Ready and Able.

How long has it been since I last cuddled my dog, Shadow (aka Spike)? Almost three months ago.

My sis from Ohio, Shadow's original Mom and owner, called to say 'Hi," and to ask when I will pick up the mini-pin. Actually, my bro-in-law to whom I've given temporary custody, was the one eagerly asking.

Apparently, Shadow, has been messing up their house, peeing where he shouldn't pee. But sis was quick to add that it is bro-in-law who's been spoiling Shadow.

So by American Thanksgiving, I'd be picking up my charge. I'm ready and able. It will be back to good 'ol days for me and for Shadow. Back to early morning and late afternoon walks.

But now that autumn is so upon us here in TO, I'm beginning to worry about the cooool mornings and evenings. Some days, Shadow would have to make do (pee and poo) in the balcony. Unless I can toilet train him.

Yet in the past, I've toilet trained him already. I placed his daytime "sleeping quarters" by the foot of the TV set (it was a dog sleeping basket with a huge blanket) and a big rug underneath it. So if it was emergency, Shadow peed on the rug and at the corner of the basket. If his emergency occurred an hour or so before morning walking time, he'd pee in the balcony, at the foot of the grocery cart where a thick pile of newspaper had been piled up.

What I cannot tame is Shadow's bravado. He's twenty something by dog age, so he's raring to experiment and ready to love and be loved. And sorry, I don't want him "fixed."