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Marty’s Memories: Dogs on the Island by Marty Trower

T he best thing about having a dog, of course, is that it gets you out and moving—and enjoying—even when you think you’re not going to like it. Sometimes it’s hard, though, like Fall Back and Spring Ahead times. I’ve noticed that dogs are so patterned that when the time changes and it’s their time to go out, they won’t take no for an answer, and your logical explanation for not going now sounds like gibberish to them.They pester on, until you get going and take them anyway, even though it’s inconvenient. Then again, I never regret being talked into those walks unless the weather is painful or I have an injured walking appendage as I do now, so I just go slower. I never plug anything into my ears because what I hear along the way is fascinating. Without car noises, subtle bird sounds come across and train whistles, far off across the water, let you know that there is fast travel somewhere, but not where you are roving. My dormant thoughts get an airing too. I let myself think about the people we have lost over this year and find I have enough memories to keep me company for miles. This is solace. The second-best thing about having a dog is that they provide you with many loving and entertaining memories. In fact, some make me laugh out loud, even though I’m alone. For instance, one day, walking back toward the east end, around the bend where you could go down to Springette’s beach, I was suddenly accosted by a time when, right here, years ago, Maggie and I were walking home from the village. It was summertime, before our teenage years, when we liked to be seen walking but were choosy about who we accepted rides from.

Eleanor Johnson’s car slowed, and she asked us if we wanted a ride. She was a neighbor of ours, our friend Stevie Johnson’s mother, so she was going our way. No, we said, we are out walking, but thanks anyway. She drove on just a bit, then slowed and stopped the car. She leaned over and opened the passenger door.We saw the Todd family’s liver and white springer spaniel looking up at her. “Biscuit, you want a ride home?” Eleanor called out. Biscuit looked up ahead then back at her and hopped in the car; the door slammed and off they went. Maggie and I stopped, amazed, smiling and saying, “Oh my, oh, only on Chebeague!” The members of the Chebeague Ladies Aid would like to thank everyone who joined us at our Christmas Fair on Saturday November 17. We hope a great time was had by all. With your help, we can look forward to assisting the church and other island nonprofits. And now back to sewing, knitting, and crafting. Come join us on Thursdays at the Parish House. Jane Frizzell, President The Mail Thank you from the Ladies Aid

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DECEMBER 2018 CHEBEAGUE ISLAND COUNCIL CALENDAR