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!
Red Dog
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, April 22, 2011
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!
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!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Destiny
This is an excerpt from Mom's new book- with my comment at the end. I really am smart, but some people seem to think all I do is sleep. Ok, I do sleep a lot. Mom says I chose all the wrong places to snooze. Like the hip hole that I dug by the roses bush in the backyard. The dirt is soft and cool, and there's built in shade- what more could I ask? Well, dog treats of course.
Enjoy her excerpt!
______
Excerpt from "The Dog Paw Chronicles" by © D. Faye Higbee 2011 published by PublishAmerica.net
Lipizzaners
His wobbly legs only held him up long enough to sway for a minute and then buckle. He fought his way back up on the narrow spindles. A black foal, freshly born, still wet from his mother’s birth canal. He was the tiniest package of miracle I had ever seen.
The little creature stumbled around his stall like a drunken sailor for several minutes until he finally got his “sea legs.” This funny little horse would one day bring audiences to their feet as he danced around an arena on his back legs. His black countenance would be transformed into white perfection, as the shaky past fell away into choreographed destiny. How fitting it was to see destiny play out in the Royal Lipizzan stallions. From the tears shed in a movie to tears shed in the stable in Vienna, that birth was a true miracle of redemption and destiny that I will never forget.
Comment by Red Dog:
Destiny is often created by miracles. By God’s hand the Lipizzan stallions were saved from annihilation. God saved your life, you saved my life. Our lives connect on a level far beyond what our eyes see. We don’t know, as we traverse this life, what lies beyond our present circumstances. But we are all destined for a purpose, whether to dance or to write. I hope that all the readers will find their portion of that destiny.
Enjoy her excerpt!
______
Excerpt from "The Dog Paw Chronicles" by © D. Faye Higbee 2011 published by PublishAmerica.net
Lipizzaners
His wobbly legs only held him up long enough to sway for a minute and then buckle. He fought his way back up on the narrow spindles. A black foal, freshly born, still wet from his mother’s birth canal. He was the tiniest package of miracle I had ever seen.
The little creature stumbled around his stall like a drunken sailor for several minutes until he finally got his “sea legs.” This funny little horse would one day bring audiences to their feet as he danced around an arena on his back legs. His black countenance would be transformed into white perfection, as the shaky past fell away into choreographed destiny. How fitting it was to see destiny play out in the Royal Lipizzan stallions. From the tears shed in a movie to tears shed in the stable in Vienna, that birth was a true miracle of redemption and destiny that I will never forget.
Comment by Red Dog:
Destiny is often created by miracles. By God’s hand the Lipizzan stallions were saved from annihilation. God saved your life, you saved my life. Our lives connect on a level far beyond what our eyes see. We don’t know, as we traverse this life, what lies beyond our present circumstances. But we are all destined for a purpose, whether to dance or to write. I hope that all the readers will find their portion of that destiny.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Right Way
Mom learned her lesson! Yes! We went out yesterday and a little dachshund from next door got loose. "Scooter" ran like a crazy fool straight for me, barking it's little head off all the way. Her Mom tried to catch her, but she was running in her sock feet and the pavement was cold and uneven. Not good for humans to run in their socks.
Anyway, Scooter was hot after me, so Mom made me sit. THIS time she didn't get nervous or do anything to freak me out. I sat and did nothing. Scooter's mom caught up to her when she realized I was 4 time bigger than she was. Tee hee. It was funny. She stopped in midbark and just stared at me.
Her mom tried to let me sniff her, but as soon as my nose went near her, she erupted and went crazy. She whined and growled and squirmed and tried to bite me. Not very social, that one. Point is, I didn't do ANYTHING wrong. Cool, huh? Mom got the message this time and just had me sit. It worked. The other dog got in trouble, but I didn't. I was totally calm.
It was fun. I hope your folks take you for a walk and are calm. It really helps!
Anyway, Scooter was hot after me, so Mom made me sit. THIS time she didn't get nervous or do anything to freak me out. I sat and did nothing. Scooter's mom caught up to her when she realized I was 4 time bigger than she was. Tee hee. It was funny. She stopped in midbark and just stared at me.
Her mom tried to let me sniff her, but as soon as my nose went near her, she erupted and went crazy. She whined and growled and squirmed and tried to bite me. Not very social, that one. Point is, I didn't do ANYTHING wrong. Cool, huh? Mom got the message this time and just had me sit. It worked. The other dog got in trouble, but I didn't. I was totally calm.
It was fun. I hope your folks take you for a walk and are calm. It really helps!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Fun and People-Walks
I've blogged before about taking your owners for walks, but there is one other component that happens on occasion: fun runs.
The other day we were walking around the neighborhood and my new friend the Shepherd mix ran away from his home to come and play with us. He's a very nice puppy (almost as big as me and still a puppy...woof! He's gonna be a big one). At the same time, one of those fuzzy little dogs was walking his owner across the street. Kind of a doggy traffic jam.
I wanted to play so bad, and Mom kept tugging on the leash, so I just slipped out of it. That's right, I literally took off the collar and ran like the wind after my friend. We had a great time! We ran and played and Mom couldn't catch us. Eventually she caught up to me, and the other dog owner caught up to him, so we had to stop. But it was great fun!
Tugging on the leash when you're walking a dog doesn't work when you do it wrong, as Mom found out the hard way. She should have made me sit. Instead she got uptight and worried about us fighting and started jerking the leash to try and pull me away. (We were't fighting, by the way, we were playing- big difference and she missed it!)
The only way to get away from her nervousness was to get rid of the leash.
I had a fun time, Mom got extra exercise, and everything worked out fine. But to you humans who get nervous- knock it off! Just a tap on the rump and a sit command will help take the nervousness down. Otherwise just let us play.
The other day we were walking around the neighborhood and my new friend the Shepherd mix ran away from his home to come and play with us. He's a very nice puppy (almost as big as me and still a puppy...woof! He's gonna be a big one). At the same time, one of those fuzzy little dogs was walking his owner across the street. Kind of a doggy traffic jam.
I wanted to play so bad, and Mom kept tugging on the leash, so I just slipped out of it. That's right, I literally took off the collar and ran like the wind after my friend. We had a great time! We ran and played and Mom couldn't catch us. Eventually she caught up to me, and the other dog owner caught up to him, so we had to stop. But it was great fun!
Tugging on the leash when you're walking a dog doesn't work when you do it wrong, as Mom found out the hard way. She should have made me sit. Instead she got uptight and worried about us fighting and started jerking the leash to try and pull me away. (We were't fighting, by the way, we were playing- big difference and she missed it!)
The only way to get away from her nervousness was to get rid of the leash.
I had a fun time, Mom got extra exercise, and everything worked out fine. But to you humans who get nervous- knock it off! Just a tap on the rump and a sit command will help take the nervousness down. Otherwise just let us play.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Famous
What's a famous dog, anyway? My Mom has a new book coming out at the end of the year called "The Dog Paw Chronicles." She has let me make comments on her life all the way through the book. She thinks I should be famous. But who really cares?
In all of our lives, the only thing that really matters is how we live it. I have tried to be a good dog. I think I've succeeded too, because I didn't eat any couches or shred any pillows. And I've only stolen food a couple of times (sorry Mom, you left it too close to the edge of the counter). Mostly I've tried to stay out of trouble and just be there for my Mom and Dad. They tell me they need me- I think scratching my ears makes them feel better when things aren't going so well.
Yesterday, for example, we went for a nice walk and passed by a really pretty pitbull. He is a really handsome dog, but for some reason he gives me the creeps. His bark is off. He doesn't bark just because he wants to or because he's nervous, he barks aggressively. I was able to use my body language to show Mom that we should stay away. None of the other dogs in the neighborhood bother me at all. In fact, I'd love to play with them! Mom noticed right away and steered us away from the problem. She really does need me!
For all you humans out there, try to live your life with caring and service to others. Love each other and be good to both people and animals.We all need each other!
In all of our lives, the only thing that really matters is how we live it. I have tried to be a good dog. I think I've succeeded too, because I didn't eat any couches or shred any pillows. And I've only stolen food a couple of times (sorry Mom, you left it too close to the edge of the counter). Mostly I've tried to stay out of trouble and just be there for my Mom and Dad. They tell me they need me- I think scratching my ears makes them feel better when things aren't going so well.
Yesterday, for example, we went for a nice walk and passed by a really pretty pitbull. He is a really handsome dog, but for some reason he gives me the creeps. His bark is off. He doesn't bark just because he wants to or because he's nervous, he barks aggressively. I was able to use my body language to show Mom that we should stay away. None of the other dogs in the neighborhood bother me at all. In fact, I'd love to play with them! Mom noticed right away and steered us away from the problem. She really does need me!
For all you humans out there, try to live your life with caring and service to others. Love each other and be good to both people and animals.We all need each other!
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