My latest dog is a yellow lab named Alfred. When I got him, I was recently retired and decided I needed a mellow dog at this point in my life. So I asked for the mellowest of the boys in the litter and he has come through beautifully. Not to say that he hasn't had his crazy moments like all lab pups but, by and large, he has been a pretty mellow fellow. Like all my dogs, he has been to a couple of levels of obedience and some basic agility.

His name was decided before I even got him but, happily, it suits him well. He is named after a great uncle who lived in England and was killed in world war I. I had found a letter that my great-uncle wrote to my grandfather and it was chatty and funny and I really liked this guy and yet no one in our family carries his name. I vowed that my next dog would be named after this nice man. The original Alfred was a 30-year-old British public servant so his name suited him and seems to suit this dog. Even folks who do not know the backstory of his name have commented on how he seems a proper British gentleman.

My life is pretty routine but I enjoy living in a rut. I have lived in the same town since I was 9 years old and the same house for the last 27 years. I keep thinking it's time to downsize and get to a place with fewer stairs as my body begins to complain a bit. But it is a great house and has a lovely half acre fenced yard. So I keep finding reasons to stay. I've already thought about stair lifts and accessible bathrooms if and when the need arises.

Gwen, I seem to recall you having a niece or young cousin or someone that was a big part of your life at one time. Is she still with you? I have fond memories of the get-together we did a million years ago and meeting you and your shelties. Lordy... When was that? It was several dogs ago.

I will try to pop into the board from time to time and not be a stranger. I know what kind folks you all are and we all need that these days. Take care of yourselves and your fur babies.