As the pandemic has gone on and on, a lot of us have gotten very comfortable in 
sweats, schmata’s and minimal makeup.
CHARLEY It’s concerning.
On the other hand, our dogs look fabulous. We’ve been spending so much time together, there’s lots of brushing and pampering going on.
My cousin Janet, the one who inherited the sewing and 
crafting gene from my grandmother, made this personalized sweater for her “granddog” Leon. If I could knit I would have done the same thing.
ELBEE Knit? I saw her try to sew on a button. It was painful.
I’ve never hesitated to dress the Doods up for holidays or special events at the hospital. Now every Zoom call is an excuse. When we do virtual visits, it’s all about Gus and Stanley in their ties and tiaras. The patients are so taken with the sequins and feathers, I don’t think they even notice me in my sweats.
ELBEE Excuse me, those are pajamas.
It reminds me of the time I knocked on a patient’s door at Providence Tarzana Hospital and asked her if she’d like a visit. A little confused, she looked at me and answered “not really,” Then, seeing Gus at my feet, she smiled and said “please come in.”
I confess, Gus and Stanley’s wardrobe comes from the Dollar Store or from my closet. My kids were never that easy to dress. I remember a shopping trip when one of the daughters asked why there was a little “x” sticker on a shirt. When I explained that it meant there was a tiny imperfection, her response was, “you’re buying me rejects?” Neither Gus nor Stanley has ever complained about rejects.
Actually, I was feeling so good about the outfits I was putting together, I thought dog stylist might be in my future. Then the people on our UCLA PAC Zoom calls began sharing about all of the shopping they’d been doing. They’d been buying fancy doggie apparel on specialized web sights. Who knew they had onesies and bodysuits for dogs! I was afraid that I’d have to step up my game.
GUS If she buys me a onesie I’m outta here.
STANLEY I might look cute in that black bodysuit.
Gus and Stanley have very different attitudes when they pose for photos. No matter how I dress him, Stanley sits patiently and waits for his close up. Gus, on the other hand, often looks as if he’s having an existential crisis.
On a serious note, some friends are going through very difficult times. This lighter post was written for them in the spirit of love.
