They tell me her early days were sadder than mine. She was found wandering along a road called Grizzly Peak. I asked the pup later if the bears frightened her much, boasting about my skirmishes with really scary mammals like suburban skunks and ninja raccoons. (The older generation must inspire the ones coming up, you know!) She promptly replied,”There aren’t bears in Oakland, only in Berkeley but there are human beings clad in various sports uniforms. And yes, to be completely candid I do feel some anxiety and trepidation toward people but my therapist says these issues will lessen over time if I receive consistent positive conditioning, obedience training and-”
Are all little sisters this talkative!?
After firmly ignoring her attempts to play with me for over a week – I decided it might be more peaceful in the long run to offer her a stuffed toy because it did act much like a mute in a trumpet. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not an old fuddy-duddy, the vet tells me I am a fit and fabulous fifty! But I have grown used to peace and quiet around here except when I want to stir things up. Lily’s keen interest in the toy basket and all the wonders it contains is good for us all. When I left the shelter, I too was mesmerized by tennis balls, chew toys, furry things with stuffing to remove, and everything else my mom called a ‘toy.’ Lily (Tiger is her middle name, I can’t remember mine right now…) is fairly self entertaining – thank the stars! I mean I am happy to be a role model and all – but I need time to sleep, dream, and well – just be me. As I write this she is mangling one of my old toys from 2008. But wait, she’s up and headed towards the basket to pull out – oy! THE DREADED SQUEAKY TOY!!!
I’ll write more about the little one when it’s quiet around here…
