I really do like our dog, Gage, but lately he’s been a real pain in the neck. In fact you could say he’s walking a very thin line.  He’s almost six years old and it’s taken him all this time to finally like us.  He has always been rather aloof – must be his English heritage or else he’s part cat.

He’s a Llewellyn Setter and we got him within days of losing our Golden Retriever.  He may have sensed our loss.  He also went through a time of difficulties with us as my husband endured shoulder surgery and cancer treatment.  I think he has a sixth sense about how we’re doing physically and emotionally.

Since he’s finally warmed up to us, he’s become extremely rebellious when we leave the house.  To put it mildly, we no longer need a shredder in our house.  Gage has taken care of any paper that’s been left out. He’s eaten a complete loaf of bread including the wrapper, the contents of our bag of papers needing to be shredded, a list of my cast of characters’ measurements for our upcoming production, handkerchiefs and many other assorted items.  I’m beginning to believe that comment that children always use to defend not getting their homework in on time because their dog ate it.

I believe he has an iron clad constitution with all the things he’s consumed.  It’s really a wonder he isn’t sicker than a dog!

When my children grew up and left the nest, I thought my days of disciplining, correcting, guiding and patience were coming to an end.  When you have a dog like Gage, those days just go on, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.