Wednesday, September 26, 2007


Since we've been back in Valdosta, our stress level has dropped from about a 10 to a .2. I can't speak for Jimmy, but I attribute some of my own new found serenity to my dog. Jimmy and I have a good friend who, after a heart attack, was advised by his doctor to get a dog because of the soothing properties of canine companionship.

No one can accuse my dog, Andy, of being beautiful. An impulsive pet shop purchase, he allegedly is a chihuahua, but with his big Yoda ears and long pointy snout and bowlegs, looks more like some sort of a mixed-breed terrier. My brother Mac unkindly calls him "rat-dog".

While we are in Atlanta, Andy lives with Jackie and Mary Oliver, my son and daughter-in-law,but he moves back in with Jimmy and me when we're home. Jimmy is somewhat less enchanted with Andy's company than I am. Jimmy likes "real" dogs (translation: hunting dogs, and, of course, bulldogs).

Like many small dogs, Andy loves to burrow under the covers and sleep cuddled up next to his humans. Under normal circumstances, this is not something that Jimmy would tolerate well, but because of my recent stint as Florence Nightingale, I have more leverage than usual. And Andy DOES have the good sense to stay on my side of the bed.

2 comments:

Daisybel said...

HI Ellen, I am happy you have a dog. They are a wonderful comfort! I know this from experience. I have three and don't know how I would do with out them when I am sad. I am so happy Jimmy is feeling better. Give him my love.

glenda and griffin said...

Ellen, you write so expressively and lovingly. I cannot resist your words. Griffin and I have worried about and prayed for Jimmy many many times. He stays in our thoughts. It seems such a twist of fate that Totsy would also be suffering with this awful disease.
You and Geri are so kind to keep the lines of communication open and let us keep up without phoning. I think Geri changed Totsy's blog to totsynews rather than totsy progress. Don't know why.
You think UGA can pull out the season at the rate they are going?
much love and caring,
glenda and griffin