Category Archives: Rosie

February 3, 2012

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Creature of Habit

Hey Gretchen?

Yep, Rubin.

What exactly is meant by the phrase, “a creature of habit?”

Well, it means that the “creature” — whoever that may be — likes routine and isn’t very fond of a change in their lives. Why do you ask?

I think this might describe me.

You think?

Why are you smiling like that?

I guess I’m just surprised that you figured this out now.

You mean you aren’t surprised?

Can’t say that I am because you are, in fact, very much a creature of habit.

Is that a bad thing?

Absolutely not! It’s just the way you are and I guess it doesn’t bother me because I’m kind of the same way.

Do you think others find it bothersome?

I suppose, but then everything everyone does bothers someone somewhere.

Well, I don’t really care about everyone everywhere. I’m concerned that my people/friends find it annoying. Is it annoying?

What “habits” do you think others might find annoying?

Hmmm, let me see. I don’t like to eat breakfast and would prefer my first meal of the day served after 11 in the morning. Is that annoying?

Not annoying so much as frustrating because sometimes our days are busy and stopping mid-morning to get you to eat can make the day feel rushed.

See, these are the reasons I think it’s important that we talk about this stuff.

Will it change the time you are willing to eat breakfast?

No, but it’s good to know that you feel this way.

Now who is wearing the wry smile?

Are there other things that I need to know about my habits?

Let’s see…I’ve got a question for you. Why is it that when it’s time for bed you always look at the human bed longingly and then, when we invite you up, you won’t come up unless there is an immense amount of coaxing?

I don’t know if you really want the answer to this.

Why not?

I do that because I like to see the two of you do all that gyrating to get me up on the bed. It’s kind of like the last joke of the day and it makes me laugh every time!

So it’s not habit? It’s humor?

Let’s just say that it’s a little bit of both. You have to admit it’s pretty funny.

Actually, I don’t have to admit that and I won’t.

Anything else you need to share about my habits?

Let me make a list…

A list?

Yep, a list.

Rubin’s Top Ten Habits (some annoying, others not):

1. The need to bark in the backyard…sometimes at something (like a squirrel or a opossum) and sometimes at nothing (the “I see dead people” syndrome)

2. The need for daily off-leash time; no off-leash time = Mr. Grumpy

3. The morning routine — wake up, outside break, inside to the warmest spot on the couch, morning nap, then a big stretch.

4. Barking at the two dogs in the neighborhood that you don’t like.

5. Running to hide when your raincoat and/or booties are even a possibility of being removed from the closet and getting anywhere near you.

6. Needing at least 3 hours of exercise each day before you decide you are sort of tired.

7. Sitting in the back of the car looking out the back window so that the drivers behind us point and smile at the “cute dog” in the window.

8. Staring at me whenever I put my hand/hands in my pocket(s).

9. Needing the blanket on the couch to be spread out over the ottoman so you have a tent to sleep under while we read or watch a movie.

10. The way you have me twisted around your paw so that I always add a sprinkle of something extra (cheese, ham, chicken, treats) in your food bowl before you even think about eating!

So what’s the difference between a habit and a personality trait?

Good question. I think the difference is how you react if any of the above don’t happen. If it were a personality trait, you’d handle it better realizing that things like having cheese put on your food isn’t necessary, but because you’ve done it over and over and over again, it’s now a habit that you can’t overlook…nor can I.

Are you suggesting that a habit is one I shape and form and a personality trait isn’t under my control?

Perhaps. All I know is that if certain things don’t happen, you get a bit flustered and when you get flustered, everyone’s day is kind of thrown off.

That sounds more like a personality trait than a habit.

You know, I think you are right, but maybe it’s that your overarching personality trait is that you are a creature of habit — one is nested into the other.

Like those Russian Dolls you have in the front room?

Precisely. You like routine, Rubin. There’s no doubt about it and frankly, I get that because I am the same way. If things change too much, I can stress out a bit and I have to stop and remind myself that the routines aren’t too far away…I just need to find my way back to them.

I understand that completely!

But why do you ask me about all of this?

Well, you have to admit that our routine has been kind of whacky lately and I’ve been feeling the stress of it.

Me, too. But I think things are going to level off here so hang in there, okay? I mean, this past week has been relatively normal, right?

Yes. I’ve gotten to see all my dog walking clients and even though Woobie stayed with us for a few days and Paige came over for a birthday party, it felt a little closer to a normal routine.

Good. Let’s work on keeping it that way in the weeks to come, okay?

Okay! Thanks for helping me work through this, Gretchen.

You bet, buddy. Anything else you want to talk about?

Well, it’s sunny outside today. Any chance we can go run off leash without my raincoat or booties after I bark at the squirrel on the backyard fence and bare my teeth at those dogs I don’t like in the neighborhood and then you can give me some cheese?

Aren’t you the joker!

Forever and always!

Rubin

 

 

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January 25, 2012

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The In-Betweens

Yes, I’ve been neglectful and have not updated this blog for quite some time.

Yes, I feel bad about it.

Yes, I have my reasons and no, I won’t go into them.

Instead, the swirl and whirl of my days has made me realize how much of the in-between time takes up our lives.

Sure there are the dogs to walk. Sure there are the blogs to write.  Sure there has been Max to care for. Sure there are things to manage — like getting Gretchen off to her pool work on time or paying the bills or doing the laundry or making dinners or grading papers (Momma Ann). But there are also things that happen in between the expected stuff — slivers of life, as it were, that can consume time so rapidly you’re not sure if you’re coming or going.

How to capture those slivers has been on my mind lately and up until yesterday I was stymied about how to explain them. Then one event crystallized the whole dilemma.

First, we picked up Rosie (a little later than usual because we were at the vet’s office with Max) and as usual she was happy to see us, but instead of our normal walk, we headed over to Monty’s house.

Normally (as if there is such a concept in my life) we’d get Monty first and then head to Rosie’s, but today, it just worked out to pick up Rosie then walk to Monty’s and then head out on a longer walk with both of them.

Anyway, we walked (Rosie and I) to Monty’s house, leashed him up, and set out for the park. Monty loves Rosie and the feeling is very mutual. So they walked side by side bumping into each other with delight while I walked on the other side of Gretchen. Down the street we went when we passed the last house on the block — an old white house with a big yard front and back.

Next to the walkway going up to the house someone had set out their umbrella — fully open and propped in between two bushes. No doubt they were hoping to have it dry out after all the rain and wetness of late.

I saw the umbrella, Monty was oblivious to it, and Gretchen only gave it a passing glance.

Rosie, on the other hand, thought the sky had fallen and panicked sideways knocking her sturdy Boxer body into Monty’s gangly Poodle frame which in turn cut Gretchen off at the knees.

It all happened so fast that I’m sure none of us took a breath as Gretchen went straight up in the air — as in her feet kicked out from under her and went toward the sky — Monty skittered to one side, Rosie to the other (far away from the umbrella as she could get!), and I ran to the end of the leash to avoid being squashed.

At the pinnacle of Gretchen’s ascent, her phone slipped up and out of her breast pocket and started to ring.

And then everything crashed down — Gretchen, the phone, and all the leashes. Monty went over to Gretchen instantly (he’s like that) and asked, “Are you okay?” and Rosie kept an eye on the umbrella while I said a few choice doggie curse words, my tail tucked and my ears flat on my head.

I snapped out of it once I saw the blood as Gretchen picked up the phone and answered it (not sure why, but she did). Both wrists were red and drippy and the blood ran down her arms like small rivers. And then I saw the hole in her pants at the knee and more blood oozing from the wound.

You’d think that at this point we’d head home, don’t you? I mean, we were half a block away, but no, Gretchen picked herself up (after finishing the phone call), grabbed the leashes, reassured all of us and off we went on an hour walk.

It’s not like this happens every day. In fact, it rarely happens, but it illustrates quite nicely how a day planned can be flipped upside-down by umbrellas lurking in the bushes…metaphorically speaking. And lately, it’s kind of felt like there are a lot of umbrellas lurking in the bushes.

Straight lines have not been our destiny these days. We’ve been weaving and dancing around snow and wind, injured dogs, our heavy hopeful hearts and an extra abundance of daily tasks (laundry at the top of the heap…yes, a joke within a joke).

But today, the rain stopped, the wind inhaled, and we saw a Kingfisher within hand’s reach while walking by the lake.

These are good signs.

At least, that’s what I’m hoping…good signs that the “in betweens” will no longer dominate and we can move on a bit straighter track.

But ya never know. Those swirls and whirls might be as hidden as umbrellas.

Until then,

Rubin

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January 8, 2012

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Tired Pause/Paws

Much is expected of a dog.

We are more than companion and friend. Much more than warmth at the end of the bed or laughter wrapped in fur.

We are asked to be counsel and sage, to hold our heads in such a way as to reflect confusion or sympathy, joy or curiosity. We must not be a nuisance yet playful when asked. We must come when called but also come when we’re needed — no words, no motion — just a desire yet unsaid.

We are the silent conversationalist, the affordable therapist, the moment in the day when the sigh finds release. We are unexpectedly silly, a model of patience, and a loving irritation.

Yes, much is expected of a dog and of late, I have felt the weight of my responsibilities.

First, there were the boarders, though I don’t like to call them that since, in fact, Monty and Quillette are my dearest friends. I shared my beds (yes, I have more than one in the house), I shared my treats, and most importantly, I shared my family who loved and massaged my friends just as they do me.

Then there were our clients — Rosie, Tyson, Roux, Monty, and Paige. But again, my connection to them is much more than a business transaction.

They are my teachers, my friends, my playmates, and members of my extended pack.

 

Then there is my family –immediate and extended — who send me emails of love and woofs, who comment on my silly smirk, and who give me gifts like knuckle bones and homemade treats. My paws grow weary from all the correspondences –typing without thumbs my inner most thoughts and my devotion to each and everyone of them.

It is no wonder that, as 2012 unfolds, I find myself breathing in then out a most tired pause and licking the quiet exhaustion of my weary paws.

I am not unhappy. On the contrary. My life is so full I find it difficult to contain my happiness. I often roll on the ground trying to take in the immensity of my joy — as wide as the sky. Still, happiness can be exhausting and I find myself seeking the warm corner of the couch or the surety of my place under the desk.

And now, it appears, we are opening our hearts and our home to another new friend — Max. I have been assured that he is going to be with us for only a short while (two months), but that during that time, my responsibilities will expand. You can read about Max’s full story here and in the coming weeks, read updates about him as well on our blog in the coming weeks.

Today, Sunday, we are going to travel to Vashon Island where he currently lives and pick him up — all Great Pyrenees/Lab bulk of him though he’s really quite skinny and bony for such a big breed. But we, like his current foster family, hope to put weight on him, strengthen his muscles and teach him to walk more smoothly and confidently. I think it’s going to be an uphill battle. Max has such a long, long road ahead of him.

Still, I’m willing to try. I’m willing to open my home (and my heart) to this sweet fellow and do my part to undo the damage of his past, the neglect of his previous life, and the scars that are left on his body and his heart.

So much is expected of a dog. Max is, perhaps, my biggest challenge of all.

Big sigh. Deep breath. One paw, then another.

Let’s begin climbing the mountain.

Rubin

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January 1, 2012

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Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Another year has passed. I can’t believe it. Just like that, it’s January of a brand New Year! Wow.

As Gretchen and I finished up last week (aka 2011) we sat down for a moment to reflect upon the previous year (last blog) and look ahead to some big changes in 2012.

Big changes!

I’m pleased to announce that Wags n’ Words is expanding its operations this year. Not only will we continue to walk dogs as we have for the past three years, but we’re moving into Pet Sitting as well. In addition, Gretchen’s going to take her massage skills on the road (so to speak) and while she’ll continue to work (and love every minute of it) at Wellsprings K9, she’s also setting up shop to come to your house (well, if you live in the area) to massage your dog.

And if you have the need, she can do all three at once — walk your dog, massage your dog, and stay at your house to take care of your dog (and perhaps other animals) while you’re away!

Okay, I have to admit I’m exhausted thinking about it all, but Gretchen assures me she can handle it.

So, if you have any interest in any of these services check out our new Rates and Services page for all the de-tails! Of course, we can only pet sit at one house at a time so get your bid in early!

In addition, to the left of this blog you’ll find a calendar. We’ll post times we have available and times we are booked. If you see a date with an underline, it means we’re booked (looks like this: 13). But if it’s not underlined, then we probably have an opening. Give us a call or send an email to make certain. I have a feeling we’re gonna book up fast!

I’m kind of excited about the new changes because it means that I’ll get to meet new dogs, new people, and benefit from all the massage experience Gretchen will be getting. I mean, she’s good at what she does, but I bet the more dogs she works with, the more I’ll benefit. Don’t ya think?

2011 ended with a pack (as opposed to a bang). We took care of Monty over the holidays and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, our good friend Quillette showed up to bring in the New Year with us. Monty’s Mom is in Hawaii — the land of light and warmth — and Quillette’s Mom went the opposite direction to Berlin, Germany — the land of dark and wet (at least, that’s how she describes it though she’s having a great time spending the holidays with her brother, his partner and their year-old baby, Henry.)

Anyway, New Year’s Eve and Day were spent with my two friends — Monty and Q — and it felt kind of like the best way to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. Well, here’s what Quillette thought about it all…she was relaxing as Gretchen gave her a much needed massage!

We also got to spend New Year’s Day with our extended “logicals” as we call them (as opposed to biologicals — biological family versus friends who are as close as family…our logicals).

Of course, we worked as well, though our only clients this week were Rosie and Tyson. But that turned out great because Tyson’s other dog walker was on vacation so Monty, Rosie, Tyson, and I all got hang out on our walks. We unfortunately couldn’t include Q once she arrived because she and Rosie have a girl-dog thing and it wouldn’t have been pretty, but still, each of them — Rosie and Q — got hang with their boys! And it’s all good when Gretchen has treats!

And I did my duty and took Rosie and Tyson out by themselves, too!

And I got a surprise walk with my friend, Olive…

And if that wasn’t enough for the week, turns out we might have a foster dog living with us in January. More about that later, though…

Yep, 2011 well is coming to a good end and 2012 looks like it’s gonna be a brand new adventure. My tail is wagging in anticipation! Happy New Year everyone!

Rubin

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December 24, 2011

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The Best of 2011

Another year is coming to a close and every year, we assemble calendars for our clients reflecting back on all of our adventures, compiling them in a 2012 calendar so that our clients can remember the joys of our “best shots”…or attempts at our best shots. I suppose I should be more humble and say that these are all Gretchen’s shots, but since I had to be in most of them (and posed patiently) I think I can take some of the credit.

Anyway, this is one of my favorite things to do — comb through all the photos and choose the ones that I like the best and in the process, remember all the reasons why I have the best friends/clients in the world:

First up, Monty. I put him first because he’s been a part of my life since the beginning. Well, since my beginning. When I first came home at the tender age of 2 months, Monty came for a visit. He was suspicious of me, at first, and when I jumped on him for the 90th time, he finally took his big, curly paw and put it on my head. He even gave me a little growl and from that moment on, I listened to Monty. He is my top dog.

This year we went on many walks together and every once in awhile romped like wild men (just like we did when we were much younger). This is one of my favorite photos of one of those romps…

I think why I like this photo is because, despite our ages, we’ve still got spunk, don’t ya think? Okay, while our romps a few years ago would last 15-20 minutes and they only last about 5 minutes now, they’re still fun and they fill my heart with curly joy!

But mostly, my love for Monty is the greatest when we sit quietly next to each other and know that we are and will forever be best friends. Plus Monty is kind of dignified in a goofy way, yes?

It’s hard to choose who is next. I guess if I’m going chronologically, I’d have to choose Woobie. I first met Woobie on a walk through the trails of Leschi Woods. I’ll admit, I barked at her first (which was my usual greeting when I was younger…I don’t do it so much any more), but Woobie just ran toward me with this big smile on her face. Yes, despite the long hair, her smile shown through like a beacon of friendship. We gave each other a mandatory sniff, then Woobie started to run and I chased her. We chased each other for a good half hour on that first meeting while our moms got acquainted and shared information. A few months later, Woobie was a dog walking client and on occasion, stayed with us while her family traveled all around the world.

Woobie is really good for me. She’s calm and rarely gets flustered. When I’m around her I feel calm, too. The past few months haven’t been all that kind to Woobie. She broke her toe and has been going through all sorts of treatments to help the bone heal and so we don’t get to walk or romp much lately, but luckily Woobie has had a chance to go to the pool and get some much needed exercise and massage therapy there. According to Gretchen, she absolutely LOVES the workout and the healing hands of the therapist’s massage. I totally get that as I love it too!

 

 

 

Next up would be Rosie and Tyson because shortly after meeting Woobie, I met these siblings. But even though I got to meet them, Gretchen had been walking them for about a year. You see, no one was sure how they’d do meeting me. It’s not that they are aggressive, it’s just that Rosie gets a bit anxious when meeting new dogs. Because Tyson is very protective of her, Gretchen decided she wanted just the right moment to introduce us.

I got to meet Rosie first and despite everyone’s fears, we were fast friends from the first outing. Rosie likes me a lot. And I think Rosie’s pretty silly. Tyson on the other hand didn’t seem silly to me at all on first meeting. He was serious, serious, serious. It’s not been until lately that his silly side has surfaced and that makes me very happy. And it also makes me feel safe. Scanning through the thousands of photos we have of these two, I realized that when we are posed together, I very much like to be close to Tyson. There’s a quiet sense of security I get being next to him. I can see why Rosie loves her little brother so much.

 

Next up is Roux (chronologically speaking). I met her a few years back when we were both playing off-leash at a local field. Rouxtook a liking to me right away and since I’m a fella that likes to be chased, Roux and I bonded right away. I ran, she followed. Now, when we arrive at her house, she howls with delight knowing that there’s a possibility that we might go play another round of chase on one of the many fields around our houses.

What I’ve noticed about Roux in all of these photos is that she loves to smile — like serious tongue-hanging-out-smiles that can only make you laugh.

She’s as silly as I am, which is a good thing in case you were wondering!

 

 

 

 

Lastly, but certainly not least is my newest acquaintance — Ms. Betty Paige. I consider Paige my kid sister. She makes me feelyoung again. Paige is an adventurer and for that I love her dearly. As you may or may not know, I have some issues with confidence. My lack of confidence shows up as anxiety and when I’m out in the world, I can be reactive to new sounds and situations.

Running and playing with Paige, though, has helped me tremendously. Paige has enough confidence to fill up the oceans and she moves through the world like a queen reigning over her kingdom. I love following her around as we flush squirrels out of bushes or chase rabbits along the shore. Paige makes me feel confident and self-assured; she makes me enjoy the world around me, not fear it. I have a lot to learn from Paige and she’s a willing teacher as well as a true and honest friend.

Yep, looking through our photos from the past year has really made me realize how wonderful 2011 has been. I not only have some of the best friends in the whole canine world, but I have a pretty incredible life that I get to share with special dogs and special clients.

I know that having this many photos made Gretchen’s computer crash this year, which unfortunately meant that we lost a few good shots, but the photographic record of our time together has not been tainted too much.

Who knows what’s in store for 2012? Maybe Gretchen will finally get an underwater camera and we can take photos at the beach or at the pool. Maybe I’ll find some new canine friends who’ll want me to walk them, play with them, and teach them all I’ve learned from my short time on this earth.

Who knows…the point is, it’s been quite a year and I thank each and everyone of you — blog reader, dog clients and their owners, and everyone in between — your friendship and support is what keeps me keeping on!

Merry Holidays and Happy New Year!

Rubin

 

 

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December 18, 2011

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Giving

Yep, it’s that time of year when humans decide to give to those they love. Don’t get me wrong. I really like this time of year and yes, I enjoy giving as well as being given too, but lately I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of giving not as a holiday tradition, but as a way of life. This is, perhaps, because I am a dog and, by nature, I am built to give. With a simple wag of my tail or the cock of my head, humans receive a kind of joy I can’t explain. In fact, some humans teach their dogs to wag their tails or cock their heads on command…that’s how much they adore it.

But on a deeper level, dogs are natural givers. We seek companionship. We express our emotions (yes we feel the same ones humans do!) clearly and frequently. Even if we’ve been damaged in some way, with the right kind of patience and love our true natures as loving companions can be restored.

I suppose what’s got me thinking about all of this are the stories Gretchen’s been telling me about Max the foster dog who’s now receiving therapy at Wellsprings K9. Max is making steady progress, but it’s important that he come in for pool therapy more than one day a week. This is difficult on a number of levels. First off, his foster Mom has a job (which she has to have because she needs to pay for all the fostering she does as well as taking care of her human family) and so finding time in the day to transport Big Max to the pool can be tricky.

Secondly, it’s not cheap. Yes, she’s been getting help from the Wellsprings K9 Fund and a very special person (a current client at the pool) donated 10 swims for Max, but Max’ full recovery is going to take time and the best way to help him regain and rebuild all that neural memory is through swimming (and massage, of course). So this is going to be a long and expensive process.

Is Max worth it? I’ve never met the guy, but from all the stories I keep hearing, he’s the most tenderhearted guy who has been to hell and back.

Which leads me to my point about giving. Think about what he’s been through (previous post) and still he wags his tail. He smiles. He reaches out for human affection. He wants to be with other dogs (and cats, though I can’t imagine why!). With every effort he makes to walk, he wins more and more human hearts. By simply learning to be a dog he has given humans a sense of hope and at the center of that hope is the definition of love.

Yep, giving is about love. If there’s one lesson dogs can teach humans it’s that when you give (whether by wagging your tail or snuggling up under the covers or by simply bringing the ball back in a game of fetch) you are personifying love (though in this case it would be dog-i-fying, I suppose). You are breathing love into each gift so that the receiver holds in their paws or hands not just a present, but a slice of purity — something so true and weighty you can’t help but feel fulfilled.

So this past week, as we went to work (and went out to play, which are often one in the same) I realized how many gifts I receive each day. From a simple walk with my friend Olive and her nervous friend, Isabella…

…to my regular time with Rosie and Tyson…

…my long-standing friendship with Monty…

Monty often accompanies me on my work…he’s a great dog dog walking assistant!

…and an unexpected sleepover with Olive…which included a really fun romp at the Leschi park where I got to teach Olive more about being a real dog (she’s a retired service dog and sometimes forgets that she can run and play with abandon now!)

…taking Woobie to the pool so she can get some exercise and a massage with Emily…

…to time alone with my family on a crisp, winter afternoon while the sun sets casting a pink glow on the lake and Mt. Rainier…

…I am the receiver of much love — so much in fact, I think my curls have curled even more in the joy of it.

Next week will be a shorter work schedule for us and while I shall miss my daily routines, I am thrilled to be heading into another kind of giving love — time with my human family! I’ll be sure to spread the love by sitting close to Grandpa so he can pat my head…

…following my Uncle Paul around so he can giggle with me…yep, that’s me with Uncle Paul when I was just a pup!

…letting my Aunt Patti snuggle with me on the bed…again when I was a young, young boy and didn’t understand the meaning of cats!

…and hang out in the kitchen so that if Grandma “accidentally” drops something unexpected on the floor, I can help her with clean up!

Oh and Monty is coming with us! Perhaps this is the best present of all since he is my best friend in the whole wide world and now I get to share with him one of my favorite places in the world.

 

 

They’ll be my human and canine cousins too — Lindsey, Nathan, Hope, and Ringo — and I’ll do my best to wiggle and wag, play gently and let Ringo catch me every once in awhile when we play chase. And each night I will curl up next to my Moms and count the love in my life, like sheep lulling me into a deep and joyous sleep.

Until then,

Rubin

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December 11, 2011

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‘Tis the Season

First, let me say that while our computer crisis is over, there is still mountains of work we must do to sort through and clean out photos, emails, and documents (that’s what today, Sunday, is dedicated to…along with some outside time with friends!), but all and all, we’re about 90% functional and it feels so good!

Next, we had a typical week walking our clients/friends:

Rosie and Tyson -

Monty and Roux

Woobie

We played…

 

And yes, that’s Tyson off leash for the first time…and we’re playing in the woods…much to Rosie’s disappointment!

And it took Tyson a bit to understand what off leash meant…

And we visited the wounded…

 

 

 

And we posed as Gretchen is always wanting us to do…

But none of that is what I want to write about. Yes, it’s important and it’s my life and it’s all wonderful, but what I want to write about is this guy…

This is Max and for those of you who follow me on Facebook (Rubin Dietz-Gilpin) or Twitter (@wagsnwords) or via our Wellsprings K9 connection (@wellspringsk9 or Facebook Wellsprings Canine), you’ve seen many postings about Max.

I have yet to meet Max, but I can tell you that the story Gretchen recounts make me realize what a wonderful life I have as well as make me angry that not every dog in the world has a life like mine.

Max is a rescue from a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles. From what everyone could piece together, he was kept in crate for most of his life. He is only 2 years old and the crate was half his size (he most likely grew into it or out of it over the years). Because the crate was too small, he grew to its shape. Hunched over, positioned on his hocks and elbow — Max came to his foster home in Seattle unable to stand let alone walk.

His foster mom, Suzanne, worked with him daily — cleaned him up, fed him nutritious meals, and took him to the vet where they surmised that while everything was in working order, Max would have to learn to walk from scratch.

That’s when Suzanne brought him to Wellsprings K9 — our other job — and after two sessions, Max is walking better — not as hunched, more on his toes, and most importantly, wagging his tail.

We’ve put the call out to everyone we know — Please Help Max — because the costs of his therapy and rescue are mounting.

I know Gretchen loves me. I know I am at the center of her heart, but let me tell you, this guy has really touched her and in the telling of his tale, he’s touched me too. Gretchen says he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He just wants to be loved. Imagine living in a box most of your life then traveling thousands of miles to land “outdoors” and then “in a pool” — experiences you’ve never had in your short life.

Max has handled it with complete trust and an open heart.

You can read more about Max here (http://blog.wellspringsk9.com/) and if you feel so inclined, we ask that you contribute to his therapy.

Oh and if you want to adopt him, that would be fantastic, too! I’m trying to talk Gretchen into it, but she says our dance card is already overflowing.

Tis the season and we hope you can find it in your heart to help our new friend, Max.( http://seattlesobaka.chipin.com/animal-rescue-and-advocacy)

Have a great rest of your weekend,

Rubin

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November 20, 2011

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Eat Play Love

I will admit that I have never read nor seen the movie, Eat Pray Love (nor has anyone at this house), but the other day, while racing across an open field barking at crows, I thought to myself, “Why is my life so wonderful?” I realize that the original story was more about someone finding the wonderfulness of life, but the premise — that what makes our lives so wonderful is all around us in the everyday details — is the same in both stories — Elizabeth Gilbert’s and mine.

So I spent this past week gathering those details (de-tails?) and spread them carefully out on the floor to study them yesterday. Yes, the floor was covered with things like car rides along the lake, a new (really really long) bully stick from my Auntie Sheila, all my friends (canine and human), a warm blanket, music, teriyaki chicken from Toshio’s, snuggling, walks, romps, cuddling with Auntie Jessica…I could go on and on and on.

But as I sorted through the many meaningful moments of my life, what I realized was that at the center of it all are three basics and they can, for me, be summarized as Eat Play Love…though technically it should go in this order: Play, Love, Eat.

PLAY: You can be certain that 99% of the time I have a moment where I stop and say to myself, “Hey self, your life is pretty wonderful!”  I am playing. Play includes running along the lake, racing through the woods, chasing after something (a ball, a bird, a squirrel, a cat, A RABBIT), swimming (at the pool or in some body of open water), hiking, kayaking, running an agility course (though I am no longer allowed to do it), or wrestling with my friends. (I know I’ve probably left something out, but you get the idea — if I’m moving and generally off-leash, I am beyond happy!)

Take this week, for instance: I got to play fetch at the park with my friends Paige and Monty (and Monty’s mom Colleen) and that made me hysterically happy…

…then I worked all week (and yes, for me work is a blast!) walking my friends Paige, Monty, Rosie, Tyson, and even Woobie…

…I got to make Woobie happy by helping her get some warm water exercise at Wellsprings K9 (as we all try to help heal her broken toe)…

…and I got to spend some quality time with my new best friend, Zoe, who visited me from Marquette, Michigan! (and I met a new friend, Chester!)

In between this full life of play is all sorts of stuff you don’t get to see — like I hung out at Auntie Jessica’s one day and we went on two wonderful walks together where I pranced and danced at the end of my leash, proud as a peacock to be walking with Jessica and her dog (and my buddy) Quillette; I saw Lulu and we spontaneously went on a walk together; I saw Liliana at Dog Mania for a Spaw Day; and I even got to go visit Dr. Geisler who gave me a much-needed adjustment on my back!

Which leads me to the LOVE part: Most of my play, if not all of it, is with friends (canine and human) that I love and who, in turn, love me.

Paige stayed with us last weekend and for a few days during the week and the more I get to know Paige (and share my life with her) the more I LOVE her (and yes, she loves me, too!).

Zoe, who I’d met years ago, came all the way from Michigan to cuddle with me on the guest bed. Now that’s what I call love!

There are places that I love and that love me back — like Seward Park — where we took Zoe for a walk…

…a ride on the zip line (well, she rode, I just barked at her)…

…and breathing in all the cool, chilly air on a cool, chilly day by the lake!

And again, there are so many places that I love that you don’t always get to see. For instance, I just got back from the Duwammish River Park where Paige and I flushed out rabbits from behind the bushes and chased them all the way across the park.

And I got to share the love, too  (which makes me feel loved as well) sharing one of my favorite places with my dear friend Woobie (Wellsprings K9) where she got to swim (something she loves to do) and get a massage from Auntie Sheila!

EAT: Okay, I’ll be honest. This isn’t one of my most favorite activities in the world but hanging out with Paige for a few days is the best way for any curly man to learn to eat! Man alive, I’ve never seen a dog ATTACK their food like she does. I watched in amazement as she waited patiently (and drooly) on her (actually MY) bed and then when given the signal, leapt across the floor and devoured her meal in 60 seconds or less! (The title of her book would be EAT, PREY, LOVE!)

That was inspirational. So inspirational in fact, I ate like a “real dog” (Gretchen’s words) the whole time she was here.

Of course, eating can be yummy at times especially when I turn my nose up at my bowl of delicious raw food and Gretchen decides to add some freshly cooked chicken or maybe some Havarti cheese to the mix and then, maybe then, I’ll eat it all up.

Though I know eating isn’t one of my favorite things, it’s certainly a necessity and I’m very lucky to have great food (and great moms) who will provide me with the best meals know to Dog!

And friends who give me bully sticks (dog chews) longer than my own body! (Thank you, Paige!)

So yes, the wonder of my life is multitude of things that add up to an equation I can only wish for every dog: EAT, PLAY, LOVE (in any order you prefer) and don’t let a moment of your life slip away into the doldrums! Yep, I’m grabbing life by the curls and never letting go! (And sometimes it’s good to sleep as well…but only if it’s under a big, warm blanket!)

See you soon,

Rubin

 

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November 13, 2011

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Quiet Before

I am aging. There’s no other way to say it, but straight out and honestly. I. Am. Aging.

It was inevitable, of course. Can’t stop what’s supposed to happen, but this week my aging opened the front door and I could no longer ignore her (yes, my age is somehow a “her” – no explanation). I think she walked in with the weather, but I can’t be sure. All I know is that she was quiet and then like a sudden hailstorm on a metal roof, she could not be denied.

This is not to say that my life is a storm. On the contrary. My life is more than just one thing. It is a sunny day, a standstill snowstorm, a sweet-smelling Spring shower, a gray stagnant afternoon, a pink cloudless morning…I could go on, but you get the idea. My life is full and unexpected, boring and predictable, sweet and sleepy all at the same time, all the time.

I suppose all of this wonder of my life (and my age) showed up at the front step because I took stock of all the amazing friends, family, and life experiences I have each and every week. Yes, part of this is due to the fact that I am a dog dog walker, but it’s also due to the fact that I’ve been born into this one, brief life and it is my nature to capture the splendor of of every second of every sun that rises, downpour that soaks me, and friend who crosses my path.

And all of this awareness coincided with the most interesting week of weather. Sure, we’ve had weather like this before and sure, we’ve had the wide variety of weather we’ve had this week many times in the past. But somehow the weather extremes highlighted all that is good and beautiful in my life and the storm of my realization crept up on me like the (rain, hail, wind) storm we experienced at the end of the week.

It started slowly. Monday was a cloudy day that ended in sunshine and the shimmering colors of Autumn’s last attempt to hang on. We walked with Rosie and Tyson. Nothing extraordinary unfolded — just a walk with my two friends, treats fed to us at all the right times, and six pairs of keen eyes focused on the possibility of cats and squirrels and a hole in the treat bag.

Still. And still. As in quiet still and an anticipatory still. It cannot be denied. I was content on Monday. Content with Boxers in a garden. Content with gray paint across the sky. Content with splashes of color that took my breath away. Content with the windless possibilities of the day.

And then in the afternoon, an unexpected trip with my friend Paige to the rabbit park only I became the rabbit and Paige remained and will forever be the Huntress of my Heart.

Yes, we played. And we laughed. And we smelled all that was good in the world. And we counted the quiet before, the calm of what was to come.

Tuesday was simply Rosie, but I do not say that with any less passion and contentment. There was sun…

and there was Rosie and there was rosy.

Don’t let her serious photographs fool you. She tells some of the best jokes and when I least expect it, she can cajole me into my clownish behavior with just one jowly punch to my side. It took a long time (relatively speaking) for me to meet Rosie (Gretchen walked her for almost a year before we were introduced), but not our tails (her stub and my plume) beat with the same rhythm of happiness when we greet each other.

Wednesday was Monty and Rosie. Now if that doesn’t make you smile, I’m not certain anything can. The city was outlined in fog but the promise of sunshine melted it all away slowly and surely.

By the afternoon when it was Monty and Paige, the sun on our backs was an invitation to play and play we did. First, we walked at Camp Long and told stories at the amphitheater.

Then we headed over to the baseball field and played an imaginary game of baseball.

I think it was at this point that my age knocked on the door. Or perhaps it was that night when my body twitched and ached from my adventures. I heard Gretchen say to Ann, “I think he’s worn out” but I was too happily exhausted to respond.

Thursday showed up with more sunshine and that eerie feeling that something big was coming. Yes, the calm before the storm itched at our skin. Still, Rosie and I smiled and squinted and did our best to enjoy the moment before us.

Overnight the rain came. Slowly and steadily. I dreamt about washing machines and waves and all things water and Friday stepped into the weather with my head up and my curls down.

Even the sharp-shinned hawk we spotted in the tree tucked its head against the rain (I’ve added a photo of what one really looks like with its head NOT tucked!)

The rain was soft and scattered when we started out in the morning and for that, Rosie and Tyson were grateful. By mid-day, the rain found its voice and roared down on Monty and me like a waterfall. Hard to photograph how soaked we were, but trust me, soaked can’t even begin to explain.

 

Ann had the day off from work on Friday and so while Gretchen headed off to the warm waters of Wellsprings K9 to work, I helped Ann wade through the torrential waters of her teaching requirements — REPORT CARD TIME!

And then the hailstorm hit. Water and rocks– that’s the only way I can explain it. They came down with a vengeance and that’s when I opened the front door to find my age standing on the front porch. It’s hard to explain, but the moment before I opened the door, I knew she’d be there. She wore a tattered coat of experience and wonder and a hat as wide as joy and as full as love.

There was no need to invite her in. She was home and I welcomed her with open paws. I couldn’t be the happy and loved dog I was without her. To not appreciate her presence in my life was to deny every curl on my head. And so we laughed and sang; we sat on the couch together and reminisced. We told stories about things we thought we’d forgotten and held paws remembering the losses and the loves.

She’s here now — my age — and I’m not letting her go. Instead I’m going to wear her like my favorite coat (which if you know my disdain of coats is saying quite a lot). When we picked Gretchen up from work on Saturday afternoon, I introduced my age to Paige who I learned was spending some days (and nights) with us. Saturday night was spent watching movies and curling up with each other under the blankets on the couch and I thought it profound that the names of my friends – Age and Paige – rhymed. And how funny it was that Paige collected all the tennis balls in the house and brought them to us.

The rain fell outside — silently and with purpose — and the three of us fell asleep dreaming of rabbits and baseball, visitors and sunshine, friends, flowers, and those quiet, calm moments before (and after).

Soon,

Rubin

 

 

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November 5, 2011

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Wonders of the Week

A lot happens during my week. Some of it you get to read about and some of it you don’t. While I try to describe a wide variety of my weekly experiences there are days and weeks that go by when I wrack my curly head trying to pick through the delectable morsels of my Doodle life. Yes, yes, yes…it’s not all pork belly and marrow bones. There are days when I feel that all I do is wait for action and other days when all I want to do is go to my bed and get some rest.

But I’m not complaining. Not many dogs are as lucky as I am to have such a blessed life. Every day I get to go on some kind of adventure — sometimes just with Gretchen, though most days with one or two or three of my canine friends who I am lucky enough to also call clients. They help put food in my bowl and I hope I help them find joy in strolling through the park, walking down the the lake, or barking at a squirrel or a cat or…

…a partridge.

It was that partridge — spotted on Friday morning, the end of my work week — that is the inspiration for this week’s blog.

We were walking Rosie and Tyson and had just left their house when I heard a sound — like no other sound I’ve ever heard — that made my head snap up and my ears shoot forward.

“What’s that sound?” I asked Rosie and Tyson, but they were so busy smelling the grass and the trees that they didn’t hear it.

“What sound?” asked Rosie.

And then it came again — a sort of warbling whistle, melodic and strange. “That sound!”

Gretchen saw it first, a funny lump on the sidewalk. Startled, it jumped once then flew awkwardly to the lowest branches of a tree. “It looks like a partridge!” Gretchen explained.

“Is that a pear tree?” Tyson asked.

“No,” giggled Gretchen, “But that was a funny joke, Ty!”

“Can we get a picture of it?” I asked Gretchen.

“I’ll try,” she said.

And here’s the part that you have to picture. She has on her backpack (where she keeps her camera, rain gear, extra dog treats, a first aide kit, and some toys in case we stop at a field somewhere to play) — she has three dog leashes in her hand and at the end of those leashes are me — staring up at the partridge not in a pear tree; Tyson — sniffing the base of the tree deciding if he wants to lift his leg; and Rosie, who is, in fact peeing for the fourth time since we left the house…about 200 feet from where we stand.

Without letting go of the leashes, Gretchen slipped her backpack off, removed her camera and pointed into the tree to see if she could get a photograph.

“We need to get closer,” she whispered to me.

“Okay,” but then I realized Rosie was at the end of her leash, her snout buried nostril deep in a pile of racked leaves and Tyson had moved across the sidewalk to lift his leg on the corner of the fence.

“Guys,” I said, “There’s a partridge in the tree. We have to move closer. Rein yourselves in!”

“Aren’t we going for a walk?” asked Rosie,

“I’m being a good boy,” said Tyson, “Isn’t it time for a snack?”

Uncooperative as they were, Gretchen moved us all a bit closer and after about 15 attempts got the photo of the partridge and that’s when it struck me — there are a lot of wonders around me and I better pay close attention.

Of course, it was the end of my work week and I was sad to realize that I’d probably missed a few important wonders Monday through Thursday, but luckily Gretchen had a photographic chronicle of the week. So, when we got back home, I combed through the photos and realized that many of the wonders had been captured. The partridge was, in fact, the punctuation mark at the end of a very wondrous week.

The first thing that struck me was the color of the week. True, it’s Autumn and the leaves are still clinging their orange, yellow, red, and crinkly brown selves to the limbs, but many have also fallen creating these amazing kaleidoscopes of filtered colors.

Yellow…

Pink…

Orange…

Green and blue…

It’s amazing! I never realized how appropriate the name Emerald City is for Seattle!

And then I noticed the light. On Monday, for instance, Rosie and Tyson and I were out on a long walk through the wooded park when Gretchen stopped us on the stairs and snapped this photo. “Sweet,” she said. “The light is amazing!”

I paid no attention at the time, but when we got home and looked at the photo, I too was amazed.

Then later in the week, I walked with Paige and the sunshine of the early part of the week was being pushed out by a gray wind.

The effort it took to get a good photo of us — what with the gray skies rolling in and the gray waters of Puget Sound — was a mighty feat. Coupled with the fact that Paige rarely looks a the camera because she’s always watching for something else to scurry by, I was surprised to find photos of Paige staring right into the camera.

“I know how to behave,” Paige informed me, “I just make the choice not to.”

There are many reasons why I love Paige, but her spunk and boldness are only matched by her sweetness and ability to tell an amazingly funny joke.

Oh and we make a great team — she scents out the squirrels and I use my keen eyesight. Let me tell you, not a single squirrel goes unnoticed on our walks!

Going from beautiful light to gray skies (which later opened up into a full-fledged rainstorm that we luckily avoided!) as well as capturing the beauty of Paige in the camera was only matched by Roux (who we walked the next day) actually staying in place for photographs.

With Roux you get about 10 seconds to take a picture. I’ve learned, as I’ve explained before, that the quicker you behave, the quicker you get your treat and we can be on our way. Roux has yet to fully embrace this fact. But lo and behold, she sat on the picnic table with me for a good 30 seconds…

…and then she was off…sniffing the ground and misbehaving.

Oh Roux! Luckily she comes when called…well, eventually she comes.

We walked Monty twice this week (as usual) and for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what was the wonder of our time together then Gretchen said, “You two have been friends now for almost five years Rubin! Imagine!”

And yep, that’s when I realized that sometimes wonder isn’t captured in a camera. Sometimes wonder is captured in time and there’s not a camera fancy enough to hold every moment of five years as well as what I hold in my heart for Monty…heck, for all my friends and family.

But sometimes…sometimes when you least expect it a partridge lands in your view and “snap” you realize all the wonders of the world are right in front of you.

Have a great weekend (enjoy that extra hour!)

Rubin

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