after a couple of very spunky days

carver slowed down this afternoon on his walk-back to resting and taking our time. It feels a little like the movie awakenings. I could not help but feel a little disappointed that he was not magically cured for good. and of course, there are the questions-is it because its sunny?, because it is 60 F, not 50? was it because I had to take him on a short walk this morning so I could get to work in time to make muffins for a 7 a.m. breakfast? still, I should not complain, it was a fine walk. blue sky, lots of birds, we laid down in the tall grass, watching people jog by. but still..

I should have known it would be a good walk

when carver walked himself down the stairs while I was checking the mail. I was shocked! I always help him down. We headed down to the field for a short walk, but carver was full of energy and headed down the path to ward's pond. we have not been to wards in a long time-carver has not had the energy, and always saves it for going to the jamaica pond. a part of me had resigned myself to not being able to go down to wards, but it is my favorite walk. carver lead me right to the entrance, and down the path. there are a couple of oppertunities to branch off for a shorter walk, but when ever I suggested it carver pressed on. once we turned the bend, carver turned and went right into the thicket and headed straight for the flooded stream that feeds the pond. I made my way through the brush to find carver knee deep in mud, lapping at the water around him. I helped him out of the mud, but not before he slipped and fell face first into the thick black muck. we walked to the pond proper so carver could drink and clean off his feet. the whole walk was wonderful. he was so full of energy and cheer. we rested here and there, but he always jumped up ready for more. there were dogs to visit and we saw a beautiful red winged black bird. the walk home was fun, carver still playful and feeling good. he even came back outside with me to sniff around the yard while I took out the recycling. a big cookie for him, and then some supper. what an amazing gift, how wonderful to see carver so happy and full of life and curiosity. my heart is full from the day.

after being home sick with the flu for 2 days

we decided to go for a walk to the pond.

at first there was lots of running


and exploring



there were a lot of dogs to meet

including a pup

this all brought about a great thirst...








and then some fine resting by the water, where it was much cooler.


we were out for a long time, both of us being happy to be out in the sunshine after a couple of days inside. carver is incredibly sweet when I am sick, staying close by at all times and asking for nothing. Luckily e took him on some fine adventures while I stayed on the couch. I am so happy to be back up and outside with c! now we are on the porch, me typing, c barking at everyone who walks, bikes or jogs by.

multiple dog by pomsmith

despite the cold rain this morning

carver was raring to go. we went for a fun walk to the field down the street. I just have to say in writing, carver has been doing amazingly well. on the couch, on the street, wolfing his food, crying for pizza crusts, hopping at the door to go out, cozy asleep, going for rides-he has just been doing great, and for the first time since that awful day in january I see him as my dog carver-not a cancer patient, not someone to take care of, not a situation to research, fret over, a constant worry, not dying. not dying. he is carver, my pup, and I am filled with gratitude that he is here beside me.

view from the porch

a short walk today

carver seemed to be in some pain today, which made sense. he was sick last night, wanting to throw up, and finally had diarrhea instead. I ended up not feeding him this morning, in case his stomach was still unsettled-I cannot sit with the idea of him home needing to go out with no one to help him-anyway, no breakfast meant no derramaxx, and he was feeling it this afternoon. we made it over to the field where the ice skating rink used to be and back, with LOTS of rests. instead of walking we hung out on the front porch-e had decorated the porch with new chairs, an amazing rocker and a beautiful flowered table cloth that looks like it is from the 50's for my birthday. I planted the pansies I bought last weekend (that I almost killed) while carver relaxed on his sheep skin. it was wonderful just to be outside with him. it made me excited to go buy a new rake to clean the yard this weekend-another outside activity I can do with c. again, it is nice to find new options when the old ones are not working any more.