Dear Readers,

Momma and I are leaving Paradise on April 15 and heading to Minnesota where the weather is always iffy this time of year. I just hope it doesn’t snow. As much as I look forward to going home, I will miss my time here in the Sunshine State. Weather has been good, I’ve enjoyed my excellent care from Janice at Nanny Paws, my mobile spa treatments from Karen at Love 4 Paws, and my frequent “mutt and greets” on our walks around the Cape. I will not miss the oppressive heat and humidity with my double coat of fur.

How do I know we are going home? There has been a flurry of activity around here, and the other day Momma brought out two humongous suitcases (that could double as small fish houses) and several boxes for packing and shipping. When she saw the panicky look on my face, Momma also brought out my little wheeled carrier: “See, Lina, not to worry, you’re going along.” All better.

One of the reasons I’m happy to be going home to Minni is that I’ll be able to breathe more easily in the crisp, cool (and sometimes icy) air of Minnesota. I still struggle with that a bit, especially at night, and I had a nose bleed a couple of days ago. Momma had set out my favorite game with pieces and compartments hiding little treats. So excited was I to retrieve the treats, that I must have bumped my nose when using it as a little bulldozer to move the parts around. Anyway, the bleed didn’t last long and Momma soothed me with pets and we worked together on cleaning it up.

Despite the occasional setback, I’m doing pretty well and continue on chlorambucil (chemo), Yunnan Baiyao and Panacur everyday. And food, too, of course, although do I dare mention that Momma forgot to feed me the other night? In her defense, she was juggling social obligations and did feel really badly afterwards. Of course I played it for all it was worth and got many extra treats the next day.

Okay, in fairness I must mention that I myself made a teeny tiny mistake recently when I dropped my Frisbee down the elevator shaft. And, okay, it was the second time, but who’s counting? Unfortunately, Momma and I did have to make the walk of shame to the manager’s office again to confess. However, upon advice from counsel (Uncle Chuck, Esq.), I pled the Fifth.

It all ended well, however, when our friend Danny, who works at our building, returned the Frisbee right to our front door a few days later. Thank you, Danny!

Yesterday Stuart from Sunshine Booksellers/Fed Ex came by and picked up our suitcases and boxes for shipping home. Thank you Stuart! Some of you may remember that Sunshine is where I held book readings (with assistance from Momma) and pawdographing for Lina Unleashed and Sit Stay Pray a few years ago. I love those folks at Sunshine including Stuart, Theresa and Joan.

Three more sleeps left (as Auntie Lori would say) and we head home. Please wish us Bone Voyage.

Lina, Ready to roll!

WOOFDA!