Throughout this last year, after moving from Denver to New York City, Faith has looked at me and said, "I'm so sorry, Madge," many times. The first time she said this was when she realized how much less
green there was in this new place. I was having a hard time finding places to potty and looking at her for direction. The next flow of apologies came during this past harsh winter when I shivered through the icy Sunnyside streets, followed by more
I'm sorry moments as the rain fell and I pleaded with her not to make me go out in it.
Faith tells me she wants me to have a good dog life. The thing is, I do. I still refuse to go out in the rain (although yesterday when it began to rain while we were already out there, I managed), and I can't help but shiver through the northeastern winter winds; however, I have made garbage bags my new "trees" -- I love it when rows of them are lined up, and I just pee, pee, pee all the way down the street (It's okay, garbage handlers wear really thick gloves...).
Also, there has been a new development here on the homefront. Faith's brother, Glenn, has moved in. I'm beginning to understand that I can be thrilled when he comes home from the gym or running errands, and that I get to cuddle up to him during the days when Faith is at work.
Also, I have a good dog life because I have great
dog walkers. For the past five months or so, they've come to visit me regularly, and we have had some wonderful times together. They have helped me meet other dogs in my neighborhood, who I now recognize when Faith takes me out for our long evening walks. I used to growl about 50% of the time I met new dogs; now I might give a growl if there's an impolite puppy who greets me rudely or if the other dog's energy is just too high for me, and I feel threatened, but mostly I know the right way to greet and sniff and socialize -- as best I can being tethered to the leash!
The other day, it was very hot here, and George let me cool down in the rainbow fountain in the park --
I couldn't figure out how Faith knew about it, since it's my own private time with my walker, and then I remembered that the walkers write little notes for Faith every day before they leave me...
From George: Wow. So hot! Still had a great walk. Rinsed off in the rainbow fountain. Madge was happy. Sat on a bench together under a tree. Sniffed in the dirt. And watched TV in the cool house.
I hear that later today, I get a dog walker visit. I will be so happy to walk with them and get their loving pats on my head after...maybe even a tummy rub!
