Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
Joanne was a city girl who grew up in the St. Anthony Park, section of St. Paul. She made visits to her uncle's farm at Astoria, S.D. Many of her memories of visiting the farm involved severe asthma attacks from the dust. She said that, once in her childhood, the family had a goldfish which didn't live long. That was her total experience with pets as a child.
Then, in December 1977, Marilyn called Joanne to say, "I think you should know that Frank is giving Al, a Springer Spaniel puppy for Christmas." That is how it began. Thor came at Christmas and he was followed by Bjorn, Kai, Gunnar, Kjell, and now, Trygve. Joanne's reaction to these dogs was somewhere between tolerance and bemused affection. Pronouns are significant. If any dog acted up her reaction was "Your dog is...."
Ignorant as I was before Thor arrived I had to go the library and research Springers. Thor died of liver cancer at age 7. He was the only dog that came to us as a puppy, The remainder were from 9 months to 4 years old when they arrived.
Now Trygve and I share the condo and The Little House On The Prairie. Of all the dogs, Joanne was most attached to Trygve and she'd often remark, "He's the best dog of all." This was reflected in the affection she showed him. Does Trygve miss Joanne? It's not noticeable, but I certainly do.
Blessings,
Al
Picture: We, including Trygve, are pictured with the late Mary Ann Knutson at her lake place Troldhaugan.
Then, in December 1977, Marilyn called Joanne to say, "I think you should know that Frank is giving Al, a Springer Spaniel puppy for Christmas." That is how it began. Thor came at Christmas and he was followed by Bjorn, Kai, Gunnar, Kjell, and now, Trygve. Joanne's reaction to these dogs was somewhere between tolerance and bemused affection. Pronouns are significant. If any dog acted up her reaction was "Your dog is...."
Ignorant as I was before Thor arrived I had to go the library and research Springers. Thor died of liver cancer at age 7. He was the only dog that came to us as a puppy, The remainder were from 9 months to 4 years old when they arrived.
Now Trygve and I share the condo and The Little House On The Prairie. Of all the dogs, Joanne was most attached to Trygve and she'd often remark, "He's the best dog of all." This was reflected in the affection she showed him. Does Trygve miss Joanne? It's not noticeable, but I certainly do.
Blessings,
Al
Picture: We, including Trygve, are pictured with the late Mary Ann Knutson at her lake place Troldhaugan.
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