As I wrote before, I have lived with a Dalmatian for most of my life. And even though Jasmine and I couldn’t be more different in looks and temperament – we’ve always gotten along great. My plump, vociferous alpha made it clear she was top dog the first time I visited her pack. She did share her people, her home, her space – everything but her food. She lives for food. And apparently it’s been working out as she is just four months shy of 15 years old! (Don’t tell her, but her kind usually live about 11-13 years…) These days I do see her taking a long time to get up, stumbling and occasionally falling down, staring into space, and sleeping through an assortment of noises that even the neighbors’ dogs bark at. She’s ooooooooooooold! (And what a privilege it is to grow old in a loving home.)
She’s been schooling Lily the pup very firmly – which I approve of. We don’t want to let her get away with much although I admit, sometimes naughty is kind of cute. Unlike my stiff-gaited spotted friend, Lily is loosey-goosey when picked up; all soft compliant puppy. She has rubber bands for legs, and her nose is set on ‘search and rescue’ when it comes to all dog toys around here. Her short month with us has been filled with new discoveries and lots of adventures which are often peppered with the word, “no.”
Old, young, and then there’s me – right in the middle where I like it.
Jasmine, 14, Harry, 8, Lily 7 months
