F graduated to yard lounging today. While I paddled in the cold-puddle (opp. of hot tub-- see declut/acc thread), he laid out in full sun and processed his experience of ydy. With nightmares puctuated by deep sleep.

I know we needed to do it for him (and that we did not do it TO him). I feel fine about it- compassion, not guilt. But I also feel just fine about that being the last time we will put him through it. Ya know how cats usually hate to board, or be in a cage? Like that to him.

Lying in deep grass totally crashed out, my Big Hero Dog looked so small and flat.... in stillness he looked so weak. I had to work hard (I had good tunes in my ears) to only look at TODAY. He got up then to offer to play with Sadie thru the fence that separates the two sections of Dog World-- he can't play with her till his stitches come out, because she is rough and heavier/taller than he is. Also he is Top Dog. I do not think his pride could take it if she won a wrestling match. :~) He now waves his tail superiorly. "I'm just above playing, today, Sadie. You may look and sniff only," he says.

I'm so glad now that I had separated Dog World for my own use. A leash is not his thing, tho he and Hardi like to dusk-tour around the smelly bits in the yard (critter burrow zonbes). But I wish he'd come see me in the puddle-- he's afraid of the nice, cool screen room even tho it is totally open. It flaps, so he's worried because his silly ruff makes everything sound funny. "No," he said, "I do NOT care to drink your cute little pool. Bring me some cold Dog Water in a bowl this damn ruff can fit into, woman!" And I did-- we actually have one.

~Susan