Cul De Sac Birthday Dog - Charlie Sue

 

Charlie Sue and I are fixed on one or two walks a day. I can shake her leash from the back door and have her running. We came back from our walk to find a birthday party for an extended family - all generations.

A grandmother and her grandchildren came up to us. Grandmother said, "Thank you for the roses! My son brings them to me." We talked a little so I could figure out which were her sons and who lived on the quiet street. Charlie Sue loves everyone, so we moved closer to BBQ party. The children were a lot of fun. I pointed out the green, fancy clothing on one little boy, and his friend asked for color comparisons. Another boy was worried about Charlie biting. I said, "Oh no. She's a kisser!" They raised the volume and Charlie set about licking anyone she could. Lots of laughter.

I have been trying to draw our little street together through flowers.  At the Department of Motor Vehicles, the clerk said a few years ago. "You live next to my grandmother. You're the one with the roses!" I could not deny it. Roses are as rare as Arkansas football victories. Some people drive around the short street to get information on the kinds and the fragrance (overwhelming).

This is a bit touching - the couple I often saw in the early days of Sassy Sue were outside on Scott and asking about Charlie Sue. The husband said when he heard her name, "A smaller Sassy Sue." Bible John (on Joye Street) always brings up his fun with Sassy Sue and the chicken bones she loved. He tossed chicken scraps for the crows, who were very appreciative and gathered big, crowds - a murder of crows. Sassy never had problems with chicken bones and no one was going to stop her. 

Walking is under-rated - great exercise, good for Vitamin D (or D3 for the persnickety). I found the dreadmill at Planet Fitness boring, except when it threw me to the concrete floor. It was a minor fall, a major lift. I think walking is far more enjoyable and diverse for the muscles and tendons. Sassy Sue and I walked so much that one store clerk said to Christina, "I know your husband and dog. They walk by my house often. And you are on Letha?"

 Porchie expects his beautiful hair to be finger-combed.

 This was Christina's first walk after surgery. Sassy lives in the hearts of many people.

Sassy moved into the photo because everyone was laughing.

Charlie Sue, Porchie, Dustmop, and Shorty

 

Charlie even got special artistic modeling from Norma A. Boeckler.

I knew life would be different when the vet's office did not know what a Patterdale Terrier was. They had to look it up on the Net. She is part chihuahua, so that may balance the cute with the terror. 

Charlie has two natures. Outside she wants to dig for food, manage three groups of dogs, and practice Patterdale kung fu on me. She flies by hoping to chew on my forearms in flight. That creates some scratches and little bite marks. Later on, inside, she checks out my wounds and plays the nurse. If I remind her to be gentle she gently licks the latest wound and looks quite contrite.

Inside, Charlie is a cuddler. She enjoys the end of the day streaming videos - currently a history of food in America and great country houses in England. We work on ancient history, engineering marvels and disasters. She rests her chin on my shoulder and goes to sleep over time. Charlie likes to rest her head in my hand and slowly relax. It makes me think she did that in her first home.

"Why do I need to bark so much? I'm cute!"

"Where's my groomer?"

Today Dustmop (toy poodle) and Porchie came to the fence for some attention. The Great Pyrenees appreciates lavish appreciation and finger combing. He likes to hear how handsome and athletic he is. Dustmop uses him to jump and chew (lick) my fingers. Porchie stood up against the fence, and also turned each way on all fours for some high-end finger combing. He starts by pointing East on all fours, then turns to face West for the other side. Combing his head and chest is welcome and expected.

Shorty (Corgie) was our guest for a few days. He had the best time, and so did we. Both dogs were fun, totally at peace with each other.