Merry Christmas from Pluto & us

Pluto in early 2002

Our dog Pluto is having a special Christmas this year, because it's his first in years as a partially inside dog. He's a well-travelled dog, born in the country just south of San Antonio, Texas, and as far as I know, he still has a sister Blondie and other relatives in South Texas. But he moved with me to Indiana, and then with us to Minnesota and finally to South Dakota. Now 10 years old, he's showing signs of becoming a geriatric dog, though he still has great bursts of energy when rabbits come within his field of view (kinda gives new meaning to the phrase "Energizer Bunny").

He had been strictly an outside dog for the last few years, as there is a rule that dogs aren't allowed inside the parsonage. Alas, a couple of pastors ago, a dog had caused some damage. But this past summer Pluto was so traumatized by thunder and fireworks that we had no choice but to let him come inside and escape from all those strange things going "boom" at him. So we approached the church council about the matter, and by God's grace Pluto is now a very privileged dog! Due to his known good behavior inside, he has a special dispensation to be inside. And it's specific to Pluto. The general no-dogs-allowed rule is still in place, but Pluto has his own special exception. I believe he's the only dog ever mentioned by name in the church minutes.

So he has happily, legally, claimed the special "Pluto place" we made for him in the living room, complete with a big comfy dog pillow for him to sink into. He is a friendly, sincere, usually very sleepy presence in the living room. And he has acquired a taste for biscuits. Lots of biscuits. And ear massages. And he still likes to take his master on walks. Even in the cold. I let him out, and after a few minutes he barks to say "let me in". But sometimes he barks and then just stands out there, as if to say, "come join me on a walk." He's our personal trainer. He keeps us exercising.

So, Merry Christmas from the Euphemist & his wife, & from our dog and fishes, and from our cat who stays with my folks in Minnesota. And remember, "a righteous man hath regard for the life of his beast." (Proverbs 12:10)