Suburban Sleigh Ride

Lately, I feel like Daisy ...

This is Daisy. Daisy is lazy ... or at least VERY comfortable most of the time. We laugh because it's either this soft-throned queen napping or a vigilant pursuit of whatever she feels needs her attention to make things right. There's no middle ground. When she's in her comfort zone, she doesn't want to leave. When she's told it's time to go outside, she usually does so reluctantly. And if there's nothing to hold her attention, she's back at the door ready for her cushion again. If there is something to hold her attention, she goes overboard and once again, she has to be instructed (and sometimes forced) to go back inside. 

She really isn't interested in doing much of anything others think up for her.  She thinks too much.  She evaluates everything.  And she is already well aware that there is much to monitor ... and acts like she's the only one monitoring it.  (And I'll let you in on a secret.  She kind of is - no one would care if she didn't!)

Daisy has a dead-pan expression that can't quite imitate a smile. And even when she wants attention, it's a flat and authoritative grabbing paw that finds your arm or knee. "It's time for love," she paws. "It's time for love now."

I have to admit, I can find myself feeling that way sometimes. I'm going through my day doing things because I know they should be done. I can never get out the door of my own doing ... always being dragged by a schedule or a prompt or a pressure. When there's a moment to breathe, I can't seem to do anything. And if there is something that pulls me enough to snap me into focus, it will be hard to get me out! My furrowed brow is and indication of my consuming intent to finish or pursue something.

So when I realize this, I feel alone.

Like Daisy, I paw at myself with a monotone, you-know-you-need-to-do-this voice, "It's time for ________." What do I do? I don't have the luxury of someone at hand who takes care of everything in my world, sitting nearby ready to pour on the love. And I don't want to depend on anyone else for it, either. I want to stir it up myself.

"It's time for love."
"It's time for joy."
"It's time for peace."
"It's time for creativity."

Nothing.

I can't seem to summon the those things on my own lately. I'm just flat worn out.

P.S. Hank, on the other hand, is our happy-go-lucky lab. He's along for the ride and will turn with the tide. He, too, has a flop mode but his intensity isn't vigilance - it's usually playful and expressive. And if he exhausts himself with anything, it's with excitement over something - a toy, a person, another dog, FOOD. He begins to perk up when he hears, "Do you want to ...," in anticipation of "... go outside?" And bursts into action.

I wish I were more like Hank.

One Week Later ... GASP ... 10 DOGS!

Yes, I do know how this happens. But my mind still staggers at the numbers (especially when there are times I wish we had ZERO dogs)! But they are absolutely adorable. And I believe they just might be the best hunters ever. With the Coonhound-Labrador mix, they can track AND retrieve!

Sloppy Dog - It's a DIY Dog Wash!

It was the crowning moment of holiday vacation time together ... Sloppy Dog Wash. Definitely an adventure, but I'm not sure who was more exhausted after the excursion - the dogs or the people!

Hank The Tank

Our new pup is quite the addition to the family! His arrival is part of my effort to keep Miss Daisy from being lonely. But I think this little tankster might come close to driving Miss Daisy crazy! For the most part, though, she loves it. She isn't sad when I leave the house, and that makes me happy! What will make me even happier is when Hank's skunkish-coffee breath is tamed! Actually, I have to admit, it seemed more like Shredded Wheat tonight.

PRECIOUS!

Six weeks old ... he made it through the night wonderfully (well, wonderful in that when he did wake me up every 2 hours, I brought him to his "puppy pad" and he did his thing). Daisy is a little unsure of him and jumps whenever he touches her feet. I'm sure she will get used to him in time. We kept his nickname from his owners, Hank the Tank. He was the biggest of the puppies and has big, big feet. So we'll see how he grows! Before long, Daisy may find herself looking up at him!

Mr. Wishbone

In preparing for puppy, we got one toy ... Mr. Wishbone. And boy, am I ever glad Mr. Wishbone was around at night! I'm realizing that we will need LOTS of toys for our little one. He LOVES to play! Even Daisy is getting inspired and being a little more playful when it comes to toys. But it's like kids. The concept of sharing isn't inbred! Daisy has stolen Mr. Wishbone from Hank a few times.

"Ruff" Day

Somehow Daisy knows when I'm having a rough (or should I say "ruff?") day. She seems to have a particular interest in watching over me. I have to admit, I'm glad I have a dog. This would be a strange summer with a completely empty house!

Glamour Shots

M&S had a little bit of an adventure today as I tried to play with the lights and backdrop I ordered for some Girl Scout events. M was uncannily "Top Modelesque" and S was an endless stream of entertaining poses for almost 200 shots! Of course, Daisy couldn't escape the glamour and patiently endured the fashion divas and their costume changes.

Football Pileup

It was a pileup this afternoon. I think everyone was quite happy to see Kevin today. The dog (who has been classically SCARED of anyone male and slowly has at least accepted Kevin) jumped on him when he came in the door! The guys had their Bears jerseys and had my daughter looking for their "twins" throughout the game. I was quite content to snuggle with the pack on the sofa! Well ... ok ... that's kind of a lie. I did end up taking a pile of photos and finishing lunch and doing dishes and starting supper. The work is never done!