~ shocking developments ~
I don’t know what it’s like in the two-legged world…but for me, coming home after a vacation sometimes makes you want to turn right back to the truck with the leash in your mouth and hit the road for a while longer.
I barely got into the house when Hazel had to relate every single thing that had crossed her mind since I’d been gone. She yammered at me while Dad removed my travel vest and collar. Pru and Keira were too busy checking every new scent on me and my gear…and on Dad.
Disengaging from the scrum in the foyer, the first order of business was doing my business outside and checking the overall state of the backyard. With Hazel still chattering away direct on my heels even while I paced from one end of the yard to the other to find today’s perfect spot. While trying to concentrate on the impending matter at hand I kindly, but firmly requested Hazel take a minute and figure out the most pressing “thing” she wanted me to know. The welcomed silence helped and while walking away from a job well done Hazel blurted out, “I think I created a monster.”
“What monster would that be Haze,” I asked? “Pru, she’s going to help me with my column, or take it over I think, and she has gone off the rails with crazy impossible story lines and I don’t know if all this was a good idea or not and it’s so good to have you back to fix this before my work is all ruined forever by Prudence.”
There was only one pertinent question I could think of to get a handle on what was really going on here. “Does Mom know about this situation Haze?”
Hazel related, yes Mom knows and actually it was her Idea to begin with.
“Then Hazel…it will all work out and I can assure you all your work will not get ruined. Is there anything else I should know at the moment Hazel?”
Hazel sat and thought for a minute and whispered, “I saw Mom put a big pack of tortillas in the fridge.”
Along with any food Hazel has ever know or heard about, (barring the evil dill pickle), tortillas are an object of intense desire for her.
“Thanks for the update Haze, now let me unwind from my trip.” Hazel paddled off satisfied for the moment and before I could get back into the house to find a comfortable spot in front of the floor fan or on the bed, Keira came trotting out.
She stopped about three lengths away and stared at me. Whenever Keira is silent it means she has something to say. If she is chatting away, sad to say this but it means she really doesn’t have much to say of note.
“Yes Keira?”
“Mom said.”
“Mom said what Keira?”
“Pru says I can’t.”
“Can’t what Keira?”
“Pru says there’s no light in my attic.”
My patience started to wear thin. “Deputy Keira, What did Mom say that Pru said you can’t?”
“I probably said too much and spoke out of turn Tuck.” And with that Keira headed back into the house.
Well, now maybe I can get a nap except Pru is standing in the doorway with the short fur on her hind quarters standing on end. Pru has discovered that if she rolls on her back on the wool rug for long enough…she builds up a strong static charge and promptly looks for the nearest pack member to share it with.
“I’m in no mood to be zapped Pru, step aside.” “If I step out side, I’ll discharge…I’ll be right back Tuck.”
Pru disappeared inside for a moment and I heard Dad way off in the house, “Hey Pru, Ouch, knock it off!”
Pru reappeared in he doorway grinning.
Curiosity out weighed the desire to nap for the moment and I thought I would try to unravel Keira’s riddle she left me with. “Any idea Pru on what Mom told Keira to do.”
Pru snorted, “You mean like, “Give me that dryer ball, get off the bed I’m trying to change it, quit whining, give me back that dish towel, stop barking at the neighbor, move over you’re hogging the bed?”
“Well, not so much that stuff Pru, maybe more like something Mom said that you think Keira can’t do.”
The smart-Alec smile faded from Pru’s muzzle and she drew closer. “Mom thinks you’re old enough to maybe think about retiring and possibly Keira could help you and eventually take over.”
“Wait, what?” I wasn’t ready to hear something like that, especially from an upstart like Pru.
“Look, old man, you got plenty of fire in the belly…you just keep at it as long as you want because in my opinion, Keira’s not ready and no one want’s to read endless columns on how Goldens are the best breed “evah” and how beautiful she is and how she’s Mom’s bestest buddy and all that stuff.”
I barely heard what Pru said as it was occurring to me that maybe Mom was on to something. It is getting harder to do certain things. Recovery time is taking longer. My mind does get lost sometimes and I’m finding that just hanging with my senior sister through the day is satisfying enough on most days.
The urge to rest returned and I was sure Dad may have gotten a head start. Heavy thoughts and decisions can wait while heavy eyelids take precedence. I walked through the kitchen to slake my thirst and during grateful laps, I heard Pru wiggling behind me on the wool rug. Before I could locate Dad after a hearty drink of water, Pru had raced past me to find snoring Dad in bed and planted her current voltage in Dad’s ear with her wet nose.
Pru raced past me with a mischievous smile while Dad stood in the hallway reiterating that certain behaviors were not to be repeated by certain four-leggeds.
Keira stood next to Dad full body wagging as hearing Pru being read the riot act was one of her favorite activities.
I paddled past the two of them and made it to the foot of the bed. As I found the best comfortable position and eyes closed I knew it would all work out somehow. Even with this oddball pack.
~ Tucker Oso ~
