Temperament

I have had so many people comment about the temperament of my pointers. I suppose you are wondering if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I wonder what they are really expecting? Aside from our little anal retentive foster, who shall remain nameless, that leaves Mick and Hank. They are fairly bomb proof in public.

I've taken both boys to do pet therapy visits at a local hospital. People are amazed at how laid back, low key, tolerant, and how their tails never stop wagging. I wonder if the fact that I expect nothing less factors in. I like to think their low key, roll with the punches persona, or should I say dogma, reflects my approach to life.

Perhaps it's just their breed. I think temperament wise pointers are very similar to lab's and Golden's. Some are high energy, some are complete goof balls, some are couch potato's, some are hunting machines. All are great family dogs.

I dig the tail wagging part. If I had a tail I'd wag it nonstop too. Well, I do have a tail of sorts and it does wag in it's own way. I think I'll stop with that comment before I dig myself in any deeper.

What I'm trying to say is temperament matters. It is important in pets, and in people. Surround yourself with good ones, and life gets easier. And who wouldn't like life to be a little bit easier.

Cutting The Cord

Last January we picked up Sophie from a shelter in central NE. She was all kinds of timid. Her stance was hunkered down. Her tail tucked clear to her nose. She dodged all petting, ignored treats, hid in the back of her crate. And that was on her good days. It was three days before she would even pee for us. My bladder ached for her.

Over the months she has made so much progress. The thrill, for me, is seeing her act like a normal dog. Training her on the invisible fence has been a giant plus. I finally got brave enough to remove the lead she'd been dragging. At that moment our roles reversed. I was the scared one and she was the brave one. One gets to that point in parenting and fostering. You have to love them enough to keep them safe, and love them enough to let them go.

So, it was time to cut the cord. I got over my fear and got on with it. If you could see her fly though the yard. Tail wagging, ears flopping, tongue hanging, smiling like a poster child for canine Nascar. It more than makes up for every trip out with her on leash over 8 months. For the times in the rain, the snow, the bitter cold. For the times she'd hear a leaf fall and abort the potty mission. Time after time after time.

She runs in circles, she smells the bushes, she rolls in the grass. She's normal!! Who would have ever thought the day would come I would say that about her. Sure makes a foster Mom proud.

Fill In the Blanks, Finish the Sentence

You know how people sometimes fill in the blanks for you, or finish your sentence? I especially love those who read what I mean to say instead of what I type. Try as I might, I often end up with little typo's in my blogs. That is because my brain is so much faster than my fingers. Or, because my brain reads one way and my eyes another. Or, because I'm weary and can't see straight. Or, perhaps a certain dog is nudging me to go outside!

Makes me wonder if dogs ever compensate that way. Other than if you aren't gonna clean your bowl I'll gladly help. Mr. Hanky is a trooper that way. He doesn't just eat, he consumes like a Hoover on steroids.

Basically, the dogs are so accepting they think I specifically put the typo's in there. They think I'm good even when I struggle to be good. They think I'm a goddess when I'm so less than Godly. Add all this to the things I love about dogs.

When you get down to it - life has typo's. Spellcheck is not as intuitive as I'd like. If everything was spelled right where would the fun be? If everything smelled right - what fun would there be in rolling in it?

Fill in those little blanks for me. You know what I mean even when the blonde moments conspire against me. Thanks - I knew you would.

This & Thats

This is the good news, Sophie is almost completely invisible fence trained. She's still dragging a leash, but only because I'm chicken about removing it. She tried to tell me she is ready today by chewing off about 5" inches of it. That will teach me to get sidetracked when I bring her inside.

She did make a mad dash across the yard on the tail of a bunny today. My heart stopped as I thought she was going to bolt clear through the boundary. Not sure how she did it, but in the nick of time she cornered miraculously and averted crossing the boundary. Phfewwww.....

I recently spent 4 1/2 days complete dog free. No, it wasn't easy. But, yes it was worth it. I traveled to WA state to spend time with my Uncle and Aunt. I will 'fess up to the fact he's always been my favorite Uncle. No, he was not my only Uncle. It meant the world to me to spend time with them.

Now I'm back..... I know Sophie is breathing easier now that I'm home. Hank is like Velcro and Mick asked if I'd been gone. I think Reno is glad I'm back too.

It is always a delight to leave home, and a blessing to return. My thanks to my Uncle and Aunt for time in their presence, and for Reno for keeping the home fires burning. And that, is the this and that, of that.

Quiet Time

In the swirl of life I often forget the need for quiet time. Not all quiet time is the same. Sometimes it's a gentle easy time of quiet. Sometimes its a quiet full to the brim with tension. Sometimes it's quiet bordering on anger, laughter or anticipation.

I love quiet time with the dogs, although most times there is some commotion involved with the dogs. In the process I forget to be quiet. Oh, wait, maybe I'm just not good at staying quiet. Reno would say I can't stay quiet for long. I say pot calling the kettle black. I love quiet time in the garden, not that I've spent much time there lately.

One of the best quiets is that of contentment. The comfort of sitting with someone and not having to fill the silence at all. That type of quiet holds a grace all of it's own.

We all need a little more grace like that. I'm wishing for you a double dose.

R & R - response....

Here is Sophie's response to my letter and request to be nice to Scary Man. Kudos to one of my readers, Barbara, for channeling for Sophie....

"Dear Mom,
Thanks for your note. But do I haf to do all those things, Mom, do I? It'd just be easier if you'd just stay home...will ya, mom, will ya? Oh, no, huh? Well, I'll try real hard. I know I can do the sofa thing, would that be enough? But liking the Scary Man, well, I don't know about that...you say he likes me? Really? Honest? Cross your paws? If I just look at him a few times and not turn away, would that work? Or, how about if I let the corners of my mouth turn up a bit, does that count?

Well, I hope you get enough R and R to last a long while, so you don't have to leave again, or maybe....I know...next time just take me with ya, okay?"

Luv,
Sophie


Dear Sophie - I would have loved to take you with me. However, you would have had kittens on the airplane. Do you best with Scary Man. He does his best with you. Remember all the times he gives you popcorn and other treats?? Notice that Hank and Mick just have to lay there and watch as you get those extra goodies.

Luv, Gentle Lady

R & R

Dear Sophie - I'm going out of town for a few days. Just for once act like you like Scary Man. He's really a good guy. He used to carry Kobe upstairs when he needed help. He'd do the same for you. I know you'd rather die a thousand deaths that admit he's not bad, but trust me on this one. He takes it to heart that you don't like him.

While I'm gone, remember the yard is a safe and happy place. I haven't left you just because I went away. I'm visiting dear relatives and enjoying a little R&R.

Perhaps you don't know what R&R is. That's short for rest and relaxation. Truth be told I do about as much of that as you do. I'm working on it though. People may leave your side, but the loving ones never leave your heart. All the nasty ones can be tossed out like old garbage. This does not include Scary Man!!

Try not to kick Hank out of his crate and drag all his blankets around. When you initiate play and Mick starts barking at you - that's a good thing. That is not time to run to the couch thinking it's home base. Play for heavens sakes - you know you want too!!

Just cause I'm not there doesn't mean you can't enjoy the sofa. Get to it early for the best seating. If you wait too long you know who will take up all spots.

Oh,and one more thing.....take care of Scary Man for me....he's used to having a little bitch (or two) around. He might need some extra lovins. Or someone to boss him around just a wee bit.

Love you..... Your Foster Mom

Dragging the Line

We are at that stage in the Invisible Fence training that I have to let go. You know how hard letting go is. Letting go involves trust, it requires faith. Plus I know that I can never out run a pointer. Never in a zillion years.

But it's time for Ms. Sophie to drag the leash. We've trained on just the tone, then we trained on the tone and the correction. My thanks to the rabbits and squirrels of the neighborhood for their help with her training. Without them she never would have tested the boundary.

Mind you, she has her best training sessions after dark. Which worries me because I can't see the flags very well after dark. There is a bunny hop in the back yard every night after dark. Sophie loves that time of night, she must have been a nocturnal animal in another life.

Today she dragged the leash and out she went. She keep looking back to find me as if to say "hey, lady, can't you keep up"?" She went out back, stopped, sniffed the leash and then bolted back to the house. Second trip out she went out pottied and bolted back to the house. Third time she got out to the back yard saw Scary Man, and then bolted back. I should enjoy this time, because it won't be long before she adjusts and won't want to come back in.

She's learning and I'm learning. She's got a yard to explore and I've got to let her. Dragging the line is another baby step to her finding a wonderful forever home. Plus, it the God's of adoption want her to stay with us a little longer at least she'll enjoy the yard without her constant chaperon.

Self Talk

Ever wonder if dogs have self talk like humans do? You, know self talk - the voices you hear in your head. C'mon. I know we all do it. Those little nagging voices that tell you not so positive things. I hope, and pray, even the healthiest of us have them. Otherwise I've gone out on a limb and pretty much declared myself certifiable here.

Does Sophie say "the world is a scary place and I'm a scared little girl". Oh wait, maybe she does. Does Mick say "uh huh, I'm such a dufus, uh huh". Does Hank say "I'm an idiot"?

It's that shameful I blew it feeling. Guess it depends on the lessons you got growing up. One lesson plan would be of the "I made a mistake, I'm human" variety. Other times the lesson gets skewed into "I made a mistake I must be bad variety". Maybe some of you can relate to this, maybe the rest are looking up facility phone numbers for me.

The key is learning to be gentle with our self. In the moment and over it. Much like dogs do. When they are bad they don't pack up the guilt and carry it forever. Dog chews sofa, end of story. Dog eats shoe, game over. Dogs don't beat themselves up like people do. Plus they are way more forgiving than we are. Which of course is one of the reasons why I have dogs.

Dogs are cheaper than psychiatrists. Dogs are almost as forgiving as God. Dogs are completely sympathetic. Dogs don't stress over things like we do.

A dogs self talk, if they have self talk, is probably all about positive things - treats, sniffing butts and napping. So I give myself permission to embrace their method of self talk, although I will draw the line at sniffing butts.

Things That Make Your Day

I think I could name about 100 things easy that make my day. But, I won't do that to you.

I'll just name a few. Hearing from my kids, laughing with Reno, God moments, fostering-talking about fostering-hearing from someone who adopted one of our fosters-helping a dog find a foster home. Winnie The Pooh. Diamonds. Obviously this list is in no particular order. Cooking....followed immediately by eating. Drinking, take that however you want. I could be referring to water with lemon (a favorite of mine) for all you know.

Oh yes, and hugs. Lots of them. Puppies, particularly ones I'm not responsible for. Ditto that for babies. Flowers - all of them. Friends, facebook friends, old friends and friends I've yet to meet.

So let's not count all of those, except in the form of blessings. It's always okay to count those. Our life is full. Full to overflowing with things. Good things, psycho things, easy, hard, sad things, laughable things, big, little and silly things.

But mostly, if we look with our hearts, it's full of things that make our day.

Dog Days

They may call these the dogs days of summer, but I don't know. The dogs aren't spending much time outside to enjoy them. The lucky dogs have owners who worry about their exposure to the heat and limit their time in those conditions.

The dogs in residence here are truly living the good life. And that is not just because they live in Nebraska. "The Good Life" is our state motto, but it could just as easily read "The Tax Me State", but I digress.

There are dogs, too many to count, who would form lines miles long for the chance to live the good life. I can visualize them in line at my front door. Big dogs, little dogs, cute dogs, ugly dogs, dogs who've been lost, neglected, abused, dumped. There would be dogs needing grooming, dogs needing training, dogs who simply need a gentle hand to love them. Dog who lost homes because of death, divorce, the state of the economy. Dogs afraid of men, terrified of thunder. Dogs that laugh with their tails, and wiggle with mirth. Dogs that lean on you, dogs who fart like adolescent boys with nothing better to do. Dogs by the name of Marly, or who've studied under him. Dogs, dogs and more dogs.

No, no, I haven't gone over the canine edge. I was just thinking how good my dogs have it. I was thinking of all the dogs out there that need homes like mine. And, I'm thinking/dreaming/praying for more people to help.

Let me temper all this by saying yes, I did step in fresh poop this morning while out with the dogs. I know the effort, the expense, the responsibility of being a pet owner. I know the "oh crap, I've stepped in it again" feeling.

Yet, my life would be empty (and my shoes clean) without the dogs. Maybe, just maybe you could visualize the line of dogs at your door and invite one in (or two!) to enjoy the good life with you.

Fence Training

I have finally started fence training for Ms. Sophie. Had I been motivated this could have been done months ago. Could have, should have, might have.....wasn't. I think I was waiting for the hottest week of the summer. All the while thinking of the coldest week of the winter and knowing I didn't want to still be taking her out on lead then.

The challenge, of course, is getting her to even go close to the flags that present a visual boundary. If only the audible on the invisible fence collar was the sound of a gentle clap of the hands. That's really all it takes for her.

Of late I've gotten her to work on the flexi leash like a horse on a lunge line. She goes in nice wide circles loping (literally) around the yard. I can't wait to see her race the yard completely off leash. Although, getting her used to being "alone" in the yard will be a learning experience for her too. She is showing more interest in sniffing the areas Mick and Hank work over with a fine tooth comb. So she is making progress.

Slowly, slowly with little Sophie baby steps we are learning. Learning to trust, learning to be a dog, learning the fence, learning to play. The goal being to fence out the fear and fence in a happy confident pup. What a happy dog day that will be.

Reaching Out

Sometimes opportunities present themselves that just say "go for it!" Sometimes those opportunities are full of fun, hectic and exciting. Sometimes they involve reaching out to help someone else. Sometimes they involve hard work and sweat.

I am almost always game for those things, and am blessed that Reno is too. Luckily we have friends who think like we do. Case in point, we had the privilege of helping a friend of a friend get moved over the weekend. Health issues made it impossible for her to finish her move. That's where my friend came in who basically said, would you? could you? How can you turn down a friend like that? Of course her prediction of a 2-3 hour job was a slight underestimation. That just gives us a little ammo to hold over her head.

Sure, it had to be one of the hottest days of the year with the heat index at 110. But that was a small issue all things considered. We got in and went to work packing, stacking, hauling and delivering. Our discomfort was not relevant to the job at hand. Yes, we were 8 of the sweatiest people in town. It did prevent us from hugging when we parted. We love each other, but not that much!

I like to think it was as humbling for us to do as for the recipient to recieve. I'm certain God nodded his head in pleasure at our efforts, as did we. Reaching out is like that. Hands joined, help given, and hope delivered. Not a bad days work.....

What Are You Good At?

Everyone has something they are good at. For Mr. Hanky - it's picking tomato's. Sure, sure, I realize for a hunting dog this is an unusual skill set. The odd part is he prefers stealth hunting for those tomato bad boys. Plus, if they are heirloom tomato's - even better. One rarely ever sees him at work, but like a tornado the path of destruction is obvious.

As an "employee" he is a really hard worker. You could say he puts his nose to the grindstone and really gets into it. One has to love his enthusiasm. But, actually, the tomato vines don't tolerate his approach. While he has a soft mouth, his head and paws are not so gentle.

Not that I have actually seen him in action. But I've seen the remains, and I've seen the chlorophyll on his muzzle and forehead. Perhaps he was a gardener in another life, or maybe he travelled the world and hacked his way through remote jungles.

This talent of his explains why our vegetable garden is a gated/fenced community. But it is what grows through the fence that tempts Hank. Maybe he needs his own garden patch. Maybe I've been out in the sun to long. Could be it's his gift to me. Long after he is gone we will reminisce about Hank and the heirloom tomato's.

And really, he looks kinda cute in chlorophyll.

Kisses on the Nose

The only complaint I have about dogs is that they refuse to tell you their story. C'mon, it's not fair. I tell them my story day in and day out. Well, they tell you their good stories with their tails, they just don't tell you when they hurt or what horrible things plagued their prior lives.

I cannot fathom what must have happened to Sophie before she came into rescue. She has been with us since January and we are still working on trust issues. Yes, she's made progress, but as far as adoption potential, she's still a challenge. It will take a person with vision to see her potential. Most people want a dog who fits into their lifestyle quickly.

Each time I take her outside I bend over and kiss her nose. I can't help but wonder how many kisses it will take to heal her past hurts. I wonder if there are enough kisses in the world for that. In all honesty, if our success as a foster home was based only on placements, we'd be somewhat of a failure. After losing Sidney, and then getting Hank with his tumors, and now little Sophie with her issues it's not looking like our streak will change anytime soon. Sometimes it is disheartening.

But, most the time, the satisfaction is in the day-to-day of fostering. It's not for the impatient, it's not for the weak, it's not for the selfish. It is a commitment. With that commitment sometimes you get kisses on the nose, most times you just give them.

At least Sophie gets hers. Maybe that is what my role in her life is meant to be.

Lovely

My dogs are just plain lovely. I think it is a pointer thing. I may be biased. If so, deal with it.

People who meet Sophie are taken with her sweet face and lovely markings. To bad those same folks don't get to see what a doll she is on the inside. It takes time for Sophie to warm up, but she's even cuter then! Some lucky person is going to adopt Sophie I just know it.

I have had many people fall in love with Mr. Hanky. Of course, who wouldn't love Mr. Hanky. Even short term he brings an increase of 100% on the happiness scale. Every fibre of his being exudes joy. He's a real Romeo too.

And Mr. Micky? He is adored by the staff at the hospital we do pet therapy visits at. Even when I tell them that he is not always a stoic soul, but in fact a top notch dufus in his own right. Still they love him.

What is not to love about dogs? And, specifically pointers? Oh, there is that bias coming out again. Let me add that getting a dog was one of the smartest decisions I ever made. Truthfully, what are the smartest decisions you ever made and does that choice give back anywhere near half as much as a dog does?

Yes, there are times I grumble, maybe even growl at scooping poop, or taking a dog out in the pouring rain, or freezing cold. There are times I wish I had all the money I have spent over the years on vet bills. Sure, I'd be driving a Lexus. But a car without dog fur is just a car.

A car, house, blouse, chair, carpet (you get my drift) without dog fur just doesn't define lovely for me. Dogs do.....especially pointers, oh, and any other dog who I am lucky enough to come in contact with.

Testing 1-2-3

There are lots of different tests we experience, school tests, relationship tests, training tests, driver education tests. Testing my patience is one I keep getting. I must be remedial. We are tested to see how calm and cool we are under pressure. Which, like today, was a laughable event.

I walked around the side yard to discover Mick on point. Now, there are several ways to point. Some are classic, some are hilarious. I found him in the hosta's, locked on point with only his butt and tail showing. If only I'd had my camera with me. Within seconds out shoots a baby bunny and it was game on. Hank and Mick chased it toward the front door through the shrubs and back into hosta's. Commence screaming. Out shoots the bunny again only to be scooped up by Mickey. At this point both the bunny and I are screaming. Not exactly an exhibition of grace under pressure. Definitely a test of verbal commands for the dogs. DROP IT I yell at Mick who does just that. Of course, then Hank swoops in and snags the bunny. Shifting gears I start yelling at Hank....you may have heard me. A rapid fire volley of commands is never a good thing. I doubt their pointer brains could register all the babble coming out of my mouth. I headed for the door and to their credit they both came. Of course, Hank still had the rabbit. He had the good grace to drop it and step over it to come inside - anything to get me to shut up I'm sure. If they could have put their paws over their ears I think they would have. Phfeewwww, crisis over. Well, not for the bunny. RIP little bunny.

Now, some folk just don't test well. Like me in the heat of the moment. Sophie has had several meet n greets lately, but just doesn't test well. I feel bad no one gets to see the sweetheart she is. It takes time to see the real her. I hope and pray someone can see past the present into a wonderful future with her.

Maybe, just maybe, she will pass the "I'm So Lovable" test. Until then, she can stay with us. It's okay Sophie, your forever home will find you just as surely tests will find us.

Curled Up

I am always fascinated by how the dogs curl up. Their paws are their pillow, their fur is their blanket. At this moment Hank and Sophie are curled up at my feet while I write. The ability to just be at rest, safe, loved, belly's full, warm, dry, cool, tired, well loved....is that not a complete blessing in life?? They are content. Drifting and dreaming in their own doggy dog world. Happy to be close to me. Just as I am happy to be close to them.

I do envy how easily they curl up, legs tucked in, snug as a bug in a rug. They don't need their Advil to go to sleep, nor do the have to have the pillows fluffed and placed just right. They don't toss and turn like we do. They can open their eyes to check on me and drift right back to sleep. They can be up in a flash and alert ready to follow me where ever I might head. I've never seen them walk on sleepy feet with eyes barely open like I do with them early in the morning.

They just are. They just do. They just be. They don't need that cup of java to be ready for the day. Although a Beggin Strip never hurts the moment either. They never think, dang, I really need a big glass of wine. That is not to say they don't think. They do, we are just not privy to their thoughts.

They may think we are the biggest dorks in the world, but we have control of the kibble, so they keep us around. They may think we are gods and goddess's of all that is good in the world. I, for one, will not tell them otherwise. They may think that dress does make me look fat, but only gaze at me with eye's of love. I love that about them.

So they rest, curled up at my feet. Ahhhh, life is good.

Money Money Money

In all honesty we've been dealing with unemployment and a crappy economy for a long time now. We are not alone. Many, many are suffering and way more than we are. In spite of the challenges we are incredibly blessed even with our current situation.

The dogs don't know it and don't care. They dig having someone home daily. It works for them. Ohhhh let me out, ohhh, its hot, let me in......repeat.

If you are looking at my blog, and I hope you are, you will see it now has advertising on it. Part of me is appalled to see this. Yes, I chose to "monetize" my blog. Uh-huh, I realize I won't get rich (monetarily speaking) either. I may make a little bit from this. if so, every little bit helps. And honestly, if it was up to me I would only have dog related advertising on my blog, wonder how I set that up. I rather hate the new look of it. But, and there is aways a but, I'm going to give it a whirl. Please don't let the commercialism dissuade you. Feel free to click on those links. It sort of like clicker training for humans.

It's still me here, living in my doggy dog world. And I'd love to still share it with you.