Spring Green

I wasn’t expecting it to be so green today, but when I woke up, the green assailed my eyes. I actually had to squint followed by lots of blinking. Partly, I think I was tired. I had a sleepover last night. Woobie spent the night with us and all night long I was worried about her. I mean you want your friends to be comfortable and all, so I kind of went out of my way to make certain she had everything she needed for a good night’s sleep.

I gave her my bed with the warm blanket. I tucked her in. And I even told her a bedtime story. She seemed to really appreciate it, but she was a little restless, uncertain of exactly where she should rest and worried a bit every time Gretchen got up to pee (which she does a lot during the night!).

So this morning, when the alarm sounded, I think we were both a little befuddled. On top of which, everything was really green. Gretchen says it gets like this time of year, but somehow I don’t remember it being THIS green before.

“It’s all the rain we’ve been having,” Gretchen told me as we headed out on a walk with Woobie. Usually, we walk to school, but today we didn’t go to school first thing in the morning. Nope, we went for a walk and then piled into the car and drove to school. We rarely drive to school, but Gretchen wanted Woobie and me to wait in the car while she taught her class (something about a guest speaker) so therefore we needed the car — or the rolling dog house as I call it!

When she was done teaching, we piled out of the car and headed up to Ollie’s house and wasn’t he ever excited to see us since he rarely gets a chance to play with Woobie. We all headed out down through the park…

…and then down to the water…

…where Woobie looked out at the lake hoping we’d venture down to the shore. Woobie likes to swim more than I do so she was sort of upset that we never got to go in the lake today.

We headed back up the long hill and dropped Ollie off and then drove home where Woobie and I got to take a nap while Gretchen took Rosie out for her walk.

Rosie was full of beans today so Gretchen walked her over to the large field where they practiced playing fetch. Rosie’s really getting the hang of it…she watches for the toss…

…and then pounces on the treat…

…then races back to Gretchen to watch for the next treat…

…and then smiles proudly and happily!

I wonder if Rosie noticed how green it was today?

After Rosie went home, Gretchen picked up Gemma who pulled her all the way to Saber’s house. Boy, those two sure have a love thing going on. They played hard at the tennis courts…

…and then went for a walk up over the hill…

and then up through the pea patch…

…bumping into each other all the way. They didn’t notice how green it was because all they saw were hearts floating in their eyes. Jeez!

After they got dropped off, Gretchen came home, ate some lunch, and then took Woobie and me to the park by the lake! Boy, was it ever green there! I played fetch in the green grass…

…while Woobie ate the green grass…

…and then we posed in the afternoon sun with the green all around us…

…and finally we walked by the lake where Woobie once again looked at the water longingly while I rolled around in the green stuff.

On our way home, we passed the off leash park, but we were both too tired to go in for a romp. Instead, we met Reno who was coming out of the park. We’ve met him before and we were all glad to see each other. He, too, commented on all the green, which was nice because I was beginning to think I was the only one who saw it!

Woobie goes home tonight, which kind of makes me sad. Gretchen asked me if I liked Woobie as much as Monty and I really had to think about it. Finally I said, “I like Woobie in a much more delicate way than I like Monty. With Monty I can throw myself at him and he’ll play with me. With Woobie, I don’t really want to throw myself at her. I’d just rather curl up beside her and sigh deeply.”

Gretchen only smiled, which I’m not sure I completely understand, but then again, I don’t really understand why today was so much greener than yesterday! I still have so much to learn!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

A Couple of Tra-la-las

I woke up singing this morning. “Play, play, play, woof, woof woof and a couple of tra-la-las that’s how we pass the day away in the merry old land of dogs.”

I know that’s not how the song really goes, but for me it sums up how I was feeling this morning. I’m not sure why I woke up so happy, but I did. Maybe it’s because I got to sleep in since Gretchen didn’t have to teach today. Not that I don’t like teaching with her, it was just nice to have a break especially after my rousing agility class last night. I was pretty tired and my body obviously needed the rest, so sleeping in was a perfect way to begin the day.

The other reason I’m so happy is because I stopped to really consider my life (I think it’s because my birthday is coming up) and I’ve decided I have it pretty darn good. I mean, how many of you can say you love your work every single day? How many of you can say that your work is your play, that you work with your best friends, and that at the end of each day, you really feel like you’ve accomplished something?

I guess that’s why the tra-la-las were reverberating in my dreams this morning! It’s a good life and here is just a slice.

First up, Mr. Monty — my dearest friend. Because we didn’t have to teach today, we got to pick Monty up earlier than usual and both of us were glad for it! We went for a nice long walk and watched the clouds build and pass, build and pass and never once raining down on us. Actually, we went to a new place this morning and although Gretchen was leery about taking Monty near water, he did quite well posing for our photo.

Of course, after she took the photo and put her camera away, Monty put his front legs on the ledge behind us and contemplated jumping into the fountain water. Good thing the ledge was really high up or I think we would have gone fishing for poodles today.

Actually, that kind of sounds like fun!

Gretchen debated on her next move — take us home and let us rest or take us out with the boys next door? Can you tell which decision she made?

Yes, we got to walk with Oshi and Perrito and all of us were happy about it! We walked through the park and again watched those clouds build and pass, build and pass and still no rain. We were definitely not in Kansas though the wind was really kicking up!

Eventually though, we all had to go home — Oshi and Perrito to their house and then Monty and I back to our house where we were fed a yummy brunch that both of us ate wholeheartedly! Gretchen had some lunch too because she knew she had some big walks ahead of her.

First was Rosie who, unlike most days, got an hour walk and boy, was she ever happy. Walking Rosie for an hour instead of a half hour meant that the two of them could take a new adventure.

It started out rather normal as they headed up the hill toward Frink Park.

Then they walked down through the park where Gretchen practiced a leash drag with Rosie. She did a great job — Rosie, that is — sticking close by and always coming when she was called! Good girl, Rosie!

Apparently, though, I have a correction to make from yesterday. I claimed that Rosie wasn’t nose-centered. Well, according to Gretchen, once Rosie feels comfortable — which is what she was feeling today as you can see by her smiles — she’s all about her nose. In fact, it made the journey down to the lake and back home again a rather arduous adventure because Rosie kept sniffing!

But they eventually made their way to the lake and for Rosie that was very exciting indeed.

Of course Rosie isn’t fond of walking back home through the tunnel so they had to hike back up the hills and then down to Rosie’s house, which made both Gretchen and Rosie huff and puff!

Next up were the two ultimate tra-la-laers if there is such a phrase — Gemma and Saber. The two lovebirds made their way to the tennis courts to get some of that la-la-la out of their system …

…and then they went for a nice long walk again watching those clouds build and pass, build and pass. Gretchen tried hard to get a shot of Gemma and Saber driving the tractor, but Saber is apparently too big! HA! Gemma thought that was pretty funny!

Saber dropped Gemma off at her house and then made his way over to ours where Monty and I were happily napping. Of course, it didn’t take us much to get excited about another walk! Saber was pretty thrilled too, but little did he know, our walk was back over to his house so he could rest up after his big play date with Gemma. He wasn’t too disappointed, but he did give his sad eyes when Gretchen said goodbye.

And that’s when the day that started out with a song got more glorious. Monty and I got to play fetch at the park — just the two of us and absolutely no rain! Woo hoo!

The Merry Old Land of Dogs is a pretty nice place to live and the best thing about it? No evil green witches!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

No Nose is Not Always Good Nose

I am told, though I don’t really believe it, that I was a late bloomer when it came to using my nose. The sense of smell, as you may well know, is the first sense to develop in newborn pups, but my family swears I did everything BUT use my nose. I’m not sure how they knew this because humans have a horrible sense of smell, but their evidence is as follows.

First, I apparently bark first and then smell, which proves to them that I hear things first (or perhaps see them) and react whereas a nose-centered dog would smell first and then, if he or she sensed danger would bark.

Second, when I see my food bowl picked up, filled with food, and then put back down, I usually turn away from it without getting close enough to see what’s actually in it — as in smelling it.

Lastly, I am not fond of allowing other dogs to smell me (especially my private parts) nor am I all that interested in smelling them. The same goes for humans who often offer me their hand to smell when I’ve never even asked for any such gesture.

I have, of course, a response to each of these bits of evidence and I’d like to use my friends/clients to support my thesis.

Let’s take a look at Ollie. He is, as you well know, a miniature version of me — a Labradoodle. When we pick him up at his house, he sits in the front room and looks out the window. The key word here is LOOKS. He isn’t smelling the air for our arrival — he’s waiting patiently to SEE us arrive. This also means he has a sense of time because he knows on which day and at which time we will arrive.

And when we do, he makes a bee-line for the back porch, races down the steps, and flies into his “Happy Ollie” mode. Yes, after his initial enthusiasm, he tries to smell me and he ALWAYS checks Gretchen’s pockets for treats, but using his nose is not the first behavior he exhibits.

I suppose his nose stays active for most of our time together since it’s really hard to get him to do anything other than stay as close to Gretchen as possible in hopes that he might receive another treat, but let’s just say, his nose takes activation. It does not start on its own.

Next, is Alice. She uses her ears. When the gate opens with a little rattle of the latch and then closes shut with a bigger rattle, Alice starts barking. Does she smell us? I doubt it since she’s in her crate inside the house and we’re a good 30 feet away. Once Gretchen enters the house, Alice stops barking not because she smells Gretchen, but rather because Gretchen enters saying, “It’s just me, Alice! Time to go for your walk!” And when Gretchen opens the kennel, Alice then activates her nose because usually Gretchen has a little treat for her, which Alice welcomes gladly.

On our walk, however, Alice’s nose works overtime, but I think that’s because she’s a hound, which is obviously a nose-centered breed. Still, when it’s time for photos, Alice will sit and wait without any knowledge that there might be a treat as a reward.

Though I’m not really sure why she constantly licks her lips!

Now, I might have to concede that Rosie definitely uses her nose, though I have yet to spend any amount of time with her so I don’t think I can assume she’s nose-centered or not, but I have heard Rosie stories and something tells me, Rosie is an energy dog more than a scent dog.

What I mean is that Rosie is a bit edgy. She is nervous when things move too suddenly or loudly or strange sounds approach her. Gretchen tells me that she actually jumps when the electric bus goes by and sometimes even cowers behind Gretchen’s legs when a garbage truck rumbles down the street. There’s no sense of smell in those instances, but she certainly knows when a treat is about to be offered or where one might be found or when she deserves one!

Gemma is a combination of all the above. While she’s not great at reading energy, she’s definitely full of it and can give all of us a run for our money!

Gemma, like Ollie, would prefer to sit in the window all day watching for us to arrive than almost anything else. That’s where she was today when Gretchen picked her up — staring at her from her perch at the front window. And while her nose eventually kicks in — “Are there any dog friends with you,” she’ll ask with her nose — she watches intently to see if Gretchen comes with dog friends or if she comes alone. Only recently has Gemma activated her nose — ever since Gretchen has been working with her on her recall commands. Still, her nose can easily get set aside IF there are better things to do –and this is perhaps where Gemma is different than all of us. Her greatest sense is her mouth  because EVERYTHING she sees (especially dogs) goes into her mouth!

Finally, there is Saber. Since he is technically still a puppy, he seems to be trying out all his senses depending on his mood. He rarely barks nor does he even get that excited when Gretchen first walks into the house. He just sits in his kennel and watches. I suppose that’s a sense — his sight — but even that seems a bit passive. I mean, it’s not like he stares at Gretchen or even tries to glimpse out the door to see if any dog friends have come along. Nope, he just sits and looks up every once in awhile, waiting for his collar and leash to be put on.

That’s when he kicks it into high gear. Every sense revs up and he tumbles out the door with pure joy. And as we walk, it’s hard to tell which sense is more active — his ears, his eyes, his tongue, his nose, OR his tail! I will say this, though, he knows the difference between my orange and blue ball and any other orange and blue ball!

So you see, I don’t think I’m that unique. True, I have matured a great deal and I am more inclined to use my nose than not, but I am by no means nose dependent. Rather I like to think of myself as a diversified dog — as comfortable using all my senses as I am using my nose.

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

Early Morning Blues

The alarm sounded at 5:45 this morning.

Let me say that again…

5:45 A.M.

Last week I didn’t have to go teach with Gretchen. The kids had time off from school.

I got spoiled. I slept in until 7 every morning, curled up in my deluxe bed like a doe in tall grass. This morning, as you can well imagine, came as quite a shock. 5:45 is early. 5:45 is still dark. 5:45 isn’t for wimps.

I am not a wimp.

Well, not today. Today I got up, did my morning stretches, visited the outside to do my business, and then got right to work. I spent the morning with the students who were happy to see me after their nice mid-winter break. I’ll admit, I was happy to see them too, but I had a bit of sleep in my eyes.

They did too!

I got to go home after that and eat a nice warm breakfast and catch a short nap while Gretchen took Rosie and Tyson out into the warm sunshine. As you can see, the siblings turned toward the sun every chance they got and took in the spectacular view of blue skies and cloudless horizons.

Gretchen said that both Rosie and Tyson, while happy to see her, were a bit slow to start out as well. Maybe they had to get up early themselves. Of course, she said they picked up the pace once they realized how beautiful the day was turning out to be. Nothing like a little sunshine to get your bed bones moving!

After Rosie and Tyson headed home, Gretchen picked up Gemma who stretched and yawn right off the bat. But it doesn’t take Gemma long to warm up. She was, however, disappointed that there was no one waiting for her on the porch. Gretchen assured her, though, that she’d not only get to walk with Oshi and Perrito, she’d get to play with me!

As you can see, they sat quietly on the bench not just because they were waiting patiently for a treat, but also because the sun was really heating up the day.

Everyone soaked it up…

By the time Gemma got to our house, the sun was warm on the porch, but the shadows of the yard made for some interesting photography.

When Gemma made it to our house, I’d eaten my breakfast, taken a nap, and was ready for a little play time before we headed out on a walk.

Tug is a perfect game to wake up a sleepy dog…oh, and having Gemma to play with always keeps me on my toes!

She’s such a funny girl. I’ll admit I was slow to warm up this morning, but that doesn’t stop Gemma. She just kept slamming her body into mine, threatening to steal my tennis ball, and barking at me to “play, play, play” with her until finally, I had to submit and play.

Sometimes, though, we get a little carried away. Luckily, Gretchen always has treats in her pockets and over the past few weeks has been working on Gemma’s recall command. Gemma’s getting pretty good at racing right to Gretchen’s side when she hears the word “Come.” It’s pretty impressive. Gretchen says she’s almost better than I am at it, but I beg to differ!

We went for a walk after our romp and then I took Gemma back to her house where she curled up on her bed for an afternoon nap.

My day was just warming up, though. Saber was next and in order to play with Saber, I have to be wide awake. Why? Because he ALWAYS steals my ball! And he ALWAYS taunts me with it!

Yes, in this last shot he won’t let anyone get near him for fear they’ll take away the ball he stole from me! In fact, he even tried to out run his shadow!

We didn’t play too long at the tennis courts because it was such a beautiful day and Gretchen really wanted to go for a walk, so she leashed us up and we headed toward the gardens on the hill and down through the pea patch by the lake!

Yes, it was a good thing the sun was out in full force today because I’m not sure I could have pulled myself out of bed so early in the morning if I’d known there would be rain.

Rain is apparently on the docket for tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully we can get all of our walking done and I can curl back up in my bed before the clouds open up, but I’m still trying to figure out what I can do about that dang alarm clock going off at 5:45 in the morning!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

What’s in a Name?

Hey, Monty?

Yeah, Rubin?

You know that thing we saw in the park today, what was it called again?

Uh, a pagoda, I think. Yeah, a pagoda.

So, I was thinking…

That’s always dangerous (chuckle chuckle)…

..very funny, I was thinking that if you changed the middle of that word you know where it says GOD and said it backwards…

…God backwards? Couldn’t that get you into trouble saying that name backwards?

No, think about it, Monty! G-O-D spelled backwards is D-O-G.

Sorry, I was never good at spelling.

Jeez!  GOD spelled backwards spells DOG.

Wow, really? That’s amazing! You’re a genius!

Monty, I didn’t make it up myself. Everyone knows GOD spelled backwards is DOG.

Oh.

It’s okay though because what I really wanted to tell you is that if you change the first two letters of pagoda to be like the name of our feet…

What? You’re losing me here…

Okay, I’ll slow down. P-A are the first two letters of pagoda. What sound do they make?

They speak?

No, no, no…they make a sound when you put them together.

That’s sweet. When I’m with you I make lots of sounds…happy ones.

Thanks Monty, but that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying that M-O-N — the first three letters of your name make the sound MON like in MONTY and MONDAY.

I’d rather they sounded like Saturday because that’s the day I get to sleep in.

Well they don’t. M-O-N sounds like MON and P-A as in the first two letters of pagoda sound like PA.

Like Grandpa? Like Party?

Yeah, now you’re getting it, but they also sound like what humans call our feet.

Paw?

Yes, I knew you’d get it eventually!

So, what’s your point?

The point is that if you spelled P-A like P-A-W and then flipped GOD to DOG the name of that structure in the park should be PAWDOGA.

PAWDOGA?

Yes, isn’t that cool?

I think I’m missing something. You just spent half your blog explaining how you want to rename the pagoda to pawdoga? What’s the point?

I don’t know, I just thought it was cool.

Buddy, you have way too much time on your hands or in your head or on your paws or pas or whatever!

Well, I thought you’d appreciate my vocabulary dexterity.

Your what?

Never mind. I’m just happy today is over.

Well, it’s not over really, you need to finish the blog.

I think I just did.

You did? Man, you’re fast.

Well, unbeknownst to you (obviously) you were a big help.

I was?

Yes, my friend, you were. Have a good weekend!

You, too!

Rubin and Monty

PS — Don’t forget to tell them about the rest of the pictures below.

You just did.

I did?

The Affectionate Sun

Warm blankets in the morning

Curled up like a fuzzy fern

I stretch and feel love surrounding me.

Sweet smell of breakfast

Warming in the oven

stirs me from my dreams,

though I don’t want to move for someone

I love is rubbing my belly.

The sun skips along the horizon

pink then purple then more pink and some orange

Eventually blue nuzzles out the orange and morning calls me like a trumpet

or perhaps a squirrel with his bushy tail

his wiggling nose

his desire to taunt me at every turn.

Work lies ahead

a road of happy obligations

And as I stretch, I feel the warm glow

of my muscles rising to the day.

My breakfast sits warm in my belly

As we head out in the crisp, clear morning

Ollie waits on the porch, then bounds down

to meet us — his smile matching his curls.

Then Gemma with her athletic build,

her tenacious persistence,

and her sultry desire to chase and be chased,

to taunt and be taunted,

to pester and be pestered.

Ollie is happy to be home, but waits

once again, on the porch to say goodbye

to Gemma, wave his happy tail, and snack once

last time on a tasty treat.

Then to Saber who stretches flat on the porch

and whines when he sees Gemma waiting.

They circle each other

like planets orbiting the brilliant sun

then bump along nudging each other

all the way to the park.

They play the same games they

play every day, but always with the

same happy exuberance.

Gemma goes home first, then Saber –

each tired, each content, each

heart filled with Spring.

Rosie soaks in the rays

And begs a little for some love and

tasty treats nibbled

from the demanding hand -

sit, lie down, stay!

Good girl, Rosie! Good girl!

All the while, the sun shimmers on her

red coat and her eyes sparkle happiness.

The blue sky, a halo above,

brings a smile to her floppy jowls

and the green grass feels

soft on her knuckled feet.

Alice barks at first, fearing cold clouds

then springs off her porch with a little wiggle

and a quick lick to my cheek.

We bounce our way to Woobie

who sings a happy song when we arrive.

She and Alice tap noses, exchange reports

about the weather, and then race down the

stairs into the brilliant phosphorescence of the day.

There’s a large park to the north

where children scream down slides,

kick their feet to the sky,

and save maidens in the castle.

We sit in the grass basking in the warmth

of the sun’s affections watching

boys play basketball, girls play tag,

and parents laugh from benches.

Alice goes home with few regrets

wearing the sun’s glow on her tail

while Woobie and I chase squirrels all

the way back to her house, though

we walk the long way just for fun.

Last romp of the day ends with Saber

who rises once again for the occasion.

For a treat, we walk the shadows of the waning

sun to the bigger park

where the light glimmers pink and golden

against our smiling fur.

And then, as if the day has sprouted wings,

we pull our lazy, tired bodies

through the park once again.

Saber flops with sudden joy at home

and I sigh relief that this day,

a day of wagging tails

and bouncing ears, of

blue blue skies

and white white mountains,

of friends and adventure

has come to a close.

Until tomorrow,

Rubin

PS — More photos from our day below –

Back in the Saddle

We took a little time away from dog walking this past week. The hope was to visit our friends at their cabin and go skiing, but last week, everything started to unravel. First, I got sick. My tummy took a long time to heal, but finally I’m feeling myself again. Next, my other mother, Ann, got sick. She’s starting to feel better too, but for a few days there, Gretchen had to play nurse. Then there was no snow at the cabin, which was kind of the whole purpose of going — skiing and snowshoeing in the snow. So instead, Gretchen and I headed over to Grandma and Grandpa’s and while it was a good visit, I have to admit I missed the snow, the cabin, and feeling myself.

But I shall not live in the past. Today I was back in the saddle working again and not a bit sad about it since the sun was glorious and the skies were blue and the chill in the air felt like maybe just maybe it was still winter! Monty, as you can see, enjoyed the sun as well. He basked in the glow while resting on my bed in the kitchen. We’d had a busy day so I think it felt particularly wonderful to take a nap in the sun.

Our day started with a nice long walk in the morning fog. We picked up the boys next door — Oshi and Perrito — and then Monty and all of us, Ann included, headed over the ridge where we posed with Gretchen. In the background, not sure you can tell, but the sun is just started to break through the thick fog and we were all quite happy about it!

We walked along the ridge and watched the sun work its magic on the fog as we headed back to Oshi and Perrito’s house. Monty and I were served brunch then while Gretchen walked over to Rosie’s house! By then the sun was out in all its glory, so much so that even Rosie was taken aback by her own shadow.

Gretchen and Rosie played food fetch (even though they found a tennis ball) on a grassy knoll…

…and then took a look at the city popping out from the fog behind them.

After Rosie went home, Gretchen picked up a happy (and bigger) Saber! They walked through the park back to our house where Monty and I were leashed up to join the big guy for another short walk and then what was to be a short play date at the tennis courts.

Saber instantly stole my ball — his new trick — and then played keep away from everyone. I had to use my wiliest tactics to get it back from him, but Saber is getting more and more wily in his own way every day. Stinker!

Meanwhile, Monty just played fetch and kept away from us as best he could…

We played for awhile and just when we were about to leave, Plexi showed up and Saber begged to stay longer. Thank you, Saber!

Plexi and Saber share a lot in common. They are both puppies and therefore very excited to run and chase and play together…

…next, they both like to be in everyone else’s business which meant that sometimes Monty and I, being the elders, had to put them in their places…

…they both like to mouth each other in that typical puppy fashion…

…and they both tired out quickly, which made our job a lot easier!

By the time we were done with our romp, everyone was more than happy to go home and rest…yes, even Monty!

While our work day was over at this point, our fun just kept rolling on. Quillette came over with Jessica and after helping Jessica with a BIG chore, we all — yes all — piled into our car for a trip to Molly Moon’s Ice Cream store! First, you have to realize that there were six of us in our tiny car — 3 humans and 3 canines.

Next, while it was sunny out, the temperature was dropping fast and you’d think the last thing the humans would want to eat was ice cream, but no, they ate and while the canine’s waited patiently.

Finally, we walked around the Cal Anderson park where Monty contemplated a swim, Quillette squinted in the setting sun, and I made every jump up on a boulder for a sunset pose.

What a way to end the day…and not just any day…my first day back in the saddle since last week. And yes, I am a bit saddle sore tonight, but I’m sure I’ll be over it by tomorrow!

Until then,

Rubin

Happy Valentine’s Day (a tad early!)

Gretchen was trying to figure out how to put a heart shape around photos, but could only manage an oval. It works, though doesn’t it? You can really see how these two — Saber and Gemma — love each other even without having to look into their eyes.

They set the tone for the Friday before Valentine’s Day. There was actually a lot of love to go around, though we had to dodge the raindrops in order to spread the love today.

Our day had some twists in it that I wasn’t expecting and I’m not talking about the weather either. First, we left school this morning and picked up Woobie. “Woobie?” I questioned Gretchen. “Why Woobie?” She informed me that the schedule got changed and Woobie would be our first walk of the day. Of course, that’s when it started to rain. Not hard, but definitely enough that by the time we stopped by Monty’s house to pick him up, we were pretty wet.

But then the rain subsided and the three of us walked to the park to the tennis courts.

Woobie escorted us home where we posed for a photo on the porch. The dark clouds were really moving in so you can imagine what was coming…more rain!

Monty and I got brunch while Woobie braved the rain and headed next door to pick up Oshi and Perrito. By then the rain was really coming down so the only chance Gretchen got to take a photo was under the cover of Woobie’s porch.

Oshi and Perrito got quite the rub down when they got home, but by the time Gretchen walked over to Gemma’s house, the rain stopped again. Just in case, Gemma had to wear her raincoat, though. They headed toward the park and even though Gretchen knew they’d stop by Saber’s house, Gemma pulled her there regardless. I’m telling you, this is true love.

It’s a good thing Saber is all skin, isn’t it?

And it’s a good thing he wears out quickly otherwise Gemma would run him into the ground…well, it looks like she did!

Gretchen was going to take another photo of the two lovebirds on their walk, but every time she went to get her camera out of her backpack, the two of them threw themselves at each other. It was safer for everyone to avoid another photo op!

Those two went home tired and will no doubt dream of each other tonight while Gretchen headed home to pick us up. And guess who decided to join us? Jessica and Quillette! See, another twist, but that wasn’t all. We walked up to Bradner Gardens and when Gretchen marched up the long stairway to a familiar house, I knew we were in for yet another twist — Chloe!!!

We haven’t seen Chloe for over a year. We generally only walk her when her Mom’s off skiing, but the weather hasn’t produced much snow here (sorry to the other Washington!) and so not many ski trips can be planned. But today we got a real treat as all four of us (and two humans) walked down to the lake and practiced sitting as close together as we dared on that high up dock!

I have to say, I have a special place in my heart for that Chloe. Can you tell?

We walked back up through Mount Baker park and when we got to the top of the hill we could see gray, gray clouds painted on the horizon. Would we make it home before the clouds opened up on us?

To be concluded…

…just kiddin! Chloe got home alright and we made it back to our house just as the rain started pelting the ground. Whew! I’m going to be away for a few days and dog blog will pick up again next Wednesday. I’m off to hopefully recuperate from my intestinal distress and Gretchen will be faithfully by my side administering love, massages, and something called acidophilus. Is that like a Greek Dog or something?

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Rubin

Greetings

Humans think that every dog likes the same things especially when it comes to saying hello… or even goodbye, for that matter. Well, I’m here to tell you that assumption is false. Often on this blog, I have explored how dogs are uniquely different, but today I’d like to focus on one aspect — greetings.

Contrary to popular opinion, dogs don’t like to be petted on top of their heads. Sure, some are okay with it, but others see it as a possible threat. I, for one, am not comfortable with strangers petting the top of my head, but even when I kindly back away, people come straight at me as if it’s a competition between the two of us to see who will win — the head petter or the head petting avoider (me!).

The next thing humans do is put their hand out to have dogs smell them. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell (much stronger than humans) and it’s been estimated that a dog can smell you once you are within a fourteen foot range. No need to stick your hands out. Now, while I’m not fond of head petting, I’m okay with sniffing the human hand. What bugs me is that humans aren’t comfortable letting the sniff be the last encounter. Quickly, they move their hand to go straight for my head and that’s when I back away and that competition thing starts again — they step forward to try again, I step back to avoid it.

Take the dogs we walked today. Ollie, for instance. Every time we pick him up, we can see him waiting on the couch as he looks at the window. He races through the house, out through the dog door, and bounds his way down the stairs where he springs like a bunny at the gate.

Gretchen’s students are often at the playground across the street and they wait in gleeful anticipation for Ollie to come for a visit. When he sees them, he gets excited, but then crouches down really low because he knows all these little hands are going to maul him.  They say hello to me and a few even pet me, but most of them just want to put their hands on Ollie’s curly, curly mop. He doesn’t seem to mind. If the students tried to treat me like that, I’d probably cower behind Gretchen’s legs. Way too much energy for me.

Gemma, on the other hand, wants nothing more than for everyone she meets to say hello to her. She bounces at the end of the leash all the while pulling Gretchen toward the human hoping that the human will stop and notice the bouncing, pulling, eager Gemma. If the human doesn’t stop, Gemma gets really agitated and barks at them. When we’re walking Ollie at the same time, Ollie barks too because he wants to impress his girlfriend Gemma.

I’m not sure she’s very impressed, she likes her “friends” a bit rougher than what Ollie can muster, but he keeps trying!

When we drop Ollie off at his house, he has another way of saying goodbye. He races into the house through his dog door and in a split second, turns around and exits the house again where he waits on the porch for the dog treats he knows Gretchen will leave for him.

When we leave Gemma at her house, she jumps up on the couch by the living room window and stares at us as we march down the stairs. The look on her face is something between confusion (is it over already?) and sad longing (will you ever come back?) followed by a quick shift to, “Hey, let’s play!” and then she turns to whomever is home and starts spinning. Tough to wear that girl out, let me tell you!

Rosie is, dare I say, a lot like me in many ways. We’re both a little skittish, but Rosie is a bit more drawn to humans than I am. Well, I love the humans I know, but strangers? Not so much. I need about 5-10 times to really meet someone before they are in my circle of trusted friends. Rosie, on the other hand, likes it when Gretchen runs into strangers on their walks. Still, being petted on her head is not her favorite thing either.

Today, Gretchen worked on that with Rosie as well as teaching Rosie the beginning steps to playing fetch. First, it starts with a cookie thrown across the tennis courts…

…and when Rosie chases after it (she’s like me in that she rarely refuses a treat!), Gretchen calls her back so that Rosie knows the out and back drill. Looks like she’s getting it!

They also practiced the STAY command today. Since treats are Rosie’s #1 focus, when she sees that Gretchen is moving back to take a photo, Rosie generally follows. But lately, they’ve been working on STAY and look…

…Rosie’s totally getting it! Of course, it helps that Gretchen lifts her up onto a boulder to constrain her movement a bit! Oh, I should tell you that Rosie greets Gretchen with a spinning circle or two and then shies away a bit, nervous as she is that Gretchen might not be exactly who she claims to be! When Gretchen drops Rosie off at the house, she spins the same way waiting for the last of the treats from Gretchen’s pocket to be tossed on the floor as a goodbye ritual.

Despite Saber’s puppy-ness, he is perhaps the calmest greeter when we first arrive at his house. He is often sound asleep and it takes him a good three minutes to wake up. But when he does, he’s ready for action. When he meets humans or canines on the walk, Gretchen says it’s like walking an excited elephant, he bucks and pulls and can hardly wait to say hello!

So even though we take Saber on a nice, long walk every day, we also make certain to give him time to really run and play so that that exuberant enthusiasm isn’t as overwhelming as it is at first. Unfortunately today, we didn’t really run into other humans and canines. That’s probably because it started to rain and not a lot of people like to go out in the rain.

I find that silly, but I’ll write about that at another time. Today, we played at the other tennis courts and Saber exerted his ever-growing independence by immediately stealing the ball I was playing with. It doesn’t matter that I gave him another ball to play with. He wants mine and I must wait patiently to steal it back while he taunts me unmercifully! Check out that taunting look!

Now, while Saber’s hello is pretty mild when we arrive at his house, his goodbye is like a bull in a china shop. The door opens, he’s released to go inside, and he rams and slides right into his kennel and sits down excitedly waiting for his treats. Often he’s so forceful, the kennel moves a bit, but he’s obedient and content and very, very pleased when the treats are scattered out for him.

We had an unexpected surprise today. Our schedule got changed in the morning (no Woobie or Alice, sigh), but we picked up Quillette after we dropped Saber off and if anyone has a unique hello, it is definitely Q. She sings. Yes, sings. Like a cross between an opera singer and a wolf and she lets her aria rip the second the door opens. It takes half a block for her to quiet down and if we’re heading back to our house, like what we did today, she bursts into our house with the same full throttle song. If anyone comes home while she’s visiting, they get the same greeting.

And my moms thought I was loud! Geez!

Of course, when you leave Quillette, she has the saddest look in all the world. A pure study in contrasts!

So next time you meet a new dog, remember we are all different. Ask and I bet you’ll find the best way to say hello to us!

Until tomorrow!

Rubin

A Friend in Need…

If you follow this blog daily, you know I’ve had a rough week. My tummy hasn’t been exactly normal as of late and today, I had to go back to the vet. Bummer. The doctor’s really nice and everything, but man, do I hate it when they put that thermometer where it really shouldn’t go. Turns out, I do have a bit of a fever and so the doctor prescribed antibiotics along with more probiotics and doggy Pepto.

But today’s visit to the vet wasn’t as horrible as it could have been because Gretchen brought Monty with us. Monty doesn’t mind the vet. In fact, Monty doesn’t really mind much of anything (except maybe having his tail brushed out) so it was comforting to have his steady presence holding my paw when the doctor put that thermometer where I begged her not to.

Anyway, the whole experience got me to thinking about the importance of friends. Ironically, this came up in class this morning with Gretchen’s students. “Sometimes,” Gretchen told her class, “Sometimes you get settled in your friendships, which isn’t a bad thing, but it means that you often don’t reach out to others, you don’t take risks to get to know someone else.”

Nini, her teaching partner added, “Remember how we talk about how the things you do aren’t nearly as powerful as the things you don’t do?” All the students nodded because it’s been a theme for the past month. “Well, when you don’t reach out to others, it can send unintended message.”

With that little introduction, the students wrote down three other students in class they’d like to get to know a little better. The plan is, over the next few weeks, to create opportunities to sit next to, work with, and perhaps even plan some out of school play time with these new people.

While I think this is admirable, it made me realize how many really good friends I have — human and canine. Being a dog dog walker means I get to expand my zone of friendships all the time welcoming in new dogs with every new client. True, we haven’t taken on too many new clients of late, but I have no doubt that once the school year is over, we’ll sign on some new dog friends and I’ll have the opportunity to expand my circle of friends.

Still, the whole friendship discussion this morning, spending the day playing with my friends today, and then having my best and oldest friend support me in my stressful visit to the vet clinic got me thinking about the importance of old friends as well as new ones. Monty made me feel a whole later better this afternoon and I know that that’s not only a testament to friendship, but a it’s also a testament to the affable quality of Monty…or, as we like to call him, Uncle Monty. Everyone loves him and he, in turn, loves everyone and everything.

For instance, when the vet tech met him today, he nuzzled her hand out of her pocket (where there were treats) and then gave his goofiest, friendliest look. The vet tech laughed and turned to me and said, “I can see why you such a friendly guy around, Rubin.” It’s true. Monty makes every moment special and frankly, that’s what good friends do whether they be newly met or long-time buddies.

I didn’t talk much about today, but hopefully the photos and the captions explain it all!

Until tomorrow,

Rubin