Durant Diary: Entry #5

The first thing I thought of when I saw this on the floor of the dining room was, “Swirl would be so proud.”

Durant has been coming into his own lately. He has started barking at us if we don’t move fast enough to open the door or feed him. It’s a friendly bark, joyful even, so don’t think he’s trying to scare us. He’s just being a thrilled, happy dog.

Still, every morning, even as it gets colder, my husband and I sit outside on our back porch after the dogs have been fed. We drink very hot and wonderful coffee and then we pet the dogs. We probably should have been this nice to our children but, oh well.

Durant tucks his head under my arm so I can rub his back and sides with two hands and then Tempest comes over wanting the same treatment and this whole five or ten minutes with them is about the best time I have all day. After they get petted enough, they trot off. Durant goes in the doghouse and Tempest curls up under a tree. It used to be Tempest’s doghouse. Male dominance is no myth. No worries, though, we got a second doghouse for her and will be moving her in this weekend.

Durant, aside from chewing up my potato masher, is a wonderful dog and a wonderful pal for Tempest, notwithstanding his having evicted her from her doghouse. He let me sit down next to him while he was laying on his sleeping mat and pull burrs out of his tail, no questions asked.

At the dog park, when it’s time to go, both dogs trot into their harnesses and then we walk out with the two of them shoulder to shoulder and I love that an enormous amount. Here’s a picture. It’ll make you wish you owned two retired sled dogs.