December 14, 2019

White Dog and the White Dog Army supervised as I began to organize holiday gifts that needed to be assembled, grouped and boxed in anticipation of shipping this coming week. Each item had to be sniffed and inspected.

Putting dog treats for gifting into cute little bags was a challenge…the WDA thought that they should taste test every single bag. “Um, no,” I told them. “You all had a sample when we started this process; you will devour all of the gift part.” “Our friends would not mind,” Zsofia said, “they would get joy just knowing how much we LIKE these.”  I tied closed another bag. “And YOU will get joy in sharing your favorite bedtime treat with our fur friends.” “Can’t we do both?” Opal our diplomat asked. “You do. You got a sample now and you get the same snack every night after walks. Send them with love.”  The Army considered the perspective and Tizenegy’s comment, “Plus, Dad will be home soon and it will be jerky time.”

When Steve arrived shortly after attention was diverted to the things he carried from the Rail Yards Christmas Market. Quickly losing interest in the dried flowers from a woman-run farm in the South Valley and the little box of chocolates from another home artisan, they ALL were eager to sniff the slices of rum cake that Steve could not resist after sampling.  "Um,no." I said as they turned deaf to Steve's please to "Leave it."

By the time it came to preparing dinner, Steve had to go looking for volunteers to help. He found a few, but only after promising extra turkey in their dinner.