Ellie always talks to me whenever we cross paths in the house and when we’re on walks, but lately I’ve noticed something is different. The house is more quiet. I’m not noticing any loud hellos or good-byes when she goes in or out. And it seems the doorbell never rings. Sometimes when I’m looking at her, it appears that her mouth is moving, but nothing is coming out.

It’s nice to be able to take a long nap and not be disturbed by all her noise. Sometimes she scares me when she sneaks up right next to me so quietly. She’ll touch my ear and then I spring up, ready to run. I like to nap in the places where she walks most, so I can keep an eye on her and not miss anything. She has stepped on me a couple of times before I was fully awake and able to move.

My nice calm human still sometimes bangs pots and pans in the kitchen sink, making an awful noise that prompts me to excuse myself through my door to visit the yard. But the world is becoming more peaceful, not so interrupted by other dogs barking, trucks collecting trash, and screaming TV’s. Yawn….I think it’s time for a nap.