Life has been routine since the intense wait-and-watch period with Holly’s bowel obstruction, and subsequent celebration of the golden egg (aka bundled grass) that dropped in the backyard! And I can tell you there is nothing wrong with things being routine!
Keltie and Rainie have been spending more time at the house, a good precursor to what is to come. Deeann’s house is filled with stacked boxes and furniture, all ready for the movers scheduled to come on the 17th. The dogs are getting accustom to which corner their food bowl is placed, which door they go out at night vs the morning, proper cat etiquette and the understanding of which toy belongs to whom, off limits to sharing.
My neighbors are starting to get accustom to seeing multiple dogs in my backyard. The joking comments are getting less and Rainie & Keltie are getting called by their correct name more often. Though I found myself hesitating the other day when I had my garage door tuned up, getting ready for the winter months. All the dogs, including Kooper, were kenneled in the house and I arrived home just as the garage guy pulled up. We chatted and he began doing what he does. And I had this momentary dialogue with myself on whether I let all, some or none of the dogs go out to the backyard. I knew there would be a fuss, some barking and a ball and a frisbee getting flipped towards the fence. And comments, no doubt. They had been kenneled for the morning, they needed to get out. Outside they go. It took about 45 seconds and I hear from the fenceline, “You have 5 dogs?” “No, I have 2. I’m pet-sitting today”, I said. He replies, “Oh. My girlfriend has 4 dogs.” And that was it. He went back to working on the garage door. I was relieved and am feeling ready for next week when the fireplace and furnace get cleaned!
“Routine” is a good spot right now. Being in one, building one and defending one. As the dogs adjust and settle into theirs, we create ours. And our search continues for a single level home suitable for dogs and their aging Mom’s.