Happy Herman's Hideaway

Hello there, my San Saba loves, and boy have I missed you! No, the parentals and I did not take off on some exotic vacation, escape to a destination of fun and fantasy, nothing that interesting. It seems your little dachshund reporter has been practicing becoming a Texas sidewinder, explanation to follow. I hope each of you have been well and happy.

The parentals began noticing I had some trouble with balance, staying on my feet even though I have four of them, falling off my stairs and while walking, moving to the right all the time in an involuntary manner even if it meant walking into furniture or doors. As time progressed, I had more and more trouble, so it was time for a visit to see Dr. Kahil in Copperas Cove. Oh, my very goodness, I have never been poked and prodded so much in my life, and they even shaved a big patch of my hair around my chest and did a scan of my heart and found something a little strange there. No, it was not mom, but Dr. Kahil said it could have been a fatty deposit or where a tiny clot had dislodged and gone into my spine. He assured dad if that was the case, it will eventually dissolve. Anyway, I act as if I am a Texas dachshund sidewinder when I get up and walk. You know, move with a kind of cross between a John Wayne swagger and a drunken stumble. I am sure I will be fine in time. One great thing about the visit was I am not fat; Dr. Kahil said so. And now, dad cannot call me Hefty Herman anymore.

I would like to say I have enjoyed the cooler weather, and yet I am a dachshund who just visited a groomer, had most of my lovely hair shaved and then to a vet who shaved more off. So nope, not really loving being exposed to the elements. I have sweaters, lots of them. However, that being said, I prefer being under blankets, something I do not have to wear, something my legs do not slip out of. I may allow mom to put a sweater on me eventually, but this is my house and my rules. You really can’t force a dachshund’s hand at things as dachshunds do not have hands. Nope, just four paws and the will of a steel door, so no need trying. We may well be short but so too is your life and patience.

I have been thinking about patience quite a bit lately. Mom is a very patient human being. There have been so many things happening in our lives that would squash the life and spirit out of most people. And yet the other day I walk in from the porch, and mom was talking to her sister, Carol in Hawaii, and her laughter was the most joyful, heartful and sincere you could ever hear. Yep, like me, mom has a joyous and loving heart, and it is what sustains her. If her body would only cooperate, she would be dancing, smiling and whirling around her days. I would wish that kind of inner happiness for everyone, that heartfelt joy for every single soul in the world. I think if others could see real life in themselves even as ebbs, then they could not possibly find room for negativity, violence, regret, hatred or prejudice. Yeah, they would be more like dogs! I hope you guys have a wonderful week, and thank you so much for being.