Still Adjusting

I haven't posted in the past few weeks mainly because I have been spending them trying to adjust to simply having a dog. I love my border collie endlessly and wouldn't trade her for anything. In fact, I am wondering how I ever got along without her. That being said, adjusting my schedule, routine, even my house to having a dog is a long slog.

This summer has been particularly humid; humidity affects me much more than heat does. After walking Olive it takes a bit of time to recover before I can do things like practice my fiddle playing. That has been cutting into my practice time. Housecleaning seems to be a bit more problematic than it used to be also. Not only is Olive tracking dead grass, leaves, and twigs into the house (to say nothing of her shedding), I am less inclined to lug the vacuum cleaner around after a walk in the hot humid weather. I am looking forward to drier fall weather.

Border collies are a very active breed and require a lot of exercise. I normally take her for eight short (about one third mile) walks per day, followed most of the time by playing for some ten to fifteen minutes with her foam rubber "saucer". I really don't mind the walks, as they are much needed exercise for me. Adjusting my schedule around them so that I can get my housecleaning and other things done is a challenge.

I will probably be adjusting at least until we have been together a full year. Winter will pose a challenge, particularly if this coming winter is as severe as last year's. How will Olive react to a decorated tree in my living room? How will I get my Holiday shopping done? No doubt I will find a way, but the first time for any event with a dog will be dicey.

Of course, I am not the only one adjusting. Olive seems to be adapting well to my routine. She has been eating well twice a day, has learned to not bother me when I am napping or sleeping, mostly keeps quiet while I am practicing my fiddle or watching TV in my downstairs room (which she cannot get to due to the spiral staircase). She is starting to learn not to pester me to throw her ball when I am eating. Little by little we are adjusting to each other.