#24 PUPPY — LET’S GET SERIOUS

Let’s get serious — I have just sent off to an independent publisher a great fun children’s Read Aloud Christmas Story brilliantly illustrated by professional artist, Jeannie Grisham and titled, “A Special Day.” You will surely want to buy a copy in advance . . .

Given that truth— that Christmas is a special day, not only because, you know, food, and gifts, and family and frustration; but for me, and for millions milling about in shopping malls, it is religiously meaningful; I’m not discounting that — but TODAY is a Special Day. August 24, 2020. Today, Scooter Sublime celebrates his First Birthday! All 24 pounds of him, the Goldendoodle boy who now sports a heavy adult coat that requires daily grooming, and now, while not mature in the sense of settle down, he is full of love and capable of showing sorrow. That is, he does regret being chastised. Especially if chastisement includes “Bad, Scooter! Bad! To your crate!” He regrets that the person leaves the room, shutting that big door, that he is give ten minutes to think about the wrong he has committed, to consider whether Wrong is worth it (it usually is). But, not on his birthday should Capable of Sorrow be the focus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, happy dog. Happy Birthday curious, bright, energetic, cooperative (mostly), obedient (somewhat), fun-loving, people-loving, purple ball-loving, running-loving, water-loving, boat-loving, wind-loving, cuddle-loving (when tired), mischief-loving, food-loving (we began by saying, ‘no people food’ ha ha ha; but we try to stick to healthy stuff), happy dog.

Happy First Birthday, Scooter Sublime.