August 2009 Archives

Juneau and Me attended the ninth annual "Sato Rescue Reunion" at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem on Saturday. Perhaps Juneau had shared a flight from Puerto Rico with some of the rescued dogs in attendance. Many of the rescuers were there (perhaps even Juneau's rescuer). Rev. Annika of the Heartlight Peace Ministries gave the Sato Blessing. Naturally, Juneau was terrified of any stranger, regardless of her kind intentions, placing water on her forehead. So I picked up Juneau and held her so she could be blessed. Believe me, we need all the help we can get.
Several in attendance commented on how well-trained Juneau seemed. In fact, I merely dropped her leash to eat a watermelon slush (as you can tell by Juneau's panting in the picture, it was a hot day) but Juneau remained bolted to my side, like she always is in a crowd.
I bought a "Sato Rescue" T-shirt, which I wore later that day while walking around Boston. Thinking I rescued these dogs, a woman walked up to me in Faneuil Hall and commended me for my fine work. She works for an airline on which these dogs fly up from Puerto Rico.
Finally, we are seriously considering adopting another dog; one that will not growl at my son Matt and also keep Juneau company. So far, I'm the only holdout in the family on this idea.

Sorry for so few updates. Juneau and Me have been busy vacationing for two weeks. She is snoring beside me while I write this, exhausted from another hike through Middlesex Fells. She otherwise has had much pent-up energy since being stuck in a car for 12 hours last Friday during an attempt to cross the George Washington Bridge. Juneau was riding with my wife Maura and youngest son Matt. They were to meet me and daughter Annie in Philadelphia. Traffic didn't budge for three hours. The habitually nervous Juneau paced in the back seat. They finally turned back. (Annie was visiting colleges in New York and Philly.)
The previous weekend, my son Danny's pitbull Kaia stayed at our house. I'm leery of pitbulls, but Kaia has exhibited only sweetness and obedience in the two years I've known her. I frequently walk her. She is well-trained (unlike Juneau, whom I've spoiled). Kaia weighs 70 pounds, but insists on sitting on my lap. Being so big, Kaia is a little rough on 30-pound Juneau when they play. (It looks like Vince Wilfork wrestling Wes Welker.) But they do play. Juneau isn't so keen on another dog sitting on my lap, though.
Next Saturday, Aug. 15, is the Save a Sato reunion at the Northeast Animal Shelter. Juneau and Me plan to attend. I'll post pictures.
Well, Juneau is waking up. Time for another hike. Need to make the most of these precious final few days of vacation.