The Fishers in La Paz, Bolivia

Barkie & Avery

We have a new, but temporary, member of our family. Our friend Faith found this Collie a little over a week ago near her home. He was scared, and they were concerned he might have been hit by a car. After a couple of days and a trip to the vet, they realized he wasn’t injured, but just old and deaf. . . He was obviously well-trained and good-natured. After getting our landlords’ permission, we said we’d keep him for a few days until our friends found the owner. Avery named him Barkie, which is ironic, since he almost never barks. He isn’t much trouble. In this picture, we had dragged him in the living room, but on his own accord he never leaves the kitchen. He pretty much just stays on his blanket unless he’s eating. He does liven up a bit when you take him outside. He is very sweet with Avery, letting her pet him and brush him. We are doubtful now about finding the owner, but we’re hoping another family with a nice yard will take him soon

One of the funniest things about having Barkie is that you realize it’s very hard not to talk to a dog, even when you know he can’t hear you. So Avery I have this conversation several times a day:

Me: “Come here, Barkie. How are you, Barkie? Are you hungry, Barkie?”

Avery: (said with some exasperation) “Mom, he can’t hear you. Remember, he’s deaf!”