Four years ago today, I entered SICSA and left with a nine-year-old bundle of sweetness. Her original name was Precious, but we tend to shy away from those names. Thus, my newly adopted senior dog was christened Erma.

This morning, however, Erma is not herself and something seems wrong. I normally shut the gate while I prepare their breakfast but this morning my schedule was a bit off and I forgot. Erma entered the kitchen, with no wagging tail, no smiles, and sat with her head aimed toward the floor. I guided her back to the bedroom and shut the gate.

When I returned to open the gate for their rush to breakfast, Erma, normally the first to race to the kitchen, simply stood there with her head down. The Sisters ran to their bowls and Erma stood in the kitchen entry blocking Chief’s path. She refused to eat and followed me to the deck. She wandered about the backyard a few minutes and slowly crept, not scurrying up the deck’s steps.

Right now, she is reclining next to me on the deck, very calm and still. I rose from my chair to take a photo of her. Normally, she is up on her feet when I am, excited about what I am going to do. This time, she simply remained in her position. She did wag her tail but has remained motionless.

While it feels more like a morning in autumn, the birds are a bit more chipper at the moment. Traffic is heavier on Shroyer Road and it’s the first day of school. The teachers and staff began arriving and the school buses have finished up their drops next door. It’s 7:40 AM, and the day is underway, but my heart is being tugged by Erma, and not in its usual manner.

I need to keep moving with the day while keeping an eye on Erma, giving her additional attention and love.

Somehow, I intend to still make it a great day…