Dee O Gee

 William came and worked for us today. He made $15 for cleaning the dirt out of the bed of his grandfather's truck. He also washed the exterior of it. He's saving up for a gaming computer that he wants pretty badly. We offered him work whenever he wants it. Today was the first day he actually took us up on it. He seems to be interested in painting some trim boards, so we might see him again in the near future. 

He spoke at great length about how badly he wanted this computer. We reminded him again that he had every opportunity to earn money, but that we would not be chasing him down to see if he wanted to work. "The ball is in your court. When you want to work, call us and we will set it up." It's important that he knows that he needs to take the initiative. 

It was a pleasant day with him. He worked steadily, and he did a good job. 

I took a walk today. I met up with a neighbor down the road. He has a little white dog that is so perfectly trained. She walks with him and stops on corners to wait for Kevin to tell her she can cross the road. He has had her for years, and today she was sprawled on her side in the shaded grass. Kevin was bringing her a bowl of water, which she lapped at, never moving. 

It was a hot day. I had gotten a little relief being soaked by girl with a water soaker gun up the street a bit. The father was a bit shocked. I didn't mind, though, and when the girl saw that I didn't mind, she unloaded on me. If ever was a good day to be soaked, today was that day.

I looked at Kevin's dog and said, "She looks how I feel." That's when he told me that she'd had a stroke, and that the degeneration seemedto be progressing. It started in her front left paw and now affected her whole left side. She was paralyzed.

He had talked to his vet about an MRI. The answer he got was a practical one. The vet explained that the MRI would cost about $4000, but in the end, while it would show what was happening, it would not solve anything. He felt strongly that they were dealing with some sort of brain tumor which was growing, which was why the dog was getting worse. He said that the dog was too old for invasive surgery like that. She would likely die despite the expensive surgery.

In the end, Kevin was left with a decision. He decided that his dog was happy. Still woke up happy to see him. Still took pleasure in laying outside in the grass. Still liked going to church. Still liked going to Lowe's where she has her favorite people and is known by name. 

He made the decision that as long as she remains happy and not in pain, he will do his part to make sure that she has the best summer that he can give her. He bought a stroller so that he can still take her on walks. 

We talked for a long time, about everything under the sun, while an old dog rubbed her head in the grass in a dreamy sort of way.