Problems eased by postcard and pecans

Written last night:

Even if the bed hadn’t collapsed again … even if I didn't find a third note on the door about Zing barking… even without these, today would have been busy.

At 9 this morning Cassie, the owner and dog trainer of Midtown Mutts dog-walking service, visited, and she is wonderful — tonight I am so tired — but tomorrow I’ll tell you everything she said. She studied human psychology in college, loves dogs, and — it seems — would rather work with animals than people.  Zing and I are the lucky beneficiaries. Cassie is generous with her knowledge, enthusiastic, and believes in positive, not negative, learning. Turns out there’s a whole cohort of such dog trainers. She thinks Zing will soon be fine — not a problem barker — if I apply a series of approaches (not just one), from soothing music to brain games to alterations in my going-away routine, and more. 

As soon as she left I also left (first turning on the radio for Zing) to have lunch with Faith at the Crocker Museum. She and I met while walking our dogs a few days ago. We laughed our way from cream of mushroom soup to coffee and cookies, and plan to meet again in a couple of weeks. 

When I got home there was a note on the door saying please do something about my dog’s barking. This time it had a name and phone number. Before responding I called Cassie. I told her I assumed the writer has good intent, not nasty.

Here’s what I sent Cassie after Mr. Clark (yes!) and I talked:

"The talk with neighbor was good. He said he likes dogs. Was glad I'm seeing you--trainer. He's most concerned that they're trying to sell their unit and that dog barking is not helpful. I asked him to let me know when he's showing their place, so I can try to be here or have Zing out at that time. 

Later, I was sitting on the couch opening mail in the lobby and chatted with a woman who was drawn to Zing. She lives above me and one unit over.  She said a friend who had been in her condo while she was at work told her she'd heard a new dog downstairs. She said it with a shrug, as if no big deal to either her or her friend." 

Then, trying to be “normal,” I made a quick pear cake. (Link says fig cake, but I used pears.) I’d started in the morning, hoping it would be out of the oven in time for Cassi’s visit, but no. Still, it’s delicious because the pears here are delicious.

And, to lift my spirits, in my mailbox I found gifts from two friends --  fresh pecans (which I miss so much!) from Beth in North Carolina, and a hand-stitched, hand-dyed postcard with a beautiful note from Jennifer. Thank you, Jennifer and Beth! Perfect timing!

I am tired. The blankets are spread on the living room floor. Zing is curled up there. I will join him now. 

Good night!