Friends and Neighbors

Just in case you're wondering why I don't post more often (and I am sure you are), I have many other writing assignments!  One of the many hats I wear is that of "Roving Reporter" for my neighborhood newsletter.  This job requires extensive research skills and often results in "hard hitting" news and thoughtful commentary.  Given that, here's my latest contribution -- hot off the press and ready for the November issue.  You heard it (well, read it) here first.

Friends and Neighbors

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”

                                        -Colette

L to R:  Lexie, Bebe, Oreo (Lexie’s Bro) & Mollie

In our continuing effort to introduce you to ALL residents of Strathmore Park, this month we interviewed some of our 4-legged neighbors. 

Original resident and dark-haired beauty Lexie resides in her comfy abode with her Mom, Marsha.  Lexie is a Shih tau and eleven years old, even though she doesn’t look a day over eight.  She is especially partial to roasted chicken and in her spare time is fond of herding our pesky local deer back to their natural habitat.  Lexie doesn’t like to venture into the forest, but she’s a big believer in keeping deer away from our delectable shrubs and plants.  A real “people person”, Lexie is not particularly fond of dogs, but she makes an exception for her furry neighbors Mollie and Bebe. 

Lexie’s BFF, Bebe, lives with her Mom, Elaine.  She’s 14 years old and a lovely Bichon Frise.   Bebe, unlike most of the four- and two-legged residents in our neighborhood, is not retired.  She spends two days a week working as a therapy dog at Suburban Hospital.  Her warm nature and sweet disposition make her an ideal visitor and a ray of sunshine in the lives of many patients.    

The third member of this trio of fast friends, Mollie, can often be found strolling the neighborhood with her Dad, Shelly.  Some ten and a half years ago, on the second day of Passover, two proud parents brought this little puppy home and named her Mollie Matzo in commemoration. Mollie’s Mom Carol describes her as “A true mutt!”  She’s half poodle and the other half is a mix of Shih tau, Bichon and Maltese.

Mollie, a sweet and steadfast companion, enjoys napping, flying to Florida for the winter and endlessly sniffing the grass that grows along Tuckerman Lane.  A “delicate eater” she dines on a special blend of venison and pumpkin puree, which is difficult to find at times.  Perhaps if Lexie is willing to be a little less vigilant in her herding, we may be able to solve this culinary dilemma.

So the next time you are out and about and see one, or all, of these canine cuties, I hope you’ll say hello and wish them well. 

 I'm just saying...