CamperCams

Now that Sophie can add to her profile - attends doggy day care - I have a few comments to make. The first being about the use of CamperCams in facilities like this. I think they are awesome. Who wouldn't like to check in on their baby and see how they are doing while away at camp? Well, unless baby was huddling in the corner lost and forlorn. Not so with Sophie.

I didn't expect to check in on her so many times today while she was at Camp BowWow. But I did. I won't own how many times I looked. It's a need to know thing. But this is what I saw. I saw Sophie going, going, going. Going in circles, zig zags, around, behind, up to the fence to see how tall it really is. Then I saw her going in circles, zig zags, around, behind and you guessed it, up to the fence again. And again, and again. After a while I checked carefully to see if it wasn't just one loop of film over and over again. It wasn't!

Eventually I noticed the other dogs laying down to rest. First one, then two, then more and more. But, not so with Sophie. Careful consideration of this leads me to one indisputable truth. The other dogs grew weary by Sophie's activity. Those dogs must be completely exhausted. Believe me I know how they feel.

So here is the deal, dog owners should pay me to send Sophie to camp with them. Those dogs would get socialization, physical exercise and the bonus of Sophie's activity literally wearing them down. Then those owners could view their dog's via CamperCams and know that thanks to Sophie they will have tired dogs, or dogs that are dog tired.

Todays Agenda

Wake up to the 5:30am Sophie-alarm. Not really anything alarming about it, except for the time. She's a lot like my son, when he was a baby we used to say he had "early ears". The earlier the better to begin the day. Perhaps Sophie should live with him, it would be pay back.

Next on the list, feed the dogs, water them, dash back for an extra few zzzzz's after their belly's are full. From there, take Sophie to Camp BowWow. Thanks Camp BowWow for your part in her socialization and exercise. I see she mostly does laps while she's there and tests to see how high that separating wall really is. She's consistent if nothing else!

In a while off to the chiropractor for an adjustment. Face it, we all need some sort of adjustment. On a regular schedule too. Clip Mick's nails and brush him. Then pick up Sophie, drop her off at home and head off to pet therapy with Micky. Some days I need a chauffeur's license. Then later some shopping and cleaning. Well, I'd be lying about the cleaning part if I didn't say "maybe some cleaning". It is ranked in order of importance. Frankly, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Oh, and I need some play time. It is a day off after all. That would include messing around on Facebook, and perhaps something creative. Wondering if the creative part will be fixing dinner?

Now, after looking at my list for the day, I look at Mr. Hanky's list. His includes getting loved up on, eating, sleeping, pooping...repeat. Not that there isn't any variety in his schedule. There are naps in the sun, naps on the sofa, naps on the bed. Head pats, butt rubs, nose smooches, treats, kibble and once in a while a little nibble of something yummy from the table.

While I'm blessed to be able to do all I do....I really envy Hank's schedule.

Mental

So many ways I could start this blog. Sophie goes Mental. Nancy attempts to improve Mental capabilities. Mental activity is painful. I Meant to get more done, but All I did was ponder it.

Some people might say we are stuck in inactivity. I maintain we're doing the mental preparation. Part of that process is thanksgiving, another is acceptance, the rest is planned out one baby step at a time.

So lets apply this to the dogs. We are so blessed to have Sophie and Hank with us. Sophie has made light years of progress, Hank has brought light years of joy. Not that Sophie doesn't bring joy, she just does it in a nutcase little way. We've accepted them as they are, which allows them to move forward to new levels. Seriously, who could ask for more lovable foster dogs? Then there is Mickey. Before we adopted him, I was informed he was just the coolest dog ever. You will get no argument from me on that.

Place this same filter on life. We are so thankful the Reno has joined the ranks of the employed again. He's delighted, excited and I love seeing that. We've accepted its not perfect, but it's workable. He works in one city and I in another. Still we are grateful. And, we are doing the mental preparation to get us both in the same city again. It will require moving.

For a while I was a wee bit mental about that decision. Now it's getting easier. We're doing the mental preparation and will follow it up with baby steps in that direction. Not that I won't has some seriously mental moments. But, I/we have made a conscious decision this will be a good thing. With anything, how you choose to respond is more than half the battle.

We Just Worry

I realize that most of us (read - women) worry. It's what we do. We like to be in control and if we aren't - we worry. We like to know the game plan, the menu, the schedule, the dress code, the check book balance, the plan of attack. Even when we do, sometimes we still worry.

I'm worrying about Sophie because I'm out-of-town. She just does not exactly embrace change. She's probably worried because her world is a little topsy turvy with me gone. We are tag team worriers.

I've noticed that men, don't worry so much. Frankly, I worry about that. They should worry more! How else is the everything going to get done? I'm certain Mick and Hank haven't noticed I'm gone. Someone showed up to let the out, feed them, fill the water bowls and love up on them. Sure, it ain't da Momma, but ain't nuttin to worry about either.

Of course, me worrying won't help Sophie. She's so in tune to ever little nuance she can probably sense my tension clear across the country. She's in good hands. I know that. Just wishing she would realize that. Then we would both rest easier.

Feigning Sleep

I went back to bed hoping for another hour of sleep. I also knew if I got 30 minutes I'd be lucky. The rational me knew if I got 15 minutes that the stars had aligned. The "you must be kidding yourself" me feigned sleep.

I think there were three me's at the particular moment. One assumed the posture of sleep. One was tuned in to the movements of Sophie hoping and praying she would settle. The other was keyed into Hank. He settled, but would Sophie's activity set a chain re-Hank-tion? I listened. Ears trying to decipher who's tags I heard jingling. Who's weight was on the bed and would the peaceful moment multiply?

It reminded me of those early motherhood moments. Did you hear the baby? Will the baby settle back to sleep? Am I the only one who can hear the baby? Well, duh!

As if you couldn't guess I didn't get that extra hour of sleep. One can expend a lot of energy pretending to sleep. It's exhausting I tell you. Apparently dogs just can't sleep on an empty stomach. Come to think of it, I don't function well on one either.

So I began my day. They are fed and sleeping now. Proof of the hungry dogs can't sleep theory. Maybe now I can grab those extra zzzzzzz's. Maybe not. I can feign awake later if I have to.

Sophie Goes to Camp

Going to camp brings back all sorts of memories for me. Of course the ratio of good memories to bad is a little skewed. But, that's a whole other blog.

Sophie got to go to Camp Bow Wow yesterday for her first visit to doggy day care. I know! I'm so proud! I feel like I've launched a little canine debutante into the big new world.

Actually, for Sophie it probably is a whole new world. At least, an active new world. Hopefully with playmates who aren't old farts like Mick and Hank tend to be. I will admit to being nervous about leaving her there. True to form she left a hefty (really hefty) deposit on the floor to show she was nervous. Thankfully, I had the social graces not to display my nervousness this way.

It is another step for this little girl in finding her forever home. Kudos to Camp Bow Wow for supporting rescue programs and making this possible. Getting report cards amuses the heck out of me, but I'm delighted she didn't need time out on her first day. Nor did she get thrown out. That always makes a Mom proud!

It's part of the process of helping Sophie find herself comfortable in the world. I'm thinking we could all use more of this in our lives. Friends, activity, structure, play time. Sign me up for some of that.

I'm Never.....

Ever pause to look back at all the things you were never gonna do - but did. Then weigh that list against the things you were going to do - but didn't. And, what got in the way - well, life did....

Such as....I won't ever get divorced. I won't ever be a single parent. I won't marry someone who smokes. I won't have a long-distance relationship. Hahahahaa....I won't ever be delusional - wrong again. I probably also said, under my breath or with fingers crossed, that I'd just get one dog. So much for that theory!

After a lengthy period of unemployment, we are blessed to have both of us working again. Granted, we're not working in the same city, but I'm not complaining. Now, I never expected this situation. Dang, there is that word never again! But you gotta do what you gotta do. Life isn't fair, but it does have a way of evening out. Life is messy. Change is hard, don't buy the other theories about that.

Just because I never envisioned the way life would go, doesn't mean a different plan wasn't in the works. In fact I can guarantee that. Our job is to find the beauty in the roads we never planned to take. I have no doubt we will.

Foster Rules

We have several rules about fostering. In no specific order - no new fosters during the winter months -hahahahaaaa. Only one foster at a time - snicker, snort. Fosters don't have bed privileges. Okay....that one we actually stick to. Sorta.

Ms. Sophie has found her way to the bed. She can get away with this because she's do darned cute, she's been with us over a year, and it's such huge progress for her. I believe that if a foster is in your care for over a year the original rules become null and void. It happened that way with Kobe, but then, he stayed forever. The plan still is for Sophie's forever home to find her.

In the meantime, if she wants to sleep on the bed with us, so be it. Heck, I'm just happy if she sleeps at night! Her bed skills are very gentle. She lightly bounds up, circles a couple times and softly settles in at the foot of the bed. Unlike Hank the Tank who launches himself onto the bed and drops like a 50lb sack of potato's on your side. Maybe she stays at the bottom of the bed to leave herself a quick escape route. That's okay too.

Some might think we are spoiling her with these privileges. I prefer to think we're training her for the good things in life. We want her to enjoy them.

Snow Memories

I saw the cutest thing yesterday and it took me right back. Back to where you wonder? Back to my childhood, back to the funny farm, back to the future. Some things just warm your heart by the memory of them.

There were three kids playing in the yard behind us in snow suits. It's been forever since I've seen young kids living in that rental property. Much less seeing young kids playing in snow. Takes me back to my own kids who donned snow suits, mittens and hats at the first sign of snow. I used to have to call them in from snow play, rather than beg them to go out in it.

Free time revolved around snow forts, snow ball fights, snow men, sledding, snow boots....scarfs, long johns and all the winter necessities. They loved to play in the snow. At night they would stockpile snow balls and hide behind the house when they knew their Dad would be arriving from work to ambush him. All those memories flooded back at the sight of two boys and a little girl in a pink snow suit in the neighbors yard.

Granted I was not as enchanted when they ventured over into our yard. My worry there is the dogs. Kids and dogs are unpredictable, even with wonderful dogs like mine. So I plan to monitor that situation. It may not be an issue at all, time will tell.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying the deja vu of kids in snow suits....and thinking how many cups of hot cocoa I have made over the years....

Who is the Lucky One?

For almost two years we have been blessed to be a permanent foster home for Hank. Aka Hammerin Hank, Mr.Hanky, Swanky Hanky, Hankity Spankity. We are the luckiest people in the world to get to love him.

For those who may not know, Hank Mast Cell tumors. His long-term prognosis was never good as far as longevity goes. But his joy in life simply astounds me. No, he hasn't crossed the bridge, so put those Kleenex away.

For the first time we are seeing rapid changes in his tumor. It feels like the hard days are on the horizon. So it frightens me that we're not doing enough for him. Yet, we are his stewards, we love him and his comfort is paramount. I keep reminding myself, if he's eating, active and a dufus it's all good. So I cherish those moments. When that changes we'll take another journey with him. Always knowing we were the lucky ones in his life.

Setting Goals

I realize most people set goals on New Years Eve or New Years Day, but I'm just getting a round to it. I am either one month late, or 11 months early on doing this. Not sure which and don't want to jinx it by analyzing it too much.

Some people makes lists (of goals) but I want to make the list. Yup, I'd like to be on the list of top 50 blogs in Omaha. Actually the top 25 would be even more of a kick. However, maybe the goal should less local and more national. Heck, why stop there, let's go international.

I'm wondering if I can set up a "go vote for" link for my blog. Dog lovers and life enthusiasts could visit and "like" my blog. Oh wait, it sounds like I'm just setting up a Facebook page. But I digress...

Perhaps I should just take the "if you write it, they will come" approach to this. It worked in Field of Dreams, it can work here too. In narrowing my focus even more, perhaps as long as I write the rest doesn't matter. It will happen or it won't happen. If it does, it's gravy or whipped topping - your choice on the garnish.

So there.....I set a goal and then eliminated it all in one fell swoop. The dogs are napping and I will too. Now that is a worthy goal.