March 4, 2020

White Dog's plan was a simple one. She would invite Opal out to stroll the yard with her after dinner and while they were out, Steve would quietly collect up the eviscerated lambie with its blobs of stuffing and replace it with a new one that had been saved for just such an event. Lambie is Opal's much loved favorite toy who has sacrificed both ears and legs beyond repair. The splitting open of the stuffie's belly left the bedroom filled with fluff and a young pretend sheep with a fatal wound.

WD casually came through the bedroom presumably on the way to use the dog door. She paused as if it was an afterthought and said to Opal, "Come out with me and let's stretch our legs a bit."  Opal looked up and smiled. "Thanks, Sister, but I want to stay in here with momma; besides I am enjoying Lambie's company. Have a nice walk." White Dog looked at me and went through the door.

Later Steve was harnessing up White Dog Army members for pre-bedtime walks. "How about it, Opal? Is tonight the night you will join us for a walk? We would love to have you join us." Opal made a beeline back to sit next to me in the bedroom with her head resting on Lambie.

After coming home Bailey came into the room. "Going out into the yard for maybe a little poop hunting," she said, "Anyone want to come along?"

Opal looked at me. "It is weird but it feels like everyone is trying to get me outside. I wonder why. I am happy right now where I am. That is ok, right?"

I stroked Opal's ears. "Sweetie, of course it is alright. Everyone has noticed that current Lambie is looking really worn out and in need of retirement. The plot was to distract you so that we could clean up the remains and leave a NEW Lambie for you in its place. We were trying not to make you sad about it."

"Sad? I am SO sick of getting fuzz stuck on my tongue every time I nibble on my toy. And all the good parts have already been chewed off. I would LOVE a new Lambie!"

I handed down the new stuffie. "Will she do?" I asked. Opal sniffed and licked the ears. "OH, YES!" was the response.

"What are you going to name her?" I asked. Opal looked puzzled. "Why Lambie. of course."