There has been so much going on this week, and in a few short hours our doorbell will start ringing with the neighborhood trick or treaters. It will be a busy night, so I’ve decided to write a “summary” post …

We are grateful the storm did not destroy as much as it could have. Lots of frightening wind, but no structural damage or flooding in the surrounding neighborhoods. I am so happy to see the sun again. Leo is as well.  Two days of no outdoor activity was getting to him. When I saw him running laps – ALONE –  in our basement, I had started to worry.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LOOKING LIKE A WET “WRUNG – OUT” MOP, LEO WEATHERED HIS FIRST HURRICANE RATHER WELL. HE WASN’T PARTICULARLY FOND OF THE RAIN, BUT HE ABSOLUTELY ADORED THE WIND WHEN WE WENT OUT FOR OUR WALKS. I STOPPED GROOMING RITUALS FOR THOSE TWO DAYS. IT JUST DIDN’T MAKE ANY SENSE!

With Harley sick and out for the count, Leo was miserable. DH played with him as much as he could (he’s over 50 also!), but it just wasn’t the same. When I took Harley to the Vet, he was showing signs of dehydration and had a low grade fever. Doodle Doc tried to convince me to let Harley stay at the clinic Monday, but I couldn’t. I vowed to do whatever was required, but I wouldn’t leave him alone  during a storm “without me” no sir! Turns out, one bag of fluids was all he needed and he was allowed to come home with me after all. Monday afternoon Harley finally started eating (after nothing for two days) and of all things: applesauce and chicken broth! By Tuesday morning he was moving about, and today he looks and acts like his old self.  Yes, I was scared, yes I cried.

HARLEY-DARLY TURNED OUT TO REALLY BE ONE “SICK PUPPY.” HE HAD A FEVER, WAS SLIGHTLY DEHYDRATED, PLACED ON MEDS AND A BLAND DIET IMMEDIATELY! HE MISSED MOST OF THE STORM, AND ACTUALLY FAVORED HIS BLANKET WHEN IN BED OR WHEN HE SLEPT BY THE FIREPLACE. HE’S UP AND ABOUT NOW, AND WE ARE RELIEVED!

Halloween tonight should be a hoot! Leo will more than likely wear himself out running to the door each time the bell rings with his little pumpkin. Harley will be the greeter I’m sure. Life is back to normal – “Doodle” normal that is!

OUR DOORBELLS BUSIEST DAY IS UPON US! THE CANDY BOWL IS FILLED AND THE BOYS HAVE THEIR OWN PUMPKINS TO PLAY WITH. SINCE HARLEY IS STILL RECOVERING, I’VE OPTED NOT TO TAKE THEM OUT. INSTEAD THEY WILL GREET THE TREATERS FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. NOT SURE HOW LEO WILL REACT WITH ALL THE COSTUMES, BUT BUT MY CAMERA IS CHARGED!

As promised, here are a few classic shots from Halloween. Harley was the first to get to the door as I predicted…

Although Leo approached  a spooky character “cautiously”...

Harley pranced right up and licked him in his face!…

But when the doorbell rang, Harley was on the move – he had to go greet!…

You would have thought he was passing out candy…

Like Lionel Richie used to sing: “ALL NIGHT LONG!”….

Look at these two, begging for candy…

The hour grew late and the children stopped coming. For the rest of the evening the boys entertained themselves playing “tear up the pumpkin”…

And now they’ve gone to bed to dream about fairies, super heroes, princesses, clowns, and such. While I ponder about how I might have created a “monster” with these“blankies!” Something tells me they just may be around a lot this winter…

Thanks for reading…