“What do you want to do for your birthday, Bear?”
“Huh?”
“You’re six years old today.”
“What?”
“OK, let’s try this. Bear, if you could do anything you wanted today what would you do?”
“I have to go, Martha. There’s something outside that needs barking at.”
“Go ahead sweet girl. But come back. I have more questions.”
“WOOF! WOOOFF!”
So much for interviewing Bear on her birthday. Soooo…I’ll talk to myself.
“Martha, looks like you’re going to get your second shot next Saturday.”
“That’s the plan.”
“So, once you’re immune what will you do first?”
“I don’t know. Walk Bear at the Refuge?”
“What about shopping. You’re going to go do that today I understand, ahead of the predicted big storm?”
“It’s not supposed to bring us even an inch of snow.”
“But you can’t tell, can you?”
“No. That’s why I’m going today. Plus, I’m out of fish oil and bananas.”
“Will you start going back inside stores when you’re immune to the virus? “
“Do you have any idea how weird that sounds?”
“What?”
“Yeah. Like there’s a plague affecting the inside of stores or something.”
“There is.”
“Yeah, I know, but it still sounds weird.”
“So will you?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t like stores before. I’m not a shopper. Oh, here’s Bear. How did it go out there?”
“No problems.”
“Who was it?”
“That old man walking on the sidewalk. Everyday I need to remind him of certain important points.”
“Such as?”
“Huh?”
https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2021/03/12/rdp-friday-interview/
“Summer is the season of inferior sledding” - Inuit proverb 
This was fun. Bear looks like a great friend to have around.
One of the best friends I’ve ever had. 🙂
There is no better than a beautiful dog for a friend.
I don’t think so, either. This past year I’ve lived closer to my dogs than before — and I’ve always lived close to my dogs. I have found I like their company a LOT, perhaps even more than human company.
I’m pleased you have them to be close too. I’m the same I don’t have much human companionship so having Lucy dog helps me smile, stay healthy and happy.
All my life I wanted dogs. I didn’t get one until I was 35. Since then, I’ve had 27. Some were short-term fosters, a couple were babysitting jobs, and the rest? It’s funny how some childhood dreams have a kind of quiet eventuality about them. I don’t like to pitch my books, but you might like My Everest. It’s a collection of stories about my many years hiking with my dogs. https://marthakennedy.blog/award-winning-memoir/
How odd. I’m the same. I was brought up in a cat family but adored dogs. I was never allowed a dog. When Lucy needed rescuing I jumped at the chance and loved every minute with her. 27 is incredible well done for fostering and looking after so many. I’ll give your book a look to. Thank you.
I was an avid hiker and you know it’s pretty hard to find friends, well, period but certainly to go hiking every day. My dogs ALWAYS wanted to go. Human friends want to do human things but dogs want to go for walks. 🙂
Oh yes, a dog is always ready for a walk ; even ten minutes after the last one! All my friends are online and so walking with them is impossible! I never had love either so Lucy dog is my lone companion.
Love doesn’t guarantee a hiking pal.
This is true.
Happy Birthday to Bear!! I think Bear is a lot smarter than this interview made her out to be. Perhaps you need to ask different questions. Something like, “Bear would you like to go for a ride in the car?” or “Do you want to go for a walk?” Or even “Do you want a rawhide?” I bet her responses would be more to the point and enthusiastic!
You’re totally right. In fact, Bear was too smart for this interview. She is motivated by higher concerns such as, “How safe is the yard Bear?” “Do you want a cookie?” “Where’s Teddy?” “Do you want to see the kids?”
Hehe! We couldn’t say the word cookie when Ranger was alive. It resulted in a very Pavlovian response and I’d have to mop up a drool puddle!
Cookie is the word that gets Bear to come in at night. They have me trained to let them out and when they come in to give them a cookie. I am sure they think they taught me this trick. Bear has an inner clock that doesn’t fail. 7 pm 8pm 9pm 3 cookies
Many Happy Returns of the Day Bear! Ziggy is three this year (although the date is questionable, but it was apparently March). I hope your human brings you a nice present to celebrate!
Thank you! I think she’s planning to feed me supper later. I will love that. Yr. Pal, Polar Bear Yeti T. Dog
This is so sweet. My daughter sent us a photo of her dog sitting patiently in front of a gift bag on her 7th birthday. And then later, a photo next to her bowl with a dog ice cream treat in it. The expression was close to Bear’s. It really needed a word balloon of some kind. Your dialogue is hilarious. 😀
Don’t tell Bear but she’s getting some fancy dog jerky from Barkbox later. ❤
Lucky Bear! I’ll never tell….
Happy Birthday, Bear! You are so pretty; I’ll bet Martha gives you anything you’d like. My cats hope you have a pawsitively awesome day. 😻
Good conversation! I’ve always wondered what dogs were saying.
They are amazing conversationalists on a limited range of subjects. Sadly much of what they know is untranslatable. 😦
Happy birthday, Bear! Finn says, “Wow! Six years old! I’ll be 4 in June and I wish I we could party together!” Martha, I enjoyed your conversation with yourself and small talk with Bear. My dr arranged for me to be moved up on immunization and I’m scheduled for Thursday my first one! 💚🐶🐶 🎂 love and hugs 🤗
That’s really good news! I get my second shot next Friday. 🙂 Finn, Bear says she doesn’t understand “birthday” but “party” makes a little bit of sense to her. ❤
I’m so glad to hear your 2nd is soon. Finn’s reply, “I love potties! I mean parties!” 🤷🏼♀️🐶💜
She might mean potties… 😉
True!😂
🙂 Happy birthday, Bear.
Happy birthday Bear. My Cindy’s birthday is this month. I don’t know the exact date but it’s around now. She’s fifteen so she is getting a brand new bed for her birthday.
Bear says, “What is this bed to which you refer?” She has a chair. Please give Cindy lots of ear scratches for me. ❤
I will do that. Cindy can’t sleep on my bed anymore because there is no room for her on a single bed and her arthritis makes getting onto the furniture difficult these days so she has a bed in my room and another in the lounge.
Yes. When they get older, their choices are limited. I got a very nice bed for my old dog Lily when she was 16. She loved it.
Ophelia and I send our belated Happy Birthday wishes! I hope the possible snow came your way as your birthday present!!
The snow should come (if it does) today and tomorrow. Bear probably knows more about it than I do! Please tell Ophelia thank you! ❤
She says ” woof woof” translation my pleasure.
Happy belated birthday Bear! Sorry I missed it xxx
She says “thank you!” I believe she thinks EVERY day is her birthday. ❤
That’s good… I like the idea xxx