Fall cleanup mostly done – crabgrass cleaned out, new grass seed down, garden cleaned up, decision made about what to with the rock side. Just a couple of more projects and we’ll be set for winter. Of course, they’re BIG projects – replacing a section of siding, a new grill cover, and a new back door. But, in the meantime, the yard is doggie tested and approved.

Finally, a spot on the Big Bed. It’s only taken me 8 years to train Mommy.

After a bout with some serious hotspots this summer, J finally took Albert to be shaved down.  He gets his long coat from his Golden Retriever half, and we usually keep him shorn all summer – but this year, we didn’t get it done until the end of the summer. We’re sorry we took so long, because he is SO much happier with less hair!

Bert will be 13 in November, and between his hotspots, arthritis, and some new recurring eye issues, while he seems to be totally healthy and energetic otherwise, I’m more and more cognizant that our time with him is limited. Saturday night, I finally gave in and asked him to come on up on the bed to sleep – like he did with his Dad before Mom entered the picture. Clean, non-shedding, and shorn? Fine. As long as he’s kept this way – and it doesn’t disrupt our sleep – he  can probably come up.

Sunday night, he went to his own bed, but I encouraged him again.

Monday – didn’t even have to ask. The second we went upstairs after work to change, he ran up and hopped up.

I’ve created a “monster.”

Oh well.  He’s a content one.