by PAULINE TOM
Whose heart does not ache with word of a missing family pet?
Sheba and Tori belong next door to me. They went missing the night of the twins’ birthday, Jan. 2, when the girls forgot to reaffix radio collars after a walk.
(The girls are calling their new rescue dog “Lizzie”. Can you figure out how the Smith-Medlocks name their dogs? One. Two. Three. If you guessed, after famous queens, you guessed right.)
Usually no invisible fence radio collar would be no problem. But, some here or nearby were shooting fireworks. I remember. It was the night of RonTom’s birthday, too. BoD and KissMe jumped into their kitchen window with a unique, “Ruff! Ruff”. I stepped outside and heard rapid popping.
Dear Neighbors, it’s one thing to lose a pet on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July, when most pet owners take extreme measures to confine their beloved furry family members. But, on any other day or night, it’s not expected. If you or your kids are users, please take heart and only shoot on New Year’s Eve and Independence Day.
And, pet owners, even a pet that has never been scared by fireworks can be spooked. The “never frightened by fireworks or thunder” dog of a friend was lost on New Year’s Eve, when he jumped from a balcony. 18 days later, through a Craigslist ad, Chance was located 2.5 miles away.
•••
This is the week we’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Down on my end of Live Oak Drive, a tattered and torn Valentine will be taken from a secret hiding place and presented. Here’s how I shared with you in 2002:
On Saturday, for the 31st time, RonTom gave me the same silly, “Honey, How lucky can you get? You’ve got me!” card, with popping-open eyes on two love-struck cats. The plain brown envelope he moved it to in 1980 is tattered and worn, with Magic Marker’d years x’d out and faded. Now, it has gone missing. It’ll pop up again next Valentine’s Day.
Yes, he gave me the torn and tattered and taped plain brown envelope containing the valentine he first gave to me in 1978. “To My Valentine” written in blue marker is fading; the just-added “2002” is bright and crisp. All the previous years are marked through. The years have filled the bottom of the envelope and are now edging their way up the right hand side.
Soon the priceless inexpensive card will be hidden away – until 2003. Looks like there’s still room for about 25 more years on front of the envelope. Then, there’s always the back.
Now, eleven mark-through’s later, it has increased with ever-more-the-preciousness.
Guys, lest you think of trying this alone at home, be advised: it takes a few years for the tradition to become valuable. By itself, last year’s card will not pull your sweetie’s heartstrings.
Just as she did the several years, Amy Hilton reminds everyone, “This is the week to pick up one or more items to share with our local PAWS Shelter and Humane Society as we put a little love in our lives this Valentines. A collection box is available (until Feb. 17) in front of the old city hall.”
Just as always, I love to get tidbits for “Montage.” Call (512) 268-5678 or [email protected]
