Louise has loved Mojo Rising, the boy next door, since the day they meet, 11 years ago. He is about a year and some older than her. Even now, in their later age, there is a special smile that she only has for him. She always wants to go play with him, even though neither of them plays much anymore. Mojo is currently being treated for lung cancer and doing very well. Time takes its toll on all of us – but true love knows no age or infirmity.
There is nothing more interesting and fun than sitting at the front door and watching the world. There are so many people walking by now: puppies, children, squirrels, cars, trucks, and especially delivery people. Bark bark bark bark bark, woof woof, and arf.
Winter has come, so the plants needed to come in from outside. Nine thinks that is just great. New plaything: Let’s dig! Let’s scratch! If you look halfway up the trunk of the fig tree (ficus benjamina), you will see gnarls from cats-past who also found the fig tree a great scratching post during the winter. BTW, this fig tree is at least 25 years old.
“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Rodman Drake
One day I will be able to sit down and watch TV without a million paws asking for something. To the right of me was Louise, begging in her cute ‘please Mommy’ way for a cookie. What you don’t see is a moment before she was pawing at my leg relentlessly. I don’t know about you but I have these long black and blue marks down my thighs, and then I remember it was Louise.
To the left of me was Mini Cooper. Wanting my endless attention, all the time these days. Sometimes I notice these little scratches all over my legs and tummy and realize, oh yes, Mini was kneading me.
Then I turn away and it is Charles now on my left, who has rousted Mini because he was jealous and wants to make sure no one gets more attention than him. At least, the little man doesn’t leave any marks.
Sofie had her second worming last week for those very difficult hookworms. So far, so good for Ms. Soso. Her gut seems to be getting back to normal. Now we have to figure out what new arthritis medicine to get on, since her previous one, which we stopped because her gut was ripped apart by these hookworms, is really hard on the GI tract (Previcox). She limps a great deal. I don’t know if it is her front right shoulder or coming from her neck. I do have her on pain meds so hopefully that helps. I am also trying this new thing that Mojo’s Mom gave us that provides sound waves into the area and maybe gives some relief. Testing the gut this week and waiting for the Vet to tell us what they find. Paws crossed they are gone.
My wonderful Louise, aka Lulu Belle, turns 11 today. She is just such a wonderful soul. I really enjoy her company. She is patient with the cats and tolerates Sofie and Charles very well. She loves to have Mom all to herself on morning walks and it seems like the only time that I really see her smile. Except for this picture above. She had the biggest smile that day. Usually, she is more like the picture below.
“Why are you making me sit here in front of the roses, Mom? Grump, grump, grump. Let’s just keep walking.”(Don’t my wild roses look great for late fall? They really had a second burst.) I just love this dog.
DogDaz Zoo 