ADDIE MAKES HERSELF AT HOME 28 JULY 2011
On 28 July, Whitney writes: I am absolutely blessed to be Addie's Mom. She was an angel on the eight-hour drive back to Colorado, napping off & on, when I found out she has a teeny tiny little snore when she's really exhausted. She is settling in fantastically at home here; I've already forgotten what life was like without her. She has established her own schedule: Up by 7:30 a.m., in bed by 10 p.m., with three meals, a couple of naps, and an afternoon & night walk in between. She seems to have only two speeds: 100 miles an hour or crashed out asleep (preferably in her crate). Her favorite activities are chasing bugs, attacking her big monkey toy, and napping in the car with the air conditioner blowing on her face. Tummy rubs, lying in the sun . . . . . . and rubbing her body all over the grass are also loads of fun. She adores children, and bounds over to them during walks. She has also decided that ice cubes are awesome: it's water she can chew AND chase! I can't get enough of her boundless energy, incredible curiosity, and never-ending love. She loves to cuddle up in my arms after a long walk or crazy play session.
	She's also hilarious; very vocal about her opinions and always looking for trouble. She is almost potty-trained . . . she's had just three accidents, when I hadn't gotten her outside in time.
She's starting puppy training next week; I really think she's going to enjoy having tasks to complete. My eventual goal is to have her pass the Canine Good Citizen test so she could volunteer at children's or veterans' hospitals, since she thrives on attention and seems to bring a little sunshine to everyone she meets. I'm also contemplating agility in the future. Her ears haven't popped up yet, but they are getting perkier every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be Addie's Mom. She's already brightened my life in extraordinary ways. KATHY FALCONE: That picture of Addie in sweet repose is precious, sleeping on her back in her Mom's arms. Is there anything sweeter than a puppy sleeping? Fanny is Addie's sister and I think they must meet in puppy dreamland to chase bugs together. That is also one of Fanny's favorite pastimes. She looks just like a cat as she pounces on them. BETTE BOYERS: The picture of Addie in her arms is the cutest picture ever! And Fanny playing with big dogs. OMG! Hiding in the bar stool . . . Hilarious! Cracks me up! Vito is so gentle with her! MICHEL BURKHART: What great stories; I love Fanny & the Big Dogs. What a hoot! It always makes me smile when I see the big ones being so gentle with the little ones.
MY BAGGAGE Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top - Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hide Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, To never re-pack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me? -- Evelyn Colbath

OLIVER IS GOIN' HOME . . . HERE