Rocky

Rocky is here with me right now. He's my daughter Kerry's dog, part black lab and part beagle. He looks like a small lab and barks like a beagle. Yesterday Kerry called to say that one of Rocky's toenails had grown into the pad of his foot. So today she dropped him off at our vet's and, since she had to work, I picked him up when he was ready -- and paid his charges, too, of course. For a few days, he needs to take antibiotics and painkillers.

Priscilla, my rescue poodle, was not happy that I brought Rocky home. She is very territorial and tried to chase him off. For the most part, Rocky puts up with Priscilla. I want her to learn to get along with other dogs so that we can get a second rescue dog.

Right now, he is laying on the rug by the front door, and Priscilla is laying on the couch. Peace is reigning.