As most of my readers know (via my Blog posts, Twitter, and Instagram feeds), I have a 4-year-old Poodle-Caviler King Charles Spaniel mix, named Chanel.
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| Her 4th B-Day Pic |
She has her beds, toys, and routine. She carries her favorite toys in my office to play with while I write. Life is good.
But something is missing.
I'm on dead-line (always) and working on multiple novels and stories (no change here), however, there was one major change in my routine. This summer I retired from the field of education.
Wow! I am no longer forced write from 9 PM to 1:00 AM. I can actually write during the daylight hours every week day.
Sidebar: So, for the past several months I've been keeping an eye-out for a suitable dog-friend for both of us. With the stay-home order, the task has required a little-jumping-through-hoops. (Probably a little like an online dating app.) Search the Humane Society/Shelter postings, daily. Make phone calls (because there is a phone interview and then a scheduled meet-and-greet). Send follow-up emails. After several not-a-good-fit meets, I spied a l year old, 14 lb Westie Terrier Mix who was brought in as a stray and listed on Adopt-a-Pet.
I completed the paperwork/ had a phone interview' and went down to meet him at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter. I loved him, he loved me (I loved him more because he was completely potty-trained). So, Chanel had her own appointment with him at 2:00 PM. He followed her around. She eyed-him (he was scruffy looking and not up to her grooming standards) but he met with everyone's approval. I christened him with a nice Scottish name: Gavin.
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| Gavin before grooming |
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| Gavin groomed |
Gavin and Chanel are adjusting to each other. Gavin is still wearing his Elizabethan collar and bumps into everything and everyone. He has kennel recovery/rest time; Chanel has supervised 'Gavin' time.
Are you wondering, "What was she thinking? She disrupted a perfect routine!"
Well, maybe.
But it seems to be working out fine. I like activity. I appreciate 'controlled' chaos. And, more importantly, I loved dogs (and horses and goats).
I'm trying-out several dictation apps on my iPhone. This way I can enjoy the Southern California sun shine and a cup of coffee while dictating a chapter or working out my plot-structure.
So mixing up your routine is a good thing!
It gives you a new outlook. You explore new pathways. And you get to spend money on puppy toys (only three).
I'm still cooking. Ya'all. This week it was Shrimp and Cheese Grits. I've gotta keep that New Orleans' vibe going!
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