A Lesson From Max. . . .

I was watching Max our very old, arthritic, and blind Yorkie this morning when a battle burst through the quiet. Max is sometimes very loving, other times very grouchy. When another dog bumped into him there was no question of fight or flight - Max chose fight.  He reared up on his back legs, growled, snapped at his tormentor, twisted, turned and made his displeasure known.

I reached down gently lifting him up and away from the fray. As soon as Max recognized my touch he settled down. I spoke to him quietly, gave him a few gentle pets and a hug and he sank into my arms and sighed. Nikki, the other dog involved, looked at me and a kind word and gentle ear scratch reassured her that she was still loved. Off she went to play with another dog.

That's when it hit me, the lesson finally clicked. Max is old, sometimes he hurts physically. He lives in a dark world, blind, no visual cues, alone in his darkness. Voices and touch are his clues to what's going on around him. Max calms when he hears my voice or feels my touch. He immediately understands he's safe. There is no question in his mind, he relaxes knowing instinctively that he is loved. A kind touch reaches his soul to let him know someone cares about him. Max gets that who and what he is, is enough.

And it occurs to me that the next time someone snaps at me, the next time they rear up and growl, I hope I'll remember the lesson Max taught today - a kind word, a gentle voice, a soft touch may be exactly what they need.

We can't always know or even see others pain. We don't know their private battles, secret fears, or blind spots. Max reminded me today that often what is needed is a little kindness. For that moment, that instant, it' enough.

One of the best kept secrets on TV. . . .

We keep the TV on almost all the time, it's good background noise and helps keep the dogs settled down except for the commercials where a door bell rings. Sigh, that's another story we'll tell someday.  Anyway, here it is Sunday morning, the TV is on and I have to say one of the best programs on TV is CBS Sunday Morning.

It's a news magazine that takes the time to tell the story. Last week there was a segment on high tech bionic prosthetics that help paralyzed people walk - it was a simply amazing, well told story. They also did a segment on one of my favorite entertainers of all time - Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen is, in my opinion, the epitome of grace under pressure. She told a truth and was vilified by the public, yet her kindness and gentle spirit won out. The Ellen segment showcased how nice she is and yes, how funny.

I enjoy the variety of information in the program. Today, a segment on Cold Play, the music group whose lead singer Chris Martin is married to Gwyneth Paltrow. . . who knew? (Okay, probably everyone except me.) Another segment dealt with the pill factories in Florida - doctors whose practice exists to push prescription drugs for $$$$. Oh yes, and a nice  presentation about the good things found in New Jersey.

Easy going, useful information presented in a quiet, pleasant format. A nice way to start the week and probably one of the best kept secrets on TV. Turn it on next Sunday, I think you'll like it. . . .

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/sunday/main3445.shtml

Remembering A Legend . . . .

The world lost an amazing, brilliant, innovative risk taker on Wednesday, October 5 when Steve Jobs passed.  His creative genius made a difference in the lives of millions. Who would have thought two kids putterin' around in a garage would change the world?

I've never met Steve Jobs or his Apple co-founder Steve Wozniack but they both became part of  "my" story. In my early 30's I happened upon computers and purchased my first Apple ][ Plus. What an exhilarating, heady time that was. To my delight, I discovered "I got it" when it came to these personal computers. I embraced the technology, first learning the hardware, then the software. What fun the early years were. A friend used to tell me "In the land of the blind the one eyed man is King." How true!

Over the years folks like Jobs, Woz, Gates, Ellison, Bushnell, McNealy (the list is so long) were followed, quoted and talked about by those of us in the industry. We really didn't know them but we all knew their stories. They became part of our story, they were the guys in the forefront whose innovations were something to understand and master. We weren't the innovators but we were touched by them, we felt a kinship with them. Their creations became part of our world and a whole new industry was created for us to support. We needed their genius and they needed our ability to evangilize their inventions.

October 5, 2011 marks the passing of Steve Jobs.  For many of us, a world without Steve Jobs will be a little less bright, a little less creative, simply a little less. I'm sad he's gone. Good bye Steve. God Speed.

Rescue is hard. . . .

Rescue is hard. Most of the dogs are abused, neglected, and have health issues. We take these dogs into our homes and our hearts and help them heal. For me, medical problems are the easiest part. I have a good vet and easy access to some of the best specialists in the country. Fosters receive the best medical care available and our wonderful vet eases the pain and helps restore them to good health. 

We work on the emotional and mental damage. We teach the fosters that hands don't hurt, that dogs are not allowed to fight, that there will always be good food, fresh water, special treats, and lots of patience. We show them there are good and kind people and that love is unconditional. We give them time to understand they are safe and when we think they are ready, we start looking for their forever home.

Rescue is hard. It hurts to let a dog go to a forever home. Some are easier to let go than others.  I once had a puppy who was so full of energy that I celebrated when his adopters picked him up.  They enjoyed the running, playing and silly antics of a youngster - he drained me beyond words. I've delivered dogs to adopters who cried for joy when they met their new dog in person - much easier to let go when you know how loved they will be. Only twice have I adopted out dogs that I really did not want to let go. 

The first was a tiny Yorkie named Chewy.  The adopters actually came to look at another dog but Chewy immediately fell head over heels in love with one of them. He jumped in Bruce's lap, he cuddled, he performed a number of adorable antics, he charmed everyone and surprised the daylights out of me. Chewy's message was clear - "I'm your dog. Take me home."  I took him with me on the home visit and he acted as though he had been there his entire life. They had a wonderful yellow lab named Buddy who also fell under Chewy's spell. Chewy was right, this was his home. I was happy for Chewy and his two dads but sad for me, I loved that little guy but I knew this was the best home for him. Rescue is hard but it's not about us, it's about the dogs. I let Chewy go because he had found his dads - what else could I do? He was home.

And then there was Duke. He came with Lexi and darn if they weren't two precious, tiny little Yorkies. Prior to coming here, Duke had a fight with a labrador and his left eye had popped out. There was no sight in that eye but there was a lot of pain so it had to be removed. Our vet prescribed strong pain meds but sometimes the pain broke through during the first few days. I would give him more pain meds and quietly talk with him until the medication kicked in. I confess, Duke stole my heart. He had such courage and such a bold, loving spirit. When we were told a potential adopter wanted both Duke & Lexi we were happy they could stay together but I really did not want to let him go. Still, this is what we do so we put Duke and Lexi on a transport with another foster mom who escorted him to his new home.

Duke and Lexi had a rocky start at their new home but everyone adjusted and they settled right in. I learned the other day that a few months ago Duke got away from his owner and he "went after" a much larger dog. The larger dog killed him. What can I say? Reading that took my breath away. I'm angry that he was killed by a larger dog. I'm angry that I found out only because I sent a note asking how he was. I'm so angry that I let him go to this couple and yet. . . . I know that is not fair. I know they loved him and I know they were saddened by his death. I feel sadness for this couple who opened their home and heart to Duke and Lexi. I feel sorry for Lexi who has always had Duke as a buddy. And I am sorry Duke is gone.

His bright light and courageous heart was extinguished much too soon.  The hardest part of rescue is saying Goodbye.

Duke before his eye surgery.

Good bye sweet boy. God Speed.

The Help

I just finished reading the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett and I'm surprised at the memories it brings back. Mississippi in the '60's  may have been more racist than Ohio, but I think that's because we were a little more subtle. The same feelings of superiority and the unkind, belittling comments occurred here too.

As I get older, I realzie there are so many positive changes our children and grandchildren don't recognize. They don't know how far we've come, they don't really understand where we started. The Help tells the story of the plight of black people in the '60's. Every day whites and every day blacks living their lives in Mississippi and what it was like to be black in America fifty years ago. For some of us, the book brings back memories, for out children and grandchildren it is the story of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

It's a good book, a good read, a history lesson and a reminder of the amazing courage of an oppressed segment of our population. The legacy of Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers and the Freedom Riders is fairly well known, but this book also reminds us that the maids, the laborers, the every day folks, displayed courage, dignity and honor to claim their rights. If you are under 40, this is a must read. . .

Where does the time go?

In April of 2010 my husband had surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. At some point, he is going to need a second surgery for another much smaller aneurysm that was noted in the MRI. His cardiologist told him he needed to stop smoking to prevent a heart attack. Although he has cut back considerably, he still has not been able to kick the habit.

I knew it would be impossible for him to stop smoking if I continued to smoke so I decided once and for all, I too had to quit. Somewhere around the middle of April 2010, I became a non-smoker. I also became a nibbler and surprisingly (to me) less active. In a little over a year, I gained 27 lbs. My 5 foot frame really can't comfortably support an additional 27 lbs.

I've moaned and groaned about the weight for the better part of a year but I really haven't taken ownership of it and decided to actively lose it.  Well, today's the day. I need to lose 27 lbs and I need to get in shape. No more putting it off, no more hoping I wake up thin in the morning. Okay, I'm probably still going to hope I wake up thin tomorrow but I'm sure enough that's not going to happen that I'm actively working on Plan B.

From time to time I'll post updates mostly because if I'm keeping a record I'm more likely to follow through, not to mention complain. I have several reasons for deciding to get back in shape, first - I feel wrong in my skin, it doesn't fit. Second, I don't feel healthy. Third, - I don't like how I look and last but not least - I refuse to buy a larger size than what I'm currently wearing.

And now, moving along with my exciting life, it's time to go pooper scoop. Catch ya later.

Saying goodbye to a great cat. . . .

We said goodbye to our 19 year old cat Data this morning.  He was a great cat who first learned to deal with our chow chow Bear and then, as the years passed, he learned to thrive in a house full of dogs.  Like all cats, he did what he wanted, when he wanted and he taught us to love that streak of independence.  We learned well. 



Data just a few months ago relaxing with the dogs.

He loved to lay in the doorways and make us (and the dogs) step over him.  He thought it was funny to grab our pant leg or hook a claw in a dog so none of us ever forgot who really ran the show around here.

Like all cats, Data lived his life on his own terms. If he wanted his ears scratched or a belly rub, he came to us. The rest of the time, he stuck his nose in the air and ignored us. When the mood hit him he'd play with the dogs and if they annoyed him, he would chase them away. He was an indoor cat who learned to use the doggie door. Laying in the sun on the deck gave him enormous pleasure. Did I mention he was a great cat? 



Data on the deck this fall.



About a month ago, Data started having problems keeping food down, he stopped eating his cat food so we started giving him tuna fish, chicken and rice, anything we could get him to eat.  Six days ago he stopped eating even the tiny amounts of tuna and chicken.  He was skin and bones. But he kept playing with the dogs, hopped in my lap, seemed to still be happy and comfortable.  Two days ago, the purr went away. Last night he lost control of his bladder and bowels. I held him all night and told him it was okay, he could leave, I'd understand. Still he stayed with us. 

Two days ago, he was so thin but still perky.

Early this morning I knew I couldn't let this go on. I had hoped he would just go to sleep and not wake up but sadly that was not to be. I called the vet and said, it's time. Data and I made one last trip together. Did I mention he was a great cat?   Good bye Data, Mom loved you and I'll miss you forever. . . . .  God Speed Precious boy.

Bernie comes to visit. . .

This is Bernie the long haired Dachshund. Isn't he a riot?  He belongs to a friend who is vacationing in Florida. Bernie is visiting at Camp Spoiled Royals and having the time of his life.

He is very agile for a long bodied dog, here he is perched on the ottoman.

And here he is in doggie heaven playing with several of our pack. At the moment he is an "only" dog at home with no playmates. (His best buddy passed away a month or so ago.) He adores Nicki and plays with her all day. When Oscar and Joey join in, it sounds like a herd of elephants running through the house. They are all hilarious.

More later. . . . .

Snowed in . . . . . again

Small, wet, snowflakkes have been coming down since early this morning. 

First I made up a basket of belly bands for the male dogs with potty issues.

Then I decided to make up chicken & rice for the dogs so the chicken is now in the crock pot slowly cooking. It will be ready to add rice, carrots, garlic & green beans tomorrow.

Then my sweet tooth kicked in so I made chocolate chip and snicker doodle cookies. 

As long as I was cooking, I decided to make stuffed peppers and freeze them for the weekend. 

 

Since the stuff peppers are for the weekend I think we'll have spaghetti for supper tonight. I browned a little hot Italian sausage, onions, green pepper and mushrooms. . . .

Then I mixed in a can of tomatoe sauce, diced tomatoes w/Jalepeno peppers, paste, spices and let it cook for a few hours. Yum.

So that's what I did with my day, what did you do with yours?

Snow. . . .

I took the dogs outside about an hour ago and snapped a few photos.  Doesn't it look pretty? Do I have to tell you how glad I am that I don't have to go to work in this or drive in it?

This grist mill houses a chipmunk in the summer. It loves to drive the dogs crazy.  Today, the Spoiled Royals get the last laugh. Of course, spring is a mere few months away. . .

I swept the snow off the deck, put the broom away and already it was starting to get covered. Gaylin ran out and started eating snow.  Silly boy.

Snow covered lights. . . .

and chimineas.

Oh yeah, lots of toys were in the yard so I tossed them back on the deck.  My dogs do love toys.

Nicki is the only foster here at the moment.  I'm hoping either our daughter or a friend will adopt her.  Isn't she gorgeous? She is a great dog, and available for adoption through Just A Touch Rescue. I can't imagine why someone dumped her in the country. . . . .

This is just one of a hundred reasons why I so love my husband.  He built this a few months ago.  I'm not sure what I did to deserve him, but I send a prayer of thanks out daily. The older dogs find the ramp so helpful.