“Wait, don’t we need my leash and harness?”

“Nope, today is the day you are allowed in the yard with no leash.”

“Wow, this is different. Going down the stairs with no support.”

“I thought you would like it.”

“I do, but it feels different. There is no one leading.”

“That’s true. You are on your own.”

“Well then, see ya.”

“You go girl.”

“Hey. What’s this?”

“It is a fence. It’s there, so you won’t run onto the rocks.”

“Gee, is the turf all I get to explore?”

“No, you can go into the rock area.”

“How do I do that with a fence blocking the way.”

“You ask the friendly gatekeeper to open a gate for you.”

“Now that’s handy. I hope you will always be here to open it.”

“Don’t worry. There is always one of us to wait on you hand and foot.”

“I like hearing that. There are some neat scents out here on the patio.”

“Well, enjoy them.”

“Of course, with the damp and all, it may be time to go in.”

“It is up to you. I’ll stay as long as you want.”

Well, Dad. Part of being free is being able to decide when to go.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“Not exactly my optimum conditions. No sun and drizzle.”

“You’re the boss.”

“Let’s head for the barn.”

“You sound like a barn sour pony.”

“Well, all I know is there are snuggles inside.”

“Did you enjoy your freedom?”

“I can’t tell you how good it felt to feel the wind in my hair.

“That is music to my ears.”

“Hey, Dad. Where did the fence go?”

“Well, the doctor said you can move around the house.

“so that means I can walk anywhere I want?'”

“That’s right. You have free rein.”

“Rein? What does that mean?”

“It’s a term in horse riding. It means you are free to go where you want to go.”

“How about these ugly runners. Can we pick them up now?”

“No, they have to stay for another week.”

“The leash. Do I still have to have a leash in our yard?”

“Yes, that’s another item we must use for a week.”

“How about the height of the couches? Are they going back to normal?”

“We want to wait a while on that. You are doing so well we don’t want you jumping off the couch.”

“We had stairs. Maybe we could put those back.”

“Oh yeah and you would promise to use them each time, right?”

“Well, I would try to use them each time.”

“Let us be the judge as to when we raise the couches. We also want to put back the white carpet at the same time.”

“That is a smile maker. I love that carpet. So fuzzy.”

“It won’t be long. Till then, enjoy your freedom in your house.”

“You know it’s cold out here.”

“For heaven’s sake, you have your cougar sweater on.”

“We Texas pups aren’t used to this below-freezing weather.”

“It is 43 degrees F (6 C). Hardly freezing.”

“I think I hear some deer breathing.”

“You can actually do that?”

“Well, no. Had you going though, didn’t I?”

“I guess you did. I never know how extensive your animal skills are.”

“I do think there are some deer out here. I can almost smell them.”

“You kidding me again?”

“Heck no. Over in those trees, I think they are gathering.”

“Let’s go over there and maybe catch a glimpse.”

“Okay, we don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Believe me, I wouldn’t want anyone to know you were stalking decorations.”

“I still say there are some over there.”

“I think it is time for dinner.”

“Okay. There’s that too.”

“I’m just going into the backyard. Why the leash?

“We need to protect your leg in case you have a wild moment.”

“A wild moment? Haven’t had one of those in weeks.”

“Yes, and we must keep it like that until the end of January.”

“I don’t know, but visiting the backyard with a chaperone is not the same.”

“It won’t be forever. Just think how far you’ve come.”

“Yeah, well, at least I’m walking better. Those leaves back there need some attention.”

“You are walking better. I know about the leaves. They will be done tomorrow.

“Maybe we can take a quick sunbath. The sun is warm.”

“That’s the spirit. You want to lay on the lounges?”

“Um, no. The sun isn’t that warm. We need a geophysical boost.”

“A geophysical boost? What’s that?”

“Black rocks and exposed groundcover where Mom pulled a plant.”

“Oh, I get it. The rock absorbs the heat, and so it’s warmer there.”

“I have to wonder sometimes what they taught you in college.”

“I may have missed the class where they covered how to get warmer outside.”

“I think you guys have lost some of the skills necessary to survive out here. Too many comforts.”

“Says the dog who never wants for a thing.”

“Yeah, but I still keep my instincts sharp.”

“Like chasing things til you blow out a ligament?”

“Okay, there’s that. Let’s go in. It’s a little chilly.

“What’s up with the wire.”

“That is your new railing.”

“Railing? Why do I need a new railing.”

“Did you notice something?”

“Notice what?”

“You can’t jump off the porch anymore.”

“Hey, wait a minute. How do I get to the yard?”

“Look behind you. There’s a gate.”

“Hold on. The latch is too tall for me.”

“Wonder why?”

“Does this mean I have to ask you to open it?”

“That is how it works.”

“Hold on, Dad. I’m used to bolting off the porch at high speed.”

“And that is exactly how you injured your leg.”

“I don’t want to go through that again.”

“We are going to ensure there’s no more porch leaping.”

“I suppose it is for the best.”

“I’m glad you see it our way.”

“So I go through the gate and down the steps.”

“You got it. It won’t happen until you’re cleared by the doctor, though.”

“In the meantime, I hear something like the call of the treat.”

“I think we might be able to answer the call.”

“Twiggy is in her soft prison cell with her Benny wishbone and has a wish for you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I am speaking from my position of exile here in my place of incarceration. Even though I’m denied some of the finer things of life, I am grateful for the gourmet food, the roof over my head, and my two times-a-day exercise periods. I know this isn’t forever, so I keep smiling and pestering the jailers as much as possible.

My wish for you today is that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love, just like me. Dad has closed comments, and we all hope you enjoy the day.”

“What are you doing?”

“Looking at these ugly runners.”

“We put those down so you won’t slip on the tile.”

“Did y’all have a choice of colors?”

“Those runners are for your protection. Now that you can walk around a little, we don’t need a slip and fall.”

” I appreciate them. It’s just this healing process takes so long.”

“I know. But look at you. Using the wedge to get up here.”

“It does give me a feeling of freedom to be able to move around.”

“I hear a ‘but’ in there somewhere.”

“Well, being out of this jail would be nice.”

“You know it is for your own good.”

“Doesn’t make it any easier.”

“Look how far you have come already. You walk like a champ and try to sneak runs.”

“I know. I wish I could go into the backyard and battle a wildebeest.”

“That day will come, sweetheart. You just have to be patient.”

“A virtue that somehow I missed when it was handed out.”

“Buck up, Beanie. You’ll be fine.”

“You’re right, Dad. Thanks.

 

So today, we have to go for a check-up.”

“Excellent. I love Dr Flemming and all the folks at the hospital.”

“You need to take care of business before we go.”

“Make a will, do you mean?”

“No, go potty.”

“I said I didn’t have to go. Why don’t we leave already.”

“You need to ride in your seat.”

“I love this seat, and going bye-bye in the car is my favorite thing to do.

You going to be good?”

“Butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth, Dad.”

“You can sit down, you know.”

“I have to be ready in case someone tries to attack the car.”

“Here we are.”

“Let me out, let me out, let me out.”

“You have to ride in your stroller.”

“Why’s that”

“Because you get so excited in there, we don’t want you pulling on your leash and hurting your leg.”

“Moi. Pull on a leash? I’m shocked you would think such a thing.”

“We have to wait.”

“I think I should have gone potty.”

“Please don’t tell me that.”

“Yeah, I was just seeing if you would jump to the bait. Hey, they called my name.”

So Twiggy. I think you are doing very well. Your stitches look great, and your leg motion is terrific.”

“You listening to this, Dad?”

“I must caution you, though. No running, playing tuggy, or pulling on the leash. We’ll see you in six weeks.”

” Thank you, Dr. Flemming. Okay, Dad. You and Mom win. The stroller is a good idea.”

“How do you feel?”

“Like a million bucks. Did the doctor say anything about increasing my food portion?”

“No.”

“Well, I guess I can’t have everything. So far so good.”