SWAN LAKE has one more swim across the Schuster stage this Sunday afternoon, but I will not be there to watch the beautiful production. I got to enjoy a little more of Dayton Ballet’s presentation, Saturday night and spent much of the time chatting with another house manager, Mark Vella, a British native now secured here in our country. He is such a delight, always.

My day is filled and then I will have but ninety minutes to rest and prepare for teaching from 4 PM to 11:30 PM, with a repeat of this same schedule on Monday. I am beginning to feel the body’s grind and look forward to Tuesday and Wednesday when my services are not needed in any capacity except to care for the pooches.  I spent all of Friday and Saturday in bed with terrific gut discomfort, rising only to tend to the dogs and to get ready for Schuster Center.

Harrigan’s spirits appear to be bouncing back a little more each day. I’ve kept a close eye on her since Bailey’s passing on December 27 and I’m astonished at how she has dramatically aged. Harrigan has also been a little more needy and seems to snuggle with me a lot more than she ever did. Of course, she often has to wait until Colonel Deeds or Hoskins vacates their spots on either side so I appreciate it. These young college students. can dart into an empty place. I’ve also observed her playing with the younger ones a lot more than she has done in the past. It’s quite fun to watch this more playful side of her developing at age 10.

Harrigan, unlike Bailey, and the others, has always been more serious. She was never one to play or romp, which makes it so fascinating to see this side of her coming out. When Erma arrived five-and-one-half years ago, the others watched with amazement and confusion as the new arrival tried her best to get the others to play with her. My dogs have always considered themselves to be more human than dogs. When Colonel Deeds arrived on February 3, 2023, the older pooches were not ready for this fresh, spirited puppy, but they soon learned to enjoy his playful antics and loving affection for each of them. Now, it’s a double barrel with Hoskins teaming up with The Colonel.

Make it a great day!