Travels with Mr. Sniffy

One of our regular walks takes us to the Worcester line and back, about three miles round-trip. The intersection of Chapel, Shrewsbury, and Holden streets can be tricky, but we're not in a hurry.

I let Marley walk on the lawn side of the sidewalk. It makes for a slower walk, but, again, we're not in a hurry. The lawns, particularly this time of year, are giving up interesting smells. Marley will plant his nose in the ground like a hook anchor and sniff out all of the goodness that the dirt has to offer.

Several households leave their dogs outside, either in a pen or on a run. All of the dogs have something to say about Marley's proximity to their homesteads. Marley, knowing that he's the visitor, is quiet and generally looks straight ahead. If the roles are reversed and a dog passes in front of our house, he'd have much to say. Some dogs, such as the St. Bernard at the corner of our street, seem more playful than protective. In any case, we keep walking.

Mike and Lynn's cat, Smokey, is staying with us for a bit. The Smokester is staying in the apartment. There are two doors between him and Marley, enough thickness to keep Marley from being interested. At some time, no doubt, each will become aware of the other. We'll deal with that then. For now, Marley is much more interested in what I'm having for lunch and will I please share a bit of it with him.