Look At This Dog

We got sent this sign via my Facebook account. I know it is difficult to read so I’m going to post the caption here:

Look At This Dog

*Responds to the name Gilligan

*Last seen chilling in my back yard, srsly not giving a sh*#

*Plays by his own rules and apologizes to no man. Or dog.

*Will flip out if offered cheese, especially Kraft slices.

*Borderline obese. Ya know, from Kraft slices.

*Loves rolling in his own filth. But who doesn’t?

*Has a gorgeous, flowing mane, akin to a majestic lion’s.

*Not Lost – just wanted to show you how awesome my dog is.

Yes, I laughed out loud. So did Gretchen. We see Lost Dogs signs all the time and we keep an alert eye open for the missing. We’ve never found anyone and while that makes me sad, when I read this posting, I chuckled so hard my curls bounced. What a great family this dog lives with– to be so loved that they post signs all over telling everyone how lucky they are to live with such a silly, sweet dog.

So it got me to thinking — if I were to post signs of my dog-friends, what would I say? What do I need you to know in eight bullet points or less?

Great idea for a blog, Rubin.

Thanks, Gretchen. I thought so too, but I think I’ll need your help.

Seriously? I think you know your friends better than I do.

Maybe, but do chime in if you feel like I’m way off base or you have something to add.

Okay, will do. Who shall we start with?

Rosie

*Responds to the name Rosie, Rosalicious, Rose-bud, Rosie-Posie, and Wiggle bum

*Last seen poking her brother, Tyson (see below), with her nose, egging him onto play. (I’m not going to use any swear words, okay? Sounds like a plan.)

*Lives to chase cats though she rarely gets an opportunity, though trust me, she’s tried.

*Is so treat driven that she’ll do anything to receive a morsel (except if a cat is involved…then all bets are off).

*She’s built like a tank, but is amazingly flexible. She can bend herself in half in either direction and has a break-dancing spin move that is the envy of the boys in our ‘hood

*Takes 15 minutes to walk 3 blocks partly because she likes to pee on everything, but mostly because her nose is working over time and she knows that every leaf, blade of grass, and tree requires that she catalog its existence.

*Is gold like honey with sprinkles of white around her jowls. And you can’t miss her because she walks like she’s doing a jig.

*Not Lost — In fact, I doubt she would know how to get lost since she’s not only attached to her brother, Tyson, but adores her family so much she’d never leave their sides (well, unless a cat races by then she might have a chance of getting lost).

How’s that?

Perfect! I couldn’t have said it better myself!

Tyson

*Responds to the name Tyson, Ty-Ty, or Chicken Nugget (you know, like Tyson’s chicken nuggets?)

*Last seen with his head in the toy box searching for the hedgehog that squeaks while his sister, Rosie, punches him with her nose.

*Lives to protect his older sister, Rosie. He has often defended her honor and has the scars to prove it.

*While he enjoys normal dog treats and snacks, often stops dead in his tracks to snag a blade of grass and munch on it for whole city blocks.

*The body of a gladiator, you’d never know he’s kind of a nervous fellow. Still, he’s the envy of all the boy dogs I know (including me!)

*A very well-behaved dog on a leash unless his sister sees a cat then he goes into Protection Gladiator and rises up on his hind legs like, well, like a Boxer (I mean, like a human boxer – dukes at the ready!)

*Short-coated, golden like a chicken nugget, with a black, black nose and muzzle and don’t forget about those worried wrinkles etched in his forehead.

*Lost, sometimes, in his own worry, but an amazingly fun-loving guy and goofy as all-get-out if you give him half a chance.

Anything to add?

You’re doing great, Rubin, keep going!

Monty

*Responds to the name Monty, Sir Monce-o-lot, Montague, Montego, and Stinky

*Last seen leaping up and barking at the cars splashing through the mud puddles

*Lives to smell other dog’s heads (yeah, I know, I should be writing “butts” but trust me, this guy has a thing for other dogs and their heads)

*Has a special fondness for anything he finds in my bowl and is not the least bit particular though some foods disagree with him (remember his nickname is Stinky!)

*When recently coiffed, he looks like a show poodle, but that doesn’t last long since he has a fondness for mud puddles. Cutest when he looks like a Muppet and is wearing his pooka shells!

*Has never learned to walk a straight line on a leash. He’d make a great swing dancer since he’s always circling around and spinning in great arcs.

*His black and white spots throw people off. “What kind of dog is that?” they ask and we respond – “He’s not a dog, he’s a curly-coated Holstein Cow!”

*Never lost — he just sometimes looks like he is.

You nailed that one, Rubin. That’s Monty down to the last curl!

Thanks. This is kind of fun!

Paige

*Responds to the name Paige, Pager, Pager-wager, Pokey-nose, and Ms. Betty Page.

*Last seen tearing through the woods on a cold, dark night sniffing out the scent of something very interesting and low to the ground!

*Lives to get her way — even when she can’t, she still tries…and tries…and tries again. And then a few more tries after that.

*Has a special fondness for Chicken Jerky, a Honey Crisp apple, and Gretchen’s socks (ew!)

*Sleek, svelte, and without an ounce of fat on her. A beauty!

*Loves kissing everyone she likes with her wet nose on their noses…or glasses…or ears…(remember, Pokey-nose is her nickname!)

*Has ears that are more expressive than Marcel Marceau’s face…heck, more than his whole body!

*Never lost – she knows exactly where she is and what she’s doing — it’s everyone else who’s confused.

Keep going…you’re on a roll now, buddy!

Woobie

(Who we miss very much — she’s still working on healing that broken toe!)

*Responds to Woobie, Woobster, Woobs, and Woobie Woobie Woobie (said very excitedly!)

*Last seen weeks ago wearing a red cast and still smiling!

*Lives to make everyone happy!

*Is very particular about her treats though will do anything to be rubbed on her belly!

*Distant relative of Cousin It only not creepy in the least!

*Loves diving into the lake and letting her long locks float like seaweed all around her.

*Long, beautiful black and gray hair that flows like a cape and catches the breeze

*Lost? Not in her vocabulary. When you’re with Woobie, you’re found.

Are you a bit smitten with Woobie, Rubin?

Blush.

Roux

*Responds to Roux, Roux-Roux, Roux-ster, Roux-o-licious

*Last seen (and mostly heard) with her tongue out and a wild look in her eye hoping we come by for a walk and a visit.

*Plays without rules, with free abandon like there’s no tomorrow!

*Has been known to dream of licking peanut butter out of the jar instead of just her Kong toy.

*Thunder thighs! Seriously. If she were any taller, you’d swear she was a horse!

*Loves racing around like crazy and then refusing to walk home because she’s too tired.

*Wolfhound is in there for sure, but the other mix (or mixes) are a mystery. She’s a Wolfdle!

*Not lost, just momentarily uncertain of where she is and where she should go next.

Wow Rubin, that was amazing.

Ya think? I mean, I know we haven’t seen Woobie or Roux this week, but I threw them in there because I kind of miss them.

I think they would be honored to be included. But remember, you saw Gemma too!

Oh yeah! She came by for a visit! I know we don’t walk her anymore, but can I make a poster for her?

Of course you can — it’s your blog after all!

Oh and you have photos still…I saw them when you were trying to clean out the photo album. Can I use one!

You bet!

Gemma

*Responds to the name Gemma, Gemster, GEMMA!!!!, and Gem

*Last seen turning her butt into any dog who looks like s/he would want to play (which was me the other night!)

*Believes every rule ever written was to be broken…by her!

*Flips out over ears. Yep, you heard me right. She loves to chomp on ears — mine in particular!

*I’m not saying she’s chunky, but she sure knows how to throw her weight around.

*Loves barking at dogs behind fences — it’s safer than barking at them face to face.

*Is Irish red and like anyone who knows redheads, she’s got a feisty, fiery dog-a-nality to match (but I love her!)

*Lost? You couldn’t lose her even if you tried (though I’d never!) – she’s everywhere at once!

Whew, that made me tired. I think my paws may never recover.

Good job, Rubes! Why don’t you call it a week.

Sounds like a plan! Have a great weekend everyone!

Wait! You need to write one for yourself.

I can’t write my own…you have to write it!

Alrighty…let’s see…

Rubin

*Answers to Rubin, Rubinator, Ruby, Rubes, Rubinations, Rubric, Rubicon, and Mr. Curly Butt

*Last seen chasing a squirrel up a tree

*Has a play drive as strong as his prey drive.

*Has recently acquired an appetite and has learned that all good things come from human pockets.

*Looks big and burly but is fine-boned and delicate (but don’t let anyone know!)

*Loves being off-leash especially if near water or his friends

*Since he has hair he can either look like a curly Muppet (see Monty) or a Meerkat if he’s been to the groomer. He prefers the Muppet look, except when it’s time to get combed out.

*Lost is a state of mind and that’s not a state he wants to visit (yes, he’s a Momma’s Boy)…

HEY! Wait just one minute…

You said I could write it.

Give me back that keyboard.

Have a great weekend everybo…

Woof!

Rubin

A Week’s Worth

So, I’m doing my best to write only once a week now that we’ve cut back on our dog walking business, but I have to be honest with you…it doesn’t much feel like we’ve cut back. And we even had a four-day work week.

Wait a minute, Rubin.

Uh oh…

You’re not in trouble, buddy, but we really have cut back.

Really? Then why am I so tired today?

Well, you’ve had a big week.

I think you’re stating the obvious.

How so?

Let’s see…we didn’t walk on Monday though you and I went for a really long walk that day…

You’re welcome…

Yes, well then Tuesday came along…

And you stared at me half the morning wondering why we weren’t going anywhere.

But then we went, didn’t we?

Are you complaining?

No, no, no. I mean, I got to walk with Rosie…

…and then you went to the pool with me where I swam you and then, much to my surprise…

I got to go out with Paige and Sheila!!!

Yes, that was totally unexpected.

And we went out into the woods and I got to run around in the dark just like Paige does!!!!!

I know, I saw the photos. You look a tad bit nervous.

Well, there were all sorts of weird sounds at night and I wasn’t quite sure where we were going and frankly, it’s hard to keep up with Paige.

But you were a good boy and stayed close to Sheila didn’t you?

Yes, until I found a ball and then I raced and raced around and played fetch. Whew, that was so much fun!

And you didn’t raise your head the whole night.

It was a big Tuesday and keeping up with Paige wears a guy out!

Yes, for you, it was unexpectedly big. Do you feel bad for staring at me that morning?

Nope because I firmly believe that my staring at you resulted in my amazing day.

You’re so funny.

Think what you will, Ms. Non-believer, but I have powerful abilities to make you do things you don’t even know you’re going to do.

Dream on.

We can argue about this later, but let’s see, who gets Parmesan cheese on his food when he won’t eat?

Moving on, Rubin. Tuesday was busy, what about Wednesday?

Maybe not as busy as Tuesday, but we still walked three dogs, which isn’t that much different than before our cutback.

Well, for you it may not be, but for me it was definitely a reduction of my schedule because normally you’d walk with three dogs and I’d walk with seven, but this Wednesday we both just walked three.

Oh, so is this reduction in the schedule is about you and not me?

Sort of. But you didn’t walk with Rosie on Wednesday.

I know and I totally wish I could have because Monty told me she really busted a move on the tennis courts!

She really likes Monty and I was lucky enough to have the camera out when she started spinning.

It looks like they had fun…wish I’d been there…(sad face)

But you needed to rest because it was only Wednesday and Thursday was going to be busy…well, kind of…

Now that I think of it, though, Thursday felt a bit different.

How so?

Well, we got up like usual, but then you headed to the pool and that’s really different.

Yeah, I had some office work to get done.

Is that why I had to wait in the car for you?

Yes. You get rather excited when you think you might be going swimming.

I get even more excited when I think I might get to see my Auntie Sheila and my good friend, Paige.

There is that. Besides, I really needed to focus on what I was doing and since you got a great walk up at Volunteer Park, I thought you could rest a bit.

Yeah, but it was darn cold!

Thursday was surprisingly chilly, wasn’t it?

It felt like it might snow!

I agree, though luckily it didn’t rain or snow.

Lucky for you, perhaps…

But then we got to walk Rosie and then Woobie. That was fun.

We saw Woobie a lot this week.

Yep, her Mom needed us this week more than usual, but Woobie’s easy.

And fun…

Very fun…

And we also got a lot of phone calls from people who needed a dog walker.

Isn’t that how it always goes…when I don’t need the extra business, I keep getting it?

But I was proud of you for saying “no” even though I know you felt bad for turning down the work.

Yes, well, I just remembered my feet and knew that if I was going to make it until Friday, I needed to take care of myself.

But Friday turned out to be another busy day!

Yes. At first I thought everyone needed a walk — Monty, Rosie, Tyson, and Woobie — but then Woobie’s mom go to work from home so it was just the three dogs.

And lots and lots of rain.

A bit too much for my liking. It was hard to get photos.

How did you do it?

Well, I stood inside the house and got the two wet boys at the front door dripping and shaking…

That was me and Monty!

And then I got Rosie and Tyson under the picnic shelter at the park.

Rosie seems to be saying, “Do we have to go back out in that weather?”

They were both saying that!

I have to admit, it was kind of yuck yuck yucky out there on Friday!

AND you had to work at the pool. You’re feet must have liked that?

I have to admit, it’s nice to work in a warm pool after a week of walking.

I bet that feels nice.

I know what you’re doing?

Me? Moi? What?

As much as I’d like to take you every day and swim you at the pool, it’s not going to happen, buddy.

Okay, but maybe I could hang out in the office? (cheesy smile)

And hope Sheila and Paige abscond with you?

Abscond?

Dog-nap, steal you, abduct you?

I could think of worse fates.

You are a player, Rubin! A total player.

With tired paws.

Go eat your dinner.

I would, but it’s missing Parmesan cheese.

Until next week!

Rubin and Gretchen

It’s Time

I knew this day was coming, but now that it’s here I have mixed feelings.

Our business is changing. Now that Gretchen has a full time job at the pool as the manager, she’s had to cut back in other areas of

Gretchen in the pool with Tony the Face. He LOVES his massage!

her life. She says that if she were 20 years younger, she might be able to walk 7 miles a day, spend 6 hours a day in the pool swimming and massaging dogs, and survive 12 hour work days, but she isn’t so therefore something’s gotta give.

So, she’s cutting back on the number of dog walking clients she’ll have per week.

What this means for me is that I’ll get more walks with Gretchen just by myself and

while I am very happy about this (I enjoy our alone time), I’m also sad because I won’t see some of my friends as often. It also means that I won’t be writing this blog every day. Again, it’s kind of nice to think about not having to write every day (sometimes, as you know, it’s been tough to keep up), but in one way, I’ll kind of miss it. Keeping a daily journal, as it were, is a great way for me to reflect upon my day and my life.

But Gretchen says that I shouldn’t dwell on the sadness, but rather embrace this day as a day to celebrate my friendships. So let me begin…

Waiting with my friends for a mid-morning snack!

My closest friend in all the world is Monty. We will be keeping him as a client so you’ll read more about our work adventures (days when I walk him), but you’ll also read more about our friendship adventures (days when we’re just hanging out and NOT working). Monty’s a special guy. He’s taught me more than any other dog I’ve known and I’m looking forward to more wisdom and fun with my big, woolly buddy in the years to come!

We’re also keeping Woobie who, as you know, has been staying with us this week. She goes home tomorrow and we know she’s very excited to see her family once again. Yesterday, when we were driving around on some errands, Woobie got really excited at one point in the car. “What’s with Woobie?” I asked Gretchen.

“Look where we are,” Gretchen said.

We were one block from Woobie’s house. I guess I’d be excited, too if I passed by my house after not being there for three weeks.

“Soon, Woobie, you’ll be home soon,” I told her and she wagged her big, wavy tail and smiled.

Gemma is a dog we’ve passed onto another dog walker (or two). I’ve known Gemma since she was a puppy and it’s been fun to watch her grow up. I will miss her lively spirit and her willingness to go anywhere and try anything. I didn’t think I’d miss when she bites my neck or pushes me around with her butt, but then when I really thought about it, I realized I actually would. Happy adventures, Ms. Gemma.

Oshi and Perrito will also be moving on. While I’m sad that I won’t see them as much as I used to, the live right next door so I will at least get to watch them on their porch as they scurry around and chase each other. When the weather gets warmer, I may just invite myself over there to scurry around with them.

And then Saber. I’ve known Saber since he was a puppy as well and boy, has he ever grown! I’m miss a lot of things about Saber but the one I’ll miss the most is his goofy happiness.

Every day, no matter the weather or my mood, Saber makes me smile. He loves life and has taught me to embrace every moment with exuberance and zeal.

I sure hope we can arrange play dates in the future because playing with Saber is about as fun as it gets!

Even today, when he knew this was his last day with us, he laughed and laughed and laughed in the rain as we watched Woobie battle the wind and Gretchen forced us to sit on a cold, stone bench and pose for yet another of her many (too many, I might add) photographs.

Okay, I’m gonna kind of miss all of this, but I’m not going to dwell on that…I’m going to dwell (and laugh) on the happiness of friendships…

And to you, my faithful readers, thank you for your support these past few years. Please keep checking in for I will still be writing about my adventures and my thoughts and everything in between. They’ll still be photos and witticisms and the humble contemplations of a maturing Labradoodle (that would be me), but they won’t be as often. I feel like I know each and everyone of you personally and I’d hate to lose that connection just because the focus of my work is changing.

And yes, it’s changing. Turns out I’ll be a pool boy accompanying Gretchen to work at Wellsprings K9 and assisting my friend, Paige as she blogs about her work at the pool.

It’s time and so I step forward into my new adventure in life and I sure hope you follow me! All the best to my four-footed friends and their families who have touched my life in such wonderful ways. I know I’ll see you on the streets of this fair (albeit wet) city and I hope your tail wags as much as mine!

Until next time,

Rubin

Dry Spots

Okay so the rivers running down the middle of the street stopped and I bet you think that because the picture of Rosie to the right looks dry that we had a fairly weatherproofed day…

…but I’m here to tell you that it just ain’t so.

It was wet. So wet, we went searching for dry spots.

We didn’t find many.

Okay, under Rosie’s new raincoat was one, but on the whole, we were pretty much just as wet as we were yesterday only today Gretchen braved the elements and pulled out the camera for a few select (and quick) photos.

I know…Rosie looks grumpy and she was. Two reasons: The first was that Woobie and I went for a nice long walk this morning (in the pouring down rain) and so we dried off and rested while Gretchen walked Rosie…by herself…and she was none too pleased about it either. “Where’s Rubin? Where are my friends?” she pouted to Gretchen.

“It’s just me today, Rosie. Sorry,” was Gretchen’s pathetic response and for that, Rosie gave her the cold shoulder for the entire walk!

The second reason she was grumpy was because she had to wear her new coat and the rain just kept coming down. She doesn’t mind her new coat as much as I mind my coat, but still, she just wanted to either walk in the buff OR wear her old coat.

But aside from it being rainy today, it was warm — 52 degrees warm — and this new coat is unlined and therefore not as warm.

Rosie wasn’t buying it so she got a grumpy walk today.

I thought for sure we’d get to walk with Gemma and Saber, but since it was STILL RAINING Gretchen decided she only wanted to walk two dogs in the wetness and not four. Boo hoo.

The only dry spot they could find was in the tunnel and so Gretchen posed them in front of one of the murals of Seattle. It depicts a brighter, happier, drier time in this wet city and frankly, Gemma and Saber wanted to just get on with the walk and not hang out in the tunnel.

You’re probably asking yourself — “Where’s Rubin in these photos? Where’s Woobie?”

We found the driest spot I know! And we both liked it very very much!

Until tomorrow (and cross your paws for NO RAIN!)

Rubin

Walking through a slushy

I suppose that title says it all. It snowed last night — about 3 inches — and then early this morning it started raining and hasn’t stopped. All that snow turned to slush. We were wet, wet, wet for the entire day. We dried out in between walks, but it was a messy, messy day and therefore, no photos.

My apologies.

We walked Monty and Woobie first and they both picked up their paws really high as we sloshed through the river of water melting on the sidewalks. Gretchen walked Gemma and the two little mops — Oshi and Perrito — and everyone was pretty chilly and soaked by the time they made it home.

I walked with Rosie and she told me that she’d rather be at home — “No offense, Rubin,” she added and let me tell you, no offense taken.

Not our photo, but this is kind of what it was like today...

Woobie and Monty got to walk with Saber and out of all of us, he didn’t care at all about the wet and mud and rivers winding through the city. His positive attitude is an inspiration.

I should write more today, but the rain’s got me a bit down. I checked the weather report and let me tell you, it’s not a pretty picture for the next few days. While everyone else is digging themselves out of the snow, we’re about to go shopping for a boat and oars.

Frankly, I’d rather have snow. Yes, I know for those of you in Atlanta that’s not the case, but I say, if you’re going to be wet and cold better to be that way due to snow than rain.

Perhaps photos and words tomorrow, but no promises. I’m off to find my galoshes.

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Ubiquitous

Now there’s a big word! And yes, I know what it means. That’s why I had to laugh when a young man, who lives up the street, saw us out walking twice today — once in the morning and once at lunch time — and said, “Rubin is ubiquitous!” Our neighbor had seen us first about a mile from our house and the second time miles away from the first spot. The same neighbor works at a Daycare facility and we sometimes walk over by his work as well. He drives to work and we walk over there.

So yes, I guess I am ubiquitous — everywhere at once…or so it appears.

I glad somebody appreciates the miles I put in. Or perhaps they admire that I’m always out and about without really knowing that I log about 6 miles in a day (some days more, some days less). It makes me feel proud to be the “face” of dog walking and while we wrap up our last week of full time dog walking work, I find myself nostalgic, reminiscing about the past two and half years.

But I won’t go there today. Instead, I want to focus on the dogs we walked today. Well, I didn’t get to walk with everyone because I kind of had an upset tummy last night and Gretchen felt it was important that I rested.

Whatever.

The day started with a walk with Woobie. She’s staying with us for a bit while her parents finish up their trip to Africa! Woobie and I walked in the chilly morning and as our agreement, Gretchen doesn’t take photos on our “non work” morning walk. Despite the lack of a camera, we had a good time and slowly my tummy started to feel better.

Rosie and Tyson also got a morning walk and it was equally chilly for them, too. They headed over to Leschi where they pose on the brick wall and did their best to win over more treats from Gretchen’s pocket.

Gemma was next and she got to go out with Oshi and Perrito where the three played fetch and “prayer” ball (Perrito’s favorite activity) on the icy courts.

Well, Oshi didn’t play, but he supervised from the perimeter. He LOVES to walk the perimeters.

Woobie and I got to walk with Saber. Saber thinks Woobie smells pretty…

Woobie, as you can see, just ignores Saber and Saber wonders why…

“She’s just like that,” I told him, “But don’t worry. She likes you! Just look at her tail wagging?”

“Which end is her tail?” asked Saber.

He really is a funny guy.

What you can’t see in these photos, though, is all the snow in the mountains just beyond the lake. Gretchen was really hoping they’d pop out, but the lighting was too flat and gray so all you see is white sky.

Trust me. There’s snow in them thar mountains and I can hardly wait until the weekend when we get to romp in it.

Woobie and I rested more after that while Gretchen went off to work at the pool.

They’re talking snow tomorrow and so, I head off to bed dreaming of the white stuff.

I know snow throws everyone’s schedule off, but I sure hope it comes down and stays for awhile. I love snow!

May it be as ubiquitous as I am!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

You’re One of Those…?

People ask some of the strangest questions of me as we’re out walking. This morning, on a wet, rainy walk with Gretchen (our special alone time) a woman stopped us and asked, “You’re one of those…” and then she snapped her fingers.

“A Labradoodle,” Gretchen filled in the blank.

“Yeah, that’s it,” said the woman.

Sometimes people ask if I’m a Wheaten Terrier or just a plain poodle. I know it can be confusing because there are lots and lots of breeds of dogs in the world and Labradoodles in particular come in many different shapes and sizes.

I also know I’m a particularly interesting mix since my Dad was a miniature poodle and my Mom was a first generation Labradoodle (her parents were a Lab and a Poodle, respectively). When Gretchen and Ann adopted me, they really liked my Mom. She was calm, confident, and a perfect size. When they met my Dad they thought he was cute, but were surprised by his energy, his re-activeness, and his level of nervousness. “Oh, that’s the poodle,” they convinced themselves and since they’d already fallen in love me, they adopted me anyway.

Little did they know that while I might look like my mother, I am definitely more like my father in temperament. We’re all working on it, but let’s just say I’m a work in progress. Thank Dog for Chinese herbs!

But I’m not the only one who is questioned about what I am. Rosie, for instance, is constantly asked, “Is that a pit bull?” or “Is that a mastiff?” Both of which are incorrect. Rosie is a boxer through and through — from her flues to her stump of a tail.

A lot of people have no idea what Gemma is. The common suggestion/guess is Airedale, and while she is a terrier, she’s an Irish Terrier. Most of the time, though, people ask, “What kind of dog is that?” and we have to explain.

Saber is also confusing because unlike most Labs he is not black or yellow or chocolate though AKC folks say he technically IS a chocolate Lab with a silver coat. Then again, there’s a whole other group (non-AKC folks) who call him a silver-coated Lab. Still, when we’re on walks people ask, “Is that a Weimaraner and Lab mix?”

Nope…pure lab, through and through.

I guess it just goes to show, you can’t judge a dog by his coat or his size or his coloring/markings or even his temperament.

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Connected

It’s true that I have to moms, but somehow I’m more connected to one more than the other. Not that I don’t love them both equally. Not that when one or the other comes home I’m not thrilled and all wiggly to see them, but it appears that on a more unexplainable level, when Gretchen gets sick, I get sic. Or worse, when I get sick, Gretchen gets sick. I’m not sure why that’s worse, but maybe it’s because I feel bad about it.

Anyway, last night my stomach got all gurgly (is that a word?)…it started to gurgle. Loudly. I didn’t feel well and in the middle of the night, I got up and hurled on the carpet. Not a pretty sight, but all night long Gretchen kept feeling worse and worse and though she kept her side of the carpet clean, she said she felt like she could leave a spot somewhere inappropriate.

Turns out we both have intestinal distress. This is not the first time that it’s happened. Sometimes my left shoulder will hurt and Gretchen will get the same pain. When her left knee was gimpy, mine was too.

This is what I mean by connected. It’s eerie. We talked to the doctor about it this morning when I went in for my acupuncture appointment. “It’s not uncommon,” she said and went on to explain how many clients and their pets have the same ailments and conditions. “As a practitioner,” she explained, “I have to protect myself not to take on the energy of my clients.”

I thought this was kind of weird so I talked to Gretchen about it on our way home from my relaxing acupuncture appointment (and surprisingly, my tummy feels much better — must have been those needles in my stomach points!).

“You do massage on dogs,” I asked, “Do you sometimes pick up their ailments?”

“You know, Rubin,” she responded, “I’m not your typical woo-woo kind of person and I would have been the last to believe that such a thing could happen, but the more I work massaging dogs, and time with you, I realize just how amazingly we are connected. It’s true, if I open myself up too much in a massage, the pain the dog is feeling sometimes transfers to me. Not with the same intensity and it’s not like my knee is injured or my discs ruptured, it’s more of a general pain in that area. So, I’m not surprised that since you and I spend so much time together and we love each other so much that your sore shoulder is mine and mine is yours.”

Wow. If you knew Gretchen well like I do, you’d find this pretty surprising information and I suppose, if I were a scientist, I’d question the results, but I guess, in a way, we’ve kind of run our own experiments and the evidence is pretty clear to both of us — we’re connected.

On another completely different note, we’re “connected” in another way. Gretchen and our friend, Richard have been working feverishly on a new website for Wellsprings K9 (the pool where Gretchen works) and last night they launched it. You can see it here. Ironically, right after it launched, Gretchen felt ill and so did I.

Maybe it’s been the stress of ironing out all the glitches and the hours spent making it look the way we wanted it to, but I guess with all this woo woo stuff in the air (and in this house) I shouldn’t be surprised by the cause and effect.

Don’t worry — neither of us was too ill to not walk dogs today, though we walked slower and Gretchen let me rest more at home during the day, which was a good thing, I suppose.

So while I went on a walk with Monty, he walked some of the other dogs in my stead while Oshi, Perrito, and Gemma were left to their own craziness without Monty or me!

And just like the weather people promised, the temperatures rose and the rainclouds moved in. Thankfully, it stayed dry for our work, but things look mighty threatening right now.

So here’s a quick rundown of the day…

Monty walked with Rosie — well actually, they played at the tennis courts and had a blast (I’m only slightly jealous!)

Hard to see, but Rosie is chasing Monty...can you see her right behind Mr. Wooly!

Gemma walked with Oshi and Perrito, and yes, the gray skies tell it all!

And I got to walk with Monty in the morning (no photos, though) and then Saber in the afternoon.

Then I got another nap…so did Gretchen…and frankly, we both needed it. Monty enjoyed it as well. I wonder if he’s connected, too?

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Same as it ever was…

Mount Rainier in the morning's changing weather...

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about humans, they live their lives in constant flux. Change, as it was said so many years ago, is constant and as much as they try to live their life in predictable routines and make resolutions to solidify those constants, life happens and chaos lifts up to shake even the most steadfast resolution by their roots.

This is difficult for creatures like myself who find comfort in routine. When my schedule is broken — when change interrupts my life — I struggle to maintain my equilibrium. Holidays really throw me for a loop. The past two weeks have been a challenge for me. As a result, I haven’t been eating very well. And I’m a bit more nervous than usual.

That’s why I was happy to get back to a routine on Monday though it appears that that routine is, once again, about to change. As I mentioned yesterday, Gretchen’s cutting back on the dog walking

Our favorite tree by the lake with early morning lifting light to the east...

and taking on more full time work a the pool. Not sound self-centered, but I asked her this morning what that means for me.

I guess I should say that while the morning routine stayed relatively the same (and yes, I ate most of my breakfast), Gretchen and I went for a really long walk down by the lake and while we do that often on weekends, it was kind of sweet to spend some “alone” time with her on our own adventure. This is when we had our talk…

“I know it’s going to be different for you, Rubin,” Gretchen began, “And it will be equally hard on me since I really enjoy your dog walking buddies.”

“I feel a ‘but’ coming,” I mumbled.

“Yes, but…this opportunity to work with and help dogs at the pool just presented itself and fit right into the direction I’m heading with canine massage,” she explained. “So I had to make a tough, tough choice and while I feel bad about letting go some of your dog walking pals, it will mean that you and I get to spend some time together not working, just playing.”

Frost and ice on the shores of Lake Washington...

I knew, of course, that Gretchen threw the word play in there because I love to play and will do just about anything to have more play time in my schedule.

She continued: “Walks like this, for instance. We’ll have more time to take adventures farther afield. We can get up early and go skiing or hiking or swimming at the lake and in the afternoon, when I work at the pool, you can come with me and be my faithful assistant there just as you’ve been my faithful assistant dog dog walker.”

It sounds pretty inviting, I must admit, but still it’s a transition and I’m not really good at those. Gretchen knows this and so she said, “It will be rough for awhile. Both of us will have to find a new rhythm to our days, but we’ve done it before and we can do it again.”

Today’s rhythm started with a long walk down by the lake as I’ve mentioned. It was chilly this morning even though the temperatures were warmer than normal. The winter sun hung low and I got to practice waiting and coming…it was great fun!

And the mountain and the light met as the morning slowly emerged from its slumber…

Morning mountain slumber

Meanwhile, though, there is work to be done and while today wasn’t as busy as yesterday, we still had obligations to our dog walking friends.

First up was Rosie. It’s been nice forming a new friendship with Rosie. She’s very happy to see me when I arrive and I must admit, I like the attention. We went for a walk and watched the weather change right before our eyes.

“The rain’s coming!” Rosie stated confidently.

“Yep!” I confirmed.

And with that, we bumped bodies (as we do whenever we walk) and continued on our way.

Weather's changing, yep it is...

Next was Gemma and while I helped pick her up, I got dropped off at home (since I’d had a long, long walk in the morning) where I rested. Meanwhile, Gemma picked up Saber and the two of them frolicked at the tennis courts…they sure love each other!

…and then headed on their own walk, tired and happy.

Gemma and Saber are two of the dogs we unfortunately have to say goodbye to, but I’m not going to think about that today…

Instead, I’ll think about how the weather changes and never seems to mind the different routine. I’ll try to be like the weather in these coming weeks — happy to bring warmer temperatures or a cleansing rainfall or an unexpected snowfall. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Busted

For those of you who follow this blog, you know that I try to post a new piece every day. But you also know that some days I forget or I get too busy and then I must go to bed. Generally, I write the blog I miss the day after and write from the perspective of the day before. It can get confusing to be living in a Thursday but writing about a Wednesday. I do my best to remember what day I’m writing about, but some days I forget.

Like last week. I got too busy to write Wednesday’s blog so I got up early on Thursday and wrote about Wednesday. Only I wrote about Wednesday as if it were Thursday. Are you confused? Well, apparently I was too and the result was that I forgot to write Thursday’s blog. Of course, then the three-day New Year’s weekend happened and it all got messed up so now I must make amends or at least confess that I’ve been busted for my little white lies about what day I’m writing about.

Gretchen tried to console me with some phrase about “you’re only human” and then she caught herself because we both know I am not human. When I was feeling kind of bummed about it all, she said, “Give yourself a break, Rubin” and then I felt a tad bit better, but I suppose I’ll only feel better if I apologize directly to all of you.

So…I apologize for missing and misnaming my blogs. I’ll do my best in the New Year to keep up, but I suppose this is as good a time as any to let you know that my life will be changing after January 14. After January 14, we’ll be cutting back on our dog walking so Gretchen can work more full time at the pool. While it saddens us both to say goodbye to some of our most loyal clients, I know this is the best move for Gretchen who’s been working 12-14 hour days both putting in miles during the day and hours at the pool in the evenings.

She promises me that I will still get the same number of hours of play and walks and adventures and that I’ll get to go help her at the pool more often, but still it’s hard (as well as exciting) for both of us to make this transition. What this means for the blog is that I’ll be keeping a weekly blog instead of a daily one (though I might cheat and do a blog every couple of days). I know my grandparents will be sad about this because reading my blog is part of their morning routine — coffee, newspapers, and Rubin’s blog — but I also know they’ll understand.

But that, of course, is in the future. For now, I must catch up on all the activities over the past few days.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

It was a short but beautiful day. Gretchen walked Rosie and Tyson while I went out with Ann and my Auntie Jessica and her dog, Quillette. While I had a good time, it looks like Rosie and Tyson had even more fun playing fetch at the tennis courts on a cloud, crisp, blue-sky day!

I did get to walk with Saber and we headed down to the lake where Gretchen took us out on the dock. “I’m not sure this is a good idea,” I told Gretchen since Saber LOVES the water and would do just about anything to go for a swim…

…but even he had to admit it was way too far down to take the plunge.

So instead, we hung out in the sun as Gretchen tried to capture our silly expressions!

Friday December 31, 2010

And then we packed up the car and headed to the mountains! I thought it was cold on our side of the hills, but let me tell you, my paws were mighty cold in the 8 degree temperatures by the Wenatchee River. Here’s just a sampling of our time at the River…

That’s Lake Wenatchee on the left and the river on the right…

And this is me on both sides (tee hee) dressed for the chill (10 degrees in these photos), but I’m being very impatient. Good thing there is no sound in these photos because I’m whining, begging to keep going on our snowshoe trip.

I love to snowshoe and ski, but I wish Gretchen would buy me a set of skis and snowshoes so I wouldn’t have to wear these boots!

When we got done snowshoeing, I got to play with my little pink friend. She throws the ball for me and then chases after me. It’s the best game ever and would only be better if I didn’t have to wear the boots.

Still, it was mighty chilly and so I suppose the boots were a good thing.

Yep, it was so cold that the river got icy! I told my little pink friend to be careful or her tongue would stick on the snow. She didn’t believe me.

Gretchen and I went snowshoeing again the next day. I didn’t have to wear my coat this time, but I did run into some scary folks! That’s a unicorn bunny with a weapon (I’m a bit cautious as you can tell) and I think I know that masked woman!

I know you can’t tell from these photos, but we actually got a little lost. Thankfully, we were in a state park that went around a lake so once we found the lake again, we made it back to the car. Still, it was a long haul and since no one had broken trail yet, it was a difficult long haul.

I bounded my way through and Gretchen smashed the trail with her snowshoes. I’m not sure who was more tired by the end of the day, but both of us were a bit stiff and sore after the hike.

Oh and I had to cross this treacherous passage — it was a downed tree and it was laying across the path in such a way that we had to walk across the tree that had about 2 feet of snow on it. It was stretched out over the lake about 6 feet off the ground and even I, who is afraid of heights, made it across the 30 foot expanse. I was proud of myself! Still who was more tired at the end of the day?

Saturday January 1, 2011

The next day I met a new friend — Scout! — and engaged him in an icy game of chase!

Sunday January 2, 2011

We drove home…kind of boring, but then I liked the long nap in the car.

Monday (today) January 3, 2011

And finally, today. The past few weeks have been kind of slow with people on vacation, our travel plans, and the holidays so when we got back out on the road, I was kind of surprised at the 9 miles we put in. Whew…I haven’t done that for awhile!

First up were Gemma, Oshi, and Perrito. We hadn’t seen Gemma for awhile and though I stayed home (to rest), Gretchen said she was very excited to see everyone.

Gemma, as you can see, has a new collar — a Halti — which is designed to keep her from pulling. Much to Gemma’s torment, the new collar really works and Gretchen’s elbow is very very happy.

Oshi and Perrito are particularly wooly, which is a good thing since it was about 24 degrees this morning. Not the -5 degrees from our trip to Eastern Washington over the weekend, but still rather nippy for the start of 2011.

Oshi and Perrito were happy to have their wooliness!

The chilly day made for spectacular views and so Gretchen, Rosie, Tyson, and I walked up to our favorite viewpoint to capture the grandeur of it all.

Despite the chill, the sun felt warm and wonderful and we soaked it up!

Well, I soaked it up with my eyes closed! Rosie and Tyson were just waiting for a treat.

Saber was last dog of the day (he usually is) and we went for a long walk down by the lake and up through Frink Park. I told Gretchen it was a bad idea to try to take a photograph when we were surrounded by sticks, but did she listen?

I shook my head in disbelief! She’ll never listen!

Hard to say what makes Saber look up, but eventually he gets tired of the stick and raises his head. Today the sun caught him just at that moment and made him look sort of angelic.

Yeah right…

Still, I’m glad he looked up because the stick thing was getting annoying.

Okay, I’m caught up…whew. My paws are tired. I’ll do my best not to get this far behind again, but know if I do, it’s for a good reason!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Rubin