Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Bush dog

This morning I was rushing to start the day. I ignored the incessant meowing of Nownow, spokesperson for the household pets and arbiter of food justice. I needed to stop at the café and the bank and get to the office all before reaching a workshop that begins at 9am. I was delighted to find water flowing from the taps again – it’s been bucket showers all week. Did I mention I have to pack for the World Cup too? Poor me I know ;)


As a fairly accomplished multi-tasker, I’ve been struggling lately. I’ve been working hard to leave unfinished business behind or delegate, but since I’m convinced that no one can do such and such a thing better than me. But I’ve been so busy and so tired lately that I have no choice.


So I awoke with a start at 6:27am. I ignored the pet riff raff and the nagging sensation to immediately check email, and ran out the door. As I headed for the gate I saw the guard leave the gate ahead of me with leashes but no dogs. Curious. I emerged from the gate and looked to the right and saw my dog and his new little brother trotting merrily merrily merrily merrily down the road. They had little bounces in their steps and smiles on their faces. They were smiling and so I started smiling. It’s so beautiful in Gulu at 7:30 in the morning. The sun’s up, but it’s not too hot. People and roosters are stirring to the start of the day. With the smile still on my face and the cool morning breeze lapping against my back it dawned on me that my dog and his little brother were without escort. Indeed, they had absconded and were on the lam. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were just disappearing from view when I dropped my smile and sprang into action.

“Jeter.” Still trotting. “JETER!” Pause and head turn. “Come ‘ere Je Je.” His smile broadened and he bounded toward me in full sprint and Okello in tow. He jumped into my arms and got mud all over my work clothes.

There was a time when I would panic over Jeter’s escape. Actually I did panic. And the panic immediately dissolved my big busy day. As my guard approached with the leash I smiled. I could tell he was bracing for my freak out. I handed Jeter over to him, hopped into the car and headed to the Café.