A houseful of puppies offers a strong lure! I visited often, to play music for the pups, to watch their training, to take part in this busy furry family.
Otter taught both pups the tricks of Pounce and Retreat. Caleb proved to be an apt pupil.
When I could, I played the violin for them. The music always drew Bartholomew from wherever he’d been roaming. Usually, he would sing along, sometimes joined by Otter, while Mochi listened appreciatively.
One might think that Bach never intended his partitas for solo violin to be accompanied by howls and meowls, but I know differently! The Great Composer has often said that his music was written for all.
My heart was most warmed by seeing the love that both Mochi and Bartholomew had for their pups.
We were so lucky in Mochi! Of course, she was beautiful. But she was also smart, loyal, and devoted.
Crackers, with his little loop of a tail, was growing into a sweet, smart pup.
Mochi was proud of both pups. I had the feeling that she thought of Caleb as her mini-me, while Crackers favored Bartholomew.
Crackers seemed to be a Bartholomew-in-training, choosing most often to be with his sire and doing whatever it was his sire was doing.
As for Lucus, I couldn’t be prouder. He kept everyone happy and well cared-for.
Sometimes, when I listened carefully, tuned into the correct frequency, I could hear what the pups were saying.
“Pounce, Crackie!” Caleb joked. “Pounce me!”
Crackers feigned disinterest.
“Whatcha matter? Got business? Pounce!”
“I’ll pounce you!” shouted Crackers, swinging back for the surprise attack.
When Lucus walked in on their games, they turned to serenade him.
“Lucas! Lukie! We love yoooo—owl! Oooowl! Yooooou!”
Lucas never forgot us who’ve crossed over. He, Bartholomew, and Otter often visited our tombstones.
We heard him speak to us.
“We’ve got a full house?” he said. “Very nearly? It’s hard work. Am I doing OK? But I’m doing my best?”
“Of course you are!” Tanvi and I always said back. “You’re doing great! We’re so proud!” But I’m not sure he heard us.
When Babe and Nibbler came in the midnight moon to visit, Lucas shared love with them.
Tanvi always tells me that it is love that keeps us real. Without love, we would fade away. But love, it binds our spirits whole, so that even when the material of form fades, our substance of love remains.
