Wags n’ Words

Dog Walking & Pet Care – Seattle, WA

Tag Archives: Gay/lesbian Friendly Dog Walking

March 11, 2012

March 11, 2012 8:47 am / 1 Comment /

Forward Without the Spring

Sure, there are hints that spring is lurking, but sometimes it’s hard to see them through all the raindrops. Sometimes when I squint, I can see it on the horizon, but then I step outside into 38 degree temperatures and rain mixed with snow and all fantasies of springing forward fly from my head like a 1000 crows against a gray gray sky.

So when Gretchen informed me that we needed to move our clocks ahead one hour because it was springtime, I gave her quite a skeptical look. Truly, I thought she was joking. “Have you looked outside recently?” I asked her.

“Rubin,” she informed me. “You can’t judge the seasons by the weather.”

Dumbfounded I asked, “Uh, why not? Isn’t that how time is organized? Around the seasons and don’t we measure the seasons by the weather?”

“Actually,” she said — which is her polite way of correcting my by using the word actually, “It’s more the temperature and the position of the sun that determines both the time and the seasons.”

“Well, the temperature is cold and the sun is non-existent so what does that tell us?”

She had to admit I had a point.

But no matter. The clocks lost an hour and so did we and meanwhile the cold rain came down and the skies played a came of gray on gray.

Spring is here. If only conceptually.

Our week, as you can imagine, was filled with wetness and long walks through puddles under foliage dripping with the remnants of winter.

I suppose what makes me the most confused is that the middle of the week provided us with the essential marker of spring — the smell. It was warm and sunny on Tuesday and Wednesday, which made me forget all about the incredibly wet weather on Monday (we didn’t even take our camera on that day) and the equally wet weather on Thursday – Sunday.

Those temporary spring-like flare ups are disorienting. Just when I’m ready to let my heart soar into Spring freeing it from the shackles of winter, WHAM! Winter jumps on top of Spring and laughs devilishly and we must wade through more mud before we can believe in the new season.

But work must go on. There are dogs to walk and it really doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside, duty calls and answer we must.

In addition to our daily duties, though, we did some dog sitting this week as well. Rosie and Tyson. We stayed at their house, but they also hung out at our house and let me tell you, these two made themselves at home.

Okay, I’ll admit it — I have a lot of comfortable places to sleep (dog beds in every room) and I am also allowed on the bed and couches, but I didn’t think those privileges extended to other dogs.

Apparently they do. Rosie preferred the living room couch, especially while Ann worked on her report cards (another sign of Spring, by the way) and Tyson preferred the TV room couch, especially if Ann was working on her report cards (yes, I know…sounds like she is in more than one place at a time, but you’d have to be here to understand it all).

Meanwhile, I begrudgingly curled up on one of my beds and waited until we could go on a walk because frankly, that’s my favorite way to spend time with Rosie and Tyson.

But Gretchen says learning to share is a good springtime activity for me though she didn’t care to elaborate as to why sharing and spring went together, which made me think that perhaps she was pulling the wool over my eyes.

…which isn’t a bad idea…wool…it’s warm and in this “false” springtime, a bit of warmth sounds kind of inviting.

And so we spring forward — losing an hour and waiting for warmth. May she arrive soon!

Rubin

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Posted in: Monty, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

March 4, 2012

March 4, 2012 10:39 am / Leave a Comment /

I Yam What I Yam

With all this studying we’ve been doing (Gretchen’s taking acupressure classes from Tallgrass Acupressure Institute– acupressure for animals– and I am helping), we’ve learned a great deal (with a great deal more to learn) about Chi. Specifically Source Chi. To quote the Tallgrass definition: “Source Chi is Original Chi inherited from the dam and sire that is stored in the Kidney. It is the basis of the essence (Jing), the fundamental substance, of the body. Also called: Pre-Natal Chi; Heavenly Chi, Primary Chi.”

Confused? Well, think of it the way I do — the Popeye way: I yam what I yam.

In other words, there’s a part of me (and a part of you) that you can’t ever change. You got some of it from your father and some of it from your mother (that’s the original stuff) and even though you take in your first breath on the very first day of your life and follow your own path from then on, you can never get rid of or change your Source Chi. As one of Gretchen’s instructors said, “You can bring it (Source Chi) back to what you originally had, but never add to it.”

This was a great epiphany for both of us. Not to get into Gretchen’s own life path of trying to figure out who she is and what that means in the grand scheme of things, but understanding that she is who she is not only because of the choices she makes but also because of the choices she makes in relation to what she was given has had a profound impact on her.

It has on me as well. See, everyone tries to figure me out. On the surface I look like a curly-headed fellow with a Muppet-like disposition, but then people try to pet my head and I back away. It’s not that I don’t want to be petted, but I want to be petted when I choose and by whom I choose.

On the surface I look like a happy-go-lucky puppy who wants to wag my tail and greet people with unbridled happiness and while I’ve been known to do just that, it’s only on a rare occasion that I will be so demonstrative especially to complete strangers be they human or canine.

On the surface, I look friendly to other people walking their friendly (and sometimes not so friendly) dogs and when they approach with their dogs pulling at the leash racing toward us shouting things like, “My dog is friendly!” or “Can they meet?” aren’t they surprised when I lunge and bark my most ferocious bark?

Yes, I am cuddly and sweet but I am also shy and reactive and each can be directly traced to my parents. My Mom was the gentle, loving one and my Dad was a nervous wreck and I am a 50/50 product of both.

Source Chi.

I  have no idea what my friends inherited from their parents, but I can venture to guess.

Tyson had one part philosopher and one part worrier in his genetic makeup. Only on rare occasions will you see Tyson let loose and really relax. Generally this occurs at home, but every once in awhile he’ll bust a move and let it all hang out. But most of the time, he’s always deep in contemplative concentration.

Rosie, on the other hand, is one part clown and one part Ms. Independent. As the clown, she’s always testing the limits, but she tests them with a big grin on her face and a look in her eyes that says, “Aren’t I cute?”

Yes, Rosie, very cute!

Roux has me a bit stumped, but I’d say she’s one part exuberance and two parts passionate. Not passionate in the love way (though she is loving) but passionate in her desire to experience life at 100 mph. She’s so afraid she’s going to miss something she tries to experience it all all at once.

Monty, on the other hand, is one part researcher and three parts ambassador. He is always the first to greet someone new and in doing so takes a detailed history of where they’ve been, what they like, and every other detail he can extract within the first two minutes of sniffing them from head to toe (though he has a particular fondness for the head…don’t ask me why!). And he is a dignified (though not always) ambassador, greeting everyone — friend or foe — with the same delirious expression — “Hey dude, like it’s a real pleasure to like meet you!” Pretty much everyone loves Monty…pretty much. I certainly do.

Woobie is 12 parts frolic-girl and in equal measure, patient — she knows how to go with the flow. And flow she does…her long hair looking even longer in the March winds! When we hang out with Woobie, she lays down while we wait for the next adventure and then pops up in absolutely glee when it’s time to go for a walk or get in the car or visit a friend. Woobie makes everyone smile. She makes me smile, too.

Paige is one part Great Huntress and 17 parts faithful companion.

Gretchen's been playing around with SnapSeed and this is her work with Paige's photo.

We hung out together the other night and while they might seem diametrically opposed — hunting and hanging — Paige is equally good at both. Before she came over to hang out, Paige and I went to the fields to romp and play. Where I am cautious, Paige is bold exploring every nook and cranny of the woods for the scent of one critter or another. Where I am a trail walker, Paige is leaping over downed logs, crawling under twisted branches, and weaving her athletic body through the thickets.

Then Paige came to our house for a bit and promptly found her place on the couch next to Ann and nodded off into blissful slumber. Paige loves us all, but she has particular fondness for Ann and faithfully curls up next to her every chance she gets.

I suppose Popeye had it right that we are all who we are and while the Traditional Chinese Medicine way is to say it’s because of our Source Chi, I’m kind of partial to Popeye’s words: I yam what I yam.

Toot toot!

Rubin

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Posted in: Monty, Paige, Rosie, Roux, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

February 24, 2012

February 27, 2012 11:20 am / Leave a Comment /

The Strangers We Meet

Throughout our walks — whether for work or pleasure — we run into a lot of different people. By different I don’t just mean a variety. Sure, there are the postal carriers and the UPS drivers (and Fed-Ex and a variety of others); there’s the cab driver who must have a drop off every day around noon and the fire fighters at the corner fire station washing their truck or zooming out of the firehouse. There’s the clerk who walks to her shift at the grocery store and neighbors who are out on their own walks with their own dogs. Yes, these are all very interesting people I get to see just about every day, but they aren’t the interesting ones I’m talking about.

For instance I’m talking about the Frisbee Man. I call him this because on really windy days (and sometimes on days not so windy) he is down at the big field with his grocery cart and his three layers of coats testing the direction of the wind with his moistened finger. He stands at one end of the field and flings one Frisbee after the other as far as he can across the wide expanse (the same wide expanse I like to run over!). The more he flings, the more he disrobes until eventually he’s down to an old ragged t-shirt and some very saggy jeans.

And yes, if you’ve figured out the math he has at least 30 Frisbees (all different colors) in his grocery cart along with more clothes, some interesting “gadgets” (for lack of a better term), and some grocery bags of “stuff” that could just as well be food as it could be stuffed animals. Hard to tell because I never get too close to the Frisbee Man.

Not that I’m rude to him, but Gretchen knows that if I show an interest it won’t be in the man — it will be in his Frisbees and particularly, in chasing them. “Sorry buddy,” she says to me, “He doesn’t need any tooth marks in his beautiful Frisbees.”

But some days we stop and watch him because this guy is pretty darn amazing. On a good day, he can throw a Frisbee a good 200 yards — way across the field — and often we see him not only throw them one after the other after the other, but one right on top of the other…as in landing within a few inches of the ones he threw before it.

I always thought that, to get a good throw in, you’d want the wind to be at your back, but Frisbee Man has taught me otherwise. He throws into the wind and his angle is so amazing, that Frisbee flies a short distance and then launches up and travels farther than I’ve ever expected to.

And he throws the Frisbees for hours. Some days we might pass him three or four times, which can mean that he’s been throwing for about 3 hours.

Impressive.

And Frisbee Man is a very nice fellow. He says hello to us every time we pass and every time we pass we comment on the wind or the last throw or his remarkable aim or the weather and he cordially replies always ending his comments with, “Have a glorious day!”

There’s the Shy Guy (as I like to call him) who lives, we think, in the park somewhere. He didn’t say hello to us at first, just tucked his baseball-capped head into his coat collar, stuffed his hands in his pockets and moved down the path. But one day Gretchen was taking a photograph of us (not sure who was all there) and the Shy Guy lifted his chin from his coat, stopped about 50 feet from us, and smiled.

From that moment on, he waves at us now and his smile is as beautiful as the sun on a winter’s day. I don’t think he speaks English, but maybe one day I can teach him some canine.

There’s the Nervous Lady too. She hangs out at various street corners waiting for some nefarious activity, but she always comments when we pass by. “That’s some beautiful dogs you got there,” she said just the other day while Monty and Roux and I were walking by. “Yes, ma’am, some super-duper beauts!”

It kind of makes me laugh because she’s seen us hundreds of times and every time she says the same things. I don’t mind. I really like the way she says “beauts!”

There’s also the Tall Man who for months never gave us the time of day, but one day, instead of just saying “hello” Gretchen said, “Hope you’re staying warm, it’s cold out today!”

It was as if the flood gates of conversation opened for him. He started talking and I just stood there looking up at him (he’s about 6 feet 5 inches tall) and listening as he prattled on about topics I couldn’t really understand. Now every time we see him, he waves his long-fingered hand and lets us know the current weather report, the state of political affairs, and who we might meet up ahead on the path.

I also really like the Walking Lady. We put in a lot of miles – some days more than others — but the Walking Lady has us beat hands down (or maybe that’s feet down!). She’s up on the hill or over by the park or down by the lake and then an hour later we’ll see her on the other hill, at the other park, or coming back from the lake. She’ll greet us on the long flight of stairs up the to ridge or in the tunnel on the way to the lake or sometimes we’ll see her marching her way through a neighborhood miles away from where we normally see her. She’s truly an inspiration!

I really like my job as a dog dog walker, not just because I get to hang out with some swell dogs, but also because I get to meet (and greet) some really interesting folks who’ve given me a whole new perspective on humanity. Walking for work gives me a chance to check in on the neighborhood, the regulars (the UPS guy, the mail carriers, etc.), and the interesting characters who most people don’t take the time to stop and meet.

Next time you see one of them, say hello from me, okay?

Rubin

 

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Posted in: Monty, Paige, Quillette, Rosie, Roux, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

February 17, 2012

February 17, 2012 1:33 pm / Leave a Comment /

Less is More

As a teacher, Gretchen heard the phrase (and believed in it wholeheartedly) that “less is more.” She thought, mistakenly, that this was educational lingo referring to the fact that sometimes educators try to cram way too much into kids’ heads instead of helping them figure it out for themselves.

But recently, she attended the Tallgrass Acupressure Institute’s hands-on course — Introduction to Acupressure — and lo and behold, what’s the phrase she heard again and again? Yep, less is more.

Only in this course it wasn’t about how much is crammed into the students’ heads (Gretchen says that A LOT was crammed into her head and she’s still trying to sort it out!), but rather the way a practitioner approaches a treatment, specifically the way a practitioner touches a dog.

As a massage therapist, Gretchen realized her touch is more not less and so transitioning to the less for acupressure was a challenge. A good challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.

When she told me all of this, I started to think about the phrase in my own life. I, as you may have suspected, am a “more” kind of guy especially when it comes to certain things. For instance, MORE play time is always better than less and MORE time with friends is preferable.

But when I thought more deeply about it, there are somethings where I prefer “less.” Like sometimes I don’t want to eat. This is frustrating for my parents and for those who take care of me, and I can’t really explain why I am this way, but there are occasions (apparently more than my other canine friends) when less food is just fine with me.

Less rain, too. I could do with less rain in the month of February especially and while you think that means I want more sun (which sometimes I do), this is not always the case. Sometimes I just don’t want there to be rain. Whatever the “more” that needs to take its place is fine with me (snow, dry gray, or sun).

Less cats. I suppose this should read as “fewer” cats, but it’s not that I want to reduce their numbers, I just want less of them in my life. They drive me crazy. Perhaps if I was allowed to chase them my opinion would shift to more from less.

But overall, I’m about MORE — more walks, more play, more cuddling, more time on the couch, more friends, more adventures, more swimming, more snow, more family, more treats… more, more, more.

Still, Gretchen has been practicing what she learned on me and I have to admit that less can sometimes be beneficial. While I love my massages and want as many of them as I can get, I’m learning to appreciate the delicate and yet powerful touch of acupressure.

Of course, now I want MORE of the LESS which is kind of funny when you think about it.

Oh yeah, and I want more laughter. That’s always a good more to have in one’s life.

My friends/clients are also about more, I think, but to make certain I asked them and here’s what they said:

Rosie: “More = Abundance and Abundance means I get everything I want when I want it because it’s my job to provide MORE silliness in your life and less focus on those serious things like work and errands.”

Tyson: “I hate to ask for more. I really don’t want to impose. Wait. Is that a cookie you’re holding out for me? No really, I don’t want to be a burden. Less, less, less…wait, are you offering me the cookie? More more more!!! Sorry. Please. Is that okay?”

Monty: “What’s less? Explain.”

Roux: “Bark Bark Bark = More More More = Big Smiles, Tail Wags, and as much fun as I can possibly cram into every minute of every day. Whew. I’m tired!”

Quillette: “Well, I must say, youthful exuberance is all about more. I, my dears, find that less is substantial. Balance, little ones, balance. Seek it. Feel it. Be filled with it. And when you have a moment, could you scratch my bum and massage my belly?”

Woobie: “More did me in! My broken toe is a testament, but I think it’s finally healing so now I”m learning to walk the thin line between less and more. It’s a very thin line, let me tell you and at times my body is bursting with the desire for more, more, more. Oy!”

As you can see, we all have our opinions. Perhaps it’s best to say may your days be filled with the more you need and the less you desire.

Until next week,

Rubin

 

 

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Posted in: Monty, Quillette, Rosie, Roux, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

February 13, 2012

February 13, 2012 12:07 pm / Leave a Comment /

Mud and Dust

What is the difference between this place…

…and this?

Yes, there are many differences, but for a dog the difference can be summed up in mud and dust.

The past week has been an interesting mix of business, learning, and pleasure. I think I got the best end of the pleasure deal getting to stay with my friend, Paige while my moms traveled to Phoenix so Gretchen could take a class from the Tallgrass Acupressure Institute and Ann could visit her sister, Debbie.

Students and instructors (and dogs) after their Tallgrass Acupressure class in Phoenix.

We got a short week’s worth of walks in last week and then off I went for a sleepover at Paige’s house and yes, my stay, while immensely enjoyable, was filled with rain and  MUD! Gretchen’s, on the other hand, was filled with sun and DUST.

When she came home last night we compared notes.

“I think I’d like the dust and sun more,” I stated matter of factly though I must admit I had a blast playing in the mud and rain with Paige (I just didn’t like the bath afterwards!).

“Oh,” Gretchen said, “Give me the mud and rain any day.”

Apparently, the dry weather (which wasn’t unbearably hot since it’s winter there, but still 75 degrees at noon) makes Gretchen’s curls disappear and her nose bleed.

“And there are no natural landmarks,” she complained. Pressed further she said that she needs water to get her bearings. “I always know where I am here in the Northwest because the water is around me and I can navigate north to south, east to west by know which bodies of water are where.”

In Phoenix they have what they call mountains, but apparently they weren’t much help.

“Everything is brown in Phoenix,” Gretchen explained. “Brown dirt, brown mountains, brown houses…brown, brown, brown. I missed the green and the blue and white-capped mountains all around me.”

And she missed me and all her dog walking and swim clients. “Yes,” she said, “I got to meet some cool dogs and learn some amazing information, but I was sure happy when we landed in Seattle to rain and cooler temperatures.”

I had to laugh. Most people think the rain of Seattle is miserable and there are days when we always wish for drier climes and a bit more blue sky with warm sun, but apparently Gretchen would rather have the climate we have — mud and rain — than the one Phoenix has — heat and dust.

I think I’m torn. I was born in the high desert and there is some beauty to be found there. But today, when we set out on our walk with Rosie and Tyson, I was happy for the mud between my toes and the smell of rain on the wind.

Still, when I see the photos of Phoenix and hear about the great time Gretchen had with family and new friends (students and instructors), I wish I could have made the trip. I wanted to meet my cousins and set foot on warm dirt if even for a short time.

Cousin Harley

Cousin Rover

But I had a great time with Paige and Auntie Sheila. And now it’s great to be back home with my pack and back to work in the mud and rain. Yep, my heart belongs here!

More later!

Rubin

 

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Posted in: Monty, Paige, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

February 3, 2012

February 5, 2012 8:51 am / Leave a Comment /

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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Posted in: Monty, Paige, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

January 25, 2012

January 26, 2012 3:46 pm / Leave a Comment /

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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Posted in: Monty, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

January 15, 2012

January 16, 2012 1:45 pm / Leave a Comment /

Unexpected

So much of my life of late has been unexpected. First, the arrival of Max and his subsequent journey — finding his path to health and mobility (that you can read about here).

Next, Rosie and Tyson going on vacation this past week so their house can get a mini-remodel. I do miss them, but I know they are having fun at Mystic Mountain.

Then there were unexpected play dates where I got to not only be with my friends, but run around like the wild boy that I am.

And finally, there was the snow…unexpected and unwelcome by some, but definitely not by me!

All this unexpectedness got me to thinking about chance. Some say our lives are filled with chance and others say there is no chance at all — that everything that is supposed to happen happens and it happens for a reason.

Perhaps it’s my innate Labradoodle skepticism, but I have yet to firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.

Of course then Max came along and I’ve had to question my beliefs. I discussed it all with my friends/clients this week and while Rosie and Tyson have yet to be interviewed, here’s what the dogs in my life this week have to say.

First, Monty. If you first met Monty, I’m not sure you’d consider him a deep thinker, but once you get to spend a bit of time with him, you’d realize what a wise soul he is. Quirky, but wise.

“Monty,” I asked him, “Do you think everything happens for a reason?”

“Well, Rubin,” he said thoughtfully, “I guess it depends on the reason.” He elaborated. “For instance, if I am not fed at 6 every night, I have to have consider the reason. Is it because my mom is working hard to pay for my scrumptious meals or is it because she forgot about me?”

“But I don’t understand?” I said to Monty.

“Well,” he continued, “If she forgot me, then my world is completely different than if she’s just working late at her job. If it’s the former, then my whole existence is put into question. Does she love me? Do I really belong to a family? If it’s the latter, then I can just cool my jets and know that my meal will be coming soon.”

I have to say that that made a lot of sense, only somehow I got the feeling Monty was missing something…a sort of deeper meaning to the whole thing.

So I asked Paige.

“All things happen for one reason,” she said in her very certain way. “All things happen to please me.”

“Seriously?” I asked her.

She smiled and then popped her ears up like exclamation points (a metaphor I stole my friend Cheryl).

“Okay, I’m not that self-centered,” she said, “But I think when people say stuff like that – that things happen for a reason — they are only thinking about themselves. They need to look at the bigger picture, in my humble opinion.”

“Interesting perspective,” I said, “But I don’t think I completely get what you mean.”

“Things happen, Rubin,” she explained, “And sometimes those things really impact our lives and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they impact the lives of others and sometimes they impact things we don’t even think about.”

She went on: “Sure we try to figure out why these things happen — those things we experience — and when we see the things we didn’t see to begin with, we try to figure those out as well, but sometimes there is no deeper reason. It just is what it is. Like I said, things happen – reason or no reason.”

I met a new dog this week. He’s not a client, but since I had more free time, I got to go on a walk at Genessee Park and there I met six month old Blue. It took Blue a bit of time to get to know me (he’s very focused on birds!) but once he realized I was a potentially good friend, we played chase and it was grand.

“Hey Blue,” I asked him. “Do you think our meeting happened for a reason?”

“Were birds involved?” he said.

“Birds? What do birds have to do with it?” I asked.

“Everything that happens for a reason involves birds,” he said.

Maybe it’s because he’s so young, but I was a bit confused by his answer. “Well there are birds here and you’ve been chasing them and flushing them out of the trees and underbrush, so yes, birds were involved.”

“Then yes, we met for a reason,” and off went Blue to find more birds.

I pondered his words the rest of the week and in a way, I kind of understood the Zen beauty of what he was saying. I couldn’t articulate it so I decided to ask Max who, out of all of us, has had the hardest life and therefore, I think, has learned some of life’s biggest lessons.

“What do you think about things happening for a reason, Max? Do you agree with Monty, Paige, and Blue even though they have very different answers?

He sighed, something he’s doing more of these days and said, “Well little buddy, I think they are all saying the same thing.”

“Really? How so?”

“Well, things happen to us and if we are aware of what happens to us then we try to figure out the reason so we can feel comfortable with those things happening — good or bad.”

“So in other words,” I said, “You’re saying that the reason things happen is so we’ll stop and contemplate the reasons?”

“Yes, essentially.”

And then I realized that there are many reasons for Max “happening” to us. First, he has expanded my circle of friends..I’m very happy to include him in my family of friends. Second, I needed his wisdom, which he doles out liberally and daily. Third, he needed us to help him heal (and his whole care team as well including his incredible long-term foster Mom, Suzanne). And most importantly, he has shown us that in helping others (like Max and Suzanne) we help ourselves feel the best parts of love and life.

Soon,

Rubin

 

 

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Posted in: Max, Monty, Paige, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News / Tagged: , , , ,

January 8, 2012

January 8, 2012 8:46 am / 2 Comments /

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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Posted in: Monty, Paige, Quillette, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,

January 1, 2012

January 1, 2012 2:40 pm / Leave a Comment /

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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Posted in: Monty, Ollie, Quillette, Rosie, Rubin's Buddies, Tail Waggin' News, Tyson, Woobie / Tagged: , , , ,