Mr. PJ

  I am fostering my son and daughter-in-law's dog for a while since they are being transferred and cannot take him with them.  It was a heartbreaking decision for them to part ways with the pup since he has been a part of their family since the start.  PJ has come to visit the Little Bayou House often over the years and it only seemed natural that he come to stay for a while. He is familiar with the place so there is no big change other than not having them here.  He looks for them often and if he hears their voices, he starts to whine.  He misses his family terribly so I try my best to dote on him.  Not that this will ever replace their love or his love for them, but perhaps it will make the transition a bit easier.  Personally, I have adapted well to having another dog in the house and can see no reason why this shall not work.  Hopefully, once this move is over, they all can be reunited and be one big, happy family again.

  In the meantime, Mr. PJ is learning to be a Bayou Dog.  My sweet pup from several years ago, grew up knowing what was to be expected.  Ms. Ez knew not to go near the marsh because of the dangers lurking therein.  She knew to stay near the house and not venture down the lane to the road.  She knew who was a friend and who was a stranger and let me know with a different bark for each.  Mr. PJ has a bit to learn but since he has been here many times before, he is aware of a lot of the "rules" all of which are for his own well-being.  

  One of the things that he did not have to learn was to appreciate the cooling breezes that can be found on the end of the pier.  After a long, hot day, he and I will make the slow walk down the board path to the end of the pier.  There we share a quiet time and a bit of breeze. It is comforting to me to have the old dog there.  I missed that after Ms. Ez passed.  Now sweet PJ is filling a void for me. 

  This afternoon, PJ was interested in the water.  The tide was far out from the shoreline and the waves were washing in with a gently slosh. Shorebirds were taking advantage of the low tide and were scooping up little shrimp.  A lazy nutria was gnawing on the marsh roots and two otters played under my brother's pier.  The old dog watched all with great interest.  He did not become alarmed but rather calmly observed.  He is learning to be a Bayou Dog and learning what is a danger and what is merely life of the Bayou.  Good Ole PJ!  I think he is beginning to feel at home here. We are going to get along just fine.  Mr. PJ and I are going to get along just fine.