On Ting, HoneyBee and Fatherhood

          The inexorable movement of the seasons has been good, for it has brought about conditions which are more than adequate. Gone are the dog days of summer. There is no more lazing about on the stone floor or seeking shelter from the heat in the leafy underbrush of Kathy's garden. Now is the time for long walks in the cool autumn air, morning patrols in the dark and nights spent beneath open windows.
          Yet Ting, our beloved Golden Retriever, is no longer alone. His every movement is tracked by a relative newcomer. Someone whose step may be more spritely, but lacks his knowledge, wisdom and sheer majesty. Like many men, I am a bit of a sucker for a pretty girl and our HoneyBee is no exception. Her pleasant smile and deep, dark eyes turn heads wherever we take her. To us, she is a puppy learning how our family works. She can tug on the boys pajamas before breakfast, but must leave them alone as they dress for school. She can play with the cats, as long as she does so gently. And, best of all, she can spend time on our bed, nuzzling herself between Kathy and me while she falls fast asleep. 
          Ting, for god or I'll, must bear the brunt of HoneyBee's adolescence. He is the one who rarely gets a moment of peace. His daily routines have been shattered, there are no more quiet meals or mornings together on the couch, his yard has been excavated and his walks have taken on a different tone. Yet, through it all, he has retained patience, grace and dignity. He has not only accepted his little sister, but is teaching her the ways of the world. I often wish that I were as tolerant of the boys as Ting is with HoneyBee. I may not get my ears chewed, but I often feel as if I cannot get out from underneath them. I suppose that this is where the lesson lies. 
          Does Ting understand that his sister will outgrow her youthful indiscretions? Is it possible that he realizes that she will mature with time? All in all, Ting does a betterr job managing HoneyBee than I do our boys. It shows that, sometimes, you can learn a lot from a dog.

Quo Fata Ferunt!