the patience of jod

It was a Troubling Sight

(originally posted February 25, 2009)

I have heard dog owners talk about the first thaw of the year. To be honest, I thought they were being a little over the top. It couldn't possibly be as shocking as the scenes they'd described.

And then the snow melted.

The sight that lay before me was beyond shocking.

Our dog had meticulously covered every square inch of our backyard.

Because I couldn't avert my gaze (it was comparable to a train wreck)

and because I want to be a good neighbor

I picked up the shovel and waded out back.

My mood turned from awe to anger in a matter of seconds

as I took the first scoop.

Was that a polly pocket leg? And next to it, chef Barbie's apron? As my eyes perused the scene I stood in silent disbelief. The baby doll pajamas. A child's missing sock. Beautiful red ribbon that came off of who knows what. Littlest Pet Shop butterfly. Hair clips. Bows. Springs, tupperware andbatting. Two of my missing nativity pieces. Is nothing sacred?!

There was incriminating evidence strewn everywhere.

Because I realize that the smartest dog is only as bright as a two year old and because I realize that Murphy is not that dog, I did not string him up by is paws. Instead, I chose to be impressed that he could stomach all of the above listed items without incurring a trip to the vet. So, in reality, hesaved us money.

That's our dog. A real money saver.

While we were in Maui the sun made it's way back home

melting the snow off our lawn, somehow causing me

to pay penance for our absence.