Faith in Humanity, Restored

While walking the dogs this morning, I passed four ten year old girls "selling" hot chocolate in front of their house. The girls ran up to the dogs, loving on them. Dogs returned loving.

Dark haired girl to me, "Do you want some hot chocolate?"

"I'd love some. How much?" was my reply.

"It only costs a smile! Plus, you have dogs!"

I carried on with the walk, sipping hot chocolate.

On my way back, the girls were still there only now they were selling lemonade for 25 cents. They raced up to Roman and Tikka with a cup of water. The dogs drank gratefully. They told me I didn't have to pay for the lemonade since I had dogs, but I gave them 75 cents, anyway.

"Are you a dog walker?" one asked, as Roman melted into her legs while she petted him.

"No, they're mine."

Roman was reluctant to leave, as was I, but I had to get to work.

We continued on, my faith in humanity restored (for the time being, at least).

Merle's Door

For Christmas, Caleb gave me the book, Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote. I brought it up to Lake Tahoe last week and couldn't put it down. I've read a lot of dog books in the past 20+ years, and this was, by far, one of the best. And, you don't have to be a dog lover to get something out of this book (though, it certainly will have more meaning and 'aha' moments if you are). It is a book about a very powerful, ancient relationship...humans relationship with dogs. Most of us take dogs for granted, but if one really stops to think about it, dogs are an evolutionary marvel...and they chose us to share life's journey. While the life Ted gave Merle in the small Wyoming town of Kelly certainly gives this dog lover pause (Merle had a dog door and was free to come and go as he pleased 24/7), it also led me to contemplate how we love and how often that love is laced with control (this applies not only to dogs, but to people-especially teenage sons). While Ted felt his open door policy enabled Merle to reach his full potential as a 'freethinking dog', he didn't imply that this was necessary or even possible for every dog in order to reach their potential. He did suggest a 'loosening of the leash' and possibly a second look at the relationship you have with your dog.

The book also brought up my life long desire to live in a natural place. An internal conflict that has haunted me for years. I disdain the suburbs and only find city living bearable since I live near a national park and miles of beaches where my dogs and I can roam seemingly far from cars and people. I long to provide my own dogs with a dog door but maybe this 'dog door' is really something I want. It's a symbol of my desire to escape city life's constraints and crowds. At one time I actually had a dog door for my then dogs. It lead out to a huge yard with grass, trees, visiting cats and birds. If I was home, the dogs (the shepherds, the husky came and went as he pleased-especially if cats were involved) would not go outside unless I went with them - even to pee.

I decided to try out a modified open door policy while in Lake Tahoe, since the cabin had a large enclosed area and was backed up against national forest land. The first two days, the dogs would happily go outside but always turned back waiting for me. If I did not go out, they wanted to come back in. Then, they got the hang of it but started to roam a bit. Roman marked every driveway on the road. I looked down the snow covered road to see bright patches of yellow at entry to every house's driveway! They started following their noses and even disappeared for a bit. Instead of being my usual nervous self, I felt calm and happy that I could give them a small taste of freedom. They came back and we are now back in the city, leashing up for walks 4-5 times a day (we always end up at an off leash place, but, after spending five days without leashes, I am even more resentful of this city living business). My dogs don't seem to care about the leashes...in fact, they are so conditioned to them, they cry at the very sight-even in Tahoe when I'd reach for the leash (I, too, am conditioned to always needing that leash to carry, just in case) after they were already outside..they'd run back in, hopping, dancing and whining about my feet ("It's THE LEASH! OMG, the LEASH! Come ON, let's GO! Ahhh, the LEASH!") as I put the leash in my pocket. What they do seem to care about is their time with me...they want quality and quantity, it seems. An hour romp at the beach is great, but spending all day with mom, even if we are doing nothing, is even better.

Anyway, the book is sure to spark controversy in some dog training/behavior circles. Frankly, I love Ted's view that Merle was his equal partner, instead of his subordinate to abide by every command. This whole alpha/you must be dominant at all times is a bit too restrictive in my personal relationship with my dogs, that is for sure.

You will need at least one box of Kleenex to get through the end of the book.

Dogs are Tao

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
~Roger Caras

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains
unawakened."
~Anatole France

Tao of Dog

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
~anon

Solstice Celebrations

We celebrated the solstice by going to the beach...had it all to ourselves. The weather has been beautiful, but downright cold for SF (getting into the 30's at night). Preparing us for Tahoe later this week, I guess.

Happy Howlidays, We Wish You

Embrace all pawsibilities this holiday season! May your 2008 resolutions contain the spirit of that life you've always wanted to live.

"That was Zen; This is Tao"

Those who have no compassion have no wisdom. Knowledge, yes; cleverness, maybe; wisdom, no. A clever mind is not a heart.Knowledge doesn't really care. Wisdom does.

~excerpts from The Tao of Pooh

"

Through working in harmony with life's circumstances, Taoist understanding changes what others may perceive as negative into something positive.

When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun.

The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise

A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean, nor can a summer insect conceive of ice. How then can a scholar understand the Tao? He is restricted by his own learning.

"Lots of people talk to animals," said Pooh.
"Not that many listen though."
"That's the problem."

You'd be surprised how many people violate this simple principle every day of their lives and try to fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are As They Are.

Everything has its own place and function. That applies to people, although many don't seem to realize it, stuck as they are in the wrong job, the wrong marriage, or the wrong house. When you know and respect your Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don't belong. "

Daily Tao

Intelligent people know others.
Enlightened people know themselves.

You can conquer others with power,
But it takes true strength to conquer yourself.

-Lao Tzu

Daily Tao

Those who know, do not speak.
Those who speak, do not know.

-Lao Tzu

Third Time is the Charm

Introducing Roman, CGC, TT !!!

Roman finally passed the Canine Good Citizen Test. He did great. He did better than great. So, it is steak for dinner tonight, boy!


Here is a video of the hardest part of the test for him...the reaction to a strange dog (this was the part he flunked twice before). He performed perfectly, if I do say so myself. Probably helped that the other dog was a flirty girl Malinois and not an unneutered male.

Good Bye, Football, Hello, Soccer...

Well, even though Erik's football team ended the season with only 4 wins and 5 losses, he played amazingly well...especially given he's never played before. Now, on to soccer. Erik is goalie, which always makes me a nervous wreck but so far they've had 4 wins and only 2 losses. Gotta keep the kid busy so he stays out of trouble!

Goodbye, Old Friend

Well, the time has come to say goodbye to a dear friend.

This has been a very difficult decision, as many breakups are. This truck has been my steadfast companion for the past 18 years and 120,000 miles. I feel guilty. I feel I am betraying his loyalty. No other human relationship has stuck by me this long. How can I do it?

Simple. I can't fit Erik, his friends, and sporting equipment in it! Plus, it doesn't have airbags. It was made during a time when airbags were not standard. Yes, I am dating myself....and yes, I am shallow and put airbags over long term commitment. I want airbags.

So, add on craigslist with over 30 responses in less than 24 hours. Will be sold to the highest bidder.

I will not be getting another truck...and definitely not a doG awful, antichrist SUV! Stay tuned.

Preparing for the CGC...sigh...Again

Roman has flunked the CGC twice due to his dog aggression on leash.

But, practice makes a perfect shepherd. He's truly happiest when he's 'working' though I wish his attention was better during heeling. Considering how full the class was and he wasn't forging with hackled and raised tail, I think he did ok. Remember, this was a dog who would lunge and bark at any dog, any where and I never dreamed he could be rehabilitated and participate in a group class.

In other news, I'm sort of mad at my hairdresser. He cut my hair way too short! I just wanted layers, dude, not to look like a pixie on crack.

Training Tikka

Tikka has been more of a challenge to train compared to Roman. She doesn't do things blindly. "What's in it for me?" She seems to ask. Since I train with treats, we've reached a compromise. Hell, I don't work for free, why should dogs? Her heel puts Roman to shame, despite Mr. Dog-ma's videography skills (no, he wasn't drunk). Look at that attention!

Perfect recall

...and I don't mean memory. "Recall" is an obedience term for calling your dog to come.

Here's Roman's recall...perfection (my videographic skills, not so much):

My Next Dog!

I have decided that my next dog will be a Swedish Vallhund. Incredibly smart, wolfish looking herders in compact, strong bodies...sort of like mini GSDs. Roman really wants a puppy (shhhh...don't tell anyone around here!).

Come on, look at this cute baby!

On Being Thankful

My favorite holiday is next week and I'm thankful alright...
I Thank Friggin God It's Friday!

All I can say is, what a month...what a couple of months! I decided I do not like working 60 hours a week, especially when I'm only paid for 40. I don't know, I just become sort of unpleasant to be around for some reason.

Well, that is all behind me now. Only two work days next week, then it is seven days in a row off!

Not sure exactly what I'll be doing, but you can bet there will be lots of sleeping, wine, chocolate, fish and dogs in the mix.

Pennies for Pigeons

Several classes at my school have started a 'penny drive' to put towards helping the birds and other animals affected by the oil spill in the bay last week.

Hundreds of birds have already died. The beaches and coastal access areas all around the bay are closed off while workers frantically clean up the oil. It's an environmental nightmare. Once again, innocent animals pay the price for human stupidity and greed.

Please help if you can...

Go Sox!

Tikka and Roman aren't the most enthusiastic Red Sox fans (well, they really aren't into baseball, period) but with the world series on, they just got swept up in the moment. Can't you tell?

A Little Bragging: Sweep...Sweet!

While I continue to struggle with Roman (I'm determined that 2008 will be the year we get our rally titles and debut in agility), my bettas are winning left and right. So, some of my hard work is paying off.

My bettas just finished competing in their fourth show (I swear, they travel more than I do...in the past four months they've been to Oregon, Connecticut, San Jose and, this weekend, Florida), and it was a sweep in the New Breeder Class (I didn't even send my best males):

Singletail male: 2nd, 3rd ( competed against 10 entries)
Plakat male: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (15 entries)
Singletail female: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (16 entries)

New Breeder Best of Show:

BOS Female
RBOS Male (reserve Best of Show - like a second place)
RBOS Female

You may be laughing, but these International Betta shows are serious business. There are thousands of us bettaholics out there. Points are collected during the show season, and at the end of the season, awards are handed out to those with the most points. So far, I'm the leading new breeder in the singletail male and female classes. How betta exciting, LOL.

Cats: Not Much to Say

I realize I never post about my two cats, Kovu and Vinny. Well, they simply don't do much aside from the occasional escape out the front window into the trees. Can you say, "Good for nothing"? Actually, they are the true rulers of this house and live the life of kings.

The Canine Good Citizen Test: Flunking with Flying Colors

(Roman and I in the Rally ring)

Well, Roman flunked his second attempt at the Canine Good Citizen test...but he flunked with flying colors!

The test consists of 10 parts:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test 7: Coming when called

The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

When it came to test 8, the evaluator told me, "He can't take ONE step towards the other dog or he flunks. Now relax," Of course, I got all nervous, and that went down the leash to Roman who is so sensitive. We started towards the other dog, the test dog stood up, forged a bit toward Roman with a hard eye...well, Roman got his hackles up and forged with a 'huff' but I was able to get him in a sit, shake hands with the other handler (Roman chilled and looked away) and move off without any further reaction. Still, he didn't pass. But considering the test dog was an intact, protection trained, big German Shepherd male, I think he did great! He aced all the other tests and did great in the rally obedience ring (it was a fun match). Well, they say the third time is the charm and there is another test next month...

Free

Good stay, Tikka...

Uh...not so good, Tikka! You aren't supposed to move until I release you!

Good sit stay, Roman...

Free is their release word and the dogs take it seriously...at least, Roman does...

Miss You Lotte, Kiwi & Pete

Lotte

1989 - 10/08/04

Pete

1986 - 5/00

Kiwi

11/87 - 8/00

I still have dreams about my dead dogs. Last night, Pete and Lotte came to me in a dream. Lotte's right front paw was bandaged and I had to rescue them both from some man who was keeping them in his apartment in Monterey. I did rescue them and then woke up, confused.

It will be three years since Lotte died at 15 years. It's been seven for Pete and Kiwi.

People think, "oh, it's just a dog. Get another one." Well, I did get another one...and then a second. And, I love these dogs to pieces but they are not replacements for the ones I lost. If you've never truly loved and bonded with an animal, I guess you wouldn't understand.

I don't know what happens to us when we die. I have a hard time accepting there is nothing, but at the same time, I have diffiuculty with the idea of heaven as this exclusive country club of saints and hell as a fire pit of evildoers. Whatever happens, I just want to go to where the animals are.

Touchdown

Well, it's no secret I don't like football. But, when your kid wants to play football...and tells you, "Mom, I love football!", and gets up at 5am to do his homework so he can get good grades to stay on the team...it's kinda hard not to change my mind about the sport.

That, and the fact that seeing your baby run like all get out and make...not one...but two touchdowns...it's enough to make me cry (well, I did cry). Wasn't I just changing a million diapers yesterday?

So, yes, I am living vicariously through Erik these days.

Go, Irish!

Meet the Dogs

As part of my unit on dogs, my second graders got to meet Roman and Tikka. Roman loved showing off his tricks, like jumping through a hoola hoop and shaking hands. Tikka did her "bang" trick (rolls over dead). Now, some of the girls play 'Roman and Tikka' at recess, LOL.

Now, if I could only convince the school district to allow me to keep them in my classroom all day!

From the Mouths of Babes

Today's journal topic was "write a letter to Ms. Casey".

Here are some of the entries:

Dear Ms. Casey,
It is such a surprise to have you be our teacher. I like the snake you have brought for class. You are so nice and helpful. I like what you teach us. I especially like homework. Your games are so much fun. I like when we dance in the classroom.
Love,
Munazza

Are we going to have a math test Friday? Will we do a spelling test on Friday? I wonder who will get the caught being good prize? I wonder what table will get a prize?
Sincerely,
Ella

You're nice. I wish that I could stay after school.
Sincerely,
Antonio

Thank you for teaching us lots of things. You care about us. Thank you with all your hard work. We thank you. You are very nice. We care about you. We love you. You teach us math. You teach us science. You teach us about dogs.
Sincerely,
Megan

I have lots and lots and lots of questions for you (like usual). Please answer them beside the letter A. What is your favorite color? A How old is your son? A. How old are you? A.
Sincerely,
Ian

I wish you would bring your dogs today and go to the computer lab. I want to go to the computer lab because I want to play my favorite game, club penguine.
Sincerely,
Zach

I like your book. I like your snake. I like your classroom. I love you.
Sincerely,
From.
Jasmine

Ms. Casey,
I am sorry. I can rescue you my princess.
Andrew

Thank you for all those stars. I really liked it. Thank you so much for the stars. I like you so much. You are my best friend. I am sorry for calling Andrew gay.
Love,
Diego

I love you so much. You're so beautiful to me. I know you like me. I like it when you work. I like your hair.
From,
Alex

How to Drive a Guy Crazy with Desire

Simple. Ignore him.

At least, that is what Tikka does on a daily basis and Roman is out of his mind with desire for her...whining, licking, sniffing of the butt, etc. Tikka, she pretends he is simply not there. If she is on the couch with me, he will approach slowly...Tikka turns her head away with disdain...

(maybe it's the bandana?)

Roman stops, whines, then turns in a circle once and lies down with a disappointed sigh. Some might say this is the perfect relationship.

As far as this working on human males, the jury is still out. I'm too old and attached to actually try it out. I'm pretty sure if I ignored a guy now, he would not even notice since he is going crazy with desire over the 22 year old down at the end of the bar there - the one who is ignoring him ;)

Even if I was single, I'd probably just stick with dogs at this point, anyway-humans are so much work! The more I ignore Roman and Tikka, the more they absolutely love me and do whatever I ask. It's all about groveling to the alpha bitch.

How Many Friends?

So, to the four people who read this blog, how many friends do you have?

According to Erik's MySpace profile, "Eriknthepimps" (flanked by a picture of him, Roman and Kovu when Erik was 11 and still innocent-is he saying Roman and Kovu are pimps?!), he has 189 friends! WTF? Included on his friend list is "Frisco's Finest". Looking at her picture, she is more like "Frisco's sluttiest" (sorry, Erik, I know she is your 'friend' and all...but, realize that any girl in your world right now is a slut, period).

Dane Cook has over 2 million friends. I'd hate to be him at Christmas time.

Well, what is a friend, really? When all is said and done, I have a lot of acquaintances but only a handful of people I call friends...and a few of those aren't even human. But, I am also an introvert-getting my energy from quiet time alone. Erik is a true extrovert, getting his energy from being social. I'm glad he has a lot of friends. Really. I am. Just wish some didn't have such deep cleavage.

Wishful thinking

Since I arranged for a sub yesterday, I was relishing sleeping in today. Wishful thinking. Roman has had a cyst on his back, which decided to burst during the night requiring him to lick the wound raw. I brought him to the vet first thing and $200 later, he's clipped, cleaned and on a round of antibiotics and scheduled for surgery to remove said nasty cyst. He also has to wear a cone when I'm not around, which he is not crazy about. Luckily, he is so good at the vet.

Tikka, on the other hand, has gone several months without a vet visit (my bank account is so grateful!). She's keeping my feet warm as I blog.

The snakes remain indifferent and sort of self centered throughout my ordeal with various illnesses and injuries.

Cob concentrates on shedding, while Stella, the introvert, hides most of the day.

Home Sick

Was it the 11 hour days, runny nose kids or coughing teachers that did it? Fighting a case of bronchitis sprinkled with some nasal congestion with a side of sore throat. Fun times. With my cousin's assistance, I am taking a round of homeopathic remedies in order to nip this illness in the bud. We will see! I must say, I do feel a little better than I did upon waking. Will my little darlings miss me?

I got a sub named "Mr. Chewy"...hopefully not related to:

Long Week

Despite the holiday, it's been a very long week. Friday did not come soon enough!

Dozenyland

notice person in green behind Thea...

Something about 93 degree heat and a myriad of fast moving rides that causes people to simply drop where they are. Are they simply overcome with happiness?

Giving Up is Really Getting

For example, when I gave up my fear and kept my eyes open on Splash Mountain. What did I get? Water in my eyes and a really scary photo.

Rebels of the Sacred Heart

Erik's first football game is tomorrow. I'm a bit tense. He's covered in bruises and scrapes from practicing 3 hours a day, 6 days a week...but, he loves it and loves this school. He is playing for the 'Fighting Irish' of Sacred Heart Cathedral. There actually are quite a few Irish families still a part of this school. We feel at home! My people. Going to games, as much as I hate sports, is such a social event. Pretty cool and much better than the stuck up grammar school Erik went to.

Their unofficial rally song is by 'Flogging Molly'. I like it, which is good since it's all Erik is playing this week. Very Pogue-ish. (just please, God, don't let him break his collarbone for the third time!).

Gotta love a school that has a theme song like this.

Now I`m aimin' for heaven
But probably wind up down in hell
Where upon this alter I will hang my guilt ridden head
But it`s time I`ll take before I begin
Three sheets to the wind, Three sheets to the wind
Rebels are we, though heavy our hearts shall always be
Ah, no ball or chain no prison shall keep
We`re the rebels of the sacred heart
I said no ball or chain no prison shall keep
We`re the rebels of the sacred heart ...

Agility 101

Roman and I had our first agility class this week and he did amazingly, if I do say so myself. We did weaves, plank (walking over a narrow plank several feet off the ground), tire jump (jumping through a tire 'hoop') and tunnel. The tunnel was about 15 feet and when I let him go, he flew through it and did a lap around the whole facility, LOL. Other dogs were balking or walking through it.

I think this will be addicting, and a lot more fun than obedience. Plus, the instructor has German Shepherds, including a white male who looks so much like Lotte :(

Driving with Couches

I wanted to get a couch for my classroom to make it more 'homey'. While driving home one day last week, I saw a couch and loveseat set on a California Street sidewalk. I took the loveseat, and have been driving around with it for five days (I need a strong man to help me move it into the classroom, and said strong man has been having a work crisis, how dare he).

Every day this week, I drive by it's former companion.

The Honeymoon is Over

Today I had:

12 hours working
5 kids melting down
2 nosebleeds
2 temper tantrums
1 cut finger
1 pencil puncture
1 head injury
1 asthma attack
1 teacher melting down (no, not me)
1 hate note ("I hate you, you hate me, let's go get a gun and kill Barney...")

and an escaped corn snake in my truck (I had Stella in a tupperware on the passenger seat. I look over at one point and she was gone!).

Where IS that xanax, anyway? Anyone? Help?

Kite Culture

The kites were out yesterday fighting for their space in the sky. Watching the variety of kites swirling and swooping was quite meditative. (click the pic to see in more detail)