LESSONS LEARNED

Life with a blind dog...from my experience it is harder on me than Winslow Homer...What I have learned is never rearrange your furniture... with the holidays in sight this could be a challenge. It is difficult enough to watch your dog bump and bang into everyday items ...let alone a Christmas tree trimmed with treasured ornaments. Never ever leave your barn boots in front of the door...spread eagle are the words that come to mind...Winslow not me. This is not the time to adopt or foster a new pet...unfamiliar scents can cause a BIG ruckus...when friends or family visit let them call your dog's name and let your pet be the first to approach... The leash is now their friend...both inside and out...so when your husband offers to take the dog out while he closes the chickens in for the night...returns to his nice comfy reclining leather chair...and minutes later his wife hears a distinct yelp and soon asks "where is WINSLOW HOMER?" and he replies "oh my GOD I forgot Winslow"...darkness is fast approaching and I hear the words "I need help"... in my mind I am thinking..."I'll have to call everyone in the neighborhood... rustle up a search party...and then I hear the words "I've found him." I mumble a little prayer, thank you Jesus...
On this beautiful Fall day... I grab the leash... Winslow and I are off...I enjoy the sights..he the sounds...

"October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came,

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band."

George Cooper, October Party