Sunday …

Ann Schwartz

Sep 3

Saturday morning, I had to give myself a good talking to. Was feeling a bit low, not despondent but kind of anxious.

As I dug the rest of the carrots in the garden and did other gardening chores, I rehearsed responses for people who really "push back" (at those increasing times) when I need to say "Sorry, no …".

Do folks think I should keep going until I drop? Some seem to.

It is bad enough that I felt overwhelmed almost all summer: yes, pet care has been my joy, but even soul-fulfilling activities have a limit. Don't they?

And now it is "doctor's orders" that I cut back. So I'm not changing my mind about retirement.

I can't refuse to take in some dog that is running down the highway or begging at the door of a motel or a house in town. The last dogs that were "stray" were thought to be abandoned and were almost taken to a shelter in Edmonton! There was so much wrong with that assumption and I was glad to be part of the solution and happy reunions.

I must say here that most people, friends and strangers alike, are gracious and they wish me well.

I have rarely been in touch with other boarding kennels or even home pet sitters, so I'm pretty short on suggestions. I am not going to do the legwork/phone calling to find alternatives. Someone in the Robson Valley should officially open a facility: I started with one kennel and a cosy building and some home space (poor Pat).

It's not up to me to set someone up, but I can be your cheering section. I can tell you where to buy sturdy fencing and will even have some for sale, eventually.

While my mind is so busy but the workload is reduced, I'm harvesting the garden as much as possible, cleaning and downsizing everywhere, from freezers to perennial beds to back bedrooms.