I woke nearly every hour to check Erma’s respirations and call out her name to see a response. Throughout the night, she was lethargic; however, when Erma wants to sleep, she sleeps!

I often return from the bathroom breaks and kiss each pooch. The Sisters are up and bouncing. Chief raises his sad-looking eyes with appreciation. And Erma? She will turn her head, cover her face with her paws, or even offer a pretend snore! Yes, she does a fake snore to pretend she is sleeping!

By 6:00 AM, I was restless in bed, wrestling with physical and emotional tiredness and just not feeling the weight of continued sleep. I went to do a pour-over with coffee instead of using the coffee maker and into the kitchen trotted Erma with her usual joy and tail-wagging exercises. Before my LonKet Zoom session, I went ahead and filled their bowls for breakfast. Erma returned to the kitchen for her morning game of walking into the middle of the kitchen before the dogs are invited. I remind her to “back it up, Girl.” She sits and scoots back toward the entrance. We’ve done this for four years. Erma gobbled up her breakfast, drank a healthy amount of water, and moved to the backyard for potty time.

Now, at 8:15 AM, she and Chief are in identical profiles as they nap on the deck. She’s been playing with “Baby” and giving me her regular greetings while I have worked from the deck table.

My unbending optimism knows not to overdo it but I am delighted to see this rollercoaster high for the moment. Yesterday, at 1:00 PM, I was in contact with The Pines, a pet burial and cremation business south of Dayton.

I am comfortable on this 60 degree morning. I do hate that by 7:00 AM it is still mostly dark. I miss those golden mornings that blast through the kitchen window.

I have two hours before I must get ready for The Park. I have things to research and write.

Make it a great day!