Mud slinging

                                                                           For the love of dogs.

This morning I want to talk about mud slinging in regards to purchasing a puppy from a breeder.  A good friend and I were talking about this the other day; she told me that a neighbor of hers was mad because she bought her puppy and didn't rescue.  Just yesterday I read literally hundreds of comments on a blog; that were mud slinging back and forth because of a rescue/buy from a breeder debate.  Reading through all of the comments; you could feel the hatred, the anger, and for what?  I thought to myself "why not just put all that energy into the real problem?"  The puppy millers.

Some rescue people throw a giant blanket over breeders; scooping them all into one giant evil pile.  It is sad when people do this because there are monumental differences between an ethical breeder and a miller.  I have been told by an anti breeder, rescuer crusader that I do not deserve to have a dog because I want a particular breed.  When the woman blurted this out at me; I knew she had no idea who I was, what I do or how I love all dogs.  I didn't get into it with her; I could have but chose to be civil. 

I'm frankly sick of all this sh*t.  So much anger and pointing fingers.  There are good breeders who care about producing a litter now and again.  They choose carefully, test all breeding dogs, take the utmost of care in whelping and raising the puppies and scrutinize where those puppies end up.  There are also a lot of very bad breeders; and they do not have to have huge breeding facilities to be grouped in the miller pile.  People who breed puppies to make money are bad breeders.  They cut corners, they don't test because that cuts into the bottom line.  They feed low grade food to save a buck and they produce many litters to maximize the financial intake. 

Yes, rescuing is wonderful and I think if someone wants to rescue then they should.  Saving a life and offering a dog a good home and family is amazing.  But rescuing is not for everyone and if someone chooses to purchase a puppy from a wonderfully ethical breeder; to care for that puppy for their life then what is wrong with that?  I commend anyone who does their research, finds a great breeder and takes care of their dog for their life.  Good on you. 

Those who stand up on a pillar and spew anger for all breeders is wrong.  The shelters and rescues are filled with dogs from millers; whether they are a person who had one litter just because they thought it would be fun or a huge breeding facility.  They don't care where their puppies end up and will sell to whoever has money.  They often push the idea of two puppies instead of one.  Selling puppies to them is like selling anything else, tires, t-shirts, shoes, whatever.  Whoever has the money gets a puppy.  Impulse purchases are something that millers rely on and it is often these impulses that are at the highest risk of being shelter bound.  People don't think before they buy.  People want the newest up and coming when they buy something.  Millers will not take a dog back if something goes wrong.  These are the breeders who are filling the shelters and rescues.  The ones who lie about dogs to people who don't know.  Just like the designer dog, that have been advertised for its miraculous qualities.  People buy into it, buy a puppy and soon realize that it is a dog like any other.  They didn't want a dog they wanted a super dog.  Sad. 

Sharing information and letting people know where they should and should not get a dog is all that can be done.  Just like good and bad breeders; there are also good and bad rescues.  I know of one breeder who claims to be a rescue; she has a crazy amount of rare puppies but still claims to be a rescue.  You must research your rescue as well; not all rescues are rescuing for the good of the dogs.  Greed is the core to the problem of and shelters filling up; like anything else, greed is almost always at the core.    I know good breeders who have gone bad due to greed.  When I visit a website who has multiple litters listed; then I know that greed is the driving force. 

As far as I am concerned, there are VERY FEW good, ethical breeders out there.  If everyone only went to ethical breeders then there would be very few dog in shelters and rescues.  But sadly there are a lot of bad breeders who are filling up the shelters and rescues.  Rescue a dog, save a life.  If you decide to purchase go to a breeder who does all the health testing, temperament testing, placing of puppies after temperament test in appropriate home and has one or two litters a year. 

Those of you who do rescue; I applaud your choice to save a life.  But do not look down or mud sling at those who choose to get a puppy from an ethical breeder.  Mud slinging is counter productive and brings out the worst in us.  When humans have one way of thinking and cannot venture out to think in a bigger picture it is very handicapping.  To be close minded is a fault as far as I'm concerned.  Like I said in a previous blog, there is more to life than black and white.  If we all focus on the love of dogs; perhaps someday all the horrid people breeding for money will be non existent.  Its a nice thought. 

If you know someone who is considering a pet store or mill to purchase their puppy, educate them gently.  Screaming, name calling, pointing fingers, being rude or ranting and raving does nothing but shut people down.  Many humans go on the attack when others have a difference of opinion; it is sad and typically from those with closed minds.  

No call back

The other day I was reading an article that triggered a memory.  It was a long time ago; close to twenty years I would imagine.  I applied for a job at a big new Pet Store, PetSmart.  The big box pet store had come to our little town.  It was a first and I decided that it was the place that I should work.  Much excitement swirled around the idea of having a huge store open; which was devoted to animals.  Before construction was complete an advertisement was placed in the local newspaper; they were looking to hire.

My application was filled out, mailed in and I got the call.  The day finally arrived for my interview and I was stoked.  Being already very involved with dogs; as far as training, grooming and owning a dog walking service; I was a shoe in for the job.  Right?  I sat down in a dark room; across the table from a man who was younger than I was, wearing a suite and tie.  He wanted to know what I had to offer PetSmart; so I answered the questions that I was asked.  

But it didn't take long for  the interview to turn around.  I wanted to know what PetSmart had to offer my dogs and others dogs.  Before long I was interviewing PetSmart about their products, protocols and establishment in general.  I wanted to know, so I asked.  The guy in the suit who started out interviewing me was now back peddling and skirting my questions.  I asked questions that were important to me.  "Do you pull a product once you know that it is dangerous for dogs?"  "Does PetSmart use only positive training methods?"  "What sort of dog food did they carry?"  I didn't get many questions in before I was thanked; told I'd be contacted, and sent on my way. 

Needless to say I did not get the job; I never even got a call to tell me I wasn't hired.  But I was happy that I'd pushed.  You see I cannot sell bad or dangerous products to unsuspecting people for any amount of money, I just can't do it.   Plus I could not stand by and watch dogs be yanked around; even if I was just a bystander, not knowing what I know.  Of course this was a long time ago and I know that PetSmart now uses positive training methods which I am very happy about.  Not all training places do though so make sure you know the difference before trusting someone with your dog.  

Funny, I had completely forgotten about that interview.  Much has changed in almost twenty years.  Memories can stay buried until a trigger brings them out for us to ponder on.  I thought about the interview for sometime and laughed.  I wondered where that guy was now.  Is he a big mucky muck at PetSmart or did he move onto another large corporation?  Who knows.  

Sometimes no call back is good, evolution.  

Silhouette weight

 

Walking across the field in the park, my shoes are wet from dew and the morning mist is still rising.  As the sun peeks over the trees we are hit by the warmth of it.  We are also given a beautiful shadow display; as a photographer it is something that I love, light and the magic of it.  Luke and Elsa look like their legs are four feet long; I on the other hand look like I've gained fifty pounds, hmmmmm.  Depending on how I stand and let the sun hit me; I can lose weight in an instant.  Nice.

This of course has me going over Luke and Elsa as far as silhouettes.  They are both very lean; Elsa is the picture of an athlete in peak condition.  The muscles in her legs ripple and she moves with ease; not carrying around any extra weight.  Luke is skinny, extremely skinny and if he was a young dog with strong legs I would be working to get weight on him.  But, he is not a young dog; he is fourteen years old on very shaky legs so carrying even five more pounds around would be a difficult challenge for him.  For Luke's condition, skinny is good. 

Most dogs I see out in the parks, fields, beaches and streets of downtown are overweight.  They are not hugely overweight but carry a few extra pounds.  A few pounds on a dog is much different than on us.  The ratio of what they should weigh, together with their size makes just a pound or two a big difference.  I have seen dogs that look overweight with just two extra pounds.  My little Jack Russell who is now gone could go from pudgy to lean and mean in the matter of a week.  But much like us, some dogs lose easily while others have more of a struggle to lose. 

 All dogs should have a waste; that indent where the ribs end.  Of course there will be a difference in breeds and mixes who are beefier types but they should all have a waste indent.  Food and movement is at the root of it all.  Sadly much of the food that comes in a bag is a big part of the problem.  Instead of a protein based diet which helps to build muscle; much of it is carb filled wasted calories.  Our dog's bodies are craving protein and getting little.  The other day when I was at the Veterinarians; a woman was at the counter beside me buying "diet" food for her dog.  I shudder thinking of what might be in the food that she was purchasing.  We are feeding our dogs the wrong thing and expecting great results.  "Diet" foods are not the way to go for our dogs or us. 

Lack of muscle is something else I see a great deal of.  More weight and few muscles make moving more difficult than it needs to be.  Exercise is the only way to grow muscle.  But even then our dogs need a great deal of protein to fuel those muscles.  Have a look at your dog, is there an indent?  Do they leg muscles bulge where they should bulge?  If not then it is time to cut back on food and get moving with your dog.  We owe our dogs at least that.   

Its a juggling act

Digging into the office toy basket.

A much deserved quiet moment for the man. 

Walking through the house, I survey the path of destruction. Yep, Penny is at our house for a visit and when that happens there is a constant tornado to pick up after and avoid.  It is not just Penny, on her own she is much like a speeding bowling ball but with Elsa in pursuit, you have your full fledged tornado. 

Yesterday afternoon as I sat on my computer writing, I heard it; I am always listening.  In a few moments it was over and I went to check on the girls. Rugs were crumpled, dog beds lay in the middle of the room, couch cushions everywhere and two girls sitting quietly panting, watching me. 

For much of the day they simply coexist; napping here and there, each taking there turn wandering and watching out the office window.  But when it's on, it's on.  This is where the juggling and utmost of care needs to be taken, for Luke.  Luke had a bad fall last week and since then he is even more frail than before.  He can tumble on all his own so I have to make sure the tornado does not hit him. 

Chill'n as a pack.

My day begins peaceful and quiet.  As I sit here now in bed blogging; Elsa is snuggled up close and Luke is in his bed sound asleep.  Penny in her crate in my office; she cannot sleep in the same room with Luke.  First I need coffee, I get up and grab my coffee and breakfast; heading back upstairs to blog.  Next I will get Elsa and Penny up and out for their morning pee.  After that it is Luke's turn; I help him to his feet, give those old back legs a massage and assist him down the stairs.  I am on constant guard should the girls want to give him a morning greeting.  Out for his pee I remain on guard.  Then it is back upstairs for a morning snack. 

If I am heading to the gym in the morning; Luke and Elsa will stay in my bedroom while Penny is gated in the kitchen.  When I return, Luke and Elsa are let out first, then Penny.  We all enjoy the outdoors until breakfast.  Penny eats separately as I cannot get Luke to eat with her distraction.  We then move onto the rest of the day.  There are naps to be had, meandering, bone chewing and walks; while I constantly juggle.   

In the afternoon while I work on the computer; Luke sleeps in my office.  He is safest there and if the girls join us then I am on watch duty.  It is nice when everyone naps at the same time; this is my most productive time of the day.  When they are awake and in play mode I must be on high alert.  Penny is very good with Luke now; she manages to control her adoration for him and keeps it in check.  A simple "leave him" usually does the trick. 

As the afternoon turns into evening the activity level rises.  We all sit outside and enjoy the setting sun.  There is a little play, but mostly we just enjoy each other.  Dinner preparation is again a juggle; but we have a great routine in place.  After and more chill'n in the yard we head down for Luke's favorite part of the day, tv time.  Then it is game on.  I try to watch tv but who needs tv when you have Penny and Elsa around?  It is like watching WWF and NFL wrapped in one display of craziness.  Ahhhhh, love it. 

Snoop Dog, he will be missed.

 

 

Sadly we lost a family member over the weekend.  Our little Granddog, Snoop. 

 

 

Snoop and my son in law were a team since we met both.  Snoop was Hamid's sidekick, friend and constant companion; they were inseparable.

 

Snoop was a first dog and as such, he had much to teach his Guardian.  He did that and then some.  Snoop was no push over and had his own agenda in life and was a big dog in a small body.  I still laugh when I think of the attitude that little man had. 

 

Snoop and his Dad

Photo from engagement shoot which I had the privilege of doing.  There was never a more adoring Dad.  Snoop lucked out in the Dad department. 

 

 

Snoop with his Mom and Dad.

 

Jamie with her little man.

 

When my daughter Jamie and Hamid became a couple; Snoop wriggled his way into Jamie's heart. Then this past April they became a family when they were married and Snoop was the Best Dog for the event. 

 

                   
                                                                     One adorable little face. 

 

Grandpa holding the Bestdog during rehearsals.

 

 

               
     Snoop did much in his life.  You never really know the impact of a dog until you consider your life before that dog.  He had a great impact on those who knew him; he was the man, Snoop Dog.  That little man touched so many; changed so many and altered lives.  Snoop did what Snoop wanted to do; by his human's side he was the happiest, just being. 

 

  He will be sadly missed for his huge Snoop Dogginess. 

For or against, and grey stuff.

                                                                         Life is a tug of war. 

I have run into people who want to know "for or against?"  Funny how issues can be created into two sides; and you are expected to take one.  With  many issues in life there are more than two sides to the story.  Others may have a clearer one sided stance and there is no budging from it.  For those things with a clouded middle area, it can get complicated if you can only think in the 'for or against' scenario.  Discussions with those who can only see one side or the other can get heated as you cross into the cloudy zone. 

What am I talking about?  Anything and everything really.  Take vaccines for instance, "for or against?"  Dog food/real food?  Organic/non organic?  Educating/allowing a dog to live without rules?  Conventional medicine/holistic?  Decisions, decisions, it is what life is all about isn't it?  Heck even that question is a decision.  When I talk to people and try to give my opinion on things it often ventures into the cloudy zone; the fine tuned decisions that one can make.  There are always things that make a difference, small options to take when you form or stand by your opinion.

Life is a never ending evolution of oneself.  I am not the person I was thirty years ago.  This is because we are constantly given more information; learning, being educated by experience.  Throughout our life we will be offered new facts and ideas; what you do with those are completely and entirely your decision.  You can take new information and ponder it or toss it out; never giving it any chance to assist in your evolution.   If you shut yourself off; take a stand on one side of an opinion, vowing to never waver then you are closing off options and sadly your evolution will be slow or nil. 

For some things in life there is only two sides; going into a grey area is not an option.  Typically these are things that are detrimental to life itself.  These should be steadfast and unshakable. But for most other issues in life; there are the "what ifs?"  Those questions that can lead us down multiple paths of  further questions and concerns.  Are you one to take given information and cement yourself in with it?  Or do you question, delve and research?  Are you constantly seeking better, more, defined?  Ask me a question and you could be unraveling a whole bucket load of grey stuff.  Questions?  Always. 

Free wheel'n

Threw the Doggyride, Luke and Elsa in the truck and away we went. 

This was to be Luke's second time in his little cart.  It's just been too hot to have him in it so I was excited to get going.

When we got to the park I took the cart out before Luke and Elsa.  I place it along side the truck and we ventured off without it.  Luke and Elsa met their friend Hank and all had the customary excited greeting.  I wanted to give Luke time to sniff, pee and anything else he wanted to do before putting him into the cart.  It wasn't long before his legs started to give way so we head back to the car, slowly.

Luke is most definitely not a fan of the cart yet but he will be.  I LOVED it today; what a sense of freedom.  Elsa is of course up for really long walks so with Luke in his cart we can go forever.  The large screen was closed at first, for safety; just in case Mr. Luke decided to leap out.  Seeing that he wasn't I opened up the screen so he could get more cool air in there.  

Luke, started to relax in his ride.  Elsa is learning the ropes as well.  She walked great right beside the cart for most of the time.  We got her leash caught in the wheel a couple of times but we're working it all out.  I even gave it a bit of a jog test (although I am NOT a fan of jogging) and it felt amazing.  I might just start jogging, we'll see. 

Happy Poodle day.  Thank you Teri for taking these two photos.  

Come on cooler weather.  

A path of destruction

 

Here is the results of a bulldozer (Bull Terrier) running into the screen protector. 

 

As I said yesterday, Penny was at our house for a visit over the weekend.  The girls played, rested and played some more.  Well into the evening, Penny was wandering around the backyard so I did what any Grandma would do, I stalked her.  She was on one side of the fence; I was on the other as we continued the game.  Elsa joined in charging and attacking Penny who then began a full blown Bull Terrier style zoom.  She raced around the yard like a maniac; hunched over with her tail tucked as the zoom took over her body. 

 

When she left the grass area I never even considered what happened next, might be a possibility.  Being that it was evening I had closed the screen door into the living room; I guess she never saw the door because she ran head first into it.  This was no regular slam into the screen; this was a full speed, Bull Terrier force hit.  The door screeched as she hit; we all stopped in our tracks at the sound, even Penny.  What the? 

 

I approached the door as Penny charged off to continue her playing.  I surveyed the damage; man, a Bull Terrier is truly like a bowling ball.  The door was half in the house, half out.  The screen protector had suffered quite an impact and had the dent to prove it.  I grabbed the edge of the door and tried to right it; but it was wedged in place so hard that I could not budge it.  I tried for 20 minutes to get the door out of its forced entry position.  With all of my might I pulled and struggled. The door screech again as I tried to pull it into place.  Penny stopped playing with Elsa and watched, she was quite upset by the sound.  It was the same sound she had heard when she hit the door.  I left the door, giving my arms a break and time to consider what needed doing. 

 

After a while I returned with a screw driver and rested arms.  I tried again, rested, then tried some more.  With the screwdriver under the door I gave it a lift while trying to hoist the door t the same time aand it was finally out.  Once again I surveyed the damage.  I never even considered that Penny was damaged as she had charged off immediately after impact.  Her and Elsa continued to play. 

 

 

 

This is the next day, it looked much worse the day after.  There was no redness after it initially happened, just missing hair and what looked like scratches. 

 

When Penny's Mom got home she immediately asked what happened to her head.  I didn't have my glasses on and hadn't even noticed.  Elsa and Penny had been brawling intensely for an hour after the incident. 

 

 

 

The next day as I prepared to complete the door repair; I found Penny's hair where she had hit.  The door was not closing properly so I had to remove it and straighten out some of the metal frame which had been damaged by the impact.  Once that was done the door seemed almost back to normal.  A piece of the wheel that the door slides on had broken off and of course there was the huge indentation from a Bull Terrier head left in it. 

 

                                                         Yep, that's Penny hair. 

So, in conclusion I have discovered that Penny does in fact run with her head down for a good portion of time.  She did not impact the door with her nose, but the top of her head.  She hit the door with such force that she had an impression of the screen protector on her head; minus some of her hair which she left in the door itself.   There have been a few occasions of dogs hitting the screen door before this; but none with such an impact to even shift the door out of place.  For the average dog, a screen protector works wonderfully.  For a Bull Terrier, perhaps it is not such a good thing.  Would it have been better to have her just run through the screen?  In our previous house, our little Jack Russell Jessie regularly ran through the screen after lizards.  She was unharmed by going through the screen but the screen had to be replaced many times.  Perhaps this is the way to go with a Bull Terrier?  Although there was one time when our Jack Russell ran through the screen, taking the whole door with her.  I can picture the scenarios of Penny going through; running into the door from the inside out and bringing the whole door with her.  Maybe not such a great plan. 

So here is the question:  When you have a tank like dog running full speed; is anything in it's path safe?  Ah Penny, gotta love that little Pig/shark. 

Finally fall

We had some beautiful weather over the weekend for the dogs to enjoy.

Penny was over for a visit, yay Penny.  

Watching Elsa.

Luke joins in the yard fun.

Penny pretending that she is not following Luke.  

Love this time of year for low light photos. 

A beautiful beam of light was cast into my living room just waiting for a dog to enter. 

A fraction of a second before the next phoeo.

You can barely see it but there is a rainbow down Elsa's neck.

Can you say intense?

Ha! Caught by Grandma.  Penny watching the wall for camera glimmers.

Here is the rainbow that is in our living room every afternoon with the low sun.  

A break between brawling.

Waiting for a bubble to come down.

The maniac bubble chaser in full pursuit while Penny tries to stay out of the way.

Penny's favorite guy.  

We had a great day until Penny ran full speed into the screen door, that blog tomorrow.  

A table for three please!

 

Elsa making herself comfortable with her Brad. 

 

Last night Elsa and I drove up the coast to Huntington Beach.  My son lives there so we were visiting.  She had never been to Brad's new place so we stopped there before heading to dinner.  Elsa is an intense dog; always at a high level of awareness.  As we entered Brad's house she immediately dropped her head and began the scenting.  A second later she was open mouth smiling at Brad.  (wish I could have captured it but she was speeding around)  Huge open mouth toothy grins directed at one of her very favorite humans.  One of Brad's roommates also received a few big grins as well. 

 

She checked out the entire house, diving on Brad's bed and viewing the surroundings out the windows.  Then she flew down the stairs and waited for direction.  Outside again and up a couple of blocks to the Zimzala Restaurant and Bar at the Shorebreak Hotel which is a VERY dog friendly hotel and restaurant. 

 

The hostess brought us to a tall table which didn't seem appropriate being that we were with Elsa  I asked if we could have a couch area instead.  Well, Elsa made herself at home immediately.  Our waitress was wonderful; in fact Elsa came unglued each time she appeared.  I'm sure she thought that these people in black shirts were sent from heaven; they always arrived with food in hand.  It took until the end of our meal for Elsa to stop wagging at our waitress each time she came to the table. 

 

As soon as we sat down the waitress appeared with three bowls of water.  She placed one down for Elsa and made her way to the other tables where dogs were dining. 

 

 

Going over the dog menu with Elsa.  She's thinking. 

 

 

 

We went with the Nibbles and Bits.  I was going to get Elsa the yogurt dipped bacon but she needed a good dinner. 

 

The potatoes looked so good I was tempted to grab one out of the bowl. 

 

After Brad cut up her food so that it would cool; she dove in, no questions asked.

 

 

 

Shorebreak Hotel goes above and beyond as far as dog friendly.  We will be making this our "go to" place with Elsa.  They not only allow dogs to accompany you but make you and your dog feel very welcome.  The service is great, super friendly and accommodating. 

 

Taking your dog out for excursions like this is really good for them.   Some dogs can go anywhere and don't seem bothered by their surroundings; while others are constantly aware, that is Elsa.  She is always watching; she never misses a thing and is constantly assessing, sort of like her Mom (me, not her real Mom).  I'm sure next time we arrive she'll have her napkin on her lap and ready to dig in.   

                                 
                                    The view from our table, not too shabby. 

I'm tiptoeing

I'm tiptoeing around, trying to pass Luke without waking him but it's not happening.  At 14 years old his hearing has only slightly diminished.  At the same age Tilley and Jessie's hearing was awful; I found myself constantly yelling.  After they passed it was difficult to get back into the "not yelling" mode.  Calling Luke and Elsa for dinner took the longest as that was the only time I really needed to get Jessie's attention.  Any other time I would just go get her; find her and bring her wherever I needed her to go.   But Mr. Luke is keeping his hearing pretty well; I am rarely able to pass by without him waking. 

I hate that my movements cause Luke to get up and follow.  Of course I love that my dogs feel the need to be near.  Both Luke and Elsa are very close follower types.  Tilley and Jessie were not as panicked followers; my boy before Luke (Clyde) was.  Most of my dogs have been followers; some more than others.  I have never in all my years of living with dogs; had a dog that didn't care where I was.  With Luke being a close kind of guy; it is important for him to be where I am.  Elsa is even worse than Luke; she needs to be inches from me, whereas Luke is good with a few feet.  

Luke's worst age issue is by far his back legs.  They give him grief daily and in the morning they are at their low as far as strength goes.  The longer he is down the harder it is to get up.  But being 14, he needs to sleep; and I would like to allow him to do that in long sessions. but I move around a lot.  Moving means that Luke is following.  He has even changed his position in the living room so that I cannot come or go without him knowing.  He is now lying right in the middle of the walkway from one room to another.  There he has full view of the front door, stairs going down and up and the family room.  So he's got me covered.

Just this morning I tried my hardest to tip toe past, but nope.  He awakened and I quickly set my hand on him; telling him to "wait, I'll be right back."  He has started waiting when I tell him to.  But I only have a small time frame to get back in sight.  He knows that when I say "I'll be right back," that I will indeed be back.  

On one hand the following is a good way for him to keep moving.  He still follows me up and down the stairs; although I am always behind him going up and in front of him going down.  He has a difficult time on walks so they are very short; at least his moving about during the day does keep him mobile.  Although I really wish that he could sleep for longer periods of time without waking.  I am lucky in that he is a good sleeper and pretty much is asleep as soon as his head his the pillow.  I just hope that Elsa can sleep well when she grows old; that one always has one eye open, ready at a moments notice.  

For now I try to bring my water, snacks, phone, camera etc up to the office with me so that I can sit for while.  This lets Luke sleep interrupted.  As long as I stay put, he stays put and asleep.  There truly is nothing like an old dog.  

Stupid people

I am furious this morning.  I just got back from a walk with Luke and Elsa that ended with me shaking my head.  Sadly this is a very common occurrence.  Because both Luke and Elsa came on the walk this morning; we hit a nice quiet park where there are very few issues that I've run into.  Of course there was the one when the Bouvier charged poor Elsa but I know what time those folks frequent the park.  It was very nice and quiet this morning as we slowly meandered around the perimeter.  Luke loves to lift his leg on pretty much everything, as does Elsa.  

Whenever I am out with the dogs I am scanning; constantly scanning out ahead of us.  I don't like surprises; they don't give you time to react accordingly.  My scanning is up a notch when I have Luke with us.  He is unstable on his feet so I am always looking for off leash dogs.  I don't care what breed they are; control is what I care about.  Does the owner have control?  As we made our way back to the car I spotted a regular.  I've seen him for years and he always has his dog (a German Shepherd) off leash.  That is fine as long as it doesn't come up to us.  So with a good distance between him and us I cut across the field towards my car.  Nearing my vehicle I spot another off leash dog; a red flag goes up immediately as I see that the owner is bent over inside the vehicle.  This clearly means that she is not paying any attention to her very large dog (which is also a German Shepherd) out in front of her car.  

I try to pick up our pace; something that is not easy to do with Luke now.  Judging the distance between them, us and my suv I quickly head for the back to get the dogs in.  I simply do not trust people to know enough about their dog.  My dog's safety is my first concern.  So as I just get Luke in and close the back the dog starts our way.  The owner is very involved in her phone and not paying attention at all.  A man walks by and it is very obvious that he is not cool with the big dog being off leash.  The dog continues heading in our direction and comes right up to me; sniffing my pants and staring me in the face.  Reaching a height clear past my waist and nearing my chest; I am not comfortable with the proximity of the strange dog.  The dialogue follows.

Owner - You must have a dog in there.

Me - Your dog should be on a leash.

Owner - (calls dog) Harley.  (No response)

Me - Your dog should be on a leash.

Owner - He's fine on the path.  

Me - what?

Owner - (calls dog again) Harley (nothing)

Me - What if my dogs aren't friendly?  I don't want your dog just coming up to us.

Owner - (calls dog again) Harley (nothing)

Then as I am getting into my car the dog approaches the open driver door and puts a foot up onto my running bar.  I wish I would have thought of my cell phone to take a picture but I was in the heat of the moment.  The owner doesn't even realize that her dog is now practically in my car.  She still has her head in her phone.  

Owner - (calls dog again) Harley (dog moves around to the back of my suv)

The dog is clearly looking for Luke and Elsa and goes around to the back again.  

 Owner - (calls dog again) HARLEY!!!!!

Me - NOT EVERYONE wants a huge dog approaching them.  

She is oblivious; as she walks away, still with her head in her phone the dog saunters off slowly.  NO, THIS IS NOT OKAY.   What if I was terrified of dogs?  What if I just didn't want a huge dog coming up to me like this?  What if Luke had been out of the car and done one of his "hey stay away" barks?  What would the big dog done then?  Stupid, stupid people, honestly.  

If you do not have control of your dog; keep it on a leash.  It is as simple as that; have respect for other people and their dogs.  Why should I have to try to hurry Luke back to the car because you want your dog off leash?  She had no control of her dog; she could not keep him with her and away from me.  

This is just becoming way too common; not cool, not cool at all.  

Single handed

Too late.

Last night I noticed that our yard had some nice light falling on it.  I grabbed the bottle of bubbles and head outside.  It didn't take me long to figure out that it is very difficult to blow bubbles and shoot at the same time.  I typically rely on my hubby for this activity as I shoot.  So I grabbed a few blind shots (holding the camera out to the side and hoping for the best) and then settled on the light, Luke and Elsa. 

Blind shooting is sort of fun to see what you capture.

Not bad for a blind shot.

Bubbles falling in front of Luke and the bubble monster coming up on the left. 

Left the bubbles for another day.  Of course Elsa went and got her ball then. 

That tail should be allowed to shine, no?

Lizard spotted.

Always looking for some sort of critter.

Luke doing some sunset meandering in his yard. 

Caregivers

Being a caregiver is a different line of work.  It is a decision to give care to others; human or animal, caregivers are a different bunch.  Whether you are looking for a dog or human caregiver; it can be a huge challenge to find the right one.  I have been interviewing and interviewing and interviewing to find good pet sitters who I feel comfortable leaving my dogs with.  My amazing sitter who has been watching my pack for years has finally retired at the age of 80.  I will miss her and her caregiving desperately.  It is a great feeling being able to go away and not worry about your furkids. 

The unfortunate thing is that when a sitter is really good; they get booked up very quickly.  Trying to get a weekend or a week of their free time can be nearly impossible.  But, finding that great sitter can also be a huge challenge.  Many sitters become pet sitters because they love dogs and cats.  Those are the sitters that you need to find; the few mixed in amongst the ones in it for a buck. 

Get a gut feel.  I read people; I've written about my people reading before but when I interview a prospective sitter, the reading level goes up.  I try to get a feel, a sense of who they really are; if that is indeed who is before me or someone that they are trying to be. 

Watch them with your dog/s.  This is huge.  How do they pet your dog?  How do they react when they initially enter your home?  What do they do when your dog dives on the couch and is face to face with them?  Licking, how do they react?  It is all very, very important. 

What do they offer as far care?  Do you like their business practices?  I interviewed one sitter who demanded 1/2 the price of a booking if you cancelled, at any point in time.  If you cancelled two weeks out from your trip; you had to pay the whole sitting fee.  Life happens and sometimes things change; getting nailed for a hefty sitting fee when you don't go anywhere is not right. Obviously she did not get booked.  I have talked to fabulous sitters who don't worry about cancellations because they know someone else will book them.    

Pet sitting is a business; BUT, it is a caregiving business which is very different than other businesses.  It has to be different and if a caregiver looks at caregiving as simply a business then it is probably not where they should be, career wise. 

If a sitter thinks that you are over the top in your request for the care level of your dog, move on. Their job is to care for your dog; but to also make it possible for you to go away and feel comfortable knowing that your dog is being cared for properly.  If you think for a second that someone is not caring for your dog properly; you are not going to enjoy or focus on your time away.

Sometimes I ignore that little voice inside; I think that maybe I'm just over analyzing.  But, I am almost always proven right in my initial gut feeling.  Listen to that voice inside when looking for a person to care for your dogs.  When you are not there for them; you need to know that someone else has their heart in the job.    

Do you remember?

They remember, they never forget.  So many people ask me if my dogs will remember them.  Now, logically there may be dogs like humans who just don't remember things easily.  But I have yet to meet one of those dogs; although I have met many humans who don't remember.  I visit one pet store regularly to get the dog food items that I purchase every couple of months or so.  I don't buy a lot of dog food but I like to have a small bag and several cans on hand.  I have been frequenting the store for years; had many in-depth conversations with the owner and even brought Luke and Elsa in.  Still, each time I go in it is like she has never seen me before.  Strange.

When a dog meets you; he/she has met you.  Your scent is put into their memory bank to draw upon in the future.  Just the other day I went to visit a past training client who happens to be one of my all time favorites guys.  He is a very large German Shepherd dog, who is stunning and intimidating; with his huge head and big boned, solid build.  It  had been years since I last saw him; I wondered how long it would take him to remember.  I did not wonder if he would remember; but how long it would take for my scent to jog his memory.  As I entered the gate he came charging down the stone steps at full speed.  If you were not a friend, it would be a good time to turn around and leave.  I called his name and his ears perked even higher up than they had been.  It took only a second for him to remember and the whining began.  I had to grab the railing to steady myself as all of his nearly 100lbs celebrated our coming together; the joy was completely mutual. 

When you have a dog that has an inhibited body language; it can be difficult to tell when they remember.  But, if you have a dog that is very showy with their emotions; you can be sure that dogs do indeed remember.  Both Luke and Elsa are very easy reads; they display largely and over the years they have shown me that dogs simply don't forget dogs or people that they have previously met.  I have a very good friendly that met Luke when he was young; it was a brief encounter, only a couple of hours.  She did not see him again until four years later.  My friend did not think he would remember; I knew that he would and he most certainly did.  He only reacts to very good friends the way he reacted to her; he knew that he'd met her before and was thrilled to see her again. 

Dogs are superior to humans in so many ways.  Not only do they always remember; they can associate scents to other people.  When my kids were young teenagers we always had a houseful.  When a parent would come to pick up one of their children that Luke had never met before; he would act like he already knew the person.  It always shocked me that he was able to put pack members together.  Luke was a very guarding and protective youngster so when I saw him openly accept strangers into his house because of a scent similarity, it was amazing. 

I am pretty good at remembering a face, names, not so much.  If I've met you I will remember; but it might take me a very long time to remember where, when and why.  Recently I have been interviewing a lot of pet sitters.  One sitter came to the house and I immediately thought "I know this person."  We talked a bit and I told her that she looked very familiar to me; so we discussed where we could have met.  Turns out I met her way back in the beginning of my training career; when I was just getting into group training, and of course I remembered the dog that she had back then.  Now, if Luke and Elsa had met her 14 years earlier; they would have known it immediately. 

Dogs are truly amazing, but these little signs can only be realized if you understand your dogs body language.  You will miss so much of what they know if you can't see it.  Even if you have a dog that is an exuberant displayer; you have to cipher through the excitement to understand what it all means.   

You are what you eat.

You are what you eat; or at least you feel like what you eat.  The other day a good friend of mine and I were having a conversation about dog food.  We were remembering foods like Gaines Burgers; remember those?  Food that looked like a real meat patty but wasn't?  My little toy poodle use to eat these.  I clearly remember unwrapping the plastic package and breaking a half of one up for him.  

Gaines Burger advertisement from the 80s. 

We discussed how dogs can live a long life on very poor grade dog food.  In fact many people who feed their dog very poor quality food often state "my previous dog lived to be 13 years old on the same stuff."  Yes, true, dogs can survive on crap food.  They can survive on very little actual nutrition but do you want them to?  Nutritional foods are what fuel the body; I know that I try to eat as much good nutrition as I can.  I mostly follow the Primal diet guidelines; but when I veer off of that and have a high carb day, I don't feel good.  The more high quality food that I eat on a regular basis; the worse I feel when I don't.  

Is the whole idea of having a dog just to keep them alive?  Or should we be working on having our dogs thrive?  I vote for thrive and feel great.  But dog owners are fed all sorts of stories, advertising and brain washing from many different sources.  Dog food is the way to go; buy a big bag for next to nothing and you'll save, save, save.  Hmmmmm.

Dogs evolved from wolves; so it is pretty simple to conclude that they should eat a diet which consists mostly of meat.  It is bad enough that our meat is not what it should be but many of the dog food companies take the worst protein source and process the hell out of it.  By the time it gets to your dog's bowl; there is absolutely nothing to thrive on.  Oh yes, they will survive; but do you want your dog to simply survive?

The most important thing to spend your money on is food.  Spend more on quality food and less on fancy collars, designer beds and outfits for your dog.  Put your money where their mouth is.  Give your dog the chance to feel their best, to thrive, not simply survive.  

I couldn't ignore that face.

Time for a snack.

He followed me upstairs, ran back down behind Elsa and I; he was not being left behind.  I looked at him and thought....  It is not often that Luke goes with Elsa for a walk any longer.  I like to have 100% attention on my old man when we go out so taking them out separately allows me to do that.  But that face, that adorable face melted my heart.  Luke loves to go out as a pack and yes there are days when I let my head make all the decisions but yesterday it was my heart.  He just had to go; I couldn't ignore that face.  Besides, he was having a very good morning and a pack walk would make him have an even better day.

Elsa was already spinning at the front door while Luke dodged her butt as it flew around.  For fourteen, he's pretty good at deeking and diving from that large rear end of hers.  When you are hit by it for the first time; only then will you understand the power that it holds.  :)  I grabbed my keys which is the cue that sends Elsa flying down the stairs.  Luke was close behind this morning; more signs that there was no way he was staying behind.  I smiled as he wagged furiously; knowing full well that his descent could only mean that he was indeed coming with us.  If he was not coming then I always tell him before he makes his way down the final four steps. 

We all piled into the Xterra and head to the park.  Luke hadn't been to this specific park in a very long time and when we were just about there; we saw Hank and his Mom leaving.  We stopped to say hi and she decided to turn around and join us for a once around.  It was so great for Luke to see a friend; he often smells friends on Elsa when we return which cannot be easy; but this time he got to join us.  Luke was knocked down a couple of times in the initial greeting but he was right back up on his feet.  It doesn't take much to knock him down at this point; and the interaction with friends far outweighed a moment of weakness.  

He was so happy to have joined us at the park.  It was good for him and good for me to see him so happy.  He cannot always come; my head must make the decisions most of the time.  But when I do make a heart decision, my head has weighed in on the issue as well.  I will never allow my heart to rule without checking in with my head.  ;)  

"His" spot.

 

It's all about comfort.

Things have been changing with alarming speed these days; with regard to Luke issues, that is. Slowly I have been adding more dog beds to our home.  We once had at least one or two dog beds in every single room of the house.  After Tilley and Jessie passed; we were down to only a few beds here and there.  Many of the beds were old and needed to be tossed; once gone they were not replaced.  Luke and Elsa use the couch mostly; both in the living room and the family room so I only had beds outside, in my office and bedroom.  There are now beds everywhere once again. 

The last and most significant change has been in the family room.  Luke has always made it quite clear that it is his favorite spot in the house.  He loves nothing more than when we all head down to the family room for tv. time.  He has his spot on the couch, animal print blankie and all; a blanket that has been "his" blanket for a very long time.  There is a large cushion under the blanket where he likes to prop up when he sleeps.  Well, recently that too has changed.  I purchased a nice foam pad and placed it right beneath "his" spot; giving him an option of where to sleep.  Lately he has been choosing the floor and the foam pad over "his" spot.   I propped three large cushions behind his spot so that he could lean up against them, he loves that.  But something just didn't seem right. 

Last night as we sat watching an episode of Boardwalk Empire; Luke seemed a little restless.   He used the bed then got up; stared at the couch then lay on the floor again.  My husband grabbed Luke's special cushion and blanket and placed it on the new foam pad at one end.  This made it just like the couch where Luke loved to spend hours on.  Luke literally ran over when he saw this and plopped himself down immediately; he rubbed his head on the cushion and licked his blanket.  It was quite obvious how happy he was about the change.  It was like he was in "his" spot minus the leap onto the couch.  I had been keeping "his" spot on the couch in case he wanted it; the step I couldn't take away from him, just in case.  But it was a step that had made him so happy; you just couldn't watch him and not know how happy this one small change had made him.  He rubbed his head on his pillow for a longtime before slipping quickly into his twitching. 

Well, there it is, another very big step in the transition of life.  Luke seems quite happy about it; now that his new "spot" has been made into "his spot."  I watched him for sometime, smiling; he was most definitely happy about this new change.  How can you not watch an old dog as they sleep so comfortable and sound and not smile?  It is what it is all about, the little things; and this small change meant a lot.  Living with an old dog is a gift; making sure that their golden years are golden is a time that we are gifted with giving.  I love adore my crazy old man.  :)

Accidents happen

 

It is difficult to see the bulk of it as she is sitting on it.  But you can see the polish on her tail and hind end.  Still shaking my head.

Glancing over at Elsa snuggled up on my bed this morning; I am shaking my head and laughing.  She's covered in nail polish; a dark grey color, mixed with an iridescent blue.  Her tail, her butt, down one side of her all got hit when my nail polish bottle flew off of my night table last night.  Nice.  I like to paint my nails before bed; it is a time when I actually have a few moments to let them dry.  I have done this for years and years; ever since my teenage days when my nails had to be a different color everyday, geesh.  So there I was about to apply my second coat; I grabbed the bottle by the lid which I forgot to twist on and it plunges to the floor. 

Freaking out, I flip on the light to see what damage I've done.  Great, all over the carpet.  Well, in all honesty the carpet had to go already.  The carpet is a taupe color which is the color of nail polish  I had planned on using until I could not get the stupid lid off.   So I'd had to go back in the bathroom and choose something different, dark grey with iridescent blue, charming.  No hiding this stuff, it looks like ink has been thrown across the carpet.  At this point I notice Elsa has jumped up onto my bed and is rubbing her face on the pillows; she hates the smell of nail polish and usually sneezes while rubbing her face.  Then it dons on me, did it get on her?  I call her off to check and see that she was indeed splattered and she is quite upset about it.  Not only is on the carpet and Elsa but it is now on my bed.  Thankfully only on the protective sheet that I keep on top of my bed; for moments like this or anything else undesirable. 

Into the bathroom we head as I start to rub it off her.   My idea is to get as much off so that it can at least dry; I realize there is no way to get it off without nail polish remover, which WILL NOT be used.  She will be getting a trim today; she has a great deal of nail polish on her rear end making it appear that she has had quite a horrible accident.  Hopefully I will be able to get most of it off without completely shaving her down.  The great thing is that it's just hair, it will grow and I will continue to cut it.  The carpet, well it has to go; and for anyone who knows me, knows I hate carpet in the first place. 

So I gave Elsa one million apologies and kisses; I laughed and we went to bed.  Good grief. 

How lucky am I?

 

A wonderful young Bouvier I had the privilege of meeting. 

"How lucky are we to have each other?" I asked Elsa while smothering her.  We had a little chat between the hugs and kisses that we were sharing.  I told her how lucky I felt to have her in my life and she reciprocated with more kisses.  This was one of those closeness moments saved for members inside the pack only.  Elsa is not stingy with her affection; he adores humans.  Over the years she has only questioned the motives of less than a handful of people who have come into her life.  If you are welcomed into her home or circle of trust out of the home; then you will be lavished with a snippet of Elsa.  She is a treasure, as is her older house sibling Luke. 

While working in my office yesterday; I looked down to see Luke stretching, rubbing his head and licking his dog bed.  He is a happy guy; how lucky am I to have such a great old man in my life?  I get to share these very special senior moments with him.  There is a magic shared between a human and canine who have spent so many years together.  His wish is my command basically; it is my job to make him happy and comfortable.  His job has already been fulfilled; he came into my life and changed me forever, there is no going back.  From the moment we met; it was love at first sight.  Fate intervened on that day and I am forever grateful.

In the world of canines, there are many different levels of connection.  There are the dogs that you meet in passing, a quick glance while walking by.  Others may be involved in more of a greeting and quick get to know you moment.  There are ones who become friends and others who become almost like your dog with an amazing connection, but not quite.  I know a lot of dogs; when I have the chance to really get to know one I am always overcome with a sense of "how lucky am I?"  I remember meeting a dog by chance at a dog park.  I was there to shoot dogs for my first photography book; I was capturing the dogs of Laguna Beach dog park when I met Wolfgang.  He was 17 years old at the time and literally on his last legs.  It was not long after the shoot that he left our world; his job and been accomplished and I got to meet him.  His guardian shared a piece of him with me; explaining where they had begun, done over the years and were then; at the end of what had been an amazing relationship. 

I never grow tired of hearing dog and human stories.  Sharing the connection through a human's eyes; often delivered by wordless interactions.  I remember watching an elderly man as he and his dog shuffled with their walker to a park bench.  There he sat with his very old dog; sharing a moment, which I had the privilege of sharing.  I never met the dog or the human; but it was a connection that was undeniable and amazing. 

Dogs come into our life at different stages and levels.  If we get to live with one or two throughout their life; we are definitely given a gift of intense connection.  But even a chance meeting can be a gift; even when it is a fleeting one, it can have great impact.  Many dogs have passed through my life; some leaving more of a mark than others.  But each and everyone one has touched me; "how lucky am I?"