The Eye Again

     I am so sorry it has been so long between postings. The torn retina in my eye that was treated with laser a few weeks ago, decided to detach last week. I was immediately sent to Minneapolis to have emergency eye surgery. Because of the type of eye surgery needed, I was required to have my head facing down for five days. (A very uncomfortable position to remain in for that long.)
     With this type of surgery a gas bubble is placed inside the eye and dissolves in about six weeks. While the bubble is in place I am only able to distinguish some shapes out of that eye. I have been told my vision should return in several weeks. It may not return to where it was, but at least I will be able to see.
(On a humorous note, DJ told me she is going to start calling me 'Bubble head'.)
     Because of the urgency of our unplanned trip to the cities, we had to call upon our dear friend's, Diane and Steve, to take care of the dogs. Yes, I said dogs. We are dog sitting DJ's sister's dog, Sophie, for a few weeks.
     The many times Whitney has stayed with Diane and Steve, I know she is treated like royalty. (She even has her own special chair there, that they call 'Whitney's throne'.)
     Even though Sophie was an extra dog thrown into the mix, I know she was given the same loving kindness that Whitney always receives. We are deeply grateful for all your help through this ordeal.
     Since my head had to remain in that position, neither Whitney or Sophie could be on my lap. When I looked into their eyes, I could see this was something that confused and upset both dogs. Even though they both sensed something was wrong with me, they still craved the usual attention I always gave them.
     When Diane stopped by to check on me, Whitney and Sophie greeted her with such excitement, as if they were saying, "Hi Diane. What fun stuff do you have planned for us today?"
     Our vision is a precious gift that we take for granted. Even under the careful watch of my eye doctor, I came dangerously close to losing this gift forever.
     So my friends, if you notice changes in your vision, see an eye professional immediately. Take care of this precious gift.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

    

Just One Taste, Please

     Remember the hungry four-leggers I talked about in my last posting? Well, there back and as hungry as ever.

Hey, we're hungry down here!

     Size doesn't matter in the least at begging time. Big dogs, little dogs, they all want a taste of what we two-leggers are eating. Whether they get a whiff of what we have or not, if they see us put something in our mouth, their attention peeks.

Just one taste, please.

     Sharing is what it's all about. After all we do teach our dogs, early on, about sharing: to get along with your fellow four-leggers you have to learn the importance of sharing. But they need to understand that their two-legger companions were teaching them about sharing space, toys, attention, and treats at treat time. Not our food at meal time.
     Are they really that hungry or is it just a curiosity? Only the four-legger world holds the answer to that.
     Most dogs will eat just about anything. They especially want a taste of what their owner is obviously enjoying.
     Surprisingly I did find a food that my dog, Tammy, would not eat. It wasn't just this particular dog, our next dog, Missy, disliked the same food. What was this unlikeable food? Lutefisk! (Probably not surprising to some of you, including myself.)
     Being of Norwegian descent, our Christmas Eve traditional meal was Lutefisk. The rule for all of the kids was, whether you liked it or not, you had to eat some. Some, meaning more than just a swallow. I was one who who didn't like it, and always being the stubborn one, I would refuse to eat it.
     The bribe to get us to eat it? No opening your presents until your plate was clean.
     Every year it always ended up the same: one of my cousins and myself sitting alone at the table, listening to the fun going on in another room. Eventually my cousin would give in and quickly eat his Lutefisk, then hurry out of the room.
     That left me all alone, staring at my Lutefisk. Although, I wasn't entirely alone; my begging Tammy was in position underneath the table. As I looked into her pleading eyes, the brilliant idea occurred to me: Give it to Tammy, she'll eat it. Boy was I wrong on that. She eagerly took one taste and immediately spit it to the floor. She gave her head a shake and left the room. Now, I was truly alone.
     Each Christmas the same scenario would occur. Tammy never acquired a taste for it, (and that wasn't for my lack of trying).
     After Tammy was gone, Missy entered our home. Now Missy would eat any and everything. So logically, at Christmas, she would eat my Lutefisk.Right? I was wrong again. Just like Tammy before her, Missy left me sitting alone at the table.
     To this day I still do not eat Lutefisk. So, Whitney don't worry, you're safe!

     So long, I'll see you soon!
  

To Beg or Not To Beg

     I know it's unacceptable behavior to let your dog beg at the table during mealtime. I'm an adult, so I understand that. Right? But when you look into those pleading eyes looking up at you, sometimes it's a little hard to resist. I have to admit I'm a sucker for those dark pleading eyes; after all what's one little bite going to hurt. Honestly, I really do try my best to resist.

Just a taste, please

     When Whitney came into our home, that was one rule DJ had said we would enforce; and I did firmly follow that rule. Ah-hem, who was the first to break this rule? DJ, not me.
     The first time I actually caught DJ slipping Whitney a bite, I very quickly realized this wasn't the first time. Surprisingly, since I'm the sucker for that 'look', I have not broken this rule.
     Remember now, I did say from the table. We generally eat our dinner on TV trays, on the couch in the family room, so technically we are not 'at the table'. Whitney gets in position between us and the eyes are much harder to resist. So in all fairness to DJ, I do admit that Whitney does get a taste now and then from me.
     Tucker's owners are strict enforcers of this rule. Whenever Tucker is at our house we respect that, and neither dog is allowed near the table or our TV trays.
     When I was a child we had the same rule at our table: No feeding the dog at the table. But as I said, I was a kid and kids aren't always the best listeners.
     Whenever there was an opening, when I thought I wouldn't get caught, I would sneak a bite under the table to my dog's eagerly awaiting mouth. And yes, my brother would do the same. Between the two of us our dog was fed a pretty good meal.
     Oh, we would usually get caught and promise not to do it again. When the next opportunity arose, my brother and I had already forgotten that promise.
     Funny thing is, there were times, out of the corner of my eye, I would see Mom's hand sneak under the table.  Hmm... gee I wonder what she was doing. My brother and I would look at each other and giggle, but we never said a word.
     At times, it seems that dogs have a never ending appetite. For that reason, this merits being a two part posting. So dogs out there; No begging, while you patiently wait for part two.

     So long, I'll see you soon.
   

Let's Party

Whitney

     Our neighborhood is small, but in it are a wonderful group of 'two-leggers' and most everyone has a 'four-legger' companion. Whenever we all get together our dogs are always included.
     Neighborhood dog Bracken's owners held a dinner party the other night. This party was no exception, all the 'four-leggers' attended.
     Sensing the festive atmosphere all the 'four-leggers' were geared up for an evening of fun.
     Because of work, I was the last to arrive. Whitney and Stanley greeted me in the driveway with obvious excitement. When I looked into their eyes, I heard, "Hurry up. Let's party." After that was said the two quickly ran to the other dogs, letting them know I had finally arrived.
     Tucker left whatever he was tending to, and hurried to my side. Being the stately gentleman that he is, he escorted me to the party.

Stanley

     At the steps Bracken was anxiously awaiting his turn to greet me. Bracken is the newest addition to the neighborhood and is still adjusting to all the new 'two-leggers'. Even being an older dog, I think it's safe to say this was Bracken's first party.
     Whitney and Stanley, the smallest and youngest of the four, were unstoppable in their partying. Chasing each other round and round the yard, occasionally slowing down to track an unsuspecting chipmunk that had scooted through the yard.

Bracken and Tucker

     Tucker and Bracken, knowing that they couldn't keep up with the  youngsters, decided it best to join the kids only when they were slowly nosing around in the woods.
     As Tucker watched the two fast moving kids fly by him, I sensed he was happily cheering his two friends on.
     As the party wound down, I knew each dog would sleep well and have good dreams.
     Whitney was the last guest to leave, and believe me that took some coaxing; she was ready to stay and party on.
     The next morning Whitney and I had planned to sleep in. Sleeping quite soundly I suddenly was awakened by something damp and cold standing on my head: Stanley! I opened my eyes and looked into his eyes staring down at me and heard, "Surprise Auntie Dar, I'm here for the day." So much for sleeping in today.
     After I fed the dogs, both were slow moving and lazy all morning.
     That's what happens when you party hearty, kids.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

    
    

    

Please Help Me

     Being a dog lover my entire life and having had many dogs of my own through the years, I have always felt a close connection with all dogs that I meet. I believe when I look into a dogs eyes we communicate with one another; there is an unspoken understanding that passes between us.
     On a cold winter morning as I was driving to work, I had stopped for a red light at a very busy intersection. While waiting for the light to change, a large dog stepped in front of my car and stopped. Our eyes locked in on each other as he gazed through my windshield. As I looked into this dog's eyes, I heard, "I need help. Can you please help me?"
     While we were communicating with each other I was unaware that my light had changed to green. The sound of a honking horn behind me let me know that someone was not happy that I was holding up traffic. The horn spooked the dog and he immediately bolted through traffic and jumped a snowbank, disappearing from my sight.
     Prepared to rescue this obviously lost dog, I drove across the intersection, parked at the curb, and stepped from my car and into the street. As I called out to the dog, I climbed over the snowbank where I had last seen him. Gone! He was nowhere in sight.
     Thinking he would reappear, I waited near my car for a few moments, until more horn honking started. Wanting to avoid any confrontation with angry drivers, I thought it best to get in my car a drive away.
     My place of employment was about five miles from my encounter with the dog. At work, I recounted my experience to my boss, and half jokingly I said the dog would show up at our store. About an hour later, there at our storefront window stood the dog. Standing close to the glass his eyes were searching inside the store. His searching eyes stopped as soon as he saw me, and again our eyes were locked in on one another. When I looked into his eyes I again heard the same plea for help.
     Before I could reach the door someone outside began yelling at the dog, and of course the angry voice sent the dog into a fearful run. I raced outside and into the parking lot, only to find the dog had disappeared again.
     I never saw the dog again. Over the years I've often remembered that encounter. Both times that he sought my help something came between us. Did he give up on me or did he find his way home?
     I choose to believe he safely found his way home.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

Whitney Comes Home

     Whitney entered our lives rather unexpectedly. DJ and I had been 'dogless' for six years, (well not entirely 'dogless'). After meeting Tucker, we were fortunate to be able to spend as much time with him as we wanted. There were also other dogs that we 'doggie sat' while their owners were away. We even fostered a dog for a couple of weeks. On all these occasions we were able to get our 'dog fix'. So, as you can see, there was always a dog close by
     After the loss of our beloved George in 2003, neither of us wanted to go through that pain ever again. Eventually though, DJ reached a point where she was ready to bring a dog of our own into our home. I on the other hand was still reluctant. Finally I agreed, but insisted I needed a small lap dog that I could snuggle up with.
     Whitney was a miniature poodle that we had doggie sat a few times. Whitney grew up in a home with a toy poodle named Ebony. For the most part the dogs got along with one another, but apparently there sharing issues between the two and minor fights would occur.
     The owners of the dogs eventually decided it would be best if each dog were in a one dog household. We were asked if we would take Whitney on a trial basis. In December of 2009, four and a half year old Whitney came into our home and our hearts.
     Whitney was taken from the only home she had ever known and placed in a totally new environment. It was totally understandable that she would have some adjustment issues.
     Eating was the first issue we encountered. We had been told she wasn't a big eater, but for the first few days she would not eat a thing. Little by little we overcame that issue.
     Whitney is black, with very dark eyes and at times it is difficult to even see her eyes. When I did look into her eyes I saw a deep sadness. As much as she and Ebony annoyed each other, we determined she missed her companion.
     As much as I tried, it seemed she wanted very little to do with me. The lap dog I had wanted just wasn't happening. She had accepted DJ as the alpha and DJ was who she wanted by her side at all times. Oh she would make quick trips to my lap and share a few kisses, but then she was quickly back to DJ's lap. I had my doubts that this arrangement would work. But I loved the little girl and I was determined to make it work.
     As if sensing my emotions I began to see a change in her. One night she climbed onto my lap and as she looked into my eyes, I heard, "You're okay, Mama Dar. I'm sorry it took me so long." She snuggled up with me and we bonded forever.
     From that moment on, when I look into her eyes all I see is happiness. She determined in her own time that being the only dog and receiving all the attention was the best thing ever.
     We two-leggers know how difficult a drastic change can be, so imagine how difficult it must be in the mind of a four-legger.
     Whitney, you are an unexpected treasure.
     Thank you for coming into our home

     So long, I'll see you soon!

I Smell Trouble

     This posting is not what I had in mind for today, but occasionally I have to step away from my plan. Because dogs are who they are and there is never a dull moment when they are in our lives, things happen in an instant that need to be shared.
     Stanley is an adorable one year old papillon that lives next door to us. While his owners are at work all day, Stanley generally spends the afternoons with us and our dog Whitney.
     The two dogs are similar in size and are best buddies. Whitney, at times, gets annoyed with his nonstop puppy energy, and she has no problem making him aware of this fact. Most evenings when Stanley goes home, Whitney seems relieved that he has gone. But keep them apart for a couple days, Whitney pouts and mopes around.
     Monday, while I was at work, the two dogs put their thinking caps on and got into some naughty trouble outdoors. While they were busy doing what they shouldn't be doing, Whitney came upon something stinky and couldn't pass up the opportunity to roll her entire body in it.
     When the dogs returned, Whitney was proudly wearing her new scent. Unfortunately for her, we were not fond of this new smell. Next stop for Whitney: the dreaded bathtub.
     A huge difference between the two dogs: Stanley enjoys getting wet; the only water Whitney wants to get near is her water dish, she doesn't even like setting a paw on wet grass. So you can imagine her reaction when she realized she was going into a tub of water.
     DJ was assigned the bathing task. To make things easier on all, we decided the door should be closed, with me in the hallway with Stanley. Stanley stood vigil at the closed door, visibly upset that he could not see what was happening to his pal.
     When the bath was over and the door opened, the two greeted each other with relief: Whitney was relieved she was out of the water; Stanley was relieved that his girl friend was okay.
     Whitney burst past Stanley and tore down the hallway. Stanley, not wanting Whitney out of his sight, raced to her side and stuck to her like glue. This hallway extends the length of the house, and these two wild characters ran back and forth for a solid half hour, eventually collapsing in exhaustion.
     Whatever their reasons for this nonstop speed, I'm sure they were unaware of the entertainment they were providing us.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

    

Meet My Friend, Tripp

     I'm back and hopefully on the mend. I didn't need to be in the hospital after all; my surgery was done as an outpatient. There is supposed to be a good success rate for this type of surgery, so I am hoping that is true in my case. So enough about me, let's get to today's posting.
     In my second book, 'A New Life For Runt', most of the new characters were taken from past experiences with dogs I have known over the years. After my son read the draft of the book he asked, "I know who most of the new dogs are based on, but whose dog was Tripp?"
     Actually Tripp, like Runt, came to life in my head as I was writing. I imagine there are dogs in the world like him, but I have never had the pleasure of meeting one. (Although I do have a dog currently in my life that does have a few of Tripp's characteristics.) He was such a joy to create that I just had to give him an important role in the book. (To those of you who enjoyed meeting him, I'm sure you've figured out that he will be in all future books.)
     Tripp has ADD issues and along with that he is also a bit of a neat freak. I have to admit there are bits of myself in Tripp, and for that reason his creation came quite easily.
     His 'issues' make him a truly lovable and endearing character. While his friends are very often confused by his actions, every thing makes perfect sense to himself. He constantly changes his thoughts from one subject to another, often in mid sentence.
     When Runt first meets Tripp, he finds Tripp to be a very confusing fellow. Despite these 'issues', the two become instant friends. As always, Runt's loyalty to his new best friend shines through. Runt accepts Tripp for who he is, his friend.
     Don't expect Tripp to dirty his hands, (I guess I should say paws in this case), and partake in any mischevious activities that involve the slightest chance that he may get dirty. He will watch and offer advice, but get dirty; not a chance.  At times like this, Runt may get irritated with Tripp, but because of their strong bond with one another that irritation quickly disappears.
     Both Runt and Tripp remind us two-leggers of the importance of friendships and standing by your friend through good times and bad times.

     So long, I'll see you soon!

I Will Be Back

     Last weekend I spent a wonderful long weekend in the cities. The weather wasn't the best, (but where in Minnesota can we find nice weather so far this spring). It was great spending time with family and friends, including my beautiful 8 month old grand niece.
     One thing I enjoy when I am out and about is sharing conversations with strangers, especially when the topic is my favorite subject, dogs. This happened on two separate occasions while on my weekend getaway. To watch a persons eyes light up with excitement as they talk about their beloved pet, is so special. It's amazing how a dog lover can sense when they meet another dog lover, and how willing they are to share stories about their dog. Hmm...that must mean we all have a 'dog sense'.
     All you dog lovers reading this know exactly what I'm saying: we love to talk about our dogs. Give us two-leggers a good listening ear and we could talk for hours.
     Arriving at my friends house on Friday, I was immediately greeted with kisses and happy moans by my dear buddy, Chewy. I have known and loved Chewy for 11 years, but sadly, since moving to my new home, I only see her once or twice a year now. It had been a year since I had spent time with her, and I hoped she had not forgotten me. The greeting I received assured me she remembered all the times we had spent together. Chewy has very intense eyes, and when I looked into her eyes I heard her ask, "Where have you been for so long?"
     Chewy and I had a wonderful time together, and I'm convinced that she thought I was there just to see her. Chewy isn't allowed in the house, for the simple reason that she enjoys being dirty. Her time is spent outdoors or in the warmth of the heated garage. So lets just say she was more than a little miffed when she realized I actually wanted to spend time with her owners. I love you Chewy, and I promise to try my best to make sure a whole year doesn't pass before I see you again.
     I need to tell my faithful followers that I won't be able to do a new posting for a few days. The vision problem that I mentioned in a previous posting has worsened, and I am having surgery tomorrow. Hopefully I will only be in the hospital a day or two and will be back to posting early next week. Stay tuned, my friends.
     Don't worry about our Whitney, she is already under the watchful eye of her big buddy, Tucker.

     So long, I'll see you soon!
     
    

The Fence

     In previous posts I have mentioned our friend, Tucker. I would like to take a minute to tell you how we first met the 'gentle giant'.
     We were in the process of beginning our move 'Up North' from the cities. As we sat in our lawn chairs, sipping our coffee early one morning, a beautiful golden retriever suddenly came trotting up our driveway. He greeted us with a big grin. As he looked up at me, I looked into his eyes and heard, "Hi there. I've been so anxious to meet the new people, so here I am."
     From the road we heard, "Come on, Tucker, don't bother them." We quickly assured his owners that he was not bothering us at all.
     In the blink of an eye, Tucker had entered our lives and our hearts. How very fortunate for us, when Tucker stepped into our lives that morning, he also brought our dear friends, Diane and Steve, into our lives.
     On Tucker's daily walk he would always take a detour up our driveway. If we weren't outside he would tromp up the deck steps, sit by the door, and wait patiently to be noticed. This ritual went on for almost five years. Until....
     December of 2009 our dog, Whitney, came into our lives. It was obvious from the start that Whitney had not socialized with other dogs very often. Being that Whitney is a very small dog, I'm sure in her eyes, Tucker is some kind of a huge giant. When he would appear at the door, Whitney would scream. (Scream is not an exaggeration, she really screams.) When Tucker entered the house he would simply step around the screaming Whitney and gave her a look that said, "Good heavens, what is your problem, girl?" (Just an FYI, to this day this still goes on.)
     Our property meets a busy highway, so logically we needed to fence in a section of our yard to keep Whitney safe. The following May, the fence was built. The day that the fence was completed, Tucker happily tromped up the driveway for his daily visit, only to encounter an annoying obstacle in his way, 'The Fence'. He was more than a little miffed by this thing that suddenly appeared and blocked him from his important daily routine.
     Each day he would walk back and forth by the fence, convinced that he would find a way in. No, he didn't like this intrusion on his routine, but he learned to accept it and soon understood that if he patiently waited at the gate, someone would let him in.
     Tucker, you know how much we love you, so I'm sure you understand, 'the fence' is not there to keep you out, but rather to keep Whitney in.

Tucker and Whitney

     So long, I'll see you soon!