Lost and Frightened

     One spring several years ago, as I was walking through the back lots to a friend's house, I noticed a small dog darting in and out of the bushes. Whenever I would stop, the dog would hide deep in the bushes.
     I saw this dog several times throughout the summer. On my first couple sights of this dog I assumed he was a new dog in the neighborhood. But the more frequently I saw him in the empty lots and noticed how shaggy his coat was becoming; I began to doubt that assumption.
     Not one of my neighbors knew anything about the dog. However one neighbor did tell me that the mean little dog had been sleeping under their deck and would growl and show its teeth whenever they chased it away.
     Now, from what I had observed whenever I saw the dog, he wasn't mean at all, just terribly frightened. I was also able to see he wore a collar with tags; that indicated to me that he was lost.
     Our yard was fenced in, with no gate to the back lots. Each day I would stand at the fence and call out to the dog by saying, "Here, Baby Boy". He would come out just so far and watch me from a safe spot within the bushes. Sensing he had made his home in these bushes, I began to set food and water on his side of the fence on a daily basis. He was eating and drinking everything I set out, but only when he was sure he was alone.
     Each day I would climb the fence and try to approach him. I didn't always see him, but I sensed he constantly had his eyes on me from a safe hiding spot in the bushes. Over time I began to gain his trust and he would start to move closer, but always a noise nearby would frighten him into a run.
     Winter was now upon us, and so far it had been very mild. But with a forecast of bitterly cold temps moving in, I knew I had to catch the dog and do it fast.
     The 'dog catcher' showed up at my door, after hearing rumor that I was close to bringing the dog in. His plan was that I coax the dog close and he would shoot a net over the dog. After working so hard at gaining the dog's trust, I wasn't about to let this man scare the dog back into hiding.
     I assured the 'dog catcher' that I would have Baby Boy in my hands before nightfall.

     With a bitter wind and temperatures quickly falling, will I be able to finally catch this frightened little dog whom I had named Baby Boy. Tune in next time to see how this 'tail' ends.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

What Dreams Are Made Of

     Do you ever watch your dog sleep and find it obvious that they are in the midst of a joyous dream? You hear the soft sound of a whimper as the legs are in motion, and if you watch closely you might even catch sight of a little grin on that sleeping face.
     I prefer to believe that all of their dreams are happy dreams. After all, how could these sweet innocent creatures possibly have bad thoughts creeping into their sleeping minds?
     Our dog, Whitney, sleeps on our bed most nights. Often I feel her little legs begin moving as she happily dreams the night away, probably enjoying a flying run through the yard.
     I am with Tucker and Stanley often, and have seen both dogs in dream mode many times. Occasionally I get the enjoyment of watching all three dogs napping the afternoon away.
     The last time Tucker was here for a sleepover, he obviously was having a very busy dream. As he lay sleeping, next to a dresser, his legs were in constant motion; and with each movement his feet would rattle the dresser. Upon hearing his feet thump against the dresser, Whitney hurried to his side. After sniffing Tucker's sleeping body and determining that her friend was fine, she returned to her spot on the bed.
     No, I don't know for sure what they dream, but it's not hard for me to imagine what might be in their dream filled minds.
     Tucker's dreams are probably filled with thoughts of chasing those elusive fish in the lake; or visions of that important ride in the truck with Steve. On a hot day his dreams may be of that roll in the nice cold snow of winter.
     Two of Whitney's joys are stealing our socks and eating cheese. In her dreams I imagine visions of her plotting where she can hide that next sock. Perhaps she is still savoring the taste of that wonderful snack of cheese she had earlier. Or she might be anticipating lapping up the remains of milk in a cereal bowl.
     Stanley's dreams are probably filled with thoughts of the never ending chipmunk chase, or hunting gophers with Brian. After spending the day with Whitney, his dreams may be of his favorite 'Greenie' toy.
     Sweet dreams to all the furry four-leggers, everywhere.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

A Day at the Book Fair

     Saturday was a busy day for me at the Northwoods Art Festival and Book Fair in Hackensack, MN. Although my sales were not as I had hoped for, I was still very pleased with the outcome.
     The networking was great: I was able to talk with several Minnesota authors, who shared with me some new contacts in the writing and publishing world.
     Many of the authors that were present write mystery novels, (which just happen to be one of my favorite reads). Although I didn't get a chance to talk with all of the authors, I was able to spend some time talking with David Fingerman, a mystery/horror writer from the Twin Cities. I'm very excited to begin reading his book, 'Silent Kill', which takes place in the Twin Cities. If you are interested, visit his website at www.davidfingerman.com.

     Even though I have started work on my next two books, with all of the eye problems I've had these past few months, it has been a challenge to put the work I need to into them. However, talking with these talented authors has given me the push I have needed to continue my work on Runt's ever evolving adventures.
     Whenever I do a book signing I decorate my table with dog related items. This always brings the dog lovers to my table. Each dog lover that stops by is eager to share their own personal dog story with me. (Something we dog lovers all enjoy doing.)
     One lady, who stopped by my table on Saturday, told me that she and her husband adopt abused dogs from the Humane Society; always having four dogs living with them.
     Another woman I chatted with also adopts abused dogs, and usually has six dogs in their household.
     Still, another woman shared with me the story of her daughter, who is in the Air Force and lives in Texas. She takes in strays and abused dogs and currently has nine dogs in her household.
     Like the three stories I just mentioned, I know there are many more people across this land of ours who unselfishly rescue and raise abused dogs. My heartfelt thanks to all of you; you truly are heroes!

 So long, I'll see you soon!

Another Visit

     Yesterday I was in St Cloud for a follow-up visit with my eye surgeon. Thankfully my retina is remaining attached. However, I now have horrible blurry double vision in that eye and all night vision is gone. The cataract that I was told could be a possible side effect from my surgery is now a reality. Next month I visit with a cataract specialist and see what the next plan of action is. Until I know more, my plan is to just grin and bear it.
     As is usual when we are gone for the day, Whitney spent the day at Tucker's house. Although Whitney was very excited to see Diane when she came in to get her, when Whitney realized they were walking she halted and refused to move. For the last two months the deer flies have been awful and Whitney seems to be a deer fly magnet, so her reluctance to go is understandable. But once Diane got her moving and she realized the flies were gone, she happily joined Diane for the walk.
     Whitney enjoyed her favorite spot on the dock, watching Tucker 'fish'. When not on the dock, she was Diane's shadow; wherever Diane went, Whitney was always one step behind her. Until...

Mia

     Diane and Steve's company began arriving in the afternoon. Along with the new two-leggers that arrived, came two new four-leggers, (one large and one very small). When new dogs enter Whitney's world she seems to get into a panic mode, especially when one is so much larger than she is. When Whitney was greeted by Mia, a large Golden-doodle, she instantly began her frightened 'scream'. I do believe that her 'scream' is partly fright, but more so it is her unique style of greeting other dogs. As she realized that Tucker was okay with these new four-leggers, she calmed down, and each dog went about their own business of exploring.

Chin Sue

     Chin Sue, the small dog, was excited to meet Whitney and wanted to play with her new friend. But Whitney being Whitney only plays on her own terms, and only when she feels its play time. (A fact that Tucker clearly understands, but Chin Sue and Mia needed to learn on their own.)
     When I arrived late in the afternoon to pick Whitney up, I was eagerly greeted by all of the dogs. I watched as Whitney avoided all attempts of Chin Sue to get her to play. As I looked into Chin Sue's eyes I heard, "I give up. I'll be over there playing with Mia if Whitney should change her mind."
     Eventually, after observing the fun Mia and Chin Sue were having, Whitney did get a burst of playfulness and joined in. Tucker was sitting close by, and smiled with approval as Whitney finally joined the play fest.

     So long, I'll see you soon!
     
    

Here He Comes Again

     When last we saw Stanley the chase was on again and he was dodging my grasping hands. Did I see a bit of laughter in his eyes each time I missed catching his wiggly little body? I believe I did.
     Despite this issue and many indoor pooping surprises, Stanley and I made it through those three days.
     As I previously stated, Stanley is a genuinely happy 'four-legger'. From his early puppy days, he easily amused himself running up and down our long hallway: sometimes tossing a toy as he ran, other times he simply ran for the pure enjoyment of running. 
     As you watch him bounce from place to place, you can almost hear him sing: "Oh, I'm so happy to be me. Oh yes I am, am, am."
     Watching this little 'four-legger' perform some of his unbelievable agility maneuvers, you would swear there is some cat mixed in with his Papillon breed.
     Whitney came on the scene shortly after Stanley's arrival. Having not socialized with other dogs very often, Whitney didn't know how to handle this bouncing ball of energy that was relentlessly in her face.
     To try and get Whitney to play with him, Stanley would, (and still does); bite at her legs and ears. Usually that would get her playing for a short time, but when she was done she clearly let him know that was enough. He would back off and quickly find a few other things to occupy his busy mind.
     At times, Stanley has a very mischievous, naughty side to him. A good example of this would be that I have had a Campbell's Soup doll since I was a child. She sat in a spot that Stanley had passed by countless times, every day. I came home one evening and there sadly sat my now handless doll. The shredded pieces of her tiny hands were strewn across the carpet.
     He was very naughty and he knew it. When he looked up at me with those innocent blinking eyes, I heard, "I don't know what came over me, but I'm really sorry, Auntie Dar."
     As mad as I get at the little stinker, one look into those eyes and it's quickly forgotten. He figured out, very early on, how to use a couple blinks of his eyes to his advantage.
     Stanley is still in puppy mode, but I strongly suspect he will forever be in puppy mode.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Enter Stanley

     I have mentioned Stanley in several postings, so I think it's time you learned more about him and how he came to be 'neighbor dog Stanley'.
     In October 2009 a tiny Papillon puppy joined our neighborhood. He was eight weeks old when our friend's next door brought him to his new home.
     Finding a suitable name that fit his quickly forming personality did take his owner's a few days. When they tried the name Stanley, we all knew there couldn't be a more perfect name.
     Since Stanley often spends the day with us while his owner's are at work and sleepovers if they are out of town, we have gotten to know the little guy extremely well.
     Stanley is a genuinely happy dog. Add to that a bit of A.D.D. issues and you have a non-stop little fur ball of energy. He is like a wind up toy that doesn't stop until he's totally exhausted. Even then, all he needs is a 10 minute snooze to be fully recharged.
     He has a strong independent side to him that was obvious from the beginning. The first time I dog sat him, with sleepovers involved, he was about 12 weeks old. Our yard was not yet fenced in at that time, so I obviously wanted him on a leash at potty time.
     He wanted no part of having something placed around his neck. Not having a collar that was small enough for his tiny neck, I rigged up a leather bracelet as a collar. Along with him being so small, he's extremely fast; so catching him to put this collar on proved to be a difficult challenge.
     Eventually I was able to catch him, put the collar on, attach the leash, and bring him outside to do his business.
     Next challenge: get him to move while on the leash. As soon as we stepped outside he would set his butt down and give me stubborn look that said, "Uh-uh, I'm not moving!"
     As I gave his leash a firm, but gentle tug, he quickly figured out that if he twisted his head and pulled, he could snap open the makeshift collar. The first time that happened I don't know which of us was more surprised.
     Once he realized he was free, he was off and running and the chase was on again.
     There is so much more to the Stanley tale, so stay tuned for next time.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Six Watching Eyes

     Saturday morning, Tucker, Whitney, and I were sitting on our deck as I sipped my first cup of coffee. I stepped into the house for a few moments while Tucker and Whitney snoozed. When I returned there were three sets of eyes staring through the screen at me.
     Tucker was seated two feet from the doorway. Seated below Tucker, with noses a mere inch from the screen, were Whitney and Stanley. All six eyes were intently watching my every move as I approached the door. I had to chuckle at the sight of Tucker's body towering over those two little squirts. It would have made a great photo. (Note to self: a camera should be close at hand at all times!)
     The moment was gone as soon as I slid the door open. Stanley immediately began bouncing up and down, clearly announcing his presence. I looked into his eyes and heard, "I'm here, I'm here!" The Pointer Sisters song, 'I'm So Excited' was instantly playing in my head as I watched this bouncing ball of energy.
     Ignoring his bouncing body, Tucker and Whitney skirted around Stanley and went directly to their dishes. Suddenly realizing that there was food to be had, Stanley stopped his bouncing and hurried to the feeding area.
     Being the smallest of the three, Stanley impatiently waited as Tucker and Whitney went about their eating; hoping that there would be some food left in at least one of the dishes. When Tucker stepped back from his bowl, Stanley looked on in shock as Whitney moved the few steps to Tucker's now available dish. He quickly realized that Whitney's dish was now unattended, and eagerly moved in. In just a few short minutes all three dogs were satisfied.
     Later in the afternoon it was obvious the dogs were ready for a nap. Suddenly that seemed pretty appealing to me, too. I stretched out on the recliner, with Tucker lying at my feet, Whitney by my side, and Stanley curled up on my lap. A good long nap was had by all.
     Too bad no one was around to get a picture of that. Hmm...Actually that's probably a good thing; now there is no visible proof that I was sloughing off and I know for certain the dogs won't tell.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Staying Busy and Cool

     In my last posting I mentioned some of Tucker's 'elderly dog' issues: arthritis, diminished hearing, the heat, and the tiredness.
     His arthritis pain is controlled by two pills a day. Fortunately he thinks the pills are extra treats, and he eagerly gobbles them down. Wrap a pill in a little bread with some peanut butter and he drools with anticipation.
     Tucker's hearing issues are obvious. Some sounds he truly does not hear. (Hmm...or maybe it's just selective hearing?) One sound he does hear loud and clear is Whitney's shrill bark.
     From Whitney's chair, on our deck, she is very attentive to every sound and sight. As soon as something catches her attention she lets out her patent scream. Tucker, who may be in a deep sleep close by, quickly is on his feet and lets out his roar of a bark. He then looks to Whitney for guidance as to why he is barking. Soon they are both running along the fence, barking at whatever evoked the scream from Whitney.

     Naps come often, not only for Tucker but also for Whitney. The difference between the two: Whitney sleeps with her ears on alert. No intruder will slip past her keen ears. Tucker is fully aware of this and knows that Whitney will wake him if anything of importance happens.
     As for the heat, fortunately the temperature has been fairly comfortable, with the nights cooling down very nicely. With his soft bed on the floor below the window, Tucker sleeps like a baby.
     As always, meal times are especially entertaining. I prepare each dog's food in their own separate dish. For some reason Whitney has decided she will only eat from Tucker's dish. She stands aside and intently watches him eat. When he steps away she moves in and eats what is left in his dish. He graciously steps aside and moves on to her dish.
     Whitney has refused to join Tucker and I on our morning walks. I can totally understand why: her black body is like a deer fly magnet. One minute out and the flies are all over her. She patiently sits in her chair in the safety zone of our deck and waits for our return.
     Friday did prove to be a warm day. To keep Tucker cool, Whitney and I brought him to his lake for afternoon and evening 'fishing' outings. To see the joy on his face as he leaps in the water at his fish, is priceless.
     Tucker is truly one of a kind, and I am honored that he invited me into his life.

     So long, I'll see you soon!
    

Tucker is Here

     We have a very special guest staying with us for a week: neighbor dog Tucker. It is always a joy for us when the opportunity arises that we can dog sit him. He is so well behaved, that it's really no different from having a two-legger guest.
     Unfortunately, for Tucker, he does have some old age issues: diminished hearing, arthritis, and he gets tired out quicker than he use to. (Hmm...sounds a lot like us two-leggers, doesn't it.)
     Also, because of his size, he is always warm, whether it is summer or winter. The hot weather of summer is obviously a more difficult time for him.
     Yesterday afternoon I drove Tucker and Whitney to his home for a nice cool swim in the lake. After some romping in the yard, Tucker trotted into the water and Whitney went to her observation spot on the dock.
     Tucker quickly went about his 'fishing', while Whitney attempted to fight off the pesky deer flies that were hovering around her, and myself.
     There were several people and one dog splashing in the water at the neighbor's cabin. On Tucker's second dip in the lake he decided he should swim over for a visit. About halfway there he apparently decided it wasn't worth the effort and soon joined Whitney and me on the dock.
     Dried off and ready to return to our house, Whitney jumped in the front seat of my car, while I helped Tucker into the back seat. As I drove up our gravel road, guess who suddenly appeared from the side of the road? None other than neighbor dog Stanley. As I pulled to a stop, Stanley sat below my door. I looked into his eyes and heard, "Could you please give me a ride, Auntie Dar." After leaving with two dogs, I returned with three.
     I feel very fortunate to have all of these dogs in my life. For me, dogs have a very calming effect, on what is sometimes a very stressful life.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Whitney's Home Away From Home

     DJ and I just returned from a few wonderful days spent in the Twin Cities. While we were away, Whitney was able to stay at her favorite second home: Diane, Steve, and Tucker's house.

     Whenever Whitney stays there, I know she stays very busy with long walks, running through the yard, chasing chipmunks, and spending a great deal of time on her new favorite spot: the dock.
     From that spot she can keep an eye on Tucker's 'fishing', and oversee any other activities that may be happening on the lake. Also from her dock position she's able to keep a close watch on what work her friend Diane may be doing.
     The first night she was there, neighbor dog Bracken also had a sleepover with her and Tucker. Apparently meal time was quite a smorgasbord, with each dog wandering to the others dish.
     Whitney has had enough sleepovers at Tucker's that she has a favorite chair that she has claimed as 'her' bed. (A bed that she is not shy about retreating to whenever she chooses.) Apparently after one of their long walks a tired Whitney went downstairs and stretched out on 'her bed' for a comfy long nap.
     I've mentioned in previous postings about Whitney's aversion to getting wet. One afternoon, after lazing on the dock, she decided to cool off by rolling in the sand at the edge of the water. Diane watched as an unaware Whitney was getting dangerously close to rolling into the lake. As soon as that realization hit her, she flew from the sand and back onto the safety of the dock.
     Perhaps if she had rolled into the water she would have finally realized what Tucker has been trying to teach her all along: the lake is a great place to cool you down on a hot day.
     Keep trying, Tucker, maybe one day she'll be daring and follow you in.

     So long, I'll see you soon!