April 24—I received sad news today from Orcas Island Children’s House. Noni, the miniature dachshund who became honorary mayor of Eastsound last July, has died. She was 16 years old. Noni and her family and supporters did a prodigious job of helping Orcas Island kids by raising money for OICH. I’ll work hard to honor her memory as I finish out her term.

As the runner up in the election, I wag my tail at the prospect of serving as your mayor. I’m a three-year-old white golden retriever, and I’ll do what I can to help us get through these difficult times. Right now, three generations of my family and I are staying-at-home at our house in Grindstone Harbor and practicing social distancing, just as you are doing. It’s hard — we’re social beings. Our (dogs’ that is) instincts are to sniff each other, wrestle each other, run with each other. But it turns out that the coronavirus can live on our fur and be transferred by dog-to-dog contact. That can lead to a human in another household getting sick. I hate to say it, but it’s best if we dogs don’t touch each other. And if you see me or another charming dog walking (and walking and walking) our human, it’s best if you stay at least six feet away and resist your instinct to pet us, until the pandemic is over.

I hear my family talking about money more than usual these days. Most of what they say isn’t that interesting. But I love food and kids, and I’ve heard them talking about giving money to help kids get meals even though schools are closed. They say that a human can go online and look for Orcas Island Education Foundation School Food Fund, or donate to the Orcas Island Food Bank and help feed kids and their parents.

They also say it’s important to help local merchants, farmers, and service providers stay in business. For example, if you can afford to, by buying yourself a gift certificate (paying in advance) for services or products that you’ll need in the future. Or, you can give to the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Community Emergency Response Fund.

One last financial thing, and this one really taxes my brain. Apparently, there is something called “property taxes.” First half is due April 30, second half Oct. 31. The problem is that at the same time some people are out of work and can’t pay, the county’s expenses are up. So, the county has asked those who can afford it to pay both halves now.

That’s it for now, but let’s stay in touch (figuratively). Stay safe; please wash your hands.

Luna,

Honorary Mayor of Eastsound