i am soul glad i gave him a bath, and when i say soul glad it's not just flippant, i mean glad in my soul. he was soul good too, even better this time, so patient and he didn't even cringe when i washed around his head and ears. i got a lot of hair off of him, so he will be much more comfortable in the heat, and the under layer was so matted, it's like a sheep, real fine wool, and i told him i'd love to have a sweater from him. it would be so cozy and dear. funny, i just thought of my dad. i loved his sweaters, and robin his wife still sends one from time to time. hugs were always awkward with dad, but wearing his sweater is like the hugs we might have wished for.
as you see mister was soul happy too, and he was further patient with the after bath combing. what i love is getting my hands all over him, really feeling his whole body, it reassures me somehow, gives me a feeling of wholeness. and him too i reckon, as he's very attentive afterwards, kind of proud, kind of grateful, kind of relieved, kind of washed-clean and light, kind of joyous, ecstatic, yes. 
so i feel better now, he will be with me soon, sharing r.'s lovely space. and r. will see him and it will be a sweet reunion, you will see.