Life can change quickly and cataclysmically – for worse. And life can change quickly again – for better. Sometimes healing occurs slowly and from day to day you cannot see a change or an improvement. And there are some days that are splendidly and noticeably different!
This morning did not start out like a typical morning. It started out even better.
First of all, my mom got out of bed shortly after my dad did. This is unusual. Sensing something out of the ordinary, I got up too.
a new day begins for my family
Besides, it seemed like something I wanted to be a part of. I stretched, yawned, and followed my mom downstairs and into the kitchen, where my dad was already fussing around.
My water bowl was full, as usual. I drank a lot of water. Jane asked, “Is this typical of him to drink so much water early in the morning?” If she were up early more often, she would know.
Soon, things got more interesting and I could feel myself getting excited….Something good was in the air. It was a warm morning. Dad opened up my little box that is in the front hallway and I know that when he or my mom open that little box that somebody is taking me outside! Dad got out his supplies: little poop bags, little lights that he clipped onto my collar, and a little flashlight. Those are his toys, not mine.
Jane, meanwhile, had disappeared. When Dad and I got to the front door, there was Jane, standing outside waiting for us. Dad and I came outside and – we all three started running! See me? I’m the one with my eyes glowing (from the light hitting my tapetum).
But first, I want to tell you that it was dark outside so I am going to write about the little blinking lights that my dad clipped onto my collar. Whenever it’s dark outside, my parents click these little lights, two of them, one on each side, onto my collar.
- I have my flashing lights on so I can be seen in the darkness.
These flashing lights don’t seem to help me in any way but they don’t bother me either, so I don’t mind. Without my lights, I’d still be able to see and smell my way around perfectly well. Dogs can see pretty well in the dark, and we can smell at any hour of the day! But humans wouldn’t be able to see me. This is important because my dad wants to know where I am at all times. He also wants cars to be able to see me.
Here I am with my lights on, under the light on the carriage path by the pond. It’s still dark out – for humans.
Once I have my lights on, we’re ready to run! Off I scamper into the delightful world that awaits. There are no other dogs out at this hour but still – life doesn’t get any better than this!
Now you can continue to part 2.
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I’m getting ready for the Independence Day festivities: Right after the Independence Day festivities, I’m going back to the hospital for x-rays of my leg. Maybe just maybe the doctors will decide to remove my splint. And maybe then I’ll be able to run with my dad in the morning before the sun comes up, and maybe I’ll be able to take a walk with my sister and littermate, Rosie.
