Life with Benson

Where did June go?

As always my mind is swimming ... composing responses to various job application essays; planning Maddie's trip to Portland, coordinating my first book club meeting, thinking about all those other projects that I never seem to have time for -- cataloging my classroom library, finishing my treasure map, finishing the purse I am making, paint-by-number, updating my website ... and the list goes on and on.

Yet, these last few days have been filled with bonding with my new dog-friend Benson Tengs. Last week Eric and I adopted Benson "Benny" Tengs from Animal Control in McMinnville (after scoping him out on PetFinder.com) ... after just a few minutes we were sold on his dopey looks, affection and mellow demeanor. Oh, and the fact he is a boxer-rot-pit mix.

I didn't realize that life with a younger dog (he is 2ish) would be much different from life with my older dog-child Daisy (who passed away in early June). Benson is full of so much energy -- it is a great reason to get out doors and shed some of these pesky pounds. Today Benson and I drove over to Katie's house in order for her advice (we had a frustrating walk yesterday evening) -- and Katie did an excellent job of calming my stress over his "puppy" behavior -- which I am told is normal. Duke & Maddie did a wonderful job of modeling good walking behavior; and Duke helped Benson understand dog boundaries. Benson might have a little crush on Maddie, who played hard to get at first, but then laid on the dog kisses before we left.
Ah, young love.

The rest of today will be filled with reading, lounging, eating, planning for tutoring tomorrow, and perhaps some water aerobics ...

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face" -- Ben Williams

Stay Thirsty my Friends.
B