Dear Clayton

Dear Clayton,

Hello! I hope that you are doing okay today.

I sneaked a look over my Mistress' shoulder as soon as I heard her say your name and read the email that you sent her. I'm sorry to hear that you have something called blood clots in your leg. They sound awful painful. Maybe if you had an extra pair of legs like us dogs you wouldn't have to walk on the one that has a blood clot. I sure hope that they go away soon. If I was there I'd be happy to run errands for you to save your legs.

We had surprise company last Saturday- some old friends of my Mistress and Master. My poor Mistress was rather flustered as she wasn't looking her best, but she need not have worried. All eyes were on me, especially the lady's. She thought my fur was so pretty with all the grays that blend from light to dark with black hues and tints of silver. She loved how my fur curled and thought I had the most expressive face. She nearly cried when she heard that I had been abandoned. I try not to be vain, but it is hard when you know you are such a handsome critter. I gave her lots of doggy kisses in return for all of her compliments.

I admit that I am spoiled. Every day whether my Mistress is able to get dress or comb out her long dark hair she faithfully brushes my fur. I lie nice and still because I always get a tummy rub for being so good. And when it is muddy outside I let her wipe off all my paws with a towel when I come back inside. I have become quite civilized.

In case you think I am totally vain, I will confess a terrible secret that keeps me quite humble. You just have to cross your heart and promise to tell no one else. The sound of a gun puts me into a panic. For some reason a couple of our neighbors like to target practice with their guns. As soon as I hear a gun shot I run as fast as my four legs will carry me and get real close to my Mistress. I'm hoping that she will think I am trying to protect her, while the truth of the matter is I am trying to hide behind her. When my Mistress saw me trembling she tried to get me to tell her if someone shot at me while I was abandoned trying to survive, but my lips are sealed. It is something I refuse to talk about.

Promise you won't tell anyone? I'd be disgraced if word got out that I am afraid of guns. My reputation as a good watch dog would be completely ruined. You would be proud of how fierce I can sound whenever I think someone that doesn't belong on our property has trespassed. Other than a gun, I would do anything to protect my Mistress.

I shall close this doggy tale for now.

Sending lots of barking prayers your way,

Lucy Lou