Common Ground

The weather is beginning to allow for more comfortable outdoor activity. For DeeAnn & I that means raking, spreading dirt and various cabin opening chores.  For the dogs that means room to run, chase, wrestle on common ground plus have an open lake for swimming.  I had high hopes that Helen would be more mellow around the water this summer, being a year older and more settled in her new home and family.  It didn’t take long for those high hopes to have their bubble burst.  While DeeAnn & I worked on the cabin screen door, I tied Helen’s long lead to a log from the wood pile thinking it would keep her near us and away from the water.  Wrong.  As soon as Holly raced down to the water, Helen followed dragging the log behind seemingly with no difficulty.   Next up was a paver brick.  Same result, though it took a tad longer to cross the stretch of grass.  I managed to catch her before she reached the water, stepping on her long lead with a brick at the end – a brick that was not stopping Helen but it sure did drag down my high hopes of Helen being more mellow around water this summer!

Harvey House company continues though is slowing down.  Nearly all of our friends have been over for snacks, beverages and a tour of the house.  Joan and Marcia being the most recent.  Marcia Swanson is a pet rehabilitation specialist and has worked on Baillee, Boden and now Helen.  She is absolutely amazing with animals.  Sadly for us, excited for Marcia – she will be moving to Portugal within the year.   Joan Christensen was introduced to us through Marcia.  Joan had an elderly dalmation, Jackson, who needed 24/7 care.  DeeAnn & I provided respite care for Jackson so Joan could get out of the house to do errands and get a break.  Jackson has since passed, but Joan and us continue to connect periodically.  It’s a treat to find friends late in life and an extra bonus when they are devoted dog lovers.  Conversation never runs out when we can share stories about our dogs, current and past, without boring the person silly – the benefit of common ground.

Kimber has become a regular guest at the house for a couple days each week. She and Holly have become good buddies, they share the same love in life – play and treats!   It’s been interesting to watch Holly interact with Kimber.  I’ve always seen Holly as an immature soul, puppy at heart.  With Kimber she has had to step up and be a teacher, role model, disciplinarian, friend and playmate.   With that comes confidence and pride.  I do believe Kimber has helped Holly grow and mature in ways that I could not have helped her.  Similar situation as to Holly’s exposure to Rainie and Helen, the two seniors of the bunch.  She has learned how to play differently (or maybe not at all), how to adjust her pace and energy according to their level (some of the time) and generally respect an elder.  It seems, dogs respect their multi-generation relationships and need that diversity in their life to help them grow and understand how they fit into their pack – and their world.  And it seems we share still more common ground with our pets!