And "joined", with its implications of harmony and melding, surely isn't the word to describe his coming. No, Harry landed in this family like the Marines on Guadalcanal. We were overrun.
The introduction of Izzy two years prior had schooled us, sometimes the hard way, in the finer points of adding a dog to Sadie's house, the finest being that you can't take things too slowly. We knew not to rush this time, but what we didn't know was how easy Izzy had made it for us. Unable to climb the stairs, he never invaded Sadie's turf before she was ready. And his ready deference on every topic kept arguments between them short and one-sided. A few bumps in the road, but soon the kingdom was peaceable once again. Two years on and their relationship has a sweetness that we all savor.
But Harry? Oh Harry. Sadie brooks no insolence, and Harry is the soul of it. In her face all the time, and "what's your problem, sister?" It'll be fine we kept telling ourselves, more prayer than conviction. And so it is. Very fine.
Harry Monster, like a much loved toddler, is always appreciated when napping:)
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