Dog Days of Summer

How I spent my summer vacation

Long time, no post.
I'd like to imagine I've been off on some incredible European tour; perhaps touring ancient monasteries in Romania, a quick trip to Vlad's castle, and a couple weeks spent on the Black Sea.
But I've really just been home; mostly sitting on my couch.
I'm one of the world's champion couch-sitters, so I should get a little credit for my accomplishment.
This summer, as in most of the U.S., it has simply been too hot to venture out of doors. Here in Iowa we've had weeks of 100-plus degree days and it's been unbearable.
And, fter all, the couch is where the air conditioning is.
All that sitting was not solely idle - my daughter and I spent a good deal of time working on our various artistic ventures while listening either to NPR, college lectures on American history, or a recorded book.
I've managed to finish both a gorgeous throw made entirely of locally spun and sourced wool as well as an afghan made entirely from yarn already in my stash. I've also almost finished a shawl-thingy for my oldest daughter.
Practically unheard-of productivity for me.
I had a rough couple of weeks with fatigue and pain, but that's just par for the course.
My days have had a certain relaxing rhythm. It's actually been quite nice.
Now tomato season has hit, and most days I have enough to make several batches of sauce to freeze. I've really streamlined my sauce making process and am able to spend only 15-20 minutes actively chopping; with the rest of the time spent simmering I can do other things.
Our two-year-old basset hound, Gus, finally even hit the "I just want to sleep in the sun/on the couch stage."
Unfortunately, we didn't realize this until it was too late.
You see, Gus has been a regular daycare attendee since he was 5 months old. The girls and I needed the break and he needed the playtime and socialization. Daycare was definitely a win-win. But, as with most daycares, there was a lot of staff turnover and the level of care fluctuated wildly.
In June, Gus ate a plastic swimming pool at daycare - he required x-rays, vet visits, medication, and lots of attention for nearly two weeks.
Oops, said daycare. We saw the dogs tearing the pool apart but didn't realize anyone had eaten the pieces.
Yep.
Then there was the giardia.
Gus picked up giardia from an infected playmate at the daycare in February. Another trip to the vet, medication, etc., and we had to keep him home for 10 days. The other dog's owners informed the daycare, which informed all the clients... but didn't require everyone to be tested. They didn't require everyone to stay home even.
Since then my little poop-eater has been reinfected a couple of times.
It got so that he was going to the vet once or twice a month.
Not okay.
What to do?
You guessed it - we bought another puppy.

Bertha Mae

Two weeks ago I drove to Grand Junction, Nebraska, and picked up the cutest, wiggliest, sweetest little girl puppy for Gus.
Needless to say, my comfortable rhythm is no more.
Bertha Mae, we call her Bertie, almost sleeps through the night now, though usually she's up at least once. We're working on house training, which takes a looong time with basset hounds.
And I am beyond exhausted.
Gus is happy as happy can be as he now has a constant playmate at home.
Let's just say the rest of us are adjusting.

We love her dearly, yet puppies are so much work! Some days I fear I won't make it.
Then she comes running to me across the yard, ears flapping, slobber flying, and I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Another basset has come to stay at my house.
I guess I'm a dog person after all.