There’s no better time to add a pup to the house and put the grief aside than Christmas. Meet Chewy. Seven pounds of attitude. I managed to get his foot caught between the front door and the jamb after having him for just a week. Ouch! One broken bone, a splint for a month, but he functioned very well as a three-legged dog. He’s a barker and we’re working on the way he greets other dogs when we’re out for a walk!

I had no idea how soft I’d become in those four months without two dog walks every day. I’m getting back in shape fast. And I’m learning “Terrier.” The commands include:

I want food . . . what you’re eating . . . try to get that toy away from me . . . but don’t actually take it away . . .I want what’s in that waste basket/cupboard/behind that door/in that closet and I want it now.

More to come. It’s great to have a doggie-induced smile once again.