As it stands, Bud is due to come up my way on a truck on  September 29, one day after he is (hopefully) found to be free of any heartworm infection. Most dogs are cured after two shots, some need more injections.

Carol Johnson of Friends Of Homeless Animals FOHA keeps me posted on Bud’s emerging confidence, playfulness and personality. He does more and more like Gus every day, God help us.  The other night, he and his playmate Albert started wrestling in Carol’s bed at four o’clock in the morning.

She says she told them to stop.

Did he?, I asked.

“No,” she said. Carol is an admitted softie.

Bud and Albert, a spunky Chihuahua soon to be  transported to Rhode Island on the FOHA truck, are great pals, they play all day, and Carol thinks Bud will sorely miss Albert. Once Fate gets her paws on him, he will be fulfilled. Fate knows how to be intrusive and playful and loud, and she has more energy and a nuclear power plant.

I did have this passing fantasy – as did so many of my readers – to adopt Albert as well as Bud, it seems a shame to separate them. But that would be a mistake on many levels. I don’t want more dogs than I can pay close attention to, and I don’t want four dogs at all.

I love dogs, but I also want a life around and beyond them.

I am excited about Bud, about two week to go before he arrives in Brattleboro, Vt. on Saturday, the 29th.

I am glad he is coming, and happy he is coming in time for the Open House, medical tests successful. There are many animal lovers at the Open House, and I remember the reception they gave Gus, it was a warm welcome to our farm.

I’d love Bud to have that.

Maria and I have begun talking about Bud and how we will acclimate him, and where he will be much of the time. We are both ready to love him. Sixteen days to go.. Sixteen days to go.