August 14, 2009

White Dog led the way into Diane and Steve's house as we embarked on our first social outing since my hospital release. It was a birthday celebration for all of the family's August birthdays and a farewell to Rob and Sarah who are moving to Chicago next week. White Dog exhibited perfect party manners while, at the same time, attending to me. Visiting and greeting each human, she was interested in how each was without being pushy; then she laid by the side of my wheelchair or next to Steve. She brought her old friend, Max, a bag of cheese snacks as a going away present and hit him in the head (like the old days when he lived with us) for luck. She was extremely patient with toddler Tyler, who was on his best behavior with her (except for feeding her treats by whipping them at her). She also spent a few minutes with Tasha and Hannah before they were sent outside (they have no party manners). It was a lovely evening but protective White Dog and Steve noticed that I was tiring after a few hours and insisted we return home, lest I "overdo."