Dauber's Domain

Today is my birthday!

2008-05-12T09:32:00.001-04:00

Today is my birthday!, originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me

I had apples for breakfast and then I took my Daddy for a walk.

My old bed

2008-05-10T08:51:00.001-04:00

My old bed, originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

The baby gets to sleep in bed with Daddy. I used to sleep in bed with Daddy. But now I get to sleep downstairs with Mommy.

Afternoons with Daddy

2008-05-09T20:16:00.001-04:00

Afternoons with Daddy, originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

I like it when the baby goes away for the day. Daddy comes down to my office and we work together.

Walking

2007-12-27T12:09:00.001-05:00

DSC03444, originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

The baby is walking now. I try to stay out of her way.

Sledding

2007-12-27T12:03:00.001-05:00

DSC03399, originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

For some reason that baby likes the snow.

Snow ...

2007-11-22T19:09:00.000-05:00

Snow ...
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat

This week it snowed! Can you believe it? But I took my Daddy to Hampshire College anyway. I like going out with my Daddy because I get him all to myself. I don't have to share him with my little baby sister.

Hard at work

2007-11-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hard at work
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat

This is my bike trail. It is one me my favorite places to take Daddy on a walk. There is always a lot of work to do there.

My one walk

2007-11-11T19:00:00.001-05:00

My one walk
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat

Today I took Daddy for a walk to Hampshire College. I used to get 3 walks a day but now sometimes I only get 1. I think it's because of that baby. I can't wait until it goes to college.

Out with the baby

2007-11-10T14:26:00.001-05:00

Out with the baby
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat

My baby sister willow looks like an astronaut in her pink coat. She is so silly she has socks on her hands!

Winter

2007-11-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

Winter
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat

It's winter in New England again, which means I have to year my pink sweater everywhere. Mommy says it looks cute. Last I checked wolves were fearsome, not cute.

My Birthday!

2007-05-12T22:29:00.000-04:00

Hi. Today is my sixth birthday. Actually, I was born in November 1992, but we celebrate my birthday on the day that we became a family - May 12, 2001. That was the day I met Mommy and I knew we belonged together. (Daddy didn't arrive until two days later.) Today I went for two long walks. This morning we went to Hampshire College and walked all over. At the end I got a little tired so Daddy carried me back to the car. Then this evening we went to the bike trail and walked for a long time. It was a great day.

I've been very busy. Last June I drove back home from California to Massachusetts with Daddy and Daddy's Daddy. Here I am at Arches National Park in Utah. It was very hot.

Then in September I got a baby sister! Her name is Willow. She gets to sleep in bed every night. Sometimes she cries in the middle of the night and wakes me up. Here we are together.

That's Grandpa. He moved to Amherst to play with me.

This winter was cold, so I got a new pink sweater.

I have to go to sleep now so I can go for a long walk tomorrow morning. Bye!

My week with Daddy

2006-04-16T00:12:00.000-04:00

Picture005
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

This week, Mommy had to go to Washington, DC for a conference and to see all her nephews and nieces. But I got to spend the whole week with Daddy! He stayed home every day (except part of Tuesday), and I got to go with him everywhere in the car.

This picture is from Aquatic Park in Berkeley. I had never been to this park before! There were some ducks in the water. I like duck. Wait, I haven't had duck in a long time!

Also, Daddy fed me lots of good food. I've been eating chicken breast, potatoes, and egg whites all week, and only a little kibble. Finally Daddy figured out what to feed me.

I've been taking Daddy for lots of walks. On Thursday evening we went walking for more than an hour! I haven't walked that long since I got sick at the beginning of March.

Picture005
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

All those walks make me tired sometimes.

My friend Dan

2006-04-10T00:27:00.000-04:00

Dauber March 2006 012
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

I'd like you to meet my friend Dan. I take him on a walk every day. Here he is feeding me chicken! I really like Dan. I get up and wait for him by the door when it's time for him to come. He makes my lunch just right, with lots of chicken in it.

My work

2006-04-09T00:23:00.000-04:00

Dauber March 2006 005
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Sometimes there is a lot of work to do around the house. Here I am making sure the mat in the kitchen is just right.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2005-11-25T22:56:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I've updated my blog because I've been really busy here in California. First I had to take control of my new territory. Every day I patrol the hills around my house, or Solano Avenue, or both!

It's a lot of work, but Mommy and Daddy can use the exercise. On most days, I walk for more than two hours!

I've also taken Mommy and Daddy on some great trips. We've been to the Berkeley Marina a few times.

We went up to the Marin Headlands.

And we went to the beach at the Presidio.

On Thanksgiving, I wanted to share all the things that I'm thankful for. First I'm thankful for Mommy and Daddy for going on walks with me. Then I'm thankful for chicken, and ground turkey, and my chews, and steak ... wait, I haven't gotten steak in a long time! Well, I would be thankful for steak if I got anyway. And canteloupe - I only think I've gotten canteloupe once in California. Make note: must ask for more canteloupe. Anyway, where was I? I'm thankful for my friend Dan who goes for a walk with me every day, and all the beds I have to sleep on, and going for rides in the car, and lots of other things. I'm even thankful for squirrels, even though I have to chase them.

Well, it's time for me to go to bed so I can wake up Mommy and Daddy at 6 AM. Good night!

My new home

2005-08-28T16:08:00.000-04:00

Wow, do I have a lot to tell you about! I've been so busy since arriving in California that I haven't had time to post to my blog.

On Friday last week we drove all the way across the state of Nevada. It was boring and it was hot outside, but it was really nice to sit in Mommy's (or Daddy's) lap. I love having my whole pack with me.

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Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

After a long day of driving we finally made it out of the desert and into California. I was really happy to see the evergreen forests on the mountains. I insisted on taking Daddy for a walk right away!

8.21.05 102
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

The next day we went for a nice long walk at the University of California at Davis. I hadn't had a good walk in days! I barked at the geese and walked around the big trees in the arboretum. Afterward we went downtown and I protected Mommy and Daddy while they had coffee at a cafe. They made a big fuss about finding a cafe. They're kind of funny sometimes.

Then we made the final leg of our journey. It was flat for a while, but then we climbed the final hills and we could see the fog over the bay, just like old times. When we came down the hill into Berkeley it was foggy and it was cold! We drove straight to Jimmy Bean's, which is our favorite place to eat breakfast.

8.21.05 117
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Then we finally drove up to my new house. It's a nice house. There used to be other dogs here, but now it's all mine. My yard has lots of plants in it, including two apple trees! The apples fall every day for me to eat, but sometimes Daddy tries to take them away from me. Sometimes Daddy isn't very nice.

I've been taking Mommy and Daddy on lots of walks. This morning we went to Jimmy Bean's again, and then we walked along the bay. I think I like it here.

In the mountains with my cousins

2005-08-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

The last two days we have been covering territory where my cousins, the gray wolves, have been repatriated. Yesterday we drove from Denver through Wyoming, the land where my aunt Katrina grew up. I saw three antelope but Mommy and Daddy wouldn't let me chase them. There was lots of open space that I wanted to run in, and huge mountains in the distance.

8.21.05 010
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

In the morning I visited Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming. I think the students were surprised to see a gray wolf down from the mountains. In the afternoon I climbed over the barrier so I could sit up front with Mommy and Daddy. I think they needed to be with me.

8.21.05 064
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Denver was my favorite city so far. It was nice and breezy. More importantly, I got cantaloupe for breakfast!

This morning I slept longer because Grandpa sent me a message saying I didn't have to get up every four hours to patrol. Then we went and looked at the Great Salt Lake. I didn't like it because there were too many little flies. We just drove through the Great Salt Lake Desert, which was totally bizarre. The ground was all white! Now we are climbing the mountains in Eastern Nevada.

8.21.05 083
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

I'm going to take a nap now.

We're still in Kansas

2005-08-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

You know that book, What's the Matter with Kansas? The real problem is that it goes on and on and on. It's hillier than I thought, but you can see for miles and miles because there are no trees. Just cows.

8.21.05 037
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Daddy is letting me use his Pocket PC so I can post to my blog while we're on the road. Isn't that cool? It's a little more challenging using this little keyboard with my paws.

The most difficult job I have is keeping Mommy and Dad safe, especially when they split up. Sometimes one of them will go into a building and the other will try to go for a walk, so I have to keep heading back to the place where the first one went inside so I can keep track of everyone.

The other problem is that we are staying in hotels that have evil inside. Our rooms are nice, but often there is invisible evil in the hallways or in other rooms. I have to warn Mommy and Daddy about the evil. And I have to get up every four hours to patrol.

Since my last post we drove through Pennsylvania, West Virginia (again), Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. The first part was in the Alleghenies, but then it flattened out in Ohio. We stayed near Cincinnati in a newly manufactured town. The hotel we stayed in had adopted a cat which, surprisingly, was not evil. This made me happy.

On Monday we drove through cornfields in Indiana and Illinois. There were scary billboards about guns saving lives. What they really need is more wolves. On Monday afternoon I visited my fan Lanie (she sent me a picture for my blog last year). She jumped through a hole in a screen door and bounded toward me to say hello. She got a little too familiar so I had to tell her to back off. Then I took Mommy, Daddy, John Randolph, and John's little baby Lula for a walk. There are lots of little dogs in Champaign, so I had a lot of work to do. Then while the people went inside I marked Lanie's yard so she would remember me. Afterward we went to the University of Illinois so I could mark the orange flowers and the vet and animal science building. That's a very important building.

8.11.05 192
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Mommy and Daddy visited their friend Adam Davis and his daughter Hannah while I guarded the car. Once Hannah came out and I said hi. I think she was a little scared because she had never seen such a large wolf.

8.11.05 182
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

In Champaign I acquired a new park, Hessel Park. There was a bunny there but I chased it across the street and off my land. Now all the bunnies know better than to trespass on my territory. The next morning I went back to reinforce the perimeter of my new park. Then I guarded the car while Mommy and Daddy visited their friends Jules and Zach and their baby Luke, who is only 1 week old - a bite-sized morsel. Kidding! I could see there were two dogs inside so I had to bark at them a little to warn them away from my people.

8.21.05 003
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Champaign was a lot of work, so I slept most of the way to Kansas.

My paws are tired now, so I'm going to take a nap until Colorado.

Travels with Mom and Dad

2005-08-14T11:28:00.000-04:00

I'm writing this on the road on day three of our pack adventure, in "wild and wonderful" West Virginia. I'm thinking of making that my motto. We're in the Allegheny mountains!

Friday started off like a normal day. We went to Hampshire college for our usual pack outing, and I patrolled my usual route. Then we all got in the car again and I got in my little cave in the back seat and we drove to the hospital where I went when I was sick. We took a picture of the plaque that Mom and Dad donated to commemorate my victory over my illness. I did a lot of barking so everyone would know how strong I am again.

8.11.05 126
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Then we drove to Grandma and Grandpa Kwak's. Grandma made me chicken just for me but I shared some with Mommy and Daddy. Grandma even gave me some chicken for the road because she was happy to see how strong I am. However, I didn't get any blueberry cobbler for dessert.

After lunch we got back in the car and drove to my other grandparents' house. It was very hot so we didn't stop much, but I did mark New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In the car I thought about my old territory in Massachusetts. I'm a little worried, but I think it will be OK because I taught my friend Sophie to take care of it while I'm away. She even scared away a couple bears before I left.

I was so happy to see Grandpa, my most favorite buddy. He made me my own fenced-in yard to run in. Grandpa took me for three walks and I kept him company while Mommy and Daddy went to DC to see my little cousins and my friend Rhiannon. Why doesn't Rhiannon come to see me more?

I had a great time with Grandpa. I hope he comes to see me in California.

8.11.05 143
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

This morning I went back to my new park that I claimed yesterday. I was a little worried that Mommy and Daddy would forget to take me, so I followed them to the door and barked every time they took a bag out. On the way out we saw monarch butterfly caterpillars!

We're back in Maryland now. That's enough for now, so I'm going to take a little nap.

My chair

2005-06-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

039_18
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

This is the last picture of me before I got sick. My friend Jennifer brought me this chair.

My weekend

2005-06-19T19:20:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to report that Mommy and Daddy are feeling better and better.

Yesterday morning I woke them up at 5 am so they could feed me. Then at 7 am I woke them up again because I needed some petting. They let me up the bed so I took a nap there instead. It was nice.

050618bed2
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Then we went on a LONG walk all around Hampshire College.

050618Hampshire10
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

Today we went on an even LONGER walk around downtown Amherst. We even visited some parts of my territory I didn't even know existed! I chased off a couple of little dogs. Then we went to see my friends at the Dakin Animal Shelter. I barked at a cat but he didn't run away, so I got madder and madder, and I barked louder and louder, and he still wouldn't run away! I don't know why Daddy didn't let me get him. We went to lunch at Bub's Bar-B-Q, which is one of my favorite places, except Mommy and Daddy wouldn't get me anything.

My week

2005-06-10T18:20:00.000-04:00

On Monday Daddy went away, so he must have been feeling better. Maybe he'll make more money so I can get more food.

Unfortunately, Mommy tried to give me cottage cheese to eat, so I threw it up. I was so upset at her for giving me cottage cheese that I threw up again the next morning. Then she started giving me just chicken and eggs. That's nice, but every two hours they wake me up to give me more food. That must be why I'm tired all the time - they never let me sleep in peace!

Daddy came home on Wednesday night. He was supposed to go away again on Thursday night, so I called his airline and told them to cancel his flight. (Don't tell him that.) So he stayed home instead. It's nice having Mommy and Daddy with me all the time.

Here we are going for a trip. I was too sleepy to get out of bed, so Mommy picked me up.

And here I am guarding the top of the stairs.

Squirrels

2005-06-06T01:31:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a little better today. That must be because Mommy and Daddy have started giving me food every two hours - even during the night - although they still don't give me very much. Now I'm getting chicken AND EGG WHITES! Two of my favorite foods. Maybe I'll get cantaloupe soon ...

This morning I took Mommy and Daddy to Mt. Holyoke College. I saw a squirrel, but it ran away before I could even go after it. They are afraid of me. Then we walked next to the pond and listened to the ducks. Daddy used to make me duck for treats. Those were the days.

Later today I got a bath. Don't tell anyone, but I really like baths. Especially the part at the end, when Mommy blow-dries me.

The best part of the day was when we went back to the park in the evening. This time I saw a squirrel all the way down the hill and I TOOK OFF after it. I couldn't run as fast as I used to, or I'm sure I would have caught it. Anyway, it ran up a tree, but I was very pleased with myself. Mommy and Daddy wanted to go back to the car but I insisted on walking on my trail in the woods. Of course, I got my way. I haven't been on that trail in weeks!

I'm not sure what happened the rest of the day. Maybe I was asleep. I only wish my belly were a little less empty.

My park!

2005-06-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Today was another good day. This morning I took Mommy and Daddy downtown in my car. We walked along the common and I scared off all the people going to the farmers' market. Then I got a little tired so I sat in the grass with Mommy.

They tried giving me potato again today, but I threw it up twice. So they started giving me chicken again. Yum!!! In the afternoon I went out with Mommy and we sat in the shade together. I let her pet me for an hour before I told her to stop. I mean, enough is enough. Then I went inside and took a nice nap.

The evening was the best. I took Mommy and Daddy to my park! I used to go there every day, but I haven't been in weeks, so there was lots of work to do. I peed on all my rocks and trees, and I even trotted a little bit, I was so excited. I got a little tired, but I still walked back up the hill to the parking lot. It was just like old times before we all got tired.

Then tonight Mommy gave me a bit of egg! It wasn't fried like she used to make for me, but it was still great. My tummy is still pretty empty, but at least I'm getting good food now.

Daddy's blog

2005-06-04T18:49:00.000-04:00

Daddy said that he wrote some stuff about why he is kind of sad. You can go read it here.

A nice day

2005-06-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

Hi, this is Dauber again. Today was a good day. First I got some potato. I think Daddy ate all my chicken, because they don't give me chicken any more, but I don't complain. This morning Mommy and Daddy took me to Hampshire College, which is part of my territory. I walked around and marked my territory so little dogs don't come and try to take it over. Then I guarded Daddy while he worked, and he fed me more potato. He didn't give me very much. I wonder if money is getting tight. Maybe that's why there's no more chicken. Or salmon. Or cantaloupe - my favorite!

Later in the afternoon Mommy came home. We went back to Hampshire College and I patrolled a different part of my territory. It was a little windy so I spent some time sniffing the breeze to see who else was around. In the evening Mommy gave me some potato. I curled up with her to protect her.

I don't know why I can't run as fast as I used to, but it was nice to go outside and walk in the grass and sniff the air. It was a nice day.

health update

2005-06-02T14:19:00.000-04:00

This is Sylvia writing for Dauber. Here's the brief update on his health. On Wednesday, June 1, Dauber had his repeat ultrasound at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield. The inflammation, which had been very severe, had gone down; however, with the inflammation reduced it was clear that there is in fact a large mass in his pancreas. They took a needle biopsy. Most likely it is a fast growing cancer, because there was no mass on previous ultrasound taken in May and February to monitor his bladder stones. The interpretation is that he has a cancer of the pancreas and the pancreatitis was a secondary problem. Pancreatic cancer is deadly and there are no treatment options. Instead the goal is to recover from the current inflammation, prevent future inflammation and keep him free of pain until the end.

We have not told Dauber. Instead we are trying to spend lots of time with him and give him small amounts of water and food. He keeps water down, but continues to vomit the food. Today we tried a 1/2 teaspoon of boiled potato, which he has kept down for 2 hours so far. Baked potatoes are the only thing my mother, Faydine, could eat and keep down for a long time after her pancreatitis. I think that his Grandmother has had pancreas problems is another piece of evidence that Dauber was always meant to be a part of our family.

James and I are having our ups and downs. We know that technically we are doing all the right clinical things. Dauber was our first baby and he's been such a major part of our lives that we just wish there was something concrete we could do that was the definitive "best path." I think feeling helpless is the worst --- not knowing if today is going to be good/bad, or what really to try to give him to eat.

Dauber does still seem pretty happy and he still has his spirit, but he is clearly weakened. This morning I gave him a nice warm bath which he always likes. He was very cute in the tub and scampering around afterwards. I blew dry his hair (he loves that) then he rolled around on the rug to scratch his nose. That he did all his "normal" behaviors, although less energetically was good to see. I think he's not in pain and still enjoys life. Next we sat outside for a full hour today and I petted him constantly. My arm muscles are sore! Now we are sitting in the dining room while a write this and he is napping just like he always does on days when I work at home. This evening James and I comes will take him to one of the places he loves to explore and mark as his territory (either Hampshire college or the bike trail). He seems to like these short pack outings because he perk up, marks a lot and sniffs the air. He even trots a little but you can tell he tires fast.

Thanks to everyone who sends their thoughts. It really means a lot to all of us. We will keep you updated as best as possible.

Love,
Sylvia

Recent battle

2005-05-29T20:05:00.000-04:00

I have recently been ill with pancreatitis. It was very very painful and I kept vomiting. I spent 4 days in the ICU at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield. They were all very nice to me. The doctor even took the time to feed me himself (they tried to get me to drink out of Styrofoam --- yuck!) I think I was the favorite!

I still don't feel too great and neither do mom and dad. We've all been downstairs lying down a lot. They also don't seem to be eating --- at least I have not seen them. Lots of people called and wrote to check on me. It made me feel good to know so many people care about me. Hopefully I'll be hunting soon.

Team Work

2005-05-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

023_21
Originally uploaded by pygmygoat.

today we figured out how to upload pictures - yeah. now I can sit on the couch with mommy and update my blog.

weekend activities

2005-05-02T20:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Mommy gave me a long warm bath after a walk in the rain. Don't I look sharp?

Today

2005-04-26T14:07:00.000-04:00

Today is Daddy's birthday. Mommy decided to stay home instead of going to the office to work so that she could give daddy (and me) lots of kisses during the day. I think she should stay home everyday.

This weekend my friend Sanjiv went to the Dakin Animal Shelter. He took home a teeny-tiny feline named Isabelle. I think he's going to fatten her up for me to eat. Just kidding. No really, I like juicy kitties. JOKE!!!

I can't wait until Daddy opens his presents, because he likes to share with me. I am hoping that someone gave him some yummy chicken treats like the chicken strips at Trader Joes!

security jobs

2005-04-21T16:17:00.000-04:00

A canine's work is never done. My good friend Sophie, a Dixie Dog, was injured on the job recently. She was out patroling when a fierce animal invaded her domain. In the battle Sophie had her leg injured. She is recovering well because her Mommy and Daddy took her to a special hospital. I felt sorry for Sophie, not because of the injury which is to be expected in our high-risk security jobs, but because she has to wear this silly collar. Poor Sophie. How can she scare the intruders now?

Sophie after surgery. Poor Sophie.

Going on a trip

2005-02-28T08:04:00.000-05:00

On weekends we go on a pack outing. Here I am in the car.

The most important meal of the day

2005-02-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

Every morning Mommy makes me eggs and sausage.

Dinner

2005-02-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

It snowed all day so I didn't get to go out, but Daddy made me a chicken! I let him and Mommy have some.

My new snack

2005-01-30T08:44:00.000-05:00

It turns out that wolves are supposed to eat nuts, too.

Patrolling the snowbanks

2005-01-30T08:43:00.000-05:00

Just because it snows doesn't mean I can take a day off from work.

My new friend

2005-01-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

This is my friend Jennifer. I take her for a walk every day.

Hard at work

2005-01-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here I am guarding my territory.

Merry Christmas!

2004-12-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

This morning I got up early, opened my stocking, and ate the presents inside - all before Mommy and Daddy got up!

Grandpa and Grandma are coming tomorrow

2004-12-17T01:04:00.000-05:00

I'm going to wait at the top of the stairs until they get here.

Daddy gave me a computer!

2004-12-17T01:02:00.000-05:00

My Daddy gave me my own computer so I can work on my blog. This is a picture of us working together on his computer a long time ago, when we lived in California.

All tired out after a long day of work

2004-11-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my job is just too much.

Happiness

2004-11-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

I have a chew!

Stre-e-e-e-tch

2004-11-13T18:40:00.000-05:00

It's important to stretch before you go running.

Winter in Massachusetts

2004-11-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

Can you believe we have snow already?

From Lainie

2004-11-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

From my friend Lainie, who lives in Champaign, Illinois with John Randolph: "We've all taken a licking recently. Some of us may have to wear a collar to avoid biting our sutures. But once the scars of this election heal, we shall overcome! (PS: Got any treats?)"

On the campaign trail

2004-11-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

I also campaigned for John Kerry.

Vote Vickery!

2004-11-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

On November 2, I voted for my friend Peter Vickery.

Welcome to my blog

2004-11-06T15:26:00.000-05:00

I live in Amherst, Massachusetts with my mommy and daddy. We have lived here for three years. We used to live in California, where it was much warmer. But I like it here because I have my own yard and I can walk anywhere and run around in the park.