I keep re-writing a response to this, but I'll just go with: I appreciate that you don't let people off easy. I needed that.

I spent the morning watching the eclipse on Mrs. Jenkins' deck. We were watching on lawn chairs at the end of the cul-de-sac, and she invited us over to watch with her. I met 2 of her 10 children, we talked about soap and where they were in 1979 for the last eclipse. She made me some coffee, and we talked about Cooper.

She told me that having one more dog around doesn't change much - that as long as he's not in the yard when she's gardening near us (6 am - 8 am), she doesn't mind at all. And plus, she thinks he's cute.

After that, I went on a walk with Cooper. I introduced him to everyone on our block. This was also the first time I met most of them. Most of them said they hadn't noticed there was a new dog, and the ones that did notice said he was fine.

Finished up dog proofing the yard. He's been running around all morning, only a few barks. Seems plum tuckered out now.

Believe me, every concern you have is one I've had ten times over. But I'm dealing with whatever immediate problems I can, and everyone in my house is happy. We're not a perfect home for him, but we're better than what he had, and now that the yard is ready, he's getting the exercise he needs.

Thanks for looking out. I mean it.