This might be hard to believe but Summer is a very accomplished gardening helper.
We received some surprise dahlia tubers. Probably because I mentioned that my favorite dahlia named Polka didn't survive the winter layover.
I was going to move on but a couple of days ago a box arrived with not only two Polka tubers but four other fancy schmancy varieties.
Well this morning Summer says we'd better get them in the dirt before the rain.
So I loaded up a wagon of soil and put the box of tubers where Summer could reach.
We got to work.
She dumped out the box and brought the tubers one at a time. I ended up short two pots and asked her to find some so she did. Twice.
We got er done and Summer got a good girl treat.
Glad she's on our team.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Today was all about care and comfort.
Mostly liquid meals like milkshakes and tasty smoothies. I managed to sneak in some Greek yogurt and protein powder. Summer lifted an eyebrow but promised she wouldn't tell. I keep strawberries in the freezer just to hide the healthy.
We are just coasting not getting worse but happy with being able to stay out of the hospital. We have to wait for test results before we get meds.
Staying hydrated is key.
So is Summer.
She decided it was time for a bring the blood pressure down cuddle.
It works every time.
I recorded the moment before I hurried to get dinner going.
Thank you for all of the well wishes.
It helps more than you can imagine.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer has a grin on her chin and a message for her Mastodon friends.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer wears herself out squeezing every scritch and treat out of everyone who crosses her path. Lots of positive attention is coming her way today.
A little nap on her pal will help balance her universe.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

An unexpected turn of events.
My daughter's house which is a Victorian in the oldest part of town sits at the lowest point on her block. The city she lives in has never prioritized the maintenance of sewer water and other infrastructure systems.
Late yesterday the city sewer backed up into their house. Even though the city fixed the clog the damage is done.
There will be hazmat cleaning, floors to replace and updated plumbing to install that would keep this from happening again.
So late last night we pulled out cots, blankets and pillows and had a slumber party here at our house.
Summer has so many humans to comfort. This is right up her alley.
Good thing we have enough house to accommodate.
It will all work out.
For the right now Summer and I have six extra places to set for breakfast.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Today is sunny and warm.
I took time from our chores to run Summer down to the beach. She was a very good girl.
There were other dogs on the trail that were very thirsty, in the dry sand, so she let me share her water. We always bring extra just in case.
Summer said that she wanted to send a message out to all of her Mastodon friends.
She says peace and love are the way to make things better for everyone.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Our morning is off to a playful start. Summer is feeling great and responds to her pal's improving health with joy.
They spend their pre breakfast time entertaining each other.
I love every minute of the antics.
Even though there will be lots to get done today this early morning time is just for fun.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer let us sleep in this morning. Usually rising with the sun she gave her pal a break and cuddled up for an extra half hour.
We are already seeing the positive benefits of getting the right antibiotic to fight the specific bacteria causing Summer's pal so much trouble. He is feeling perky this morning and was asking if he can go along for Summer's next adventure. Summer says heck yeah but will see how he progresses.
Oldest grandson will be here this afternoon to help me finish up the gate and a few heavy garden projects.
Today is starting out as good as days start around these parts.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Middle grandson dropped by to help.
He got a chance to spend time with my husband. I hear that they might have hatched a plan to go on an adventure when the weather warms up.
Summer and I jumped on the opportunity to get her out for a good run on the shore of Humboldt Bay.
While he was here he helped me in the garden and took the food down to fill the free pantry.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer let me know that she was not happy that I left my post for thirty minutes.
She has opinions for sure.
Now that I'm home I seem to be forgiven.
Whew!
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer has a hard job. She keeps eyes on both of us almost all the time.
Today I had to do some mowing in front of our house.
My husband went for a walk on the other side of the house.
Poor Summer parked herself in the doorway trying to look both ways at once.
She says her life would be so much easier if we would cooperate and hang out together all the time.
I told her I will think about it.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

@NorcalGma2@sfba.social

I finally got Summer loaded up and down the hill. I thought this morning's Fireside Fedi experience was interesting. I'm sure it was clear to anyone who watched that the only thing I know for sure about Mastodon is that it is chock full of kind, intelligent and interesting folks and that I am thrilled to be here.
Summer super needed a good run today.
The wind was almost too much for me. It was sand in the eyes level fierce. The shifting sands also make for more precarious walking and I did fall down once. I tripped on a root that the wind uncovered. It took Summer about 15 seconds to realize I was down. She raced to help and stood uphill where I could use her collar to steady myself to stand up in the soft drift.
Lucky I have plenty of padding and the sand is soft.
There are lots of Summer photos and I like all of them so prepare yourself for a happy dog overshare.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

I spent the morning being prodded and poked in preparation for getting a something stuck down my throat to look around.
I am hesitant to get this procedure because of the potential exposure to whatever is floating around at the hospital.
I asked that my providers mask. They said that was a reasonable request but couldn't promise anything.
The person doing my screening also suggested that because I will be under general anesthesia it would be a good idea to get a colonoscopy. Kind of a twofer.
What a deal!
As tempting as it was I said no thank you.
I felt like I was shopping for a used car.
Summer gave me a look when I recounted my adventure.
She says next time I should try going to her vet who hands out treats and scritches ears.
I will think about it.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer