Bog and Salmon

The last few days, Josie’s experience of life on earth has been ratcheted up about a hundred notches. Start with a six-hour car ride, beginning at 4:30 AM. She acquitted herself well. When she barked – that out-of-nowhere, high-pitched bark that makes everyone jump, it was usually for a good reason, like needing to relieve herself or eat or drink. Once we figured out which it was, she was great.

Here we are on Cape Cod, and she’s living life among us in a totally new setting. She enjoys some time in her familiar large-sized crate (which she will grow out of before long), but less and less. That’s because she’s started living so much more. I’d reckon yesterday was the most active and full day she’s had since her first days out of the womb.

We are six here – with the addition of Pat’s sister Alice, and a twelve-year-old friend Frederic. All took Josie out on a long walk around the cranberry bog that our house overlooks. We now have this great 50-foot line that attaches to her collar, which allows her to romp around in near-total freedom. We practically never needed to pull it – she was happy to be with her pack, taking periodic forays to eat dirt, nuzzle around, sniff, leap back in surprise at the grasshoppers, check in with us. I’m not sure she knew what she was getting into when she jumped into the swampy waters – to our initial shock (and hers too) she disappeared entirely, the water over her head – scrambled and loped out, instinctively going straight to the classic dog shake-off. When we got back to the house we hosed her off and dried her, and she slunked under a bench on the deck and crashed out for a good long while.

Later in the day we took her to the beach – great to see her play with the waves, running in and back – pretty much exactly like little kids do.

Two days ago we took her into town. While the kids were in the five-and-dime, I sat outside with her on a chair, and boy is she ever a conversation-starter. A real nice way to get to know people, so many of whom wanted to come up and pet her, ask her age, and say “awwww.” She did great.

No doubt about it, her life has just gotten about 200% more full – and she seems to like it a lot. She’s a DOG!

Oh, the day ended with Frederic and Elizabeth making a fine salmon dish. Hence the irresistible title of this entry.