One of the great advantages of reading other blogs is that worries can be easily resolved -- better than 50 minutes on a strict Freudian's couch. I have mentioned the venerable Professor Jiggs -- my golden retriever. He will be 12 in a few days, and he shows his age. Up until recently, our short walks have lasted a long time. They always have because Jiggs has a fascination for every smell. If born French, he would be blending and testing perfume or wine. But his smellfests are now a cover for his arthritis and impinged nerves. After all, he is the equivalent of a 91 year old man. He has not run for almost a full year. As I have watched him decline, I have reconciled myself to the fact that he would not live long enough to make the journey with me. And the leashless, aggressive dogs I encountered in La Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad would have more than a match for him. Jiggs believes he has the street smarts of a three card monte dealer when he is really nothing more than a cossetted lap dog with a thyroid condition. He is also very uncomfortable in the heat. The thought of living in Mexico without him was not a pleasant option.
Two things have altered that concern. First, Nancy's (Countdown to Mexico) description of how well her dogs are doing in Mazatlan gives me hope. Second, for two nights in a row, Jiggs has been running during our walks in the park. Tonight he was literally frisky.
If I can arrange to get down to Mexico during the coming year, it appears I will be taking my best friend with me.
Jiggs during younger and friskier days.
