The Joy of Dogs

Several of you have asked if we're being impacted by the horrific wildfire near us. We smell the smoke but, thankfully, we are not in its path. My brother and his family had to drive near it on Sunday, when it was less than half the size that it is now. This was my sister-in-law's dramatic iPhone photo.

We know people who are close to its path, and our thoughts are with them and with all the wildlife who are running for their lives. Smelling the smoke does scare me, especially for the sake of K's lungs. I've noticed some outward signs that her lung mets are starting to impact her breathing. I hope that the smoke doesn't accelerate that process.

For the moment, I'm truly learning to take it day-by-day. K had a somewhat down day yesterday, and I was worried. I wouldn't call it a "bad" day by any means. However, I could definitely see that her ability to romp was hindered by her lungs. Being a dog, she simply enjoyed things at a slower pace. She rolled in the grass, nibbled on berries, and occasionally leaped over a log. I moved more slowly too and just rejoiced that my girl is still here. K is still a very happy dog.

I've realized that, because K was about 8 years old when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma almost 6 months ago, she has lived 1/16th of her life since her diagnosis. She's lived it joyfully. Aside from my stupid human habit of worrying and grieving in advance, we've had an incredibly happy time. K has shown me that every single day is for living, and I mean truly living. These past 6 months have been a gift.

Her brother doesn't need to be reminded to live with abandon.

At this moment, I am surrounded by dogs, reminding me that it's time to go have fun. It's time for our sunset hike! We'll keep on living, with the joy of dogs, for as long as we can.

Oh, I almost forgot, our friend (and bird expert) Luisa was absolutely right about the raptor in my post yesterday. It was a red-tailed hawk. When the light was just right, we saw a hawk with a brilliant red tail visit the hole in the cliff, and we thought that he was trying to eat a nestling.  In retrospect, he was undoubtedly a parent to those nestlings. Thank you, Luisa!