It is the best of Times; It is the worst of Times.

Or so sayeth those more eloquent than I.

The Woman has returned to work. This means that I have been returned to my sanctuary during her absence. The felines now patrol the house during the morning hours while I feign sleep and await her return. The front door is shut during her absence, and I can no longer monitor the comings and goings of the neighborhood. Our time outdoors is limited; our time indoors mundane. It has become a droll existence.

The Woman is also involved in her Obedience School, which takes her from my presence two nights a week. This means that The Man is responsible for my care. While he is my Best Friend for playing Ball, he lacks a certain understanding of my nighttime routines. I am trying to adapt, but it is hard, so very hard.

I would rather face the heat of summer and the freedom that it brings, than the cold of winter and the frigidness of absence.

However it is days like today that make it all worthwhile. A long walk in the woods. I find a toad, hear the chipmunks, smell the primal nature of nocturnal creatures. I feast upon barbacued swordfish and I survey my domain as the King that I am.


I Am Shiba. It is Good to be King.