Photoessay #838 - Uncle Dan

I have been so lucky to have wonderful neighbors. When my kids were growing up, many children lived in my neighborhood and the parents worked quite well together. Very cohesive. We could call on each other when needed and we could feel very safe when our children played in the neighborhood. And if somebody misbehaved, we would hear about it.

Ilana went through a period where she wouldn't go home when told. She was maybe 5 or 6 years old. So, for awhile, we had 'practice going home' where a neighbor arbitrarily would tell her it was time to go home and she got a reward if she did it. After while she started coming home appropriately.

But now my kids are nearly grown up. What do I do? get a puppy. But the neighbors can help each other in new ways.

I'm featuring of my neighbors on his wedding day two or three summers ago. He married my friend Kathy next door. We got to attend the wedding! Dan is a retired professor and psychologist, he writes. He has many interesting stories to tell as a native Romanian.

And he loves dogs. He loves Teddy! So, sometimes when we are gone, 'Uncle Dan' will take care of Teddy. Teddy can stay by himself for several hours now. A few months ago, he really couldn't. He's used to people being home, he's very attached. He would get lonely and worried. So Uncle Dan would come and care for him. Take him next door to play with their dogs. Sometimes sit here while Teddy napped. Teddy loves Uncle Dan. Actually there are no strangers to Teddy, he likes them all.

So, assuming we can locate the tickets, we will travel to Ashland with some side trips on the way and back next month. Ilana will be here but likely will work long hours at that time. I asked Dan if he would come by and tend to Teddy.

Of course, I will, he explains, I love Teddy, such a strong loving young dog.

So, I think this will work with a little bit more support. I've taken care of their dogs too. You give and you get. People will help you, all we ask is you help somebody else. That's what we say at Parent Group.

I am grateful for Uncle Dan and his care for my young dog Teddy.

Just talked to my very earnest high school age neighbor Peter C who loves to work to make money. He agrees to walk Teddy every afternoon after school for some $$. Yeah, I've got this nailed. What a lucky dog Teddy. He can stay home and not have to be boarded.

As my neighbor says "It's going be a sad day when Peter C goes off to college" He's made a ton of money from all of us who are more than happy to employ him to mow lawns, rake leaves, feed cats, take care of pets.

His mother says he likes to take some of his money and go off and buy some nice clothes. Why not? He's the one who's willing to work at these jobs, he's certainly entitled to spend that money on some things he would like.