Please forgive me for not writing, because friends should stay in touch, but this has been a wild time. As I get older any change in my routine turns me upside down, and this holiday season had me chasing my elusive tail.

We had things to wrap in noisy paper with ribbons all over the floor. And then there was a fake tree without any real outside smells. Even my play time and walks outside took a back seat to cookie baking, which I hadn't experienced in a long time; actually that wasn't too bad. As the chief floor cleaner-upper, I did a super job licking up all the sweet stuff that fell in my direction.

And of course the freezing nasty weather put me in a funk. The patio snow was so deep even my caregivers felt sorry for me when I reluctantly rang the outside bell. Oh, did I tell you that my caregivers hung a bell on our patio door? All I have to do is hit it with my paw and, boy, do they come fast. But there is one blessing; kudos to the Member Service Staff. They took pity on me and shoveled path after path for my daily "must dos." They are always ready and willing to help all of us. Aren't we lucky!

A cool piece of good news. Megan and Sarah Seibert, my Barrington relatives (also super buddies) have been promised a humongous gift, one like me, and the family search is on. Several shelters have been visited, paper work completed and recommendations checked. They even match the size and dog personality to the adoptive parents. It seems like the process is taking forever; but whatever, big, little, in-between like me, boy or girl, it will be loved. I'm so excited!!

Speaking of a loving family, I have a new friend at the Garlands, Jan Stojack. When we meet on my scooter rides, she is so happy to see me. A treat is always in her kind hand and praise plus oodles of petting are heaped on my furry coat. She also gives me the latest news about another mutual friend, Max Keller, Harry's dog. Then my outside walking companion, Bucky, has been back taking me out if weather permits. How lucky can one get!

Well guess I'd better sign off before this becomes a tome. Happy New Year! Love, P.D.

Labels: , , ,