TRIXIE'S NEW BROOD

 POST # 544

The above photo of Trixie was taken during my most recent house sit at her place, just last month.  She was waiting for a treat, as always, and it wasn't long after,  that her wish was granted.  How could I stare in those eyes, and not give her a treat?

Fast forward to March, and this is what is now happening in Trixie's life.

That's right.  Trixie is now a mom.  There seems to be an anxious look on her face, but perhaps that's just my human take on her expression.  In any event, she now has more important things to concern herself with than the occasional treat dispensed from the resident house sitter.  She has now become a "treat" dispenser for seven, yes that's correct, seven little pups.  They were born on March 21st, and I drove up to visit them when they were just three days old.  Six females and one lone male.  

Here is another view.

They all look quite relaxed when this photo was taken.  The majority of the pups have zonked out for the time being, and Trixie is probably exhausted.  I doubt if she'll be doing any frisbee chasing in the backyard for quite some time.  She's got more important things to keep her occupied right now.  Here is one more pup photo to round things out.

I had the opportunity to visit Trixie and her pups, because I am in Qualicum Beach at my current house sit, so it was only a short five minute drive to go for a visit.  I'm glad that I took the time to do so.  That was four days ago, and by now, those same pups will have increased in size by a significant amount.  In no time at all, they'll be keeping Trixie busier than she has ever been in her entire life.  

Back here at my other house sit, I mentioned all of this to Dee Dee, and this was her reaction.

It looks like she approves of Trixie's new additions.  And for Dee Dee, the best part is that she is carefree in comparison.  All she has to concern herself with are treats, walks, and naps.  Trixie has a much busier schedule than Dee Dee has right now, and in the foreseeable future.

The owners arrive back home this coming Friday, so I will try and maximise my time with Dee Dee as much as I can over the next few days.  I may even get a second opportunity to check out Trixie's brood.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

THE JOURNEY BACK TO D-DOG

POST # 543 

I was up early yesterday, in preparation for my return journey to Canada, and my next house sit.  Mary's condition had improved enough for her to drive me to the train station.  She has come a long way, since my arrival a month ago.

The sky was grey, as was my mood which is always the case when I have to say goodbye to Mary and Dora-dog.

The train journey was uneventful, as was my interaction with Canadian Customs upon arriving in Vancouver.  I was thankful for that.  I had sufficient time to have a quick bite of lunch, and catch up on a few emails, prior to continuing my journey via the Skytrain and then bus to Horseshoe Bay.  While waiting for the bus, a man standing next to me had an interesting ring on his finger.  I couldn't help but mention that my father had been a goldsmith, and that he would have been impressed with the size of the gold nugget mounted on his ring.  The next thing you know,  he told me it was from Bear Creek in the Yukon.  Bear Creek was where my little cabin Snug was located, and that got us talking about the Yukon.  He then told me that he grew up in Dawson City.  What a coincidence.  If I hadn't commented on his ring, we would never have had the interaction.  Later on we would have another conversation, and one more coincidence would take place.   As we were getting ready to leave the ferry, we just happened to be standing next to each other, and I asked him if Nanaimo was his final destination?   He said yes, as this was where his mom now lives, and he was coming over to celebrate her 90th birthday which  was the next day.   My party met me at the terminal and we walked over to their car.  Lo and behold, the man I had been just talking to, showed up at the car parked right next to us.  A little old lady was there to meet him and I assumed that this was his mother.  As she walked towards the back of the car I wished her a very happy birthday for tomorrow, and the look on her face was priceless, as she couldn't understand how a total stranger would know that she was going to be having a birthday.  I left it to her son to fill her in on the details.  So that was the second coincidence of the day.  I always find it amazing when things like this happen.  And for me, they seem to happen on a fairly regular basis.

So I am now settling in at my new location with Dee Dee, aka D-dog.  From one D-dog to the next.

This D-dog is moving a bit slower than the last time I was here, but she's certainly doing well for her age.  I'm looking forward to a relaxed house sit with Dee Dee.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

DORA-DOG'S ROLE AS CAREGIVER

 POST # 542

During the early days after Mary's hip replacement, Dora-dog was looking as exhausted as The Thoughtful Wanderer.  But through it all, she always remained focused on Mary.   Of course, it's impossible to know what thoughts were going through her head each day, but I could tell by her actions, that Mary was at the top of the list of Dora-dog's priorities.  She was perplexed by the walker that Mary had to use, just to get around the house. Eventually the walker was replaced by a cane, but through it all, Dora-dog has always been by Mary's side, wanting to be of any assistance possible.  Through many sleepless nights, Dora-dog is there to stand guard.  She is always there to protect Mary in any way that she can.  

Over time, the situation has become easier than it was when I arrived back on February 20th, and all three of us are very grateful for that fact.

Another way in which Dora-dog has been a great support for the two humans in the house is as a welcome distraction for us.  The daily ritual of play time has now come back onto the agenda, and Dora-dog certainly doesn't disappoint in this area.  We both appreciate the exuberance and happiness that she displays when some of her favourite toys are brought out to have fun with.  At times, it can almost seem like things are back to normal.  But we're not there just yet.  In the meantime, it has been great to have our four-legged friend offer her version of support.  It means a lot to the both of us.

I even had time the other day to go for a long walk with Dora-dog.  You most certainly can tell by the expression on her face, that she is enjoying her day out in the sun.  For a short while at least, she didn't seem to have a care in the world.  But as soon as we returned home, she quickly hurried over to Mary to make sure that she was OK.  

So yes, things are beginning to improve for Mary, and a big part of that improvement in my opinion has been Dora-dog's role as caregiver.  As my time winds down here, and I get ready to move on to my next house/pet sit, I am comforted by the fact that Dora-dog will remain here by Mary's side, ready to offer up whatever assistance that she is able, in order to help Mary make as quick a recovery as possible.  What more could you ask for, from such a faithful, four-legged friend?

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

SITUATION IMPROVING and TURNING 68

 POST # 541

Since my last post was written, The Thoughtful Wanderer has survived to make it all the way to 68 years old.  In spite of the lack of sleep, and pain with her new hip, Mary still managed to provide me with a birthday cupcake and a glass of wine to celebrate.  How considerate is that, I ask you?

As the days have marched on, Mary's situation is slowly improving, but she has a ways to go until she will have her previous mobility back.  But at least things are moving in the right direction so far, and for that we are both grateful.  

Even Dora-dog seems to have accepted the "new normal" and she is always watching out for Mary, being the faithful companion that she is.  

The number 68 isn't significant as far as birthdays go, but it is one number older than my dad managed to achieve.  I guess that makes it somewhat of a milestone for me.  As I was a young man of 29 when dad died, he seemed rather old to me at the time.  And now, 68 doesn't seem that old.  The weekend that he died, I was attending a surprise birthday party for a friend in Vancouver, his 30th. He got a T-shirt that said, "30 Isn't Old If You're A Tree."  I suppose 68 isn't either, compared to some trees.  That helps to put one's life in some perspective.

So, that's the news for this past week, and I will be here until March 20th to help Mary with her recovery.  I can't think of a more worthwhile use of my time, than to care for her and Dora-dog.  

Finally, I'll end with this one last photo.  The photo and the enhancement on top of the Aquabus was made by my friend Jay, whom I've known since my Dawson City days.  He's quite creative when it comes to producing things on the computer.  Thanks Jay, for helping me to celebrate my birthday.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer