It was wonderful having Perrito (fka Miso) visit for the weekend while his dads were in Vancouver, BC, for a family reunion. He was a wonderful wrestling buddy for Derry. Every time Perry comes to visit, it’s as if he never left. He recognizes us and loves to hang out without any anxiety, so it feels good. However, he’s always thrilled when his dad comes back to get him, as he loves his life in San Francisco. Bella and Ella are catching the glory of the morning sun in the lanai. This is a sweet spot for them, which I encourage while I have my coffee in my favorite spot in the house, especially with the new back deck cover. Yes, I’ll have my coffee (and cheesecake) on the lanai, Blanche.

My new co-worker, blind foster puppy Derry, has found this old chaise that a friend suggested I turn into a dog bed once one of the legs broke off beyond repair. I scoffed at the idea originally, but the dogs freaking love it, and it fits very well under my side desk return. It’s a little bit of a climb for Derry, but he’s finally mastered the step up and down. It’s a doozy.

Temporary front porch gate is helpful to have while the retaining wall work is being done in the backyard. The dogs can safely hang out here and avoid the dust and workmen who had to rearrange all the backyard contents.

My good friend of many years, Hugh, with his three dogs and a couple of mine mixed in.

Random early June pictures of the lovely dogs:

The blind dogs! I couldn’t have asked them to pose better if I tried. My Bonnie and foster puppy, Derry, is looking picture perfect on the half-built back deck cover that I’ve been dreaming about. The back deck cover was installed about 8 months before the fire, but this one will be bigger and better. The back deck itself is bigger and better. Life has come full circle as I find myself with two blind dogs again, among the 7 we have in the house at the moment, including fosters.

Five-week-old Derry is what is called a DOUBLE MERLE. This is different from albinism, which would make his nose and paws pink. Double merles are devoid of color, and eye deformities are the norm. Fortunately, he is NOT deaf, although many double merles are. IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDERS intentionally breed two merles to get the desired color in 75% of their offspring, leaving 25% of them like Derry, who are often discarded. To then take him away from his mother prematurely is beyond the pale. Sweet Derry was exhausted in my lap after a busy time running around the backyard. He’s so smart and follows my voice. It’s incredible to see him wag his tail and stretch so maturely.

I’m very pleased that Shea tolerates so many foster dogs coming through because he does help me with them. Jacques has turned out to be another one of those dogs that are just magnetized to him, which is nice to see. Foster Jacques has a really wonderful personality and has been fitting in very well. I know he’ll make a family so happy. It’s a great thing that he’s handsome, healthy, and a relatively young adult, neutered male. I can tell he’s smart and minds very well, getting along with other dogs and adjusting so quickly to a home life, despite the chaos of our living in boxes for another ten days or so.

Today was bittersweet because our beloved foster Perry got adopted! The good news is that he’s with a friend of a friend (thanks, Paula!), and we are happy to plan future doggie playdates. I also offer to dog sit for those who adopt our fosters. Perry is a wonderful catch, being a very well-behaved, housetrained, and not yappy medium-sized dog with wonderful red hair, an expressive face, very healthy, neutered, and loves everyone. He only barks at doorbells, as is expected. I know he’s going to be well-loved in Berkeley by a family of four humans and a cat in the ADU. I’m so glad I woke Shea up from a nap in late October and told him, “We’re driving to Modesto to save some dogs,” after I got an email about Perry and Ella. That’s what I get for opening up emails of that nature.

Fortunately, Benjamin went back home, but we put him up for several nights, HSNB bathed him, and I groomed him.

Super volunteer Adrienne took our foster Perry to Walnut Creek for this event. He did well, although he was a little intimidated being the smallest dog when he’s used to being the largest one.

This is when Esher first arrived yesterday after his bath and before his grooming.

Groom guest Esher has the zoomies after his bath and grooming and plays with foster Perry at Shea’s feet.