Good Bye, My Darling Puppy

Yesterday, my Darling Puppy Phineas moved to Rowayton Ct. He will be living with my dear friend and colleague Dr. Joanna Whitcup who has a private practice there. When my this precious little puppy moved in with Eric and me, I was suffering with an attack of Sciatica and in serious pain. Most of the dog walking and efforts at paper training fell on Eric because I was crippled. Several reality waves hit me as I tried to cope with this tiny but lively addition to my life. Phineas was a furry ball of energy, a constant distraction and also irresistible.

Several things became clear: I did not have the time, energy or two good legs to deal with a puppy which is similar to having a baby. When I began to read about puppy training online, it was nearly a full time endeavor in the beginning. The final blow came when I walked Phineas on the filthy sidewalks of midtown Manhattan. Ghastly stuff scattered everywhere that the little guy was sniffing while pooping and peeing as a smelly bus roared by. I was making sure he didn't eat any "street treats" as Carlin calls them; bits of gum, candy wrappers, and the damn cigarette butts that some lazy New Yorkers just toss. But I was not always successful and fretted too much. After shedding some tears and feeling deep sadness, I admitted I was in over my head.

Joanna is a dog lover who's had Schnauzer's. She currently has a tibetan terrier named BJ who is eleven years old. The question was would the puppy and BJ get along. The happy answer is "Yes" they did just fine when they met this past Saturday. Phineas has the habit of rolling over to let everyone pet his tummy and he did the same with BJ. This let the older dog know he was the Lord of the manor and dominant- clever little Puppy of mine. He knew a good deal when he saw it. He's now in a beautiful little landmark house with a fabulous fenced in back yard, lots of grass, trees, bugs, birds, bushes and exotic plants to explore. He and BJ even have their own little doggie door so they can come and go as they please. They get to walk to a doggie park to meet and greet other four legged friends twice a week. The dog run here in my hood smells to high heaven with a sandy surface that's full of dog pee. Phineas really traded up.

When the puppy arrived I wrote the following in my journal: "What are you here to teach me, Master Phineas?" I know the answer. It's time for me to honor my older body and make some changes accordingly. My acupuncturist Dr. Chou encouraged me to reduce stress in my life. Ah yes, I often don't know I'm alive unless I'm up against the wall with a self-imposed challenge that I have no idea how to meet. So I promise myself I will take more time for myself and actually rest, stretch and chill out during the day. I can visit my Darling Phineas anytime.

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