February 10, 2012

White Dog and the White Dog Army have come to enjoy our "Fridays-Are-Saturdays" and the uncrowded access to their favorite places that playing while the rest of the world works brings. So it was with mixed emotions that they heard Steve's news that next quarter, starting in mid-March, he is going back to a normal Monday through Friday teaching week. He will once again have Saturdays and Sundays free...as does nearly everyone else. This will allow us, as the weather grows nicer, to plan more weekend get-aways but the WDA will now have to share Saturday trips to the Park with the other weekenders who sometimes crowd the spaces. Unfortunately, Steve's new schedule does not eliminate the two late nights of teaching but they at least will not be back-to-back.

"OK but that is the future," Quinn pointed out. "Let's enjoy THIS Friday-is-Saturday!"

Mid-morning on this Friday, the pet store was deserted so we all got a chance to visit with Lisa, the owner, and taste-test some new treats she was carrying. We were also able to stock up on the Fromm's bedtime snacks so that the storage bin did not run dry at home.

Back in Pumpkin we headed for the Duck Pond Park...deserted except for a couple of moms with toddlers (who absolutely cooed with delight at the White Dogs). The runners, YoYoMa and Puff, got a thorough workout lead by White Dog as they sprinted, then cantered, then flat out ran across the grass. When they returned to the van, the strollers, Quinn and Nuka, put Steve through his cool down paces as they purposefully and unhurriedly took in the sights and smells and paused to watch the ducks.

All the duck jerky on the hoof   web made the WDA drooliciously hungry so we detoured to lunch at Rincon del Pollo, our favorite taco shack. When the nice lady behind the counter learned that "Los Unos Blancos" were no longer eating chicken, she waved a finger at Steve. "Then I will make them what? Cheese and bistek and refried beans? Yes for my precious ones!" And she came around the counter to give hugs to each of the White Dogs. We sat in the warm sunlight and feasted; the pups on their individual tacos, Steve and I enjoying the spicy house specialty, green chile chicken burritos.

Even at Costco, the WDA drew attention. Steve ran in to pick up coffee and duck jerky as the Army and I watched the shoppers go by from Pumpkin's side door. A man came up and jokingly asked if I wanted to get rid of any of the dogs. "Not ever! This is my family!" It turns out that he is looking for the perfect dog to help fill his life. His wife had died and he was lonely. He wanted a dog who would lay out in the yard and be with him while he worked in his garden. We talked a bit as he petted the White Dogs. We all wished him luck in finding the best companion ever and suggested a few rescues to visit. Puff whispered, "I know he will make some dog a great forever family."

Followup checkups at Dr. Julia's gave Nuka an "all clear" on her ear infection. Puff's lungs are clear and congestion free; that is the good news. The bad is that her heart is slightly enlarged (age combined with lingering weakness from her bout with heartworms) so she is now on two heart medications (yes, our hardest to get pills down now has TWO pills twice a day)! She must see the vet again next week.

By the time we got home and the White Dog Army sampled the new bag of duck jerky (paws up!), everyone was ready to nap. No one even seemed to mind as Steve and I dressed for an evening of dinner and a dance performance out.