Memoirs of the Dog Walker

BIG PAWS

2012-02-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

BIG DOGS

He loves me.

2012-02-02T21:13:00.002-05:00

He really, really loves me.

It's a First

2012-02-01T20:17:00.003-05:00

I have walked many dogs, and this is a first.

I have walked many male dogs that squat like a girl when they pee. Olive, however, is the first girl dog I walked that lifted a leg when she peed.

Too much testosterone?????

Work It Baby

2012-01-28T15:39:00.003-05:00

Check out this swagger. (Future belly dancer?)

Stevie is a girl. All girl. And she knows how to work it!

Nacho, Nacho Man

2012-01-22T16:52:00.002-05:00

Boing! Boing! Boing!

Is it a rabbit, or a Jack Russell?

Salivation

2011-10-10T16:56:00.001-04:00

Toby waits, and salivates, patiently.
Where's his damn treats?!!!!

Velcro Dog

2011-10-10T16:54:00.005-04:00

It's fall! Need I say More?

Look What I Found!

2011-08-30T17:57:00.006-04:00

I found this guy sleeping next to the sidewalk while I was walking two dogs.

After the walk, I returned to sleeping beauty, in hopes that his momma carried him back to the nest, but no such luck.

Having found a baby bird a month before, and instructed to leave him there by wild life rehab experts, only to find him dead the next day, I was not going to let that happen again.

I kidnapped (squirrel-napped?) this little guy.

Did a little quick research on caring for a baby squirrel, and kept him safe, fed and warm, until I could get him to the squirrel rehab lady, later that day.

Pee Wee Squirrel is doing just fine, and he will grow up and be released back into the wild, and live his days out playing with other squirrels.
Go Pee Wee, Go!

The Scholar

2011-07-14T20:48:00.004-04:00

Thomas is either studying, or trying to prevent me from paying the bills at the bottom of the pile.

PEEK-A-BOO

2011-07-14T20:46:00.002-04:00

Cosette sees you!

KITTENS!

2011-07-08T07:27:00.005-04:00

I loves me some furry purry orange things!

Lots of kittens available for adoption this time of year. Go spring one! Better yet, spring two!

They aren't just all orange things. There are plenty of other colors to chose from, but why would anyone want a color other than a furry purry orange thing?

I don't think you went

2011-07-08T07:22:00.005-04:00

Pumkin is still waiting for her forever home. Did you hear me? PUMPKIN IS A GIRL! Did you know that most orange tabbies are male? That makes this sassy little girl very special.

Get your car keys, grab your significant other, and head over to the New Rochelle Humane Society, or your local shelter, and adopt!

YOU SHOULD GO...

2011-06-25T17:14:00.004-04:00

To the New Rochelle Humane Society.

What are you waiting for?

GO! NOW!

They have dogs, too! And rabbits. And birds. And maybe even some kind of furry rodents.

Goodbye

2011-06-21T21:35:00.004-04:00

Goodbye to Shelby, who is moving away. Far away. Good luck to you girl, I will miss you!

And goodbye to you Gus, may you rest In peace. I will never forget you!

EARS

2011-06-20T08:54:00.001-04:00

Just looking at Toby's ears makes me smile.

New Kid On The Block

2011-05-15T10:52:00.002-04:00

Thomas in the house! Thomas in the house!

He's the new guy. He is diabetic and his previous owners didn't want to deal. They dropped him at my vet's office to be put down. Thankfully, the vet would not euthanize a cat who was otherwise healthy. In the month that Thomas lived at the vet's office, he ran all the tests, and the Thom-Cat is really pretty healthy. He just needs insulin.
I can deal, so Thomas moves in.

Live Long and Prosper, Thomas! You have a family now, that won't throw you out!

Brothers....

2011-02-08T18:14:00.002-05:00

Identical brothers.
OK, my nose just grew.
Big Man, Little Man.
But brothers through and through.

SNOW!

2011-01-17T15:48:00.001-05:00

Every picture tells a story. Not sure what story this one tells. I think it's about how much fun snow can be!

Under Water

2011-01-17T15:22:00.002-05:00

Lucky me! Sometimes I get to take care of water creatures too!

Ready For Her Close Up

2010-11-29T17:57:00.003-05:00

Hello. My name is Mouse and I am a tiny little delicate furry purry orange thing.

Ready For His Close Up

2010-11-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

Hello. My name is Grumpy, and I'm a handsome little man.

The Cat in a Hat

2010-11-25T09:01:00.002-05:00

Cat Fashion Show victim.

This is a male cat.

That makes him a cross dresser.

I call it a CATastrophy.

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn

2010-10-30T18:53:00.001-04:00

I am looking for a home. Adopt me please.

I SPY

2010-10-18T17:57:00.003-04:00

With my ONE eye....

Should I Trust Him?

2010-09-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

Why I am a bit hesitant with beagles.

The Exorcist

2010-08-31T19:43:00.002-04:00

Gus does his best impression of Linda Blair.

Doorstop

2010-08-31T19:41:00.002-04:00

Gus as a doorstop.

Dennis is a Drinker

2010-08-31T18:55:00.003-04:00

On hot days, Dennis enjoys a good sip of ice cold water.

Look What Tula Can Do!

2010-08-13T16:23:00.003-04:00

Tula wonders how good YOU are at touching your nose with your tongue.

When Lightning Strikes...

2010-07-24T12:36:00.003-04:00

...Charlie hides in the corner, where the Gods of Thunder cannot see him.

Knock Knock

2010-07-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

Browser as a door knocker.
And a handsome one at that!

Petey's Lucky Day

2010-07-12T18:28:00.004-04:00

Heeeeere's Petey!

He almost didn't make it to this day.
He was scheduled for euthanizing, all because he had kennel cough. My client's daughter was there at the right time, and saved him. She took him home, and to the vet.
Petey enjoyed his walk today, and the roll in the grass afterwards.

Petey is about a year and a half old, a pit bull mix. VERY INTELLIGENT, very sweet, very trained.

Petey will be looking for a forever home, just as soon as he gets healthy.

Interested?

Multiplying Rabbits

2010-07-08T21:38:00.007-04:00

First there was Angel.

Angel died. (RIP little Angel.)
Next came Cassie.

Roger and Matthew. They have since gone off to their new home.

Bananas and Vanilla. A delicious couple of bunnies.

Don't forget Toby!

Lusi Keeps Her Cool

2010-07-06T15:49:00.002-04:00

101 degrees outside.
This is how Lusi keeps her cool, while she is under lock-down for attacking another dog. (BAD LUSI!)

Toby AKA Hannibal Lecter

2010-07-02T07:53:00.004-04:00

Toby thinks his human's liver will be quiet tasty with some fava beans and chianti.

Otis Does Toby: FAIL!

2010-06-16T16:47:00.003-04:00

The problem, Otis, is that Toby, for the most part, eats food and doesn't need his stomach pumped.
Take it from me, next time you see rat poison, STAY AWAY!!!!

On a similar note, today I saw a bumper sticker that said "My Golden Retriever is Smarter Than Your Honor Student." I thought of Otis (who is a golden retriever), and felt it should say "My Golden Retriever Is Smarter Than A Dish Towel."

Hedgie's Big Day Out

2010-06-15T17:35:00.003-04:00

OR WHAT I LEARNED AT THE VET ABOUT GUINEA PIGS.

1. Nails should be trimmed every 2-3 months.

2. Cedar wood chips are the best. They are absorbent and have anti-bacterial properties.

3. Guinea pigs need to have something hard to gnaw on so their teeth don't continue to grow, locking their jaw. (Just like a beaver!)

4. Make sure your GP doesn't get diarrhea!

Say What?

2010-06-12T19:32:00.004-04:00

JJ can't hear you. She has her headphones on.

Browser the Velcro Dog

2010-06-07T19:31:00.002-04:00

No denying it Velcro Boy! You have sticks and leaves stuck to your chinny-chin-chin!

Browser as the Donald

2010-05-31T21:06:00.003-04:00

Browser does his impression of Donald Trump.
But he didn't fire me.
He knows better.

Honorary Degree

2010-05-24T08:40:00.005-04:00

Poor Bib. I loved your name, and wonder how you got it. Your Human didn't give me any insight to that, other than saying his (ex)wife came up with it.

Bib died on Saturday. Her daddy came over to me in tears saying Bib was sick. I drove him to the vet and we did this together.

As Dad was explaining symptoms to the doctor, I blurted out, "Maybe it's diabetes."
We waited for blood work, and sure enough, I was right.
The vet awarded me an Honorary Veterinary Degree for my mad skills.
But there were no guarantees, and many complications. Daddy did the right thing and the hardest thing, by letting his little baby go.

Bib was an old gal, of 17, and she lived a good life.

Rest in peace, my neighbor!

SUNDAY MORNING

2010-05-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

It wouldn't have been appropriate for me to whip my camera out at the time, but this morning, while walking a dog, a man came out and had a whole conversation with me. He was still in his underwear. We talked for a good five minutes, maybe more.

I love Sunday morning walks!

Fringe Benefits

2010-05-13T20:48:00.006-04:00

There are certain perks about working outside.

For instance:

Or:

JJ's Nose Knows

2010-03-27T22:32:00.002-04:00

Time to smell the flowers.

Spring is in the air.

Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun

2010-03-09T06:56:00.004-05:00

Like most guys, Bo just likes to play with his balls.

Future Clients

2010-03-07T21:33:00.003-05:00

Meet Matthew.

And Roger. Rabbit.

We aren't quiet sure it IS Matthew and Roger yet. It COULD be Matilda and Jessica. Or any combination of the names.

The Pigs are Back in Town

2010-03-07T21:31:00.002-05:00

Runtly's back!

Seeing Double

2010-02-14T10:09:00.005-05:00

Which one is Grumpy, and which one is Spot?

Even a mother is having a hard time distinguishing!

Bunch of People Who Died, Died...

2010-02-14T09:41:00.008-05:00

1. Smokie. The sweetest rottweiler ever. He loved to be near people. It hurt to leave him.

2. Otis. Too young to die. He had the same kind of cancer that Tucker had. He was a wise man.

3. Bandit. Damn! You lived to be an old cat. Shy, but old!

4. Malachi. Your heart was too big and full of love. It was sudden, and unexpected.

5. Joy. You skinny little thing, with a big loud voice! I know how much you loved your mother! Send her another kitty soon, she is so lonely without you.

6. Bijou. I especially loved your big black nose! You were a lucky dog to have the mom you did!

You were all special, and not one of you will ever be forgotten.

If It Comes In Three's...

2010-01-25T16:48:00.005-05:00

...I should be done for awhile.

This is Suzie. Her owner, (and my client,) was found dead last week of a heart attack. We are trying to find Suzie a good home.

The next day, a friend telephoned me in tears as he had to put his cat down that day.

The following day, another friend/client needed a ride to the vet to put her cat down.
We got to the vet's office, they took the cat, Joy, into the back, to prepare her. We finished the paperwork, and was lead to "the Comfort Room," which was furnished with overstuffed leather chairs and a table. The idea was to prepare Joy by putting an IV in, and bringing her to us, in the Comfort Room, where we could spend time saying goodbye, before the final injections. However, minutes later we were greeted by a very nice assistant, who told us that Joy's heart stopped beating before they could insert the IV.
Joy was ready to go, she just was holding on for her human's sake, and once she was separated from her, she could go.
If that isn't a testimony of love, I don't know what is!

Snip Snip

2010-01-13T21:33:00.002-05:00

Poor, sore Rusty had his "snip snip" job done yesterday.

Feel better, Rusty!

Who Cares?

2010-01-13T21:30:00.003-05:00

Dennis doesn't care about Rusty's "snip snip" job. He only cares about his bone. Don't mess with his bone!

Seperated at Birth

2009-12-29T15:40:00.004-05:00

Mouse the cat, Stella the dog. They are almost the same pet.
Both ladies are small and petite and delicate.
Both are sweet as sweet can be,
and yet both have a measure of sass for good measure.
I like the sass part!

Salt Water Tank

2009-12-26T10:32:00.005-05:00

I just like the photos I took of the fish tank I help care for.

Who Wants To Go For a Walk?

2009-12-19T22:50:00.002-05:00

Snoop does!

Boulette's Glamour Shot

2009-12-01T17:53:00.002-05:00

Need I say anything?
That's one sexy little puppy!

Another Reason:

2009-11-29T10:24:00.003-05:00

I loves me some furry purry orange things!

Meet Stella

2009-11-28T18:17:00.003-05:00

Stella's the newest client. She's an adult cocker spaniel that was rescued from a shelter. Let's hear it for shelter dogs!

Team Player

2009-11-28T18:15:00.001-05:00

Boulette is a team player, and a fashion plate. Go Giants! NY Rocks!

It's DEFINATELY Fall

2009-11-17T16:28:00.002-05:00

I don't know who this guy is, but I saw him on my way to a job. He was having fun. It made me smile!

It Must Be Fall

2009-11-12T15:55:00.005-05:00

Dogs just wanna have fun.

Potty Training 101

2009-11-11T07:22:00.007-05:00

By Jove, I think he's getting it!

Actually, I just wanted an excuse to post some more pictures of the cutest little guy ever!

Feel like having spaghetti with MEATBALLS tonight.

"Boulette" is French for "Meatball"

2009-11-02T16:22:00.005-05:00

Today I got to walk my new client, Boulette, twice.

He is a French Bulldog. (Get it? He's French, so he has a French name!)

He is so cute, I want to cover him in tomato sauce and eat him right up!

I think I am in love!

Praying for Pee Works!

2009-10-26T17:13:00.003-04:00

Grumpy is home. Thank you to everyone who prayed for pee. It works. The vet told me, "Bad news!" (What could be worse than the bill?) "Grumpy peed all over himself, and we didn't get to clean him up for you." THAT'S NOT BAD NEWS! THAT'S GOOD NEWS!!!!! We like when Grumpy pees. In fact, we LOVE it! Grumpy's first meal at home. (He didn't eat for the three days he was in the hospital.)

Praying for Pee Once Again

2009-10-25T18:48:00.003-04:00

Last April, Grumpy got blocked. Basically, that means he can't pee.
In most cases, that is due to crystals in the urine that clog up the urethra, and is due to diet. In Grumpy's case, it was due to a muscle spasm. In other words, he got scared to death.

It happened again, and Friday I noticed him spending more time in the kitty litter box. Like any good mother, I could tell he was uncomfortable. Off we went to the vet, and sure enough, he was blocked again.
And sure enough, it is a muscle spasm again.

Being a high strung cat, they catheterized him, and we decided the best course of treatment is to keep him on a muscle relaxer long term.
The catheter was removed this morning, and we wait for him to pee on his own before I could take him home. Problem is, he didn't pee on his own.

While I was expecting to take him home today, he has to stay an extra night, and be closely monitored. He could re-block, and need the catheter again.
Tomorrow I wait for the vet's recommendations. I have to consider surgery.

Surgery would remove his penis and give him "girlie parts."
We are trying to avoid that.
I really can't afford that, but I refuse to put him down because he can't pee. He is only seven years old, and the prognosis is good. We just have to get him in a good place with his health.

PRAY FOR PEE!
He is a cute guy, and I am madly in love with him.

Kick & Run

2009-10-12T19:00:00.003-04:00

I was involved in a kick and run accident today. While walking Browser, a squirrel darted out of the bushes, and ran right into my foot. It all happened so fast, I didn't have time to stop, and I ended up kicking him. I am sure he wasn't hurt, just probably a little shook up. Browser didn't notice a thing.

The reason Browser didn't notice anything is that he is madly in love with me.
This is what happens when I am walking Browser:

If anyone knows of a (single) man who could love me half as much as Browser does, please have him contact me!

SHHHHHHH!

2009-10-10T19:00:00.002-04:00

I got a secret to tell you! Don't tell anyone!

Tobi and Maxwell

Hello There Handsome!

2009-10-07T07:31:00.004-04:00

Introducing my newest client, Rusty.

He's an 8 week old cairn terrier.

I picked him up to give him a kiss, and he peed on me.
We're off to a good start!

Toby Actually Did Something Good!

2009-09-23T20:38:00.003-04:00

I arrived at Toby's house yesterday, to find all the sprinklers on full blast. Sprinting up the walkway, I got to the house without getting soaked, and got Toby out for his walk, hoping that by the time we got back, the sprinklers would be off.
No such luck.
When we returned, I dropped the leash, and made a run for the house. Toby was right behind me. Instead of running into the house, he pulled a sharp right and ran into the bushes. Bad Toby!
I got him inside with the help of some treats, but not before I noticed the guy who came out of the bushes.
I thought he was doing sprinkler maintenance, since 1. the sprinklers have never been on at that time, and 2. he was Hispanic.
I asked him if the sprinklers would be on tomorrow at the same time, and he answered affirmatively.
On my way to the next job, I called the house owners and left them a voice mail requesting they adjust the time the sprinklers go off so I wouldn't get soaked.

This morning, Toby's owner called me to inform me that he checked with the sprinkler company, and no one was at the house the day before. Come to think of it, there wasn't any work vans outside either.
So WHO was that man hiding in the bushes, and WHY was he there?
Most importantly, WHAT crime could Toby have possibly foiled?
Things that make you go "hmmmm."

Toby is my new hero!

Here Comes the Bride... And Her Dog.

2009-09-22T15:57:00.005-04:00

Otis the golden retriever in the bow tie, accompanies his mom on her special day.

Browser the bearded collie, kisses his mom at her wedding.

AND WHY NOT????

Hooray to the brides, and their awesome husbands.

Don't Be Afraid

2009-09-17T07:39:00.002-04:00

Don't be afraid Tucker. You'll never be alone. Your human parents and the doctor will be there, to make your transition an easy one.
When you see the light, go to it. I already talked to my friends: Max, Rigger, One Spot, Lady, Aunt Sue, Lucy, Charlie, Napoleon, Clue, and so many others. They will be there to meet you and show you around on the other side. Soon you will be running and playing like the lunatic I knew you as in your healthier days. You'll be happy, and you can watch over us. Send your Mom a new doggie to love and take care of.
We will never forget you Tucker. But no one wants to see you suffer any more. So go now, and don't be afraid. You will never be alone, and you will always be in our hearts. Until we meet again...Safe travels!

With a Little Help From a Friend

2009-09-16T08:19:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning, while feeling the fish in a salt water tank, one of the shrimp got overly excited and knocked a crab off it's perch. The crab landed on it's back, and started in a panic to get himself up righted. Another crab was witness to the guy's dilemma, and came down to help him get up righted. Mission impossible was solved, with a little help from his friends.

I wish I could make the commitment to become a vegetarian.

Jaws

2009-09-11T16:43:00.002-04:00

Guess who did what.

I guess he wanted soup today.

Bad dog, Toby!

Guess Who Did What...Again

2009-09-10T20:52:00.003-04:00

Once again, Toby gets into trouble.
He got into the rotating cabinet, which has a child-lock, but obviously not Toby-proof, and got into the corn starch. Not too tasty.
On our walk, he found a corn cob. It became his best friend the rest of the walk.
And when we got home, he ate it.

I learned a long time ago to NEVER take anything out of a dog's mouth.

DON'T LEAVE ME!!!!!

2009-09-07T10:15:00.007-04:00

Got in my car, put her in reverse, ready to go....
and I can't!
JJ (AKA "Calico Jack") doesn't want me to leave.

It's obvious, isn't it?

She means it, too. Look at this face!

Pure evil.

Don't F*&# With Me Fellas!

2009-09-04T18:28:00.003-04:00

No one better take Lusi's bone away from her.
NO ONE.

Most Photogenic

2009-09-03T21:02:00.006-04:00

Dennis: a handsome guy.
He takes a pretty nice picture.
And he's a pretty happy guy to take a walk with.

Dream Dogs

2009-09-01T19:07:00.005-04:00

A long, long time ago, a kid I used to babysit asked me if there were any dogs that I haven't walked, that I really wanted to.
YES!
They are now my clients.
Meet Cosette and Madison (aka "Sparky").

Visiting an Old Friend

2009-08-30T20:43:00.002-04:00

Two cookies for my friend, One Spot.
I miss you, buddy!

Which is Which?

2009-08-30T20:05:00.003-04:00

GRUMPY:

SPOT:

GRUMPY:

SPOT:

Angel is no Angel

2009-08-27T09:15:00.002-04:00

I did a job for Angel the bunny rabbit while I was out on surgery leave. (I couldn't do any dog walking, but cats and rabbits and fish I could handle.)
I'm not so sure Angel liked me. While I was feeding him, he'd charge at me, like the killer bunny in the Monty Python movie.
Regardless, I found him to be quiet cute, and I found it very endearing that his owners had bunny paraphernalia all over the house.

FYI: Tucker update!

2009-08-26T22:12:00.004-04:00

Tucker is loved by many. Many of whom never actually met him, except through this blog. I am often asked how he is doing.
Tucker is doing great! He's slow, and tired. But he is the happiest dog.

Long live Tucker!

Two Emergencies, One Day

2009-07-29T21:48:00.005-04:00

It was a two emergency day. Like one isn't enough.

Tucker, my beloved golden, got a stick stuck...in his mouth.
I noticed he was having trouble because he kept trying to chew on something, and it was clearly making him uncomfortable. He tried to drink, but even that wasn't successful.
i did what came natural to the former dental assistant in me. I opened his mouth, and had a good look.
this is when i saw this:

The stick in the picture is about as thick as a pencil, and about an inch and a half long, and it was lodged across the roof of his mouth, held in by his teeth on either side.
I tried to remove it, but that's not a safe place for a hand.
The vet saw us immediately and removed the offending piece of wood with a good yank and a pair of forceps.
(Note that the photo shows the piece of wood next to the LARGE size of MilkBone, purely for size comparison.)

Emergency two began with a phone call, from an upset client who couldn't find her cat.
I went over to her house, and we searched for over 30 minutes, to no avail. Ghost cat has struck!
Two hours later the client called, relieved to tell me her ghost cat finally came out of hiding!
I KNEW he was there all along, just hiding well in stealth mode.

The Pigs Are Back

2009-07-18T18:19:00.006-04:00

The pigs from Brooklyn are back to visit.
And boy did they grow from last year!
Cholula is the larger one,, weighing in at about 100 pounds, and Runtly is a few months older, and weighs in at about 70 pounds. They are between a year and a half and two years old.
And no, the proud pig parents don't eat bacon!

Gone Batty

2009-07-18T09:24:00.002-04:00

Look what I found on this morning's walk with Puc (the murderous dog)!
He was by the side of the road, trying to crawl to somewhere safe. Luckily, someone had their recycled paper curbside for pick-up, so I grabbed a shoe box, scooted him up, and left him under a bushy tree. He climbed off the cardboard and grabbed onto a tree branch. Yeah, he was probably dying, but at least this nocturnal creature won't die in the sun.

MURDERER!

2009-07-17T20:36:00.004-04:00

So cute, So bad!

While walking Puc the other day, we passed a yard with a rabbit munching on some grass. Puc got all excited, while I just laughed and told him there was NO WAY he was gonna get that bunny.
On we continued, and on the next piece of property there was an overgrown bush bordering the street. Puc darted under the bush, and I heard screaming. It wasn't Puc screaming. He emerged with something furry in his mouth. I got him to let it go. It was a baby bunny. Poor little bunny was laying on his side, his legs kicking wildly, like he was a turtle laying on his back and trying to get upright. Hesitantly, I rolled the bunny over so it could escape, only it didn't. I picked it up to inspect it, fully prepared to take this bunny home and nurse it back to health. It was bleeding. I put it back down, knowing there was no hope at that point. It took it's last breath and died.
I am sorry little bunny.

Not Again

2009-07-11T08:00:00.004-04:00

Otis.
A grand old guy, only not too old. About 7 years old, give or take a year. (Isn't it enough I remember all their names?--the ages change every year, and i have well over 100 pets to keep straight).
Otis now has cancer--the same kind Tucker has. A tumor (or tumors) in his leg. Tucker's got them in both front legs. Otis has it in one leg.
Treatment is to amputate, and then do chemo. That extends his life by about a year. Maybe a year and a half. Without it, the tumor(s) grow, the bones become brittle, the life expectancy is cut down to less than half that.

Let's hope that old saying about things coming in three's does not pertain to this. Cancer is a bad, bad thing.

Guilty!

2009-07-08T19:02:00.002-04:00

This time it was Browser!

Tucker's Big Adventures

2009-07-08T07:23:00.003-04:00

A week ago, Tucker's family took him up north for a weekend in the country. He's too sick to participate with all the hiking and swimming and fun times he would have there in prior years. He is tired, and he can't walk any distances anymore past a few feet at a time.
The family thought it was safe to leave him out in the yard, while they went out for a hike. When they returned, he was gone. He wondered off property, until one of the neighbors took him in.
This past weekend, Tucker was left in the yard while the owner went out for an errand. Again, Tucker wondered off property for yet a second big adventure. This time he ended up in the local pet shelter, and was retrieved later that day.

I think the whole thing mad him feel young again.

Photo is of a painting of Tucker, by my friend, Oscar Maldonada.

Meet Otis

2009-06-27T17:37:00.002-04:00

Otis.
Pet his head!

The New Tent

2009-06-19T21:48:00.004-04:00

Too much rain. Tucker got a new tent. Today we got a break and actually got to see some sun, and Tucker got to try his tent out. I think he liked it.

But then he also likes the tent that the Gods have created for him, from the natural brush.

Boys will be Dirty!

2009-06-12T20:51:00.003-04:00

Tucker pretty much lives outside these days.

The weather has been rotten. It's been rainy and overcast. Tucker doesn't like the thunder. Dogs have a way of feeling it before it happens.
This afternoon, he followed me into the house, went right up the stairs, because using the ramp that was installed for him would have taken too much time. It surprised me to see him using the steps, it surprised me more to see he actually wanted IN the house.
I like to see Tucker surprising me so. Every little surprise means it's not his time to leave us yet.
Go Tucker! Go!
(Just not to the light.)

And the Award For the Sweetest Old Guy Goes To...

2009-06-11T19:57:00.004-04:00

Smokie!!!!

T & T

2009-06-02T14:19:00.002-04:00

Tucker and Toby, enjoying the beautiful weather, and the company of each other.

Who's a Bad Puppy?

2009-06-02T14:15:00.002-04:00

Cruz.

Bunnies, Bunnies Everywhere!

2009-05-31T07:54:00.005-04:00

Bunnies are everwhere. I am guessing these two were going to be making more bunnies after I left.
I wonder why you never see dead bunnies around.

Little Squirrel

2009-05-30T18:15:00.002-04:00

Little Squirrel, the kids found you in the playground, your hind legs damaged. I made a tone of calls to my animal wildlife connections to see who could take you in and nurse you back to health. But today was a beautiful day, and no one was home.
I put you in a shoebox, and brought you home and moved you into a cat carrier. I gave you water, and I gave you some apple. You had alot of life left in you.
Finally someone got back to me and told me what to do with you. I brought you to the vet, where they would evaluate you, and then release you to the nice lady who would take over until you could be re-released.
You didn't make it.
Your injuries must have been more severe than what I thought.
I hope you were not scared in your final hours, and your passing was peaceful.

I hardly knew you, but I will miss you.

Cruz: A Toby in Training

2009-05-29T16:35:00.006-04:00

How could such a cute little guy make a mess like this:

I don't know. But I think Toby is secretly giving him lessons.

Tucker's Tent

2009-05-17T11:10:00.007-04:00

Tucker's cancer is progressing so much, that he spends most of his days sitting in the cool grass. He remains happy, and for the most part, I believe he is not in too much pain. Discomfort, yes, but pain--no.

Once he gets comfortable, he'll stay there all day. We built a tent for him to keep him out of the rain. We made due with what we had available: lawn chairs, holding up a closed step stool, covered with lots of plastic garbage bags.

His days are limited. He's happy outside. We like to cater to him in his final days.
That, and the fact that he's too big of a dog to really force him to do anything that he really doesn't want.

Charles in Charge

2009-05-10T09:12:00.005-04:00

For an old guy, Charlie sure has alot of energy. He's got at least 25 [dog] years on me, and that guy wants to run all the time.
And strong?!!!!! His best friends are people with food, and he WILL take you to them. Whether you want it or not!