REFLECTIONS ON PETS AND GARDENING

WHEN Diva passed away more than a decade of experiences  in the garden became only memories, some dustier, happier than others.

We both were in the same age bracket and moved, acted accordingly.  She was a trained, educated dog using the water closet as needed.  Often, when there was an urge to play, she would grab one of her favorite toys running up and down the hall, flapping, letting it fall grabbing it again...or would bring it to our knees as the signal to play.

Diva used to play outdoor with anything that moves, pigeons, birds, lizards, flies, beetles, running behind every stray cat surprised on the premises, trampling once in a while plants in specific locations, mostly corners.

LALO is everything DIVA was not, in pertinent issues. However, one and the other expressed affection, joy, gratitude and loyalty constantly. 

But here is the problem. LALO was a stray dog,  Fortunately he poops and piss in the concrete, same area Diva used to in the sand corner, perhaps by watching, learning from her. But let me tell you if is solid is not a problem to clean after him, when is not. things change. Piss on concrete not only smells but looks gluey...


When those agencies doing good deeds inviting the public  to adopt pets, forget to mention this simple issues, it most be a pain in  the arse for the gullible, to discover it, no matter how much love, good is in your heart.


All the above does not matter if you are a pig  as our next door dog killers or a dysfunctional matrimony I know with a dog pissing and pooping inside their almost trailer concrete house 24/7. Or another one with a dog who never visits the vet, no matter what, to save money.


But it really matters, if you have a plant collection, some more valuable, very difficult to find than others.  If you get them from a nursery, you have nothing to worry, there are thousands of the same.


I just had to relocate five plants in a corner since our new companion stands in two legs to bark and scare the stray cats next door, trampling all on his path.


The problem is somewhat annoying, being a young dog, the energy displayed is intense.  Lizards are no longer safe in our garden, no matter where they are, Lalo will jump on the friendly guys scaring, and I have no doubt, killing them without  intention.


The moral of the story?  Lalo is now healthy, clean,
funny and somewhat a menace for flora and fauna in the garden.  I have made adjustments to deal with the new situation  day by day.

But think carefully before adopting a dog if you have a garden, unless you have money, time, energy, commitment and good will. 

Pets and gardens have the same needs: time, water, food, care, affection, dedication and lots of patience.