Crazy Times
It’s not like me to talk about me, but I’ve had a heckuva time these past couple of weeks! Sheesh! First there was the visit to the nasty people in the white coats. Now, I’m not crazy and I’m not crazy about those people in their white coats. As soon as we got in the car I figured something was up. Then when we didn’t go shopping like we normally would then I really knew something was up!
Months of lockdown trying to learn doggy Italian didn’t help them understand that I wasn’t in the mood for being groped importunately. They went ahead and shoved a pointy thing up my butt in any case. After that I’d had about enough. So, I kind of lost it. I only feel a little guilty they had to put that hockey mask on me. Made me look like Hannibal Lecter until I threw it off. Can’t muzzle an old salt like me! Then a big guy came in and wrestled me to the ground. I counted to three and they poked me with something sharp and left. I was pretty wiped out after that and I lay down for the rest of the day.
Then a couple of days later things started happening on Aleta. My peoples started flapping things around and pulling out bags and packing things up. That always makes me nervous. For some reason I think they’re going to leave me, so I stick extra close to my smaller peoples because she’s easier to wind around my dewclaw. It’s hard work looking all big-eyed and forlorn all day, especially since they had me on starvation rations. Something about the Covid 2 pounds I’d put on. Geez! It’s not my fault my cute looks get me an extra plate to lick after supper.
Boxed In
Then all these big boxes arrived and there was a bunch of time spent with measuring tapes and talking about how high my ears are off the deck and how far my tail is from my nose. We went through this three times until my peoples quit messing me about and chose a box. How was I supposed to know that this was my new cabin? Looked more like something you’d put a ‘possum in for relocating. I never did like possums!

A few days later we all got up early and went for a long drive. Getting up early is tough. Usually, I wake up my peoples with a good face licking and they then make a smelly brown drink and sit and sigh at their little square electronic doohickeys for an hour or so. Charging into action so early in the day was a bit of a shock to my system. When we got to this big building the big guy put the box together and before I knew it, he tricked me into going inside and then he slammed the door shut. He even zip-tied it closed. Then someone took me (still in the box) and I went down a long dark tunnel. I couldn’t see much, but there was lots of loud, weird noises. But nothing worse than being on Aleta in 20 knots of wind.
Eventually, I went through another dark tunnel and the big guy was there to let me out. I was so happy to run around the building, I barked like crazy looking for the smaller peoples until I found her. It wasn’t a bad experience, but I wasn’t looking forward to doing it again anytime soon. I should have kept my big muzzle shut. The next day I got shoved back in the box, despite my best efforts to stop it. Then I went down another dark tunnel. This time for a lot longer. But honestly, it still wasn’t bad. There was a couple more dogs in boxes near me, so we kind of hung out and talked about how stupid cats can be when they’re not trying to slash your whiskers off.
Free at Last
Finally, I got out of the box. I am not about to go anywhere in that thing again! Fortunately, I haven’t seen the box since. I’m hoping they lost it. Since then I’ve been visiting with some peoples that I got to know pretty well on Aleta.

There was a big guy, another big guy and another big guy I remembered from the last couple of years. Then there was a smaller people and another smaller people that I also remembered. I find I like the smaller people better. They spoil me a lot more. It’s a good thing I can be really cute when I want to be.
But then the biggest surprise came today! My favorite smaller people came to visit me! I was so excited to see her! I hadn’t seen her in ages and I was really missing her. I missed her so much I’d almost forgotten how much I missed her. It was so super cool to reunite and get big hugs and tummy rubs that I almost piddled on the floor. But I’m over that stage of my life. I think. I can’t wait to find out what happens next! Chow!
Editor’s Note: Aleta’s crew is in the United States for the summer and is already half vaccinated.




Loved it! Marlon is a little dog with a big personality. Miss you all.
Arf! Arf! Arf! Miss you guys too! Keep my ham fresh!
Marlon,
I’m delighted to learn you are half-vaccinated, and hope your hoomans get their shots soon too. Thanks for the updates about your travels; you’re one tough canine! While you’re in the States come over to Montana and I’ll show you around, follow deer scents, and keep an eye out for bears.
My hoomans say hi to your hoomans.
Your Friend,
Ranger
Arf! Arf! Sniff! Sniff! Ranger! Dude! It’s you! Good to hear from you! My peoples say hi to your peoples. I’d love to track deer and avoid bears with you. Sounds like a good time.
love it great picture of the reunion
“Daughter and Dog”
I’m a lover, not a biter!
Poor Marlon! Glad y’all made it here safely and that you are half vaccinated! I am wholly vaccinated! Looking forward to hanging out sometime soon!
Arf! Arf! Me too!
How long will you be in the states?
Coming to Portland end of July. Love to see you.
I’m staying forever and never leaving again! But my peoples will stay until September.
Marlon – I hope you make it to Seattle and bring your people with you! You always have a place to stay.
Diane and Mark Gary
Thanks Diane! I’ll make sure they get in touch and do the right thing!