I know you all remember the hugely popular show “Seinfeld.” Its premise was that it was about nothing in particular, just their everyday foibles. Here’s George Costanza pitching the idea of a show about nothing to producers.
Since this stay at home quarantine started (how many months ago, a hundred?) my brain seems to have shut down right along with my body. I can barely summon a thought outside of thinking when it is time to eat and time to nap. My blog and Facebook posts have slowed to a trickle. I’ve heard others of you say you’re going through the same thing.
I finally realized I can’t keep talking about masks and social distancing and infection numbers. Nor can I wait for some exciting happening to write about because my forced lifestyle is counterintuitive to that.
So, like Austin Powers before me, I’m going to get my Mojo back! I’m going to write about nothing. Just stuff that happens in our lives which with a little embellishment (OK, a lot of embellishment) might prove interesting to my readers. If I shoot for two or three posts a week maybe I can stop the bleeding of readers abandoning my sites.
So, here’s my first entry. I started a doggy daycare business. Alright, that’s my first really big embellishment. Here’s the actual story. A friend of Patty’s, Lauren, lives with a couple that breeds Cavalier King Charles dogs. We got to know the couple also. If you don’t know much about this breed, they are among the sweetest, cutest dogs in the world. A picture’s worth a thousand words.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
This couple have six females that live with them which are bred at various intervals throughout the year.
This story is about one of them named “Diva”.
“Diva” is the Blenheim (Chestnut and White) closest to Lauren, prior to having her litter.
In March she had her first litter, six adorable pups.
Patty holding one of the litter.
Naturally, they were isolated from the pack and nursed by Diva for a good while. They were all purchased by loving families. Diva was soon introduced back to the pack. For reasons not yet fully understood, but most likely jealousy by the others, she was shunned and attacked by some in the pack. It was thought that this might be temporary, but it has not been. She is kept in her crate most of the day so she won’t be harassed by the others.
As Lauren related this tale to us we felt so bad about it we offered to let Diva stay with us and our pups during the day. At first the owners were skeptical, but did not outright refuse the offer. They are very careful about who handles their dogs and rightfully so. They are all AKC registered and show champions. They are worth thousands of dollars themselves not to mention the income that is provided by their offspring. The pups each sell for around $3000. As further enticement I wrote them a letter signed by both of us that we just wanted to help and would not make any legal claim to the dog.
Over the ensuing weeks, thanks to Lauren as our intermediary, we have broken the ice and the couple have relented to let Diva occasionally come over to us. The first few times it was just an hour or so to help her get acclimated, with Lauren as her “safety net.” She loves Lauren and tends to stay close to her. Our dogs were just fine with it as they always are with visiting dogs. Yesterday was the big day, we had our first chance to have her all to ourselves! For nearly five hours! We can tell she is really feeling at home here now and I think we might be seeing a lot more of her. If I get up the nerve, I might even ask them if we can have a sleepover with Diva!
Diva getting use to our digs with Lauren by her side.
Anyway, it’s been a welcome diversion from all the bad news, not to mention what qualifies as excitement in our lives in this day and age. And it made for a blog post!
The Cvillean 
The post has a warm glo. You and Patty are wonderful, kind, loving people.
Thank you, someone, if that’s your real name. I have a hunch though this is Lauren.
Al, this is the best thing I’ve read in ages! What a lovely story! Those puppies are so cute too – made me feel happy just looking at them! I hope you can have Diva over for a sleepover soon!
So, something spookily coincidental! We are just re-watching Seinfeld Season 4! – the season where Jerry and George pitch their show about nothing!! Last night we watched the episode where Jerry pitched the story about the car accident and the butler!! We must be on some kind of Seinfeld themed wavelength!!
That is amazing, Carly. That makes me think of something….do you use closed captioning when watching TV? I couldn’t live without it. I already had to give up movie theaters (well before Corona) but thank goodness for the CC on TV.
Glad you liked the puppy story. We just love her!
Hi Al, Yes! We always use closed captions/subtitles. I can’t follow any program or film without them. Accents and any background noise makes it impossible! I’m not a fan of the cinema anymore because I find it too loud and have to wear ear plugs! However, I had a wonderful experience in the UK about a year ago. My sister and her boyfriend surprised me with a trip to the cinema for a viewing specifically for ‘the older generation’ – the volume was quiter than usual and there were subtitles – I absolutely loved it! Big hugs to your puppy ❤
Sweet story and wonderful pictures! jfh
Thanks, Janet. As one of my comments already said, dog blogs are are a guaranteed like. He, he.
Okay, first of all, that puppy laying on its back with its little pink belly! 🥰. You may feel you were writing about nothing but it was so lovely to see your post in my reader. Thank you for just being you!💕
Lynn, that is one of the sweetest comments I’ve ever gotten. Thank you so much! Feel the same about your posts.
Thank you Al! I have been a wee bit absent again when it comes to posts but I promise, I will get back to it!😉
Those are the cutest puppies and I feel so sorry for Diva. If I had a $3,000 dog, maybe I would feel differently about having her crated all day for her protection. Thankfully, I have two rescue dogs. Just their upkeep is plenty of $ for this retiree. But I get paid back every day. They are my shadows and my reason for taking healthy walks every day. Bless you for your persistence in liberating Diva.
Bless you Linda for rescuing those pups. There is no doubt our dogs are helping us keep our sanity in 2020!
I actually think this blog is about something special..:) Great photos and a fun way to break up the monotony of these past five months.
Quite right, George. They say every time you pet an animal it adds a minute to your life. If it’s true , you’re stuck with me for a good while yet. Thanks for dropping in.
I congratulate you on blogging about nothing. That’s what I do all the time.
Now, as far as those puppies go, I really want one. I can’t afford $3,000 but I REALLY want one. Next time you’re visiting Lauren, sneak one home in your pocket and ship it off to me. I won’t tell anyone.
Thank for sharing the cuteness. Too bad Diva was shunned by the pack. That’s odd but I guess it’s a dog eat dog world right?
Have a great rest of the week. I look forward to more nothingness.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
OK, Patricia, if you’ll be patient, this winter when I’m wearing my big bulky coat I’ll sneak one in a pocket (full of treats of course to keep it from whining). Naturally I wouldn’t think of charging you for the pup but the shipping and handling might be exorbitant. Perhaps it’s best if I just keep it and have it here for you to visit…..?
What kind of scam are you running?
Although I wouldn’t mind stopping by for a walk on the beach with you and your lovely wife and the pups. Hmmm. Maybe not such a bad idea after all.
Patricia
😁
They are an adorable breed. Have always liked them. You are a lucky man Al. My three vagabonds would love Diva. And, Ironically, my Pek Kramer is named after Seinfeld’s neighbor.
I had been wondering about that.
First day I got him he started racing around the house and slid sideways into the kitchen. Hence, Kramer:)
Great story.
Gorgeous puppies! All the best in your biz venture😀👍
Not too great a start so far, all expenses and no income, but it’s a labor of love so….
Hi AI. Labor of love is best “income” as you get the love. I wish you every success in this project.
I write about nothing every single day
You are my new muse. It’s a prestigious job but unfortunately it pays nothing.
But look at all the respect you get…
It’s a lovely post, Al and you are all kind to offer Diva some loving respite. Cavalier King Charles are gorgeous dogs (they feel they are human), as are your two in your new cover photo. Paying attention over here 😉 It is always good to hear from you and much love flowing to you all. ❤ Xxx
Thanks, Sis. I am a pushover for dogs, from mongrels to show dogs.
Ohh yes, my Bro, me too. ❤
You cannot go wrong with a post on puppies! I want one….please?
I know what you mean about not being able to think properly. Everything is too crazy making! Looks like you guys are doing well. Did you ever make it to San Diego in June?
Did not come out since the wedding was cancelled. Still planning on next July to come out and get them hitched. Will keep you posted.
I love the coat colour combos! Nothing like a happy dog to make the day better.
Our grand-dog comes for a visit once a week – brings our daughter along too. We can’t help but be cheered when the 45 pound ‘so happy to see you’ tail end of the dog propels the 45 pound ‘have you got treats’ front end of the dog across the room.
Absolutely! If there’s such a thing as the “butterfly effect”, can you imagine how dogs change the world every day with tail wagging?