October 1, 2014

IMG_8286

Where to Begin…

I thought 2013 was a rough year, but little did I know it was merely a warm up for 2014.

Yes, I have a million and one excuses as to why this blog has sat idle for months and months, but to sort through and explain all those reasons means I have to relive all of it and frankly, I’m not up to that IMG_6880today.

Today I want to begin on a fresh page. I want to forget (for a moment) that I’ve lost some important people in my life and some equally important canine pals. I want to forget that I’ve spent more time waiting for the next shoe to drop than I have doing the things I love…like swimming or hiking or cuddling or playing chase in a big open field. I want to forget the hospitals, the illnesses, the passings, the tragic endings, the dramatic changes in my life…all of it. I want to put it behind me and look at today as a whole new dance, a fresh plate of food, a crisp breeze of happiness.

That’s why I’ve posted that spectacular photo of Alaska to start this post. No, I didn’t get to go on this trip, but I know that when my moms were hiking across that scree, looking out at the expanse of the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountain Range, and reflecting back on this difficult year, they held me in their hearts.

IMG_20140524_095614_853Of course, I don’t really want to forget because all those people, all those dogs, and yes, all those sad events (and the happy ones too) make me the dog I am. I am the dog who comforts those who spend the night in our guest room because they need not only a place to stay, but a place where they can feel loved. I am the dog who moves over to make way for another dog in our lives. I am the dog who visits my human family and remembers the gentle man by whose feet I laid for most of my life. I am the dog who travels well, who loves to make people laugh (even when they are sad), who is calm when needed and rowdy when it’s necessary. I am the dog who lies under the desk while my moms work too hard and too long and still find time to love me (and my new brother, Dezi) beyond measure.

I am the dog who has 7 1/2 years under his belt and I have no belt. I just have a life and every bump in the road and every glorious peak make this life, my life.

So much has changed in 2014 I don’t know where to begin except to reflect on this past week when things, remarkably, felt a bit more normal.

And for that reflection, it all comes down to the dogs. You’ve seen their pictures here a million times, but if you’re like me, you never get tired of them. Yes, this is where I will begin and hope (paws crossed) that the order of universe falls back in line.

I will begin with Monty — my longest, bestest friend. Monty is my steadfast pal who walks with me, swims with me, begs for snacks with me, smiles with me, and never ever once ruffles my feathers. Sure he used to chase me more in our younger years, but I don’t mind giving that up as long as I can have Monty by my side. (These are two older photos, but I like them very much as they show our playful sides and our serious, moody sides).

IMG_2935 _Snapseed

smelllight

Next, I must mention Dezi — my new/old brother and yes, my new pal. I’ve known Dezi almost as long as I’ve known Monty, but I never thought Dezi would be sharing the same roof (or bed, or back of the car, or moms) with me. I have no regrets. I couldn’t ask for a nicer brother. Okay, I could ask that he be younger (he just turned 13) so I could spend more time with him, but I couldn’t ask for anything else. Yes, I’d gladly give up my spot in the car for him, my cushy place on the human bed for him, and even my coveted corner of the couch just so the last few years of his life can be spent in comfort, security, and love.

dezi dezipath

Albert — Little Albert that is. He’s kind of become a younger brother to Dezi’s older brother. What a lively fella and visiting him means we get to explore the Fairgrounds, the park by the water, and the wetlands walk by Grandma’s house. You’ve come a long way in a year, little buddy, and both Dezi and I are proud to call you family!

IMG_7720 IMG_20140524_171019_977

 

And then there’s all the rest…(not in any particular order)…

Maizy and Zizou — what would I do in my life if you weren’t there to smell my privates or jump on jowls?

intheleaves mz

 

Rosie — I doubted your ability to be a normal dog, but you’ve proven me wrong. I kind of like hanging out with you and even though you’re blind in one eye, you are pretty darn good at spotting those crows so we can both bark at them!

IMG_8769 rosielight

 

 

Tyson — Your steady presence in my life (and in Rosie’s) is something I’ve really grown to count on. I like when you can hang out at our house and bark at the people walking by together!

tyson IMG_8805

Chief — I know Gretchen loves swimming you at the pool, but I think walking those slow strolls with you is a pretty sweet way to spend time with you. You make 14 look pretty darn good!

chief dezi chief

Bella- You experienced your own loss this year with the passing of your brother, Henri. You two were quite a pair, but with his loss, you’ve settled right into being the top dog. I know, we both still miss that little Henri fellow, but our friendship has been strengthened, I think, by his passing.

IMG_8762IMG_5859

 

And Bella’s buddy Humphrey, who joins us on occasion. He has many nicknames –Egg Roll, Tater Tot, Dumpling — and he doesn’t mind in the least. He is, as our Scottish friends would say, a wee smasher (translation: a good egg!)

humphreytongueHumphrey

 

 

 

Sonny — Apple Man! If people only knew what a softy you are…well I know and I can tell you that you’ve given me a whole new way of looking at “street food!”

IMG_20140527_100501_873sonny

Joey — Oh my…was I really that wild and bouncy when I was his age? I think not…but still, it’s good to know that when I need a laugh, you’ll be there Joey to warp yourself up in the leashes or stumble down the stairs with excitement.

IMG_6481 _Snapseedjoey

Finn — Finn is, in his own way, a lot like Joey — bouncy, silly, energetic. But Finn has a cuddling side that is, in one word, hysterical. He loves to plop himself on top of the humans and then act like it was all an accident. Just like Joey, he makes me laugh and the way this year has gone, laughing is good!

IMG_20140529_144921_124FinnTheo

Theo — Little Miss Bossy Pants –I’m not afraid to admit that I’m a little bit in love with Theo. She has a way about her that just wiggles its way under my skin. Seeing Theo once a week is okay, but when she gets to stay overnight, well, that’s divine.

Ms. Theo

playtime

Kali and Carter — Our relationship has changed — I don’t see you as much anymore — but your Yin and Yang antics provide me with the balance I need in life!

IMG_20140527_120212_367KC

Mabel – My only regret with you is that I don’t get to see you as much as I’d like, but when I do, well, I make the most of it. So do you!! Wiggle wiggle wiggle and drool to you, sweet Mabel!mabelMabel in the sun

Lulu — Auntie Lulu, that is. I love it when you walk by our house, stop at the gate, and whine for me to come out and play. So glad you get to hang out with us overnight sometimes! You make me feel safe!

MontyLuluandmelulu

Roux — We don’t see Roux as much anymore, but when we do, it’s party time! That’s what friendship is all about don’t ya know…even if we can’t always have you on our schedule regularly, we are really good at making up for lost time.

Roux roux2

Buhner — the newest member of our pack! I was tentative at first. You’re  big dude and sometimes I don’t do well meeting new (big) dudes. But you’ve shown yourself to be a perfect gentleman. And because you live in a new neighborhood, I’ve really appreciated you showing me around the Washington Park Arboretum and the surrounding neighborhood.

IMG_8806IMG_20140813_111843_466

There are others that Gretchen sees — the swimmers and the massage and acupressure clients — and I know she adores each and everyone of them, but I feel super lucky to have the pack I do — canines and humans.

Blessings are sometimes wrapped in misfortune…this is what I’ve learned so far in 2014. My heart is sad at times with all those humans I miss — Grandpa, Ann L., and Michael — and with all the dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge — Quillette, Henri, Griffey, Nippy and all those who Gretchen has worked with! — but knowing them has brightened my life in ways I can never measure or truly explain.

I am loved. Bottom line. I am loved.

 

3 Replies to “October 1, 2014”

  1. Well said, Rubin! I must say that parts of this had me a bit teary-eyed. Keep up the blogging!

  2. Thank you for both of your new blogs, Rubin. I’m looking forward to your visit tomorrow. Grandpa’s chair is still here. If you like, you could sit in it and take a nap, just like Grandpa used to do. We can talk it all over tomorrow. hugs for you and Dezi and your moms. Grandma

Leave a Reply