It’s another broiling day here; we are better off than so much of the country but struggling with water and heat and humidity. The dogs handle it in their own way.

Maria’s studio is a much-loved retreat from the strong sun.

Zinnia goes into the studio and lies under her desk, where it is shady. Fate goes into her crate to sleep. Bud takes up position out on the grass, where he can keep an eye on his tormentor, a chipmunk I call Buzz.

Zinnia is the most sensitive to extreme heat; Fate pays no mind to it; Budgets warm but won’t give up a hunt or pursuit.

These two have been playing hide and seek for a long time; Bud never wavers or gives up. When he gets too hot, I bring him inside and into my office, where there is an air conditioner.

Whenever I open the back door, Zinnia comes out to see if she can come inside. Fate pleads to go out to the sheep or chase a ball.