Sometimes we forget just how great we have it. Our eyes just don't see. We are complacent. We are jaded. We get stuck on the little picture and forget the big picture.
I work in a floral department and sometimes joke about not seeing the florist for the tree's. We get consumed by details and ignore the tapestry of components that make us whole.
Sometimes, it takes new eyes to see. New eyes have enthusiasm, have zest, have energy. Lord knows we all need that. Old eyes are weary, and cloudy of vision. Old eyes, like my Mom's, see off into the distance where I have no doubt the angels wait.
Hank still has new eyes for life, as do Maddie and Mickey's. Kobe's eyes sometimes gaze off into the distance, and other times look happily for the next bowl of kibble and the best place to pee.
Where are your eye's today? A visitor today to the store brought bright eyes, full of excitement for all we have. Her eyes brought new light to my eyes, which recharged both of us.
They say the "eye's have it", pardon my pun. But, isn't that the truth?
Life with dogs. A little humor, a dash of play, a seed of faith, and of course, some dog fur.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
In Context
Funny how when taken in context things sound one way, and in reality it's completely different.
We talk about "morning people" as opposed to being a "night person". Hank, for example is a morning dog. In context, one might find that adorable. In reality, not so much. Perhaps he just has me well trained. A doggy door would be helpful, but then how would I train him to tell me he's going out to play at 4am?
Here is another one....some assembly required? Helloooo, some for whom? Some for the rocket scientists of the world, or some for your average Joe. What about the phrase "until death do us part". In the good times we hope this is way, way off in the distance. In the bad times, it sounds like a viable option.
How about this 24 hour day thing? Have you ever heard someone say, phfeww, I had just enough hours today to get everything done! Usually we don't have enough hours, or they are not moving fast enough, or they went too fast. Lately, I need about 30 hour days.
And yes, think about the unconditional love we get from our pets. Ever considered how much unconditional poop, or vet bills they give us too? You gotta love that.
And, what about disclaimers? The usually begin with 'caution' and end with, wow, I shoulda seen that one coming.
In context, or out, in good times or bad, day in and day out. Life should have a disclaimer that says...some patience and lots of prayer required. But then again, if we took that approach, we might not need the disclaimer.
As for my morning dog, Mr. Hanky. even though I don't want to drag myself out of bed to let him out. I will, because it's a small price to pay for his happiness.
We talk about "morning people" as opposed to being a "night person". Hank, for example is a morning dog. In context, one might find that adorable. In reality, not so much. Perhaps he just has me well trained. A doggy door would be helpful, but then how would I train him to tell me he's going out to play at 4am?
Here is another one....some assembly required? Helloooo, some for whom? Some for the rocket scientists of the world, or some for your average Joe. What about the phrase "until death do us part". In the good times we hope this is way, way off in the distance. In the bad times, it sounds like a viable option.
How about this 24 hour day thing? Have you ever heard someone say, phfeww, I had just enough hours today to get everything done! Usually we don't have enough hours, or they are not moving fast enough, or they went too fast. Lately, I need about 30 hour days.
And yes, think about the unconditional love we get from our pets. Ever considered how much unconditional poop, or vet bills they give us too? You gotta love that.
And, what about disclaimers? The usually begin with 'caution' and end with, wow, I shoulda seen that one coming.
In context, or out, in good times or bad, day in and day out. Life should have a disclaimer that says...some patience and lots of prayer required. But then again, if we took that approach, we might not need the disclaimer.
As for my morning dog, Mr. Hanky. even though I don't want to drag myself out of bed to let him out. I will, because it's a small price to pay for his happiness.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Spa Day - part 2
Maddie had her spa day yesterday. Being the only female canine in our pack, I think that alone elevates her to a special status. And, face it, rank does have it's privileges. Okay, so she is also the only one who needs professional grooming. Tonight I go for a trim myself, I could use some grooming myself.
I hope my transformation is as dramatic as Maddies. She looked like an overgrown buffalo in the dead of winter. Underneath all the fur is an (almost) svelte English Springer Spaniel with markings that should make the pointer boys green with envy. She cleans up so good!
My guess is that my hair cut won't be as noticeable as hers. But, subtle or not, we do need those spa days! I used to schedule my appointments about as often as we do Maddie's. Which is usually way after my hair/her coat is long and over grown. I'm getting in more regularly these days, and I need to do the same for her.
Only thing left on the spa agenda is to clip Kobe's nails. Well, a massage and pedicure for me wouldn't hurt either. But, one thing at a time.....
I hope my transformation is as dramatic as Maddies. She looked like an overgrown buffalo in the dead of winter. Underneath all the fur is an (almost) svelte English Springer Spaniel with markings that should make the pointer boys green with envy. She cleans up so good!
My guess is that my hair cut won't be as noticeable as hers. But, subtle or not, we do need those spa days! I used to schedule my appointments about as often as we do Maddie's. Which is usually way after my hair/her coat is long and over grown. I'm getting in more regularly these days, and I need to do the same for her.
Only thing left on the spa agenda is to clip Kobe's nails. Well, a massage and pedicure for me wouldn't hurt either. But, one thing at a time.....
Monday, August 10, 2009
Spa Day
To me, Spa Day sounds like a pedicure, manicure, facial and a massage. Okay, so I've never really enjoyed the "works" like that, but some day I will.
Today's Spa Day, was three less than willing pointers in a back yard hose down. The plan was to shampoo Prince Kobe and that I did. He was stoic as always when he gets the Chinese water torture. After him, I thought, heck, why not Hank? My hands and feet are wet, one more is not a big deal.
Hank ran his happy self right over to me when I called him. So, for the record, the dogs don't scream when the cold water hits them like I would have. I wasn't taking a chance by letting go of his collar either. Scrubbed him down, rinsed him off, and sent him scampering to get the clean off. Next, victim, errrr, volunteer - Oh Mickey!
Mick wasn't born yesterday. He knew what was next. He knew why I was calling him, and he knew why he didn't want to come. But, with some sweet talking he timidly came over. And yes, he too was subjected to the water torture. Tic Tac Toe three clean pointers in a row. Wet dog smell times three!!
Perhaps, in their doggy brains, linking spa day to baths is a vast misnomer. Spa day to them would be eating from the garbage can, rolling in some stinkin poo, and licking their private parts because they can. If this is the case, I hope they accept my apology for mistreating them this way.
As soon as the odor d'wet dog dissipates, I'll be glad I bathed them.
Today's Spa Day, was three less than willing pointers in a back yard hose down. The plan was to shampoo Prince Kobe and that I did. He was stoic as always when he gets the Chinese water torture. After him, I thought, heck, why not Hank? My hands and feet are wet, one more is not a big deal.
Hank ran his happy self right over to me when I called him. So, for the record, the dogs don't scream when the cold water hits them like I would have. I wasn't taking a chance by letting go of his collar either. Scrubbed him down, rinsed him off, and sent him scampering to get the clean off. Next, victim, errrr, volunteer - Oh Mickey!
Mick wasn't born yesterday. He knew what was next. He knew why I was calling him, and he knew why he didn't want to come. But, with some sweet talking he timidly came over. And yes, he too was subjected to the water torture. Tic Tac Toe three clean pointers in a row. Wet dog smell times three!!
Perhaps, in their doggy brains, linking spa day to baths is a vast misnomer. Spa day to them would be eating from the garbage can, rolling in some stinkin poo, and licking their private parts because they can. If this is the case, I hope they accept my apology for mistreating them this way.
As soon as the odor d'wet dog dissipates, I'll be glad I bathed them.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Prayers
At any given moment, I find there is a prayer on the tip of my tongue. Some go like this....Lord, please don't let me be the pain in the ass some of my family say I am. Lord, if it is your will, please let Hank enjoy a long happy life in our care. Lord, I know you want me to be patient and faith filled, can it happen sooner rather than later? Lord, it's hot out. Phffewww, are we lucky to have air conditioning and fans
Then there are prayers like this....Lord, may the God's of Karma smite that buzzard in a big way. Lord, perhaps that person could use a little more suffering for what they have done to me. Could you give them a double dose? I know, we shouldn't pray this way, but sometimes it just happens. Like this, Lord, that stinker (insert expletive of choice) just cut me off in traffic, what an ****idiot.
Or there are prayers of thanks. Thank you for the food we eat, the roof over our head, for our jobs. Thank you for freedom, and choice, and freedom of choice. Thank you for our children, please bless them and guide them in to your door.
We try to pray when we sit down to eat. We take turns, although, admittedly sometimes we pray it's the other person's turn to pray. We don't pray together daily, like we should. Often times we don't get to even sit down together to eat, much less pray.
At the end of the day, or the beginning, or for that matter anywhere in between. We have much to be grateful for and prayer, in whatever form, is entirely appropriate. I am blessed to love and be loved, to live in my doggy dog world, to give (I hope) more than I take. And I pray, that I used your words and love to touch others.
Then there are prayers like this....Lord, may the God's of Karma smite that buzzard in a big way. Lord, perhaps that person could use a little more suffering for what they have done to me. Could you give them a double dose? I know, we shouldn't pray this way, but sometimes it just happens. Like this, Lord, that stinker (insert expletive of choice) just cut me off in traffic, what an ****idiot.
Or there are prayers of thanks. Thank you for the food we eat, the roof over our head, for our jobs. Thank you for freedom, and choice, and freedom of choice. Thank you for our children, please bless them and guide them in to your door.
We try to pray when we sit down to eat. We take turns, although, admittedly sometimes we pray it's the other person's turn to pray. We don't pray together daily, like we should. Often times we don't get to even sit down together to eat, much less pray.
At the end of the day, or the beginning, or for that matter anywhere in between. We have much to be grateful for and prayer, in whatever form, is entirely appropriate. I am blessed to love and be loved, to live in my doggy dog world, to give (I hope) more than I take. And I pray, that I used your words and love to touch others.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Stubborn, Dirty and Attitude
Let me take three random thoughts and weave them into a blog.
I come from a long line of stubborn women. This is not news to Reno, but it should scare the bejeebers out of him. My Mom, with her health issues sets a new standard for stubbornness. Her heart is strong, her lungs are strong and her irritability quotient is off the charts. These are all good things! Unless you are a nurse trying to care for her.
Like me, patience is a dirty word for her. And attitude is a critical issue. With all her losses of independence and health she struggles each day. I feel for her. I feel frustrated that she is so critical. I try to find good things in her day but it falls on deaf ears.
Speaking of ears, I was cleaning the dogs ears tonight which also brings to mind the words dirty and stubborn. I don't mind cleaning ears, but I'm not known for being much of a cleaner. I don't mind brushing dogs either. I do mind that there is a dirty spot on the carpet waiting for me. But I'm patiently waiting for the energy to attack it. Right now the spot has all the attitude and I'm not up to a fight.
Speaking of attitude - I'd like some of Hank's. We should all leap for joy like he does. And run yipping in delight through our day like he does the yard. We should find our bliss like Maddie does with her ball. Find our comfort like Kobe is his special corner. Utilize our talents like Mickey hunting bugs in the shrubs.
Perhaps stubbornness is a strength if balanced with a positive attitude. That kind of patient tenacity moves mountains and breaks down walls. Sign me up for some of that.
I come from a long line of stubborn women. This is not news to Reno, but it should scare the bejeebers out of him. My Mom, with her health issues sets a new standard for stubbornness. Her heart is strong, her lungs are strong and her irritability quotient is off the charts. These are all good things! Unless you are a nurse trying to care for her.
Like me, patience is a dirty word for her. And attitude is a critical issue. With all her losses of independence and health she struggles each day. I feel for her. I feel frustrated that she is so critical. I try to find good things in her day but it falls on deaf ears.
Speaking of ears, I was cleaning the dogs ears tonight which also brings to mind the words dirty and stubborn. I don't mind cleaning ears, but I'm not known for being much of a cleaner. I don't mind brushing dogs either. I do mind that there is a dirty spot on the carpet waiting for me. But I'm patiently waiting for the energy to attack it. Right now the spot has all the attitude and I'm not up to a fight.
Speaking of attitude - I'd like some of Hank's. We should all leap for joy like he does. And run yipping in delight through our day like he does the yard. We should find our bliss like Maddie does with her ball. Find our comfort like Kobe is his special corner. Utilize our talents like Mickey hunting bugs in the shrubs.
Perhaps stubbornness is a strength if balanced with a positive attitude. That kind of patient tenacity moves mountains and breaks down walls. Sign me up for some of that.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Bucket Heads
This is the first time I recall Mickey being the bucket head in the family. It's amusing to see how each dog handles wearing that dreaded cone of horror that keeps them from licking, scratching, or bothering a wound that is healing.
Mick had a run in with a neighbors dog. Actually the neighbors dog did the run in. It was a run-in biting. Mickey had some minor surgery and some sutures put in. While women may have breast reduction surgery, Mick had a wee bit of ear reduction surgery.
He is not at all like Kobe was in a bucket. Kobe would just plough through. His cone ended up with duct tape and chunks out of it. Mickey will clip something and then not move again for a few moments. I think he's waiting for the other object to pass him. When he's certain it has, he moves on. Odd part is he moves his head slightly from side-to-side to give himself some peripheral vision. The cone tracks way more than his head though. He looks very much like a bobble head that goes from left to right instead of up and down.
I know it's annoying for him. An affront to his handsome sense of dignity. But, for the amount of time he scratches at the plastic, I know it's protecting that ear of his. Buckets happen, what can I say. Just have to get that swinging bucket on video. It really enhances the dufus in him.
Mick had a run in with a neighbors dog. Actually the neighbors dog did the run in. It was a run-in biting. Mickey had some minor surgery and some sutures put in. While women may have breast reduction surgery, Mick had a wee bit of ear reduction surgery.
He is not at all like Kobe was in a bucket. Kobe would just plough through. His cone ended up with duct tape and chunks out of it. Mickey will clip something and then not move again for a few moments. I think he's waiting for the other object to pass him. When he's certain it has, he moves on. Odd part is he moves his head slightly from side-to-side to give himself some peripheral vision. The cone tracks way more than his head though. He looks very much like a bobble head that goes from left to right instead of up and down.
I know it's annoying for him. An affront to his handsome sense of dignity. But, for the amount of time he scratches at the plastic, I know it's protecting that ear of his. Buckets happen, what can I say. Just have to get that swinging bucket on video. It really enhances the dufus in him.
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