Shelagh was not amused by our absence

It was Friday and we made it to Tatamagouche. It had been almost three weeks and that lengthy absence was duly noted by Shelagh. We arrived during the lunch period (it appears to start at about 11 and goes to 1 by the time all of the residents are driven in, sorted, placed, fed and rearranged. We took the bags to her room first then went to the dining room - and the old Shelagh we know and love kicked in. Her head went up like a deer scenting the wind - no Hello or greeting of any kind but a bellowed 'hey' to the nurse followed by an ascending series of 'hello' until the nurse was able to respond. We still hadn't been acknowledged by Shelagh but by gum she was being taken back to her room - right then - without eating. And off we went - a small convoy down the halls and back to her room, at which point she said 'Hello' - only Shelagh. We had taken a chicken pot pie and the ever pleasant staff brought us a plate. Shelagh smacked her lips as she ate the pit followed by chocolate bread. We tried to put the banana bread away for later but that had to be opened so she could smell it - only Shelagh. There was an issue about the dentist visit that took up a fair chunk of time. Shelagh was very unhappy with the outcome of the exam and wanted both our input and intervention. We will follow up. It was all things considered a good visit with improving communication abilities thanks in no small part to her volunteer Inez. One high point was that Shelagh was delighted with every one of the twelve articles of clothing we had bought for her for winter. That was a bonus - now we have to hope they fit. The nurse brought us name tags to be sewn into them and when she saw the panic on my face offered that they had someone who could do it for us.

All is well at Regalridge with another lovely warm day. Tom finished a major project refencing the car corral. Parking will be much easier although Ken was the only person he allowed to act as car jockey yesterday. The dogs supervised with an eye on the tools, living in hope that they could swipe one so Tom would chase them.

The kennel is quiet - or as quiet as it gets with Lucy and Baron in residence. All else is well with the kennel residents although Laurel is ready to go home. Her progesterone level dropped back a point over the 24 hour period between the last two draws. She will have to go back to the city for Saturday's blood with results not available until Tuesday - week ends are anathema in this process. Sophie didn't eat well but was bright and active so we will hope for the best tomorrow. Piper and the little prince are doing well. The little fellow has a full tummy at all times and Piper then rests. They are still in our bedroom and I fear this is what we will have for the next few weeks - no whelping rooms for our Piper.

Last night was a rare evening out at a restaurant. Chantelle took Ken and Lee to dinner at Bitar's and Dawn joined us. It was a fabulous meal with great service. We highly recommend the restaurant if you are in the area and Lee is not at home.

Tomorrow we will be off in all directions so after a little housework it was time to call it a day.