Finally- Mom helps me with the blog!

You know, this waiting around for Mom to help me do a blog is annoying.But I just don't have fingers to type with: she has to do it for me. She's been so busy lately that I was beginning to think she'd never get going on this again.

It's been cold here in North Idaho lately. Now, I have a warm fur coat, but sometimes the cold lulls me to sleep. When I'm so rummy when I wake up that
Mom has trouble getting my attention.

And speaking of attention, what's up with RileySue getting the meat treats every meal? Apparently she has to take a pill all the time now and Mom hides it in a piece of meat for her. Hey! What about me? She stabs me at meal time with those diabetic syringes. I say unfair! Give me the meat too!

I've tried stealing it, but Mom always stops me. Life is so wrong sometimes. I have a perfect garbage gut, and RileySue is an over-sensitive-gotta-throw-up-often kind of doggy. So she gets the meat. Humpf. Jeepers.

Good thing I love my Mom.

Great Days and Warm Weather

Mom is doing great today, so thanks everybody for your emails. Her situation all worked out (I knew it would). She always looks after me, even though I am diabetic, so I knew she would help that person overcome anything she might have done to annoy them. She likes to be a friend. If my Mom is your friend, you have good backup.

Today is nice and warm at our house. Although I think my fur coat is a little heavy for the weather, I do enjoy hanging around outside.

You can hear the bees in the trees and see the blossoms...I love sticking my nose in them. So far I haven't been stung. And haven't had any ticks or fleas either. Mom says probably I won't because my coat is too thick for the bee to penetrate, and she makes sure I have preventative for the other stuff. Hope so. My nose is kind of sensitive.

You know, humans sometimes stick their noses in the wrong place too and cause trouble. We dogs can get away with it because we're supposed to check things out with our noses. Humans, not so much.

At any rate,for all you dogs out there, watch out for bees, ticks, and fleas in this weird summer. And you humans, watch out where you put your noses!

What Would Cesar Do?

People run into trouble sometimes and I try to tell them, what would Cesar do? That's Cesar Millan, by the way, you know the "Dog Whisperer."

Now, I know people aren't dogs. But I'm pretty sure I can help them out of jams.

Take Mom, for example. She made a huge mistake this weekend and inadvertantly got something really wrong. And the thing is, part of it was because she tried to rush it. Part of it was because she didn't know the whole story. But it really bugged her. She wanted to go hide in my spot under the bush in the back yard (no way, Mom, I'm not moving). She thinks she hurt somebody.

Cesar is always telling people to have good "body language" and confidence with dogs. Being a leader is about moving forward with confidence- and I think Mom's confidence got shaken this last weekend. The challenge for her is to move forward and not give up.

Cesar is always telling people to forget about the past and live in the moment, because dogs do that- with a little help. Mom needs to do that. You do too. You can't unscramble eggs. If you have things go wrong, you just have to do your best to fix it and move on. Every day has it's dog fights, or bee stings, so just keep moving! Don't sweat the small stuff. (I don't sweat, by the way, but people do).

Take a page from us dogs: every day is a new day. Make it the best you can. Don't dwell on the past. Look forward to your next treat with confidence. That's what Cesar would do.

Do Dogs Go to Heaven?

The other day a friend of our family ran into someone who was giving every excuse in the book to not do something he was supposed to do- and his main excuse was that he had to spend time with his dog. grrrrrrrr. THAT dog will be in Heaven for being faithful. The human, not so much.

I love my family. They know I'm going to be there with them. There are some other people that talk about me (while I'm in the room, even) and say bad things like "dogs have no soul" and "they're just dogs...". Grrrr again. My Mom doesn't like that, she knows better. She bites, so that's not smart around her.

Do you think animals don't know God? If you read Job 12, it says that you can ask us about Him. But the Heaven question? Boy that's an easy one. Isaiah 11:6-9 says it all.

All the animals on the earth are just like the ones in Heaven. Jesus comes back on a white horse- no animals in Heaven, huh? There are LOTS of them! Even in Revelation there are living creatures at the Throne of God. What, people don't get to stand right by the Throne? Just living creatures? And how about the fact that donkeys, camels, sheep, and cows got to see the Birth of Jesus- a bunch of people were invited to see, but only a few of them came. Creatures are blessed.

I think since we show people all about faithfulness, loyalty, unconditional love,and all those things- there is room for us in Heaven. Romans 8 says all of creation groans waiting for its redemption. And we'll get it, too. So if you hear some human talking bad about us, just tell them to go lie down and be quiet. Or make them go outside with no treat. That'll teach 'em.

Sleeping Dogs and Cranky People

So here I am at rest behind my bush.

This is the most comfortable spot in the yard. Yeah, I know it's messy. But it's also true that I like to sleep and not be disturbed.
And if you can't see me, you're not as likely to disturb me. But when you do, I don't bite. I'm not snarly like some people. I just yawn and stretch and move forward to get my pets/treats. Emphasis on the treats request.

I've been noticing that some people when disturbed get cranky. Even Mom and Dad sometimes make faces when bothered while doing something else. I don't think they mean much by it, but it happens. They seem to always be willing to take care of whatever the interruption is without complaint, which I appreciate. I've interrupted them frequently and they've never been mad at me.

But I have some advice for those who get snarly- maybe you don't feel good or maybe you're busy and get interrupted, just be flexible and do what needs to be done without being nasty. No biting! Bad people! Sit! Be nice!

If I can do it from a deep sound sleep, so can you.

Dog Perspective

You know, people have a hard time remembering that we are animals. (You can tell by this blog, can't you?) But really, we are dogs, and we think like dogs.

Here's an example: I like to sleep in the back yard under a big bush. Even when it's raining. Why don't I sleep in the garage where it's dry? Because it's cooler outside. The garage gets stuffy and the cement floor is hard. Doesn't matter about the rain because I have an undercoat that rarely gets wet. So even if the top layer is wet, the undercoat is dry. Handy, huh? Mom, however, can't figure out why I like it outside in the snow or rain. Then she pets me and her hand gets all nasty from loose hair and wet junk. For people, cold days are an annoyance because they don't have a nice coat to keep them warm.

Dogs seem sort of like people because we have a personality. Yeah, we're not just a pretty face, we have feelings. We are also quite attached to our humans. So we seem like kids, but we mostly run by a different thought process. A kid would rummage through the cupboard for a snack. We'll take it right off the table if you turn your back. (The reason you should train both dogs and kids). I once stole a whioe plate of sliced turkey while Mom wasn't looking. Her fault for not putting it away, and training me to be more polite.
(Note: people think we're funny, so we can get away with things we shouldn't. Again, we're not people and we can get into trouble unless you help us out)

Her first Newfy stole french bread off the barbeque and meat too, when people weren't looking. Her fault for not training him properly and laughing at him. Not the dog's fault- we just operate by instinct. You have to help us out or we'll snag things that smell good.

Dogs also like to be around people and get pets. (Like the picture above. My friend Maddie (Mom's Grand daughter) is the best- she scratches and pets, and even combs my fur. I REALLY like her.

The thing is, we seem like you but we aren't. If you don't want an unruly kid, you have to teach them stuff. Same with us, but you hve to remember that we're descendents of wolves. We like packs, we need good strong leadership...oh, maybe even people need good strong leadership. But I hear people are more like sheep than dogs. D'ya think?

Haircuts

Today I got a haircut at Bark R Boutique in Spokane.Mom says I look really spiffy. I have to say, though, even though I had been there many times before, I was a little nervous at being left alone. They had to slide me across the floor into the cutting area. Yikes~

For anyone, even a dog, new things can be stressful. The people at the grooming place were very nice. John talked to me and petted me and tried to calm me down, but that being left without Mom was worrisome.

For people, new things can be really nerve-wracking. So I'd like to give you all a piece of advice: have a little faith. Don't make God drag you around like a wet mop. Really, He'll take good care of you.

See, once I got past the initial worry about being left, things leveled out and I had a great time. The worry was totally unnecessary. I just wasted my emotions for nothing.

After they got me all clean and handsome, I just waited patiently by the door until Mom came and picked me up. It was no sweat. And I had an adventure for the day- a fun one! And I feel soooo much better now. All that nasty matted hair is gone and I smell real good. Well, not as good as rotten meat, but good.

My friend Riley Sue is in the picture with me. Isn't she cute?
Now go out and do something FUN!

Lassie Come Home

My Mom told me once about an old TV show called "Lassie." It was about a big ruffed collie that was always getting lost, or saving someone's life. She said it was hard to watch because she kept crying.

Well last night she saw something else that made her cry- all the animals left homeless after the tornados in Missouri and Oklahoma. I was sad too because I know how it feels to be alone- but for them it was even more traumatic to be literally ripped away from their homes.

One little fella was thrown miles away and his paws were broken in the fall. He dragged himself home- it took him over 2 weeks to get back! Now that's perseverance. It's also fearlessness and hope.

You know, animals are generally very hopeful creatures, especially us dogs. I wish humans had that gift. Many of them lose hope easily and want to give up. I want to encourage you today- even if your heart is broken, there is hope. Even if it seems like everything has gone crazy upside down in your life and you've lost it all, there is hope.

If that fuzzy white dog can get home and get help, you can too. I know that God loves you with all His heart, so just keep going and He will get you where you need to be. Mom says Lassie always got back home no matter how bad the circumstances. So be like Lassie and come home. Be like that little white dog and keep going, because there is help waiting for you if you'll just not give up.

Cruelty or Discipline?

The other day I saw my friend Keisha the malamute riding on top of the neighbor's truck. According to my friends, he is now taking her to work with him, tied to the top of the tool box in the back of his pickup.When she is home, sometimes she is also on top of the truck. When she gets down, she runs around the neighborhood.

I'm kind of torn on this one. Mom never ties me up, ever. She expects me to obey her and stay in the yard or inside the fence. I try to do that, unless of course a cat runs across my field of vision (now that I have developed a couple of cataracts, I don't see them unless they run directly in front of me).

If Keisha would stay home, I don't think they'd have to tie her up. But one of our neighbors doesn't like any dogs but his own and always calls Animal Control on them. Which means Keisha is in danger not only of getting hit by a car, but of going away forever. So her owner ties her up. I wish they knew how to train her, because she is a real looker. Sleek, fast, beautiful.

Cruelty has a fine line. The rope that keeps her from running could also kill her if she happens to jump off the truck while tied. That bothers me. I've sniffed her and Mom has checked her out and she doesn't have any signs of abuse. But I still worry.

People are similar to Keisha, did you know that? Trying to control people often results in their destruction. People are better off free, with the ability to learn and grow. Whether it's the government or other people or relatives who try to control them, the lessons needed for maturity can't happen unless they are free to make the mistakes that will help them overcome their own problems.

Dogs need obedience training that is filled with discipline and exercise and compassion. People aren't much different. They need compassion, discipline , exercise, and understanding to help them move forward. Cruelty, on the other hand, or controlling behavior, never works for either.

People Obedience Training

When I got fixed, I didn't have the urge to wander off and have puppies with some loose dog anymore. But people don't seem to figure that out. What's up with that? Do they not get enough biscuits at their own house?

Take Arnold Schwartzenegger for example. The guy is rich. He's funny too. But now he's lost his wife and had a baby with someone in their household staff. I know a good spay and neuter clinic, but Mom says it wouldn't have helped him. It really helps dogs and cats. It can actually save lives.

But I think that dog psychology still might help someone like Arnold. No biscuit without obedience. No affection until he's calm and his chasing has stopped. No hunting aliens around the jungle unless the training is followed. No helicopters, no machine guns, no muscle shirts until "sit" and "stay" are learned.

What do you think?

Spring and all its glory

We live in North Idaho, and Spring is, uh, a roller coaster ride. Some days it rains, some days it hails or snows, and some days like today it's warm and sunny.

Today I snuggled in to my hip hole by the rose bushes and thought about what Spring really means. (Oh, sorry Mom, that means my fur will be covered with dirt, dried leaves, ants, and other assorted crud. But doggone it, I'm comfy there!)

Back to Spring. It's kind of a snapshot of life. Sometimes there are storms, like when I first got sick with diabetes and felt awful all the time. Sometimes the day is REALLY bad, like when my first family abandoned me and left me without any hope at all. Sometimes the good days come and it seems like all the bad is wiped away with the warmth of the sun. That's what I like- a reminder that life may be filled with problems, but eventually they all work out. Eventually Spring becomes summer.And it works that way in life too!

No matter what you are going through today, I'd like to tell you that it will all work out. Pretty soon everything will come around to a better day if you just have a little faith. Then you can go snuggle in your hip hole ( ok, I know, humans don't have those) and relax, knowing that the season has changed in your life. It's going to get better!

New Friends

One of the best things in my life is when I get to make new friends. Sure, I make some nervous when I run up and stick my nose in places that scare them, but that's because I know how to sniff out trouble.

But making new friends is one of the joys of living!

I've noticed that some people are skittish around new folks. I say, cut it out! Run toward the unknown, not away from it!

Let me use my neighbor's dog as an example. He is fearless because he's a puppy. Part shepherd and something else (maybe Rottweiler?), he's going to be a big guy when he grows up. So he intimidates people. But the first time I met him I wanted to play because I knew he was ok. Yes, we snarled a little, but it wasn't dangerous, it was playful. And we have had at least one romp together that was loads of fun! I know him now, and I know that he isn't a problem.

The only way you can make new friends is to get to know them. They may seem scary, but if you get to know them that can change. My Mom has a new friend that used to be a convict. She is writing a book about his life. He spent time in federal prison for drug trafficking and trying to run over a DEA agent. Was he bad? Yes. Is he evil? No. Does he need good friends? Absolutely. She has learned that he really is getting his life on to a good path. But most people would avoid him like a pit bull with foam on its mouth.

The only way to get new friends or help to change a life is to run forward in faith, not backwards in fear. A football team that only has good defense will never win the game because it's the offense that scores the points. So I say don't be afraid to meet new people and talk to others! You don't have to stick your nose on them like I do, but be friendly and see what happens. You'll be glad you did!

Easter for Animals

Hi everyone. Since Easter weekend is about redemption and new life, I thought I'd give some of my insights. Animals look forward to a day of redemption too.

One of Mom's friends once looked at her Newfoundland and said "hey, this one would feed a whole village." Yikes! It's hard to imagine for Americans that many of the world's cultures once thought of "pet" dogs as food sources. Even the really skinny ones!

In America, whole causes are built around saving pets from euthanasia. But the fact remains that many of my cousins die in shelters. I know that being inside of a shelter is frightening. There are cats and dogs and stinky cages and a constant din of noise everywhere. While the people who run the shelter are usually very nice, there is an emptiness that comes over the dogs who come in there. I know because that's what happened to me.

My owners couldn't take me to their new home. I don't know why and I don't understand, but they dropped me off at the shelter and I never saw them again. I felt abandoned and lonely. It was like being dropped in the middle of prison with no preparation. And I was surrounded by strangers.

Then one day this couple came in with a big black Newfy. They specifically asked for me! They said they read about me on the internet and wanted to take me home with them. So the shelter lady came and took me out of the cage and walked me into the lobby area. No problem. I took one look at Mom and knew they were my friends for life.

She bent down and scratched my ears and ran her fingers through my fur...I knew this was my home forever. After a short walk with my new housemate "Zeke," the shelter folks let me go home with them. And I have been happy ever since. I know that I am loved!

Point is, that this is Easter weekend. Easter is about redemption and the giving of life. Jesus came to save people, and give them His love. Animals, too need salvation. Won't you think about adopting a shelter pet? There are so many who need love and caring people to save them from death. They would be so grateful!