Willow the Wonder Dog

The wind has finally stopped blowing, and although there is a fine dusting of black ash in any room that had a slightly cracked-open window, the leaves and branches were blown off of my front patio and left me free from sweeping! I long for the time within a warm day to sit out at the potter's wheel and throw some plates for Dear Nava.

Willow the Wonder Dog came at an inopportune time when I felt total responsibility for her despite the lack of employment or spousal support. She has been a bundle of joy since Day One, and although she is a ton of work, she is also the joie de vivre. Her spirit resonates with happiness, and I adore her for her zany sense of humor, her innate desire to play all the time, her courage, and her undying loyalty. She and I have been working on walking to the arena with Tillie the horse...them on lead ropes, me in the middle....yes, a human wishbone. Having a 9 month old pup on your left, and a 4 year old horse on your right is not always the best combination if there is busy traffic and loud noises. One day a school bus sailed by and frightened Miss Tillie who did some fancy prancing, and sent Willow into "Oh no, I am going to be kicked and killed" mode, but we got through it, and to the arena we arrived. One gentleman stopped and said, "I think you have your hands full!" And I said, "Indeed! This may not be the best combination!" And he replied, "Are you going to be alright?" To which I said, "Yes, I am." And we were.

Willow was kicked by Tillie which caused minor muscle bruising when Willow was quite young. In a way, it was the perfect kick. Willow is so eager to be a best friend to everyone that her antics around the horses were terrifying. The hose popped one day, spooked Tillie, and Willow was in the way....thus, a sad, limping, crying puppy. My equine vet applied acupuncture a few days later, and Miss Willow was once again the Wonder Dog. I was relieved to see that she retained the lesson and is more cautious around horses. It is fun to watch her as we drive down the street and she sees other riders on their horses. It is the same face she makes when we go to the clay studio and she sees other people working on the potter's wheels. It's a look of acknowledgement, an awareness that she recognizes something from her own daily experiences.

Thus, today, I will attempt to attach a photo to honor this Wonderful Pup.