The Great Grandmother

On the very same trip up to Suzanne's during which I re-met and bonded with Monk (see last post,) I had the opportunity to reconnect in a meaningful way with one of my favorite friends. Otter, Crow and Hudson's mother, is a uniquely funny dog.

At 13, she's still going strong. Otter and I have always had a "thing." She isn't a snuggly, cuddly dog (neither was her mother, and neither is Crow.) But through the years, we've shared a snuggle or two, and we've always found a way to let each other know how we feel about each other. This visit was no different. We have our subtle ways of acknowledging one another's presence. We had our snuggle on the couch, too, which was a very, very special gift to me.

Unfortunately, no photographs were snapped to capture the moment. I wrote and asked Suzanne for a picture of Otter. Otter disdains having her picture taken, and there are very few shots of her that are any good as a result. But here, less than a week later, a photographer caught Otter trotting along, with one of her great grandchildren tagging along for the fun of it.
Photograph by Cindy Knowlton

I remember you, Otter, when you were no bigger than that happy youngster who is following you. You look good, old friend. I love the happy grin on your face, and the obvious spring in your step.