A Present from a Neighbor’s Dog

Greetings from Happy Meadows! We went through several weeks of hot and humid weather, but it has moderated slightly. Thanks for asking. I think the next door neighbors are getting ready to move, and to take their big dog with them. They have been good neighbors, and Mike and Judy will be sorry to see them go, taking their 2 adorable little girls off to a new neighborhood. The dog is big and has a deep loud bark, but fortunately is fenced in, so he has been no threat to me. Mike and Judy have taken to walking in the morning because of the afternoon heat, which is better for me as well. Of course, I get out at other times also.

Magi, our big black 2 year old cat had his wellness exam at the Extreme Vet’s office, and he is now taking Prozac. He seems to be calmer and less aggressive, not that he ever bothered me—that is, not after the first time. I will say this for him—he is a quick learner. All of our cats seem to be doing very well. Shayna Maidel now goes to the Extreme Vet every week for fluids to help flush out her kidneys. I always ride along to keep her company and try to help her relax. She gets sick on the five minute car ride home every time. I think this is just an expression of disgust, if you know what I mean.

Last time I wrote that Mike found a brass fitting in his soft ice cream about a month after he had a post implanted in his jaw preparatory to having a dental implant. Mike thought it was the post, but it was instead a device that was supposed to aid in the healing of the implant site. Anyway, the oral surgeon said he would autoclave it and put it back in when he checks the post for suitability to go ahead with the crown placement. Mike goes back in about 3 weeks. I hope all is sound in his mouth.

The reports on Mike’s health are all good. It is now almost 3 and 1/2 years since he was diagnosed, and he remains in remission. He had his last infusion in June, but still takes 2 oral chemo meds. He and Judy are starting to get out more. They went to Dallas for a medical meeting, and just got back from Highlands, North Carolina where they go every year for Judy’s birthday. Michelle came over and stayed with all of us 4-leggeds while they were gone. She is a great big sister, and we love her.

So, what is this about a present? As I have mentioned we have many neighbors who walk their dogs. They carry little bags with them to pick up the dog poop. Typically, they tie off the open end of the bag, and deposit it in their trash can in the garage when they get home. Every once in a while I run across such a bag left at the edge of someone’s yard. I suppose this is better than not bagging the poop at all, but it is grossly inconsiderate. I have blogged about this before. Shame, shame, you bad neighbor, whomever you are! I found such a bag deposited next to our driveway by the boxwood shrub this morning. I suppose Mike will have to get rid of it, unless the miscreant who left it there is overcome by guilt and comes back to retrieve it.

School has started back in Happy Meadows as I imagine it has almost everywhere. Michelle resumes her teaching at Emory next week. So, despite minor complaints and imperfections, all is well in Happy Meadows. I hope the same is true for all of you, wherever you live. Until next time, be well, be at peace, and so long from Happy Meadows!

Author: Black Magic

Black Magic is a handsome, charming, and self-absorbed cat who lives with Mike and Judy Gordon in Marietta, Georgia. He is about 7 years old, and he will remind you at every opportunity that his grandfather was Black Jack, that famous cat who wrote his own autobiography. Black Magic has a great many opinions, and despite his natural feline arrogance, he seems to be genuinely spiritual. But the reader can decide for him/herself.

2 thoughts on “A Present from a Neighbor’s Dog”

  1. Hi Dr. Gordon,
    Its always so good to hear from you. Glad to hear you are doing well and enjoying retirement.
    My husband is doing well also. I think I told you he has metastatic prostate cancer. His psa’s stay low with eligard which he gets monthly. I’m still seeing Dr. Taylor. I went back to mayo because of some back issues I’m having. After a mri and CT I was told my scoliosis had progressed and some of the hardware had moved and that’s what I’m feeling. This isn’t what I wanted to hear and I definitely don’t want another surgery. Dr. Taylor suggests I see a Dr. at Emory for another opinion so I now have an appointment. Beside that my knee is bone on bone. Can you believe it ? its crazy!
    Life is an adventure isn’t it?
    I love hearing about your cats and family. yes, your neighbor should pick up their dogs poop! when that happens in our neighborhood I’ve seen people take pictures of it and post it on their HOA newsletter. That would be embarrassing wouldn’t it? probably not too nice either.
    Take care, stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer.
    hugs,
    Robin

    1. Life isn’t easy as we all discovery in our own way. At least it is doable if we take it day by day. Prayer helps. I appreciate the prayer shawl that you gave me. I like the idea of each stitch being made with and carrying a prayer. And on a lesser note, the poop was gone when I returned home last night.

      MCG

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