I Stepped in Shit, Then It Got Better

I'm sure my dog owner friends have experienced at least once in their lives what happened to me at 6am yesterday morning on my birthday. Bella is learning very quickly; every hour of the day she makes progress, but this was an experience I don't ever want to repeat. I've been letting Bella have the run of the apartment. She's been sleeping on a blanket that she's claimed for her own. The first couple of days, due to a number of reasons, unfettered freedom hadn't been an issue. But, as she's gained confidence, she has taken to eating and drinking regularly, she's begun peeing here and there ... peepad adjacent. I simply cleaned it up. Yesterday, she pooped for the first time in the apartment. I discovered that by walking to the kitchen for a glass of water in the dark, barefoot, when I literally stepped in shit! I turned on the light to discover she had left me several little gifts.

Consequently and subsequently, I began Bella's crate training last night. There were no issues with it. She let out three quick little barks (a first) around 3am, but seemed perfectly content to be in the kennel. When I woke up early this morning, I threw on clothes and carried Bella downstairs to the dog run where she promptly peed outside!!! (This is major. I don't think, coming from a puppy mill!, she's ever done "her duty" outdoors.) I praised her to the heavens and we returned to the apartment. Consistency and routine will be the keys to her potty training.

The remainder of my birthday got better hour by hour. Phone calls, emails, texts, Facebook and LJ ... the birthday greetings came in all day. I Facetimed with my best friend from college (a first for him) and my niece Facetimed with her husband and my great nephews at Jordan and Caden's bedtime! Both boys were charmed to meet Bella. Jordan repeatedly asked where Georgie was. My niece explained he was in heaven ...

The biggest surprise yesterday was a birthday party in our community room thrown for me by some of my neighbors. On Sunday, 43 of my neighbors received their second Covid shots which means on Easter Sunday 99% of the folks in my building will be fully vaccinated. I was told to show up at 5pm, no arguments. I didn't know what to expect. When I walked in, there were platters of cupcakes and cookies, balloons and a basket full of birthday cards! At various times, on a rotating basis, 46 people dropped in! I was shocked and honored.

I guess the lesson to be learned is your day can start like you've stepped in shit and wind up as the biggest celebration of your birthday in decades! Hello 67! Ciao, Bella! Thanks to all who've shown me some love!