I wonder if we took a poll, how many of us would say we are right where we want to be in life?
We were discussing that just this evening. Neither of us is where we thought we'd be at our age. I guess we thought life would be easier. Or at least, more settled. Or, possibly, more successful for us.
Perhaps we thought all the stars would align and the things that worry us would vanish. Finances would not be an issue. Health would be secure. Relationships would be hunky dory. The kids would be safe and self-sufficient. The economy would work with us instead of against us. Maybe we just thought we'd be smarter. Less prone to stupid errors and mistakes.
Hmmmmm. In a perfect world that would be the case. In that world Hank wouldn't have mast cell tumors, Maddie wouldn't hork on the floor fairly often. I'd be 5' 9", svelte and make an enormous salary in retail world. Thus enabling me to work part time and enjoy the rest of the day hiking, getting pedicures and massages. Oh, and don't forget the bon-bon's. In a perfect world money wouldn't be an issue, taxes wouldn't hobble us, and gas prices wouldn't jump 17 cents in a week.
Oh, wait. We don't live in a perfect world. If we are smart, we seize the moment and celebrate the day. It's not where we thought we'd be, but where we are that matters. Life is messy, and challenges are many. If we wait for perfect, we miss out on monumental moments of grace.
We are where we are. If there is someone to love us, an animal to bring us laughter and comfort, food on the table, a roof over our head, and a prayer in our heart. Could it ever get much better than this?
Life with dogs. A little humor, a dash of play, a seed of faith, and of course, some dog fur.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
No Pain, No Gain
I know what that means in the human world. I didn't think dogs experienced the same thing. Mr. Hanky would tell you otherwise.
Most of the night he sleeps on the sofa. At some point, usually about our morning alarm time, he sometimes needs some human company. He used to vault up landing like a ton of bricks. Now, he sometimes arrives by stealth mode and slides in without fanfare.
The other night I sensed his presence beside the bed. He paused, because Miss Maddy snuggles beside me at night. Maddie never hesitates to grumble if jostled by one of the dogs. Mostly she's all bark. He paused and then he levitated onto the bed. I've yet to figure out how one movement from floor to bed can be so fluid. Except that this time he landed squarely on Miss Maddie. Now, I snap too if so rudely awakened. She bristled, grumbled and snapped because one clearly does not leap upon sleeping princesses. Hank got nipped, but that did not dissuade him. He whimpered a little as he wedged himself next to me. I felt bad for him. But, nipping or not, he wanted to sleep by my side. You have to admire him for his diligence.
He may have weighed his options in his silly pointer head. Snuggle with Momma, face the growling bitch. Snuggle with Momma, face the ranting bitch. No pain, no gain. So he went for it.
Some things are worth getting nipped for. His sigh as he settled in told me just that. Luckily I have enough love for both of them. Reno was glad Maddie stood her ground. I was appalled she nipped the sick boy. Thing is she doesn't know he's sick, and neither does he. That is all that matters. That, and getting adequate cuddle time.
Most of the night he sleeps on the sofa. At some point, usually about our morning alarm time, he sometimes needs some human company. He used to vault up landing like a ton of bricks. Now, he sometimes arrives by stealth mode and slides in without fanfare.
The other night I sensed his presence beside the bed. He paused, because Miss Maddy snuggles beside me at night. Maddie never hesitates to grumble if jostled by one of the dogs. Mostly she's all bark. He paused and then he levitated onto the bed. I've yet to figure out how one movement from floor to bed can be so fluid. Except that this time he landed squarely on Miss Maddie. Now, I snap too if so rudely awakened. She bristled, grumbled and snapped because one clearly does not leap upon sleeping princesses. Hank got nipped, but that did not dissuade him. He whimpered a little as he wedged himself next to me. I felt bad for him. But, nipping or not, he wanted to sleep by my side. You have to admire him for his diligence.
He may have weighed his options in his silly pointer head. Snuggle with Momma, face the growling bitch. Snuggle with Momma, face the ranting bitch. No pain, no gain. So he went for it.
Some things are worth getting nipped for. His sigh as he settled in told me just that. Luckily I have enough love for both of them. Reno was glad Maddie stood her ground. I was appalled she nipped the sick boy. Thing is she doesn't know he's sick, and neither does he. That is all that matters. That, and getting adequate cuddle time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Life Swapping
Most of the reality shows first of all make me want to hurl, and then secondly, make me happy for the life I have. My reality is pretty darned normal, even for a home with four dogs. I think once you put a camera in front of someone there is no such thing as reality. One person's reality is another persons nightmare. Perhaps my reality would bore the bejeebers out of someone else. And, much of their reality bears no semblance to normalcy. Why is that entertaining? Don't we have enough trouble with conflict in our own lives? Must we endure some one elses conflict under the guise of amusement? I don't think so.
When I got married there was not a slew of bachelors trying to win my hand. No limo's, no on screen wooing, no make-up enhanced fantasy. You know what I mean. Few of us ever get to dance with the stars, unless we choose to see our mate in that light. Sure, we all want to be a millionaire. So isn't the name of that show rhetorical? There are times we all call our self "the biggest loser", and we don't need national television to do it.
The closest I'll ever get to life changing, drama filled, entertaining, heroic moments is by working in animal rescue. If they had a reality TV show about rescue volunteers they could call it Life Swapping. Take one down on it's luck animal, pull it from a nasty shelter, lovingly rehabilitate it, and find it a forever home. If that's not life swapping then what is? It's a reality many never see, and most would not find it entertaining.
Okay, okay, so it won't draw sponsor's and draw thousands of viewers. It's a different kind of reality that does not include a panel of judges to vote you off the show or on to destiny. It's a slow and steady wins the race, making a difference one animal at a time process.
I rather like this kind of reality.
When I got married there was not a slew of bachelors trying to win my hand. No limo's, no on screen wooing, no make-up enhanced fantasy. You know what I mean. Few of us ever get to dance with the stars, unless we choose to see our mate in that light. Sure, we all want to be a millionaire. So isn't the name of that show rhetorical? There are times we all call our self "the biggest loser", and we don't need national television to do it.
The closest I'll ever get to life changing, drama filled, entertaining, heroic moments is by working in animal rescue. If they had a reality TV show about rescue volunteers they could call it Life Swapping. Take one down on it's luck animal, pull it from a nasty shelter, lovingly rehabilitate it, and find it a forever home. If that's not life swapping then what is? It's a reality many never see, and most would not find it entertaining.
Okay, okay, so it won't draw sponsor's and draw thousands of viewers. It's a different kind of reality that does not include a panel of judges to vote you off the show or on to destiny. It's a slow and steady wins the race, making a difference one animal at a time process.
I rather like this kind of reality.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Nuts
I used to think the squirrels were really cute. Then I thought they were really pesky creatures, digging holes and burying nuts. Now I believe they are my new best friend and I owe them a big bag of walnuts.
There was a brown squirrel in the tree yesterday. I think it was a she squirrel. I think that because it was really quick, with just a hint of "na-na-na-boo-boo" attitude. Anyhow, said squirrel played (aka tortured) Mickey and Hank for three hours. They had quite a game going.
Take one squirrel, two trees approximately 20 ft away from each other and two pointers who love to hunt. If only I had a camcorder to capture the hunt. I did take some photo's but my photography skills are nothing compared to the hunting skills of the dogs and the evasion skills of the squirrel.
I did see the most beautiful, and lengthy, stalk performed with infinite patience by a goofy boy named Mr. Hanky. He stalked for 30 ft, in an ever so slow motion step....point.....step....point....step....point. It was so slow I probably did have time to run to Target and buy a video camera. I'm not sure where the squirrel was in the tree but Hank should get an award for execution of a hunting paw-de-deux.
Each and every time the squirrel out smarted the boys. Each and every time they were certain they were going to catch their prey. Thank God they didn't! So often I am asked if I hunt my pointers. It used to make me feel bad that I didn't. Until I realized they hunt their own back yard quite happily.
Heaven can be found in your own back yard. Even if it is a little squirrely.
There was a brown squirrel in the tree yesterday. I think it was a she squirrel. I think that because it was really quick, with just a hint of "na-na-na-boo-boo" attitude. Anyhow, said squirrel played (aka tortured) Mickey and Hank for three hours. They had quite a game going.
Take one squirrel, two trees approximately 20 ft away from each other and two pointers who love to hunt. If only I had a camcorder to capture the hunt. I did take some photo's but my photography skills are nothing compared to the hunting skills of the dogs and the evasion skills of the squirrel.
I did see the most beautiful, and lengthy, stalk performed with infinite patience by a goofy boy named Mr. Hanky. He stalked for 30 ft, in an ever so slow motion step....point.....step....point....step....point. It was so slow I probably did have time to run to Target and buy a video camera. I'm not sure where the squirrel was in the tree but Hank should get an award for execution of a hunting paw-de-deux.
Each and every time the squirrel out smarted the boys. Each and every time they were certain they were going to catch their prey. Thank God they didn't! So often I am asked if I hunt my pointers. It used to make me feel bad that I didn't. Until I realized they hunt their own back yard quite happily.
Heaven can be found in your own back yard. Even if it is a little squirrely.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Random Thots
I am excited to be adding some Chinese Herbal supplements to Hank's diet for his mast cell tumors. They may, or may not help, but at least I have the satisfaction of trying. Much like putting Vick's Vaporub on a sick child. It may or may not help, but we feel like we are doing something. Doing something for a person or pet with health issues is important. Hank and I both say thank you to the donor of these supplements.
Speaking of issues, I've decided Reno has a form of TV/movie tourettes syndrome. He breaks out into song, or quotes from scripts on a regular basis. Ironically, I rarely watch TV, so I am always racking my brain to figure out which program the quote is from. He is awesome at remembering the lines, and I suck at identifying them. I think I frustrate him sometimes with my lack of TV/movie knowledge. I like to think I have other talents. Math skills, map reading and movie trivia are just not some of them.
I'm disappointed our entry into the Rachael Ray Mutt Madness contest did not make the cut. I don't know how many rescues entered, but I suspect the competition was tough. I can think of a thousand things I should have said, but c'est la vie. Or would it be c'est la woof. All I can say is dangit, Pointer Rescue deserves a break....and I'm sure it's coming soon.
As I write, Hank is curled up behind my chair. Kobe is snoring on his rug, with his paws twitching in dream, and Maddie is guarding the hallway. Somehow dog snoring is much more adorable than people snoring. Reno will probably testify to this. Mickey must be in on the bed, or down on the sofa. He tends to be less of a Momma's boy than the others.
And last but not least, Pointer Rescue needs foster homes. Won't you please consider it? You too can be a crazy dog person. I highly recommend it. It will be the best second chance you could ever give a dog. And really, who among us, isn't eternally grateful for second chances.
Speaking of issues, I've decided Reno has a form of TV/movie tourettes syndrome. He breaks out into song, or quotes from scripts on a regular basis. Ironically, I rarely watch TV, so I am always racking my brain to figure out which program the quote is from. He is awesome at remembering the lines, and I suck at identifying them. I think I frustrate him sometimes with my lack of TV/movie knowledge. I like to think I have other talents. Math skills, map reading and movie trivia are just not some of them.
I'm disappointed our entry into the Rachael Ray Mutt Madness contest did not make the cut. I don't know how many rescues entered, but I suspect the competition was tough. I can think of a thousand things I should have said, but c'est la vie. Or would it be c'est la woof. All I can say is dangit, Pointer Rescue deserves a break....and I'm sure it's coming soon.
As I write, Hank is curled up behind my chair. Kobe is snoring on his rug, with his paws twitching in dream, and Maddie is guarding the hallway. Somehow dog snoring is much more adorable than people snoring. Reno will probably testify to this. Mickey must be in on the bed, or down on the sofa. He tends to be less of a Momma's boy than the others.
And last but not least, Pointer Rescue needs foster homes. Won't you please consider it? You too can be a crazy dog person. I highly recommend it. It will be the best second chance you could ever give a dog. And really, who among us, isn't eternally grateful for second chances.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Spiritual Matter
It was one of those deeply spiritual days. Some will say they happen mostly on Sunday, but I beg to differ. For me, they are usually on Tuesday. You see, today I had an audience with the poop. No, not the Pope, but just as moving. They are really circle of life moments in some ways. What goes in must come out, what goes around comes around.
It started in the bathroom. I went in to use it before going outside. That is when the whole "audience" part became clear. There is nothing like getting situated for the moment and discovering that both Hank and Kobe are right beside you for the event. They look so eager as if to say "Mom we're here for you". And....no doubt, "can we have a drink when you are done". Dog really can keep you from taking yourself to seriously.
Next we went outside to clean the yard. I experienced a very long audience with the poop out there. It seems only fair. They witnessed mine, I clean up after theirs. It was a contemplative experience.
All the Fall leaves scattered on the ground took me back to being a little girl. I remember gluing the leaves to paper, scribbling around the leaves with magic marker and trying to sell my artwork door-to-door to the neighbors. In retrospect, I'm surprised Mom let me do that. In hindsight, it was probably one of those 'anything for a moment of peace' times Mother's sometimes have. Just like the "anything to make this kid go away" moment a neighbor had when he gave me money for the artwork.
They say you are changed by an audience with the Pope, and I would like to witness the same for an audience with the poop. The poop took me down memory lane today. I was in good company on the journey. Memories of Mom, the company of dogs. And, plenty of spiritual matter along the way.
It started in the bathroom. I went in to use it before going outside. That is when the whole "audience" part became clear. There is nothing like getting situated for the moment and discovering that both Hank and Kobe are right beside you for the event. They look so eager as if to say "Mom we're here for you". And....no doubt, "can we have a drink when you are done". Dog really can keep you from taking yourself to seriously.
Next we went outside to clean the yard. I experienced a very long audience with the poop out there. It seems only fair. They witnessed mine, I clean up after theirs. It was a contemplative experience.
All the Fall leaves scattered on the ground took me back to being a little girl. I remember gluing the leaves to paper, scribbling around the leaves with magic marker and trying to sell my artwork door-to-door to the neighbors. In retrospect, I'm surprised Mom let me do that. In hindsight, it was probably one of those 'anything for a moment of peace' times Mother's sometimes have. Just like the "anything to make this kid go away" moment a neighbor had when he gave me money for the artwork.
They say you are changed by an audience with the Pope, and I would like to witness the same for an audience with the poop. The poop took me down memory lane today. I was in good company on the journey. Memories of Mom, the company of dogs. And, plenty of spiritual matter along the way.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Anticipation
For me, anticipation lasts a long time, sometimes forever. It involves hopes and dreams on multiple levels. Some long term, some shorter. Often there is a build up and a let down. A time to regroup and hope yet again. It involves faith and patience. Sometimes I struggle with both of those. I am a want it now person. Or at least I want it with a projected date of the outcome. Naturally with the outcome I prefer. Constant anticipation with no return is at best deflating and at worst outright discouraging.
I have to admire that the dogs don't live like this. Their anticipation is in the moment. It is immediate as in "oh goodie, Mommy has the bacon strips out", or "it's feeding time and she's going for the bowls!!!", or "its snowing or raining I'll snuggle into the sofa and they promptly forget the inclement weather. There is no level of angst involved in canine anticipation. I admit to being envious of this.
As much as I would like to stay in the moment I keep getting drawn out of it. Sucked into the vortex of "what if, when, how, why not, and how come". Coated with a heavy dose of "I want it now". Bottom line is "I" need to take a chill pill and just trust. I wonder if the dogs will share their chill pills with me. So that I too can live life in the present, in the comfort of acceptance. Then I would not be rushing down the highway of wonder and worry.
I doubt they ever think, dang I should have barked louder, or ran harder, or played more. They don't second guess and feel like a less than perfect dog. They are what they are. Half a cookie is always awesome, and they never compare their cookies to someone elses.
If I was more dog-like I'd be a much better human. Perhaps they are here to make me a better being. Less doing, less worrying, more being, and being okay with that.
I have to admire that the dogs don't live like this. Their anticipation is in the moment. It is immediate as in "oh goodie, Mommy has the bacon strips out", or "it's feeding time and she's going for the bowls!!!", or "its snowing or raining I'll snuggle into the sofa and they promptly forget the inclement weather. There is no level of angst involved in canine anticipation. I admit to being envious of this.
As much as I would like to stay in the moment I keep getting drawn out of it. Sucked into the vortex of "what if, when, how, why not, and how come". Coated with a heavy dose of "I want it now". Bottom line is "I" need to take a chill pill and just trust. I wonder if the dogs will share their chill pills with me. So that I too can live life in the present, in the comfort of acceptance. Then I would not be rushing down the highway of wonder and worry.
I doubt they ever think, dang I should have barked louder, or ran harder, or played more. They don't second guess and feel like a less than perfect dog. They are what they are. Half a cookie is always awesome, and they never compare their cookies to someone elses.
If I was more dog-like I'd be a much better human. Perhaps they are here to make me a better being. Less doing, less worrying, more being, and being okay with that.
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