Since we're in an apologizing mood tonight here in the Lounge

[Ellen Forradalom]

I apologize if I startled anyone when some weeks back I posted a despairing wail about my dog at an overwhelmed moment.

I have a delightful, spirited, challenging animal in my life. I adore him and he worships the ground I walk on. But every so often we have an incident that drives me to wondering if I shouldn't buy him a one-way ticket back to the breeders. Like the time he destroyed $2500 worth of furniture.

Just as with childrearing, I struggle to regain control of my emotions, then set about trying to solve the problem. We figure it out and go back to our lives as if nothing had happened.

My dog remains a happy part of my life, a beloved friend, a heating pad for the bed and running and hiking companion.