You still chase bunnies in your sleep
Tracking, barking, leaping
Master of the back yard
You still jump in the air when it’s time to eat
Letting me know that you know
When supper time is here
But then I see you dodge a shadow
Unable to see clearly with cloudy eyes
And I have to touch you when I enter the room
To let you know I am here
I know that someday
Your windmill-tail will stop spinning
Your courageous, loyal heart will cease to beat
I sit with you in love and sadness and gratitude
I hope that I have blessed you with
Just a fraction of the blessing you have bestowed upon me
And I am grateful for your sweetness, your faithfulness
I recently went out of town on a trip, so Jack (and Spec) got to go to Tracy’s house for a week. Her house is much more fun than his at home. Tracy works with dogs. Here’s a link to her website, ZenPaws. Here are a few of Tracy’s notes about Jack’s week at dog camp:
Tuesday, May 24
Jack rode really well in my car — maybe because Spec was in it. Jack didn’t want to get in the car, though. He didn’t even want his leash on to leave the house. Mike (the handyman) was here when we got here and Jack jumped all over him.
Wednesday, May 25
Jack barked for about 30 minutes at bedtime. We all got up at 5 a.m. and then went back to bed. Then Jack barked from 6:30 – 7:30.
Thursday, May 26
Last night I left Jack out with McQueen. Jack whined when I went to bed but didn’t bark. He amazes me by how fast he runs. He can keep up with the big dogs. His little legs do triple time.
Friday, May 27
Jack and Boone were up all night playing. And they bark while they play. Boone was afraid of Spec at first (well Spec lunged and barked at him and chased him all around the yard) but Boone just did three play bows in an attempt to get him to play. Spec didn’t know what to do. Boone ran off with Jack.
Saturday, May 28
I have a headache behind my left eye called “Jack.” That monkey/hyena barking is enough to drive a person … well, drive a person to drive away. It takes a village to care for Jack. And, luckily, I have a village. Almost every dog has given Jack “what for.” And they do it so nicely and then go right back to playing with him. Sadly, I’m the only one bothered by his nightly barking!!
Sunday, May 29
I don’t know what the dogs did while I was away, but the white one were covered in mud. It’s bone dry outside. Maybe they dug a well. Jack has been spending a lot of time outside with the big dogs. He’s usually the last one to come when I call.
Monday, May 30
Hey, I think Jack misses you. He finally started paying attention to me. I was brushing Ginger and he was standing underneath her and was totally orange by the time I was done. He stayed out with the big dogs last night and didn’t bark at all.
Tuesday, May 31
Jack was quiet all night. He was out with Layla and Boone and I think they are finally too tired to play. Spec had the honor of waking me this morning with his low, raspy bark. Jack isn’t giving Spec the time of day. He’s too busy with the big boys and I think Spec is glad!
All the Wonders 