I can explain...

This is not one of our pups but a new boarder by the name of Bean who is staying with us for ten days. She is a little spitfire and as full of life as any pup is at her age. She still has all her baby teeth and lingering puppy breath so I'm assuming shes not very old.

It occurred to me after she arrived that maybe I should put a clause on our boarding kennel that pups this young are not allowed. Since they don't come very often I haven't put much thought into it. We have our puppy pen, that is unfortunately under construction at the moment, but even if that were available I just cant bring myself to let her stay outside with all the big dogs. Besides the risks in the 'big dog yard' it would just be too lonely for one her age.

Spock has taken an instant liking to her and loves to play-maul her in the gentlest of ways, she loves it. She looks up to him as the best dog to sweet talk and get on his good side. If any has Spock for a friend you needn't worry about enemies!

Bean is play fighting with the blanket in a kennel right in front of my desk. She does well when she can see me but I'm a bit bummed that she cant come out and play all the time. My work schedule is still tight and I'm not in the mental frame of mind to clean up new puppy messes. Ive already done my share not too long ago and I'm enjoying the vacation immensely.

Griffin is in today after a long time out in the dog yard. The pups have been out there a while too as I just cant pull myself back into normal life... I find myself clinging desperately to Mercury, letting him inside day after day, and soaking up old memories there.

We had a nap together yesterday, one of those needed times of rest that comes from days of grieving... a few times Merk rested his head on my pillow and the two of us shared our breath. It was a wonderful timeless moment and swept me back to the time Ursa came in to rest with me years ago. She was always very uneasy inside but for one precious moment she eased up, rested her head on top of mine and slept as I remained silent soaking up that moment knowing it may never come again.

Mercury holds the last of our beginnings all those many years ago... loosing Aquila reminds me that our bonds will always hold true, timeless, but our earthly bodies will run out eventually. I cant imagine what it will be like to see another one go... I'm getting so used to it year after year... its a feeling Id rather do without...