A classic autumnal day

Today is the last Saturday in October. We are well past the Autumnal Equinox, and each day we get closer and closer to the Winter Solstice. The leaves in this area of the Enchanted Mitten are just about past peak. Pumpkins adorn many front porches and Halloween decorations are out. Yep, fall is in full swing. This is my favorite time of the year. The grass no longer needs to be cut, the nights are cool and the days are, for the most part warm. The fall leaves are starting to gather on the now dormant grass. I woke up first this morning (no surprise there) and Samson followed me from his crate to the back door. I turned in the outdoor light (it was still as dark as night at 0715) and it was raining. Not a gentle rain, but a vertical, cold deluge. I threw on a jacket and walked outside with Samson. He immediately ran to the back of our yard, looking for a squirrel or chipmunk or any other vermin foolish enough to be seen by him. Samson did not find anything to eat, so after attending to his business he came back towards me on our back patio. I was taking in the feel of the morning as Samson trotted back to the house. While I did not particularly enjoy getting wet waiting for Samson to return from his hunt, I did enjoy the feeling of this fall morning.

As for Samson, he has eased into his life with us. It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since we brought him home. Not only did he make great progress as a companion animal, we have made great progress as pet owners. Dee and I often felt that we merely existed in Allister's world. She did not care too much for other dogs and people and she basically ignored everyone except for me and Deirdre. Allie was more like a person than a canine. She ignored most other dogs, and tolerated people. Samson, however is a dog. There is absolutely no doubt that he is a dog. He likes to chase small animals, barks at other dogs and seeks the companionship of humans. When we brought him home he was an aggressive, fearful dog who did not trust us. He was abandoned by his first owner, found in a park by animal control and then placed into a shelter. He lived in a cement kennel, alone for the better part of two months. What happened to Samson was one of the worst things that can be done to a dog: he had no pack. Dogs are pack animals. Their instincts are to be a member of a pack, as a leader or a follower. Regardless of their position in the pack, they need to be in a pack. Thus, when we brought him home he was fearful, food aggressive and generally a handful. Thankfully, I was able to dedicate some time and effort to training before I started working for the General. Now, Samson is a sweet and loving member of our pack. He seeks out our companionship. A perfect moment for him is to sit by our feet and look up as if saying, "I am so happy to be here." Samson is a good dog.

And as for the table & chairs update as requested in a previous post, please see the photo of Samson enjoying the floor by the aforementioned table and chairs.