Looking out for Abby Jo

We have Sara again for a few days. She showed up on Thursday, and we'll bring her home again on Sunday afternoon.

She is developing arthritis in her back end, and we are under strict orders to keep her quiet. This is easier said than done. Sara, as Doug likes to say, is really one and a half dogs; her torso is so long it looks like half of another dog got grafted in there. She's squirmy and jumpy and filled with enthusiasm.

Keeping her quiet is tough. She wants to jump into our arms, and we have to say, No! Down, girl! And she stays down, but her whole body wriggles.

Today when I left for work I gated her in the kitchen, with a fluffy dog bed, and left the boys (bewildered, pissed off) on the other side of the gate. None of them cared for the arrangement, but it kept them quiet.

We have Sara because her little sister, Abby Jo the bichon, is in Colorado with Lo and DJB, winding up laser treatment for a brain tumor.

There's every reason to expect an excellent recovery. It's a slow-growing tumor, and the Colorado vet has state-of-the-art gamma knife treatment. But it's sobering nonetheless. Abby Jo (pictured above) is an enormous favorite of ours. She is funny and sweet and confident as hell. She insists on going in and out the door first, beating out even Alpha Riley Wild Boy.

When she visits, she likes to spend as much time as possible on Doug's lap, and when that's not available she lies along the back of the couch. Doug, who is completely smitten with her, lines the radiator with pillows to broaden her perch.

We are very happy to have Sara for a few days. We just wish the circumstances could be different.

I heard from Lo a couple of hours ago. The last treatment is over, things are looking good, and they're heading back to Minnesota. Good luck, AJ! We're rooting for you.