The odyssey continues! Sadie lost 1.8 pounds last week. She is much more limber, like her old self, and very active. Today, she starts her second week of aquatics, and she even ate her special dog food without hesitation this morning. (Beagles can be very stubborn; at one point during the week, I had to wait her out for almost 2 days. She was angling for a Beggin’ Strip or some of my supper. I stood fast, assuring myself that when she was hungry enough, she would eat.) Tough love is the ticket, and it’s paying off. Besides, if I gave in and tumbled into those hopeful, melting brown eyes, would I be doing that for her–or to ease my own angst? It’s very clear what’s best for Sadie, and I’m extra thankful for the quick results, because that is proof that I’m doing the right thing.
The new story is rolling, and that makes me VERY happy. I’m happiest when I’m writing, and when my animals are happy and healthy. Banjo, one of the horses, suffered an abscess on one foot and the farrier came to lance it. Five minutes later, the Banjo Man was running through the snow like Seabiscuit (he thinks he’s a Thoroughbred) and the other horses dashed behind him in a line, sharing his exuberance–even Buck went along! What a gift that sight was–six horses running in a snowy pasture.
The other day, I was standing in the kitchen with my back to the windows and Jenni said, with widened eyes, “Look behind you!” I turned, and there were two moose, just on the other side of the backyard fence! I grabbed my camera, and we watched in fascination until they moved on down into the draw.
Country life has its trials, that’s true. But it also has its singular joys.
Happy Monday, pardners.
