s like me in this respect. We don’t lament the passing of time like humans do; we just make note of the breezes, the storms, the springing up of flowers in the spring and falling of leaves in the fall. And, it just is.

I tried to walk the entire way around the block today, but someone in the distance was hammering. It sounded like anger, like gunshots; it just ruined my equilibrium. So, we turned around and came home.

And so here I sit. I note the leaves rushing down the street and wonder if they know why they hurry or even know where they’ll end up.

Overnight, everything looks like autumn—the clouds are thin, the leaves suddenly yellow and red, the air clear and dry. Oh, and the ice-cream truck comes no more down the block playing that silly little tune. Ish is still imprisoned in the backyard, the people still yell at one another, the cars still speed by.

Somehow, though, it’s just a lot more peaceful.

Best wishes, Juno

Waiting for the Storm

2008-10-25T08:26:00.001-07:00

There’s supposed to be a huge storm today. We’re waiting. Nothing’s really going on. Well, we can’t say that about Saki. He goes on and on. Wow. What a lot of energy. He loves that Frisbee, and I think he should advertise for PetCo or PetSmart or for whoever made that thing in his mouth.

I like days like this—it’s supposed to rain, it’s supposed to be a terrible stay-in day—when we get to sit in the yard for hours waiting, waiting, waiting. The cat from across the street struts along the fence, and we’re so used to it by now, we hardly turn around, and Saki runs around with that Frisbee hoping we’ll play with him. (Sorry, Saki. Shane and I, we’re content to sit and watch you run around.)

Best wishes before the storm, Juno

Goldfish Whisperer

2008-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Shane

To see Cesar Milan: well, the Upright Citizen's Brigade version of him, click right HERE.

Uneven Patios and Puppy Energy

2008-10-13T15:51:00.001-07:00

Okay, the patio is a little uneven, but it's comfortable.

The older I get, the harder it gets to write. Also, Joan spent the weekend making a patio and fixing the first bad job she did on the walkway. “Wow, these pavers are heavy,” she lamented time and time again. Then she got a fever and slept for half a day. So, it’s not just my age. It’s day-to-day living that gets in the way of my blogging life.

Shane was sick again, too. Saki is never sick. He just runs and runs. And if he doesn’t get to run, he digs up the yard. So, we try to keep him occupied. Shane lies on the grass and lets him jump all over him—this from a dog who used to try to attack Saki! Joan throws the Frisbee for Saki about a hundred times a day. And, still he never gets tired. That is, until he collapses at the end of the day and falls into a deep sleep—so deep, you can hardly see him breathing.

That’s the beauty of extended puppyhood. You play hard, you sleep deep, you charm everyone—even tough nuts like Shane.

Best wishes, Juno

From Where I Sit

2008-10-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is the best time of the year, better, even, than spring, for the leaves float so lightly to the ground you’d think they could change course in mid-flight and rise right back to their branches. The trees are still dressed in their thin autumn way, and the clouds billow and darken and whiten as they race across the sky to who-knows-where.

I’m the only dog here who looks up to see these things. Shane and Saki watch the street, which might or might not have its advantages.

For example, they’re on constant tender hooks because the cat across the street taunts them with that arrogant arch in her tiger-striped back. Whereas most cats will pretend to ignore you—especially if you’re a dog—this cat stares right through the chain-link fence. It’s as though she knows we haven’t figured out how to unlatch the gate. And does she ever take advantage! Shane and Saki get all upset and whiny.

Not me. I play the part the cat should play. I ignore—or pretend to ignore—all the silliness of confrontation and discourse. I try to give Saki and Shane the occasional word of advice, but do they listen? Of course not. So here I sit and choose the views that please me best.

Best wishes, Juno

Webs & Triangles

2008-09-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Spiders make humans scream (just ask Megan). But, I think they make splendid webs, and besides, humans make webs, too—all kinds of webs. If you look really closely, you just can’t believe how complicated and beautiful a spider web is. It’s like a gossamer curtain of silver. And, in the middle of all that beauty, the spider waits, every so patiently.

It’s been raining all day, and here we are taking advantage of a little dry spell to luxuriate under a cloudy sky still thick with rain that’s too light to fall and too heavy to rise. Saki always wants to be the most acute angle on the triangle. I let him have his way. Life is all very temporary, and I say there are some things just not worth worrying about.

Best wishes, Juno

Okay, Students. Listen Up.

2008-09-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

"Everyone back to your seats for a pop quiz."

This is Cousin Eileen. She's a teacher, and I think she missed being in the classroom during her visit to New York. Well, since she's a creative sort of person, she simple substituted us dogs for her students. She taught us all sorts of things—you know, about history and math and current events. We also watched Wives and Daughters together and spent some quality sniffing her ankles under the breakfast table.

After she went home, Saki ate her bed. Joan wasn't happy about it, but she understood.

Best wishes, Juno

Ish's Fence & Saki's Sleepover

2008-09-07T04:52:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely day; so soporific in its way.

Two pieces of good news. Well, first of all, you’ll be happy to know that Ish—you know him; he’s the dog who sometimes visits from across the street—is no longer spending his days and nights on a chain! John—that’s his owner—came over to tell Joan about it the other day. Here’s how it went:

Joan pulls into the driveway and gets out of the car. John walks across the street with his hands on his hips.

Joan: What’s up? What did I do wrong?

John: I just want to tell you that I put up a fence in the backyard for Ish.

Joan: Fantastic!

John: Now he can run around. He’s not on a chain.

Joan: Wow! I’m so happy.

John: Well, I just thought you’d like to know. Now you don’t have to worry about him.

Joan: Bravo! I knew you were a good man. I just knew it!

John laughs and waves goodbye. The end.

The other news is that Saki had a practice sleepover at a dogsitter’s house. The sitter and her family loved him, and Saki had a super time of it. Now he has a place to go if Joan has to be out late in the day.

Shane and me? We prefer to stay put, thank you very much. We’re way over running around all day and eating the furniture when no one’s home.

So how about all this happy news? Very pleasant, I’d say.

Best wishes, Juno

The Saki Good-Dog Project

2008-09-01T05:23:00.001-07:00

Saki and Ish think of ways to tear up the lawn--what's left of it.

Saki is on Joan Assignment. Everywhere Joan goes, Saki must follow. No more running in the yard unless Joan’s watching him; no more eating pillows in the sunroom unless Joan’s watching him; no more…. Well, you get the idea.

Saki even has a “play pen” now (which Kyla calls “jail,” but it’s not), so we can all relax for a few minutes at a time and not worry about Saki committing crimes of social etiquette or those involving personal property—the destruction of lawns, pillows, socks, envelopes, clothespins, hoses, etc.

I think this new tactic will work, and it'll make Saki a very good dog, indeed. Like Cesar (Milan) says, a good dog needs affection, discipline, and, what was it?, exercise? Oh, dear. No wonder we can’t get this right.

Best wishes,
Juno