I am definitely living my best dog life now

My name is Elsie and I am a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever. I realize that this may sound callous and tone deaf, but I am living the dream. This is a golden age for canine companions or, for the unenlightened, pets. I know I’m lucky. I’ve heard some loose talk about the terrible fate of animals left behind during Hurricane Katrina. My people are with me 24/7 and from what I can tell their whole life revolves around me. She says that she would never leave without her dog and I believe her. Of course, he chimes in that I like him best, which puts me in a very awkward position, but I’m pretty sure that he wouldn’t leave without me either.

Recently, I had a terrible health scare. Although, to be honest, the only reason I’m aware of this is that everyone keeps hugging and patting me and offering congratulations for still being alive. I heard that he cried like a baby during the whole ordeal, which is pathetic. Then I think of Katrina and I’m OK with it. But he does need to man-up.

To be clear, I’m not saying that everything’s perfect. Listening to them repeat the same things over and over again, sometimes it’s just too much. So, for the record: Yes, I am a good girl. I know I’m pretty. I do want a treat. Asked and answered. Who do I like best? Who do you think I like best? The person who’s feeding me. After all, I am a Lab. I can’t help myself, that’s just the way it is.

And while I’m venting, why has the most popular dog in America never won at Westminster? Never! How is that possible? Maybe if I fit in a handbag I’d have a better shot. I’d like to see one of those dogs swim out in frigid water to retrieve a stick. OK, end of rant. 

Let’s face it, I’ve got it pretty good. He thinks I like being kissed on my head and nose every night before the final walk and, truth be told, I kind of look forward to it. She has me outside gardening with her all day. And, I must admit, that I do enjoy the attention of the people who stop by.

Of course, some day this pandemic will be over and people will be out and about again. Even my people. I know this is selfish but I’m not looking forward to it. The best I can do is be grateful that I was fortunate to have lived during a time when it really was all about me living my best dog life.

 

M. A. Duca is a resident of Twin Lakes narrowly focused on everyday life. Elsie is, of course, his canine companion. 

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Mountaineers strike gold at BL track championships

HVRHS sophomore Ryan Segalla went three-for-three May 17 with Berkshire League gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. He was also on the gold-winning 4x400m relay team.

Photo by Riley Klein

Berkshire League track and field wrapped up a season of competition with the league finals in Litchfield May 17. The BL festival followed with decathlon, heptathlon, steeplechase and hammer in Falls Village May 20 and Thomaston May 21.

The events included athletes from Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Gilbert School, Lakeview High School, Nonnewaug High School, Northwestern Regional High School, Shepaug Valley High School, Terryville High School and Thomaston High School.

Keep ReadingShow less
Salisbury approves traffic detour for June NASCAR event

Lime Rock Park is slated to host the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Friday and Saturday, June 26 to 28, in Lime Rock, Connecticut.

Photo by Nathan Miller

SALISBURY — First Selectman Curtis Rand agreed to sign approvals for changes in traffic patterns and a “hauler parade” for Lime Rock Park’s NASCAR event June 26 to 28 after a lengthy and detailed discussion at a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen Wednesday, May 21.

Lime Rock Park is hosting a weekend of NASCAR events. In anticipation of a larger than usual crowd, park leadership has asked to have one-way traffic on Route 112 — Lime Rock Road — from the junction of Route 7 and Route 112 to White Hollow Road and the main track entrance between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and one-way traffic in the opposite direction between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28.

Keep ReadingShow less
MIRA enters agreement for private sale of Torrington Transfer Station
Torrington Transfer Station’s entrance.
Photo by Jennifer Almquist

TORRINGTON — USA Waste & Recycling’s $3.25 million offer to purchase the Torrington Transfer Station was conditionally accepted by the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority Dissolution Authority at a meeting of its board of directors May 14.

Torrington Transfer Station was one of two facilities in the state, along with Essex Transfer Station, that was still owned by MIRA-DA following the closure of the Hartford trash-to-energy plant in 2022. Municipalities in these service areas were given until July 1, 2027, to establish alternative solid waste contracts.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, CT. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church in Salisbury on June 1, at 1:00PM, followed by a reception at The White Hart Inn.

Keep ReadingShow less