Audrey

We are not sure how this can be but more and more of our friends are turning 70 years old.  The latest is Audrey.  Audrey lives in Oregon but was in town for her special day.  Conveniently, November 22 was a Friday night and a perfect night to celebrate Audrey’s milestone birthday at the house with DeeAnn, Tim and myself.   I successfully introduced Holly to the party slowly and when well supervised.  It was not long and Holly was bored with a bunch of people sitting around a table sharing appetizers, drinks and conversation.  She, as well as Keltie, Rainie and Helen, settled in and took one-eyed naps while we celebrated in our own way.  Eventually Audrey made her way to being eye-level with the dogs on the floor opening the door for circling, pawing and licking.  Audrey, a gifted artist and creative soul is blessed with immense insights into souls of any nature.  After a short period of time with Holly, she shared with me that Holly is telling her that she loves her backyard and laying on the top of the stairwell (both true).  Audrey also said Holly’s ambition is to be the best dog I’ve ever had.  Now that is a tall order following Bailee and Boden plus I am not one to do rank comparisons when it comes to relationships but it is safe to say that Holly is on her way to being the best big dog I’ve ever had in my senior life!   And how sweet it is that this is her aspiration!   Maybe turning 3 years old is more impactful than I realized!   Audrey also invited Helen into a conversation and was told, “I like being pampered.  I was pampered all my life before.  And I want to keep being pampered.’   Now how can anyone dispute the accuracy with that?   Gracie was a bit more challenging but Audrey heard from Gracie that she loved me, and only me.   Again, spot on.  

Snow has fallen.  Holly was running laps in the backyard, bending down at times to snatch some snow into her mouth.  She had dog school this afternoon but I could tell her thoughts were elsewhere.  Treats helped keep her focussed on U-turns, stands, sits and jumps in dog school but I could tell she was going through the motions until she could get back outside in the snow and cooler weather.   Knowing your aspirations.  Knowing what you like.  Knowing yourself, and being ok with it.  

This big dog just may have reached one of her ambitions before being 3 years old!