Old Girl

When H and I first married he was gone a lot. There I was, in a new town, no job and a new military spouse who didn't live on base. To say I was lonely is a massive understatement. One weekend in San Diego and my heart was stolen by this adorable girl. Today, Lex turns 10. She's survived toe cancer, a bite from a Copperhead snake, emergency midnight surgery to remove a suspicious mass (aka a web of carpet and melted plastic she choked down) and quite a few moves, flights and trips across the country. Did I mention the three kids? Daily she survives those little beasties by laying low and stealing their food right out from under them. They love her anyway.So do we. Happy Birthday Old Girl. We love you. … [Read more...]

In Which Nature Takes Over

Scene: A sun dappled den. The Comedian and I are sharing some quiet time while our dog, Lex suns herself outside on our deck. "Cheeep! Cheep, Cheep, ChiiRRRP!" The Comedian and I look out the sliding glass doors of the den to see Lex catch an adult-sized Robin in her mouth. As I press my face to the glass I can actually see the fear in the bird's eyes and I let out a bit of a whimper. "Poor, germ-infested bird. You had no idea that lazy looking dog was going to come out and get you did you? I know. Me neither."In the past Lex has caught toads, lizards and other smaller birds but when they cease to move any longer she stands above them looking perplexed. She nudges them with her nose wondering where her playmate has gone. It's almost sad if it weren't so well, wild. I forget … [Read more...]

To the Woman with the Fang Toothed Foul Mouthed Dog Behind Me

Hey Lady,What's your problem? Are you always so grumpy and mean in the morning? Does the smell of parvo vaccines and Alpo make you antagonistic at that time of day? I really tried to be nice as I stood in line in front of you yesterday at the vets office. Were you mad because I got there first? I'm sorry that two months ago I scheduled an appointment before you. I really wanted to like you too because you seemed like such a sweet little old woman. Even when your under bite ridden fang toothed lap dog started growling and sneering what was surely a string of doggy obscenities at me and I tried not to laugh at his Jennifer Beale's Flashdance styled complete with the rolled up sleeves sweatshirt. Really, I tried. Except for this. This one thing. When I politely moved away to the farthest … [Read more...]