Another Visit

     Yesterday I was in St Cloud for a follow-up visit with my eye surgeon. Thankfully my retina is remaining attached. However, I now have horrible blurry double vision in that eye and all night vision is gone. The cataract that I was told could be a possible side effect from my surgery is now a reality. Next month I visit with a cataract specialist and see what the next plan of action is. Until I know more, my plan is to just grin and bear it.
     As is usual when we are gone for the day, Whitney spent the day at Tucker's house. Although Whitney was very excited to see Diane when she came in to get her, when Whitney realized they were walking she halted and refused to move. For the last two months the deer flies have been awful and Whitney seems to be a deer fly magnet, so her reluctance to go is understandable. But once Diane got her moving and she realized the flies were gone, she happily joined Diane for the walk.
     Whitney enjoyed her favorite spot on the dock, watching Tucker 'fish'. When not on the dock, she was Diane's shadow; wherever Diane went, Whitney was always one step behind her. Until...

Mia

     Diane and Steve's company began arriving in the afternoon. Along with the new two-leggers that arrived, came two new four-leggers, (one large and one very small). When new dogs enter Whitney's world she seems to get into a panic mode, especially when one is so much larger than she is. When Whitney was greeted by Mia, a large Golden-doodle, she instantly began her frightened 'scream'. I do believe that her 'scream' is partly fright, but more so it is her unique style of greeting other dogs. As she realized that Tucker was okay with these new four-leggers, she calmed down, and each dog went about their own business of exploring.

Chin Sue

     Chin Sue, the small dog, was excited to meet Whitney and wanted to play with her new friend. But Whitney being Whitney only plays on her own terms, and only when she feels its play time. (A fact that Tucker clearly understands, but Chin Sue and Mia needed to learn on their own.)
     When I arrived late in the afternoon to pick Whitney up, I was eagerly greeted by all of the dogs. I watched as Whitney avoided all attempts of Chin Sue to get her to play. As I looked into Chin Sue's eyes I heard, "I give up. I'll be over there playing with Mia if Whitney should change her mind."
     Eventually, after observing the fun Mia and Chin Sue were having, Whitney did get a burst of playfulness and joined in. Tucker was sitting close by, and smiled with approval as Whitney finally joined the play fest.

     So long, I'll see you soon!