“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.”

“So, what’s going on, Twiggy?

“We got our COVID booster and man, I’m wiped out.”

 

 

“Wait a minute. I got the Covid booster. Why are you wiped out?”

“I think it might be a sympathy wipeout.”

“I certainly hope you don’t feel as bad as I do.”

“I think that is a worthy hope.”

“Well, either way, it is comforting having you near.”

“I feel the same.”

“I think we should spend the day on the couch.”

“Sign me up for sure.”

Hey, Dad. Open the door. I left Cheeseburger out there.”

“Coming, Little one.”

“Thank heavens it’s still here.”

“Who would take Cheeseburger?”

“That delightful aroma? Any number of wild beasts.”

“I don’t think we have wild beasts around here.”

You-have-got-to-be-kidding-me right now. No beasts?”

“Well, I haven’t seen any.”

“Hello. Earth to Dad. That’s because I patrol the perimeter and stop incursions before they happen.”

“I know you were effective but never gave beasts a thought.”

“Like right now. A Rhino is just waiting for me to go inside before breaching the fence.”

“You sure?”

“If there is anything I’m sure of, it’s Rhino scent.”

“Okay, I’ll take your word. How long are you going to keep watch?”

“The shift whistle just blew. The Rhino and I are off for the day.”

“Shift whistle?”

“Yeah, we put in an honest day of hunter and hunted and then knock off.”

“I never knew it was so organized.”

“The Predator and Prey union is pretty strong. Sure has made my life easier.”

“That’s a good thing then.”

“Sure beats sitting out in the cold and dark waiting for a stupid Rhino to make a move.”

“I can see that. The commissary is open.”

“Hope they have salmon sashimi on the menu today. I have my mouth set for that.”