Apparently puppies go through two “fear periods” – one at 8-11 weeks old and another sometime between 6-14 months. At the ripe old age of nine months and following our five day trip to Kansas a few weeks ago, Otis began acting very frightened at times, cowering in strange corners and desperately trying to get into our car any chance he could. We joked that it was because he missed his Kansas relatives so much; we feared that he somehow knew our house was about to burn down. There’s not much we can do during these phases except hold him, talk gently, go for a car ride, brush his hair and teeth, and wait for him to return to his confident, playful, naughty self.

My fear periods revolve around Huck, money, health, mortality, the election, my parents, & the puppy. There’s not much anyone can do during these phases except have coffee with me on the patio, plant more flowers, go on a bike ride, go on a dog walk, let me read or nap in the hammock, and put me in my pink pool inner tube whilst Troy swims laps around me.

We have about a month left of our sweet, slow summer staycation, and Huck has seven more weeks of dependent independence with us. We are basically Empty Nesters with a Corgi Sidekick and a Celebrity Guest Star who makes Cameo Appearances. We are constantly out of clean towels and cups, and the corgi still barks at the guest star when he comes through any door at any time day or night. (Recently Huck did a whimsical little leap in the air, which sent Otis into a barking frenzy of frantic laps around our coffee table.) We’ve enjoyed lots of meals and games nights together, had deep conversations and the occasional bicker, and we’re beginning to imagine this final summer coming to an end. But before that happens, there’s more Mr. Troy in the creek on Saturday mornings, a quick father/son trip to Chicago, and a visit from Aunt Jeni!

“During fear periods, puppies (& Jonny) become more sensitive and aware of the world around them. They may be more concerned about new objects or experiences, and even things that they previously might have enjoyed can become worrisome. The confident, engaged, and smart puppy (Jonny) you had just a day ago is now insecure and worried about a harmless object. Don’t worry—this isn’t forever!” (-American Kennel Club)

Photo taken by our niece Rylee on her 14th birthday!