Ely Trip 2024

The Sven Saw Sisters annual Ely trip is in the books!  We calculate this is year 34ish for us taking time from our lives and collectively gathering in Ely for 4 days of fun, food and friendship – friendship that is best defined as family now.  And the family includes the dogs.  Every one of the dogs, Helen included, has attended the Ely trip every single year of their life.   Rainie -11, Helen – 11, Holly – 3 and Keltie – 2.   When we arrive at the resort the dogs know the lay out of the land.  They know which cabin, they know which dock, they know which bedroom they belong in.   The Sven Saw Sisters are proud of our tradition and find comfort in our routines, still enjoying the new experiences and memories that occur each year.  Our dogs seem to do the same.  They stay nearby the cabin, they accept their time drying off in the porch, they swim next to our designated dock – they show us they can be trusted.   Except Helen – I keep her on a long lead so she cannot run down the hill and jump in the lake!

We still miss our Tessie, the sting coming out when we are together in Ely.  Her absence, but Helen’s presence, is a stark reminder of her loss.  Like last year, her sister, Susie, and Tessie’s two nieces, Josie & Katie, joined us for a night of reminiscing, laughter, and food/drinks.  This gathering is healing for all of us.  I know I watch Susie’s gestures and expressions and hear her voice inflictions and phrases – and I see and hear Tessie.  We all do, and tell her so.  She comments about her comfort level with us and feels as if she has known us for a long time.   Helen goes ballistic when she greets Susie and the girls.  It’s apparent she remembers them and their role in her past life.  Tessie may not be attending our tradition, but our tradition is still including her.  And her inclusion and is building more relationships grounded with laughter, food and memories about her.

Holly was in her heaven while in Ely.  Lakes and large open grass fields all in one setting had her floating on air.  After all the outdoor fun, she was a tired, content girl inside.  I enjoyed watching her socialize with everyone.  She made the rounds and managed to convince each person that she was in need of a neck/chest rub and worthy of being told she was a good girl, maybe even deserving of a treat or two.  I called it schmoozing!  She does it well.

My days of training Holly may be complete, and now I need to take lessons from her.