Best and Worst

One of the best things about working from home is being with the dogs all day. One of the worst things about working from home is being with the dogs all day. Sigh.

Don't get me wrong, I adore these furry little critters. They make the sun shine. But it's no fun to be barked at (with an ear-splittingly piercing bark) whenever We don't get what We want. And We seem to think that I'm here solely for Our amusement.

It has gotten easier since Paddington has been given clearance to have more, and longer, walks. He can now do 2-3 a day for at least 20 minutes, working up to 30+, with some trotting. Don't tell him he wasn't supposed to be trotting before; he doesn't care about silly things like rules.

Cady is happier with all the walks, too. She loves to nap, but exploring the neighborhood's scents is a close second. What can be better than a good, deep nap fueled by dreams of the latest sidewalk stinks? And she does seem to be dreaming more now that she's walking more again. Last evening her dream was so enthusiastic that she yipped loudly enough to wake Paddington, who started at her groggily for a moment before dropping back to sleep himself.

One day in the not-t00-distant-future, Paddington will again be able to be a normal dog. He'll be able to walk, trot, and run around the house with abandon. We won't have to keep him calm and walking to and fro. He'll be able to launch himself past the final steps down the staircase without fear of tearing his newly healed shoulders. Well, not really -- we'll probably always be terrified when he abuses his body. But at least he'll be happy.