Bitter Sweet

Not too keen on writing something up today, but still wanted to post something. I lost a client today and though I'm trying my best, not to feel bad; it still sucks. I take great pride in how I represent the business, I'm working for. Though I tried my best, certain elements were out of my control and I just couldn't get the clients ideal time; to work out in my schedule. There was one, very sweet thing, that happened today. Margaret, Ginger's mom, made me an origami box; with a 40 dollar tip and an origami crane, inside. I was floored by her kindness and all I could do was thank her and give her a hug.

I just watched this wonderful, educational documentary, on breed banning. Its streaming on Netflix and if you have it, I highly suggest watching it. Its called Beyond The Myth. Some of these laws, I feel, are out-of-control. They go too far, so far they discriminate service dogs and in Cincinnati, you can't even bury your pit bull (how messed up is that?!).
I feel everyone who reads here, are too, avid animal lovers and would all agree; its not the breed, its not the dog, its the people. I don't think I need to go on much deeper, would just be preaching to the choir. Let me know what you guys thought about the film. Till then, goodnight!

Animal

I honestly haven't forgotten this blog. I just seem to find myself doing something else, instead of typing here. As of latley, I have acquired a new routine; after a long day at work. I use to come home, walk Baloo, clean for 15 minutes, and then work on my blog. Now I find myself coming home, taking a nap with my cat, walking Baloo, and then loosing the momentum to clean and work on a blog post. I also have been reading CRAZY a lot, which is good, I know; but these books have the power to turn on my hyper focus self and its very difficult to turn it off.

See, some may not know, but I have a 15 year old cat name Animal. I've been feeling very guilty, we haven't spent much time together because the boys have consumed most of it. Sadly, Baloo appears to go into predatory mode and is only focus on the "hunt". Jixxer...well, when he was little, Animal attacked him (she's clawless and she's notorious for starting fights, with all the neighborhood dogs&cats) and he seems to just want "revenge". As you can imagine, the house has become a bit hostile and Animal has to stay in the spear room, with all her stuff; while the boys are out. When I'm at work, she get's the whole house to herself, but her living situation is in no way ideal.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, my mother brought Animal into a discussion. She offered to take her, so Animal can live in a no-dog house; which would bring a great deal of peace and tranquility to my dear old cat. The sad news about this kind gesture, my mother is offering, is: my mother lives in Vegas. I would miss Animal a great deal, she's been in my life, since I was 12 years old. I'm not as sad about this, as I thought I would have been. I don't feel like I'm re-homing Animal, she just moving to live with another family member. I'm actually excited for her, she will have no dogs to deal with, lots of sunshine and warmth (which I would imagine, would be great for her elderly joints), and my mom. Its a win-win, my mother wants an pet, which offers affection, but doesn't have the time for a dog. Anyone, who knows my cat, knows she is very affectionate (as I type this, she is laying across my arms; I can only move my wrists and hands); so I'm happy for everyone.

Now there is the one matter, I do worry about. For the past 15 years, Animal has only lived in one house and has NEVER flown. I'm planning to fly down there with her, to help her adjust to her new home and new roommate (Bow-tie, my mom's male, clawless, cat). I do hope it all works out and everyone is happy. I want the best for her and sadly, here in Seattle, I can't give it to her. She deserves to live in more than a room and without fear of getting hurt by a huge dog.
 I will keep everyone updated, as this life changing experience for Animal&I, draws nearer. Till then, I'm going to try to spend as much time as I can with her and give lots of TLC!

Believe it or not, that last picture of her, is Animals happy face, ha!

I'm going to end this post, with a youtube video, which is very fitting because Animal is doing this right now to me, as I type:



You should check out the other video's, besides being an avid animal lover; I'm also a huge animation nerd/fan. I think this man does very creative shorts. 

Animal Literature

I'm currently reading a book about life through the eyes of a dog. This book inspired me to share some of my favorite animal literature. Some are fiction and others are non-fiction. Some are based on the story of an animal, while others; I guess use an animal for part of the story, but aren't really the main character. I present to you, today's post with my suggestion, of great animal tales:

• A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans by W. Bruce Cameron
• The Animals Came in One By One by Buster Lloyd-Jones
• The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett
• Zamba: The True Story of the Greatest Lion That Ever Lived and Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer
• East by Edith Pattou 
• The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery
• Animal Speak: The Spiritual&Magical Powers of Creature Great&Small by Ted Andrews 
• All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, and, Treasury for Children by James Herriot  

Are there any animal literature out there, you would suggest I should read?
 
I'm going to end the post with last weeks, This American Life episode, titled: Animal Sacrifice. The first act is about, how once again, dog's step up to our aid and served with us; in WW2 and there after. There are even pictures, from WW2, posted on that episodes page. The second act, Camas Davis tells a true story about a rabbit kidnapping that saves some rabbits' lives, kills those same rabbits' babies, and leaves students in a Portland rabbit-butchering class scratching their heads. The third act, is an interview with Ira Glass himself; talking about his rescued dog, Piney.

Now Back To Our Present Presentaton

Whew, its been a week, since I've posted. Saw this coming, but I feel I have legit reasons for not posting. For starters, Thanksgiving (which I do hope everyone enjoyed spending time with their family&friends, but also remembering the many Native American cultures and people lost; during the settlers time. I only speak of this because I love the Native culture and have many close friends who are and have, Native ancestors.), pretty much all my clients canceled; so I had a four day weekend and no stories to share. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, I got the stomach flu (yup, it has been at least 18 years, since I had that nasty virus). I'm finally back to my regular work schedule, which means I do have a few short&tall tales to share :)

For starters, let me properly introduce Ginger, to the interweb-blogger community--> Some of you may have already read a bit about her, on previous posts, but I never had a photo of her; till now! She is a red heeler mix, who absolutely loves food :) She lives on the 27th floor of a Bellevue apartment building, which I have taken the liberty to explore once. They have an amazing court yard, that connects the north and south towers together. Some day, I'm going to need to go back there and take some pictures. These residents, for sure, get their money's worth.
Ginger's mom left town this weekend, therefore she asked me to do some extra walks. Of coarse I said yes! This means extra time with my Ginger and I do enjoy walking her. She's a very sweet dog, who is all talk and very little bit; which I believe isn't uncommon for cattle dogs to be like.

All last week, I didn't get to walk my Jack&Maddie, his dad didn't need the services. I know these dog's aren't mind, but I really do fall in love with them and miss them; as much, as if they were my own pups. Today was the first day I got to see the two, since we last walked, and I just enjoyed the joyous greeting I received. Mrs. Maddie was out and bustled towards me, she welcomed with such excitement; she was the one, who grabbed a toy ball and brought it to me. Mr. Jack was on his dad's bed and leaped off towards me, first grabbing his toy, to present to me. I was so thrilled to be with these two dogs again, I absolutely love ending my day with them :)

One thing, that grabbed my attention, when I first started working for Puget Pets; was how utterly lost I became. I mean, I know my way around Bellevue, but I was having a hard time recollecting all the individualized dog walks. To my luck, the dogs knew, and though it may appear I was walking them; honestly I was following the dogs because they actually knew the rout. Thank goodness, someone knew where to go and with Molly&Bella, sadly it took 3 tries; till I could recall the actual walk. I would also like to add, how nice and patient dogs are as their handlers try to figure the obvious out, hahaha.

Well, I shall end today's post with a youtube video, which I feel strikes the exact personalities between a dog and a cat:

I'm Not Trying To Be Modest, Just Speaking The Truth.

I posted this on facebook today (my personal and Dharma Dog page) and wanted it to be here. I feel pretty strong about the topic of rescuing an animal and being awarded with such a honorable title. I think being given the title of saving an animal from near death, is being watered down. This is what I had to say about it:

Almost every time I tell a person I adopted Baloo; they mention, in way or another, how I've rescued him. I appreciate the compliment, but in no way do I feel I "rescued" him and feel I should take no credit. I think its very egoistic to say or claim to have "rescued" an animal, one has adopted. This is excluding people, who have adopted an animal from a put-down shelter; because you actually did rescue an animal, who was on death road. 
The people who should be praised for rescuing Baloo and other animals in shelters, are the following:

• The person who found the animal, out on the streets or in the wilderness, wondering around aimlessly; without food or water, for who knows how long and taking them to a shelter.
• The shelter who took them in and gave them a roof over their head, food in the belly, and quenched their thirst; and kept them until they could find a forever home. This even includes shelters, who unfortunately have to put down animals do to lack of space. They do not enjoy this and shouldn't be seen as less human or less of an animal lover.
• The foster parents, who opened up their own home and took in the animal, until they could find a forever home.
• All volunteers, vets and trainers, who donate their time, in bettering the chance for the animal to find a forever home.
• Pet stores (like Denny's Pet World), who foster shelter cats and provided a better exposure to the public; so they can find a forever home.
• And for Baloo, Triple Crown Academy, for taking Baloo and all the other shelter dogs, into their training program. So they can go through the training process, to better their chance in finding a forever home.

If all the above people hadn't done all the above for Baloo (find him, take him to a shelter, and TCA taking him into the program); I wouldn't have met him and he wouldn't have been in my life today. So THANK YOU, to all these people, for doing what you did/do; your the true heroes.  You were the real rescuers and people need to be more aware of this.

Its Been A Good Day

Today I have many little tails, but could appear big because I love details. This could be the reason why, I have such a difficult time staying consistent with my bogs. I get so wrapped up in perfectly typing up, every minor description; that I can become a perfectionist, who turns into a procrastinator. On with the today's short&tall tales!

Today I pretty much lucked out, when it came to weather. When I walked my boys this morning, it was peeerfect. Little to no wind, no rain, and a decent temperature (for being outdoors for so long). When I began my drive to Bellevue, that's when mother nature began to unleash her tears of fury; sheets of lateral rain covering everyone. The intensity of the rain began, when I had just got to my first clients house. This must have only lasted for max 10 minutes because once I was outside with my dogs; no rain. I was very pleased with this because it was my first time, walking solo, with The Trio. Juggling three dogs with leashes, in heavy down pour, was going to be the biggest challenge I have encountered; since I started my animal career. This Trio-juggling-in-nasty-weather trial, will show its face someday, so might as well; take advantage of any practicing opportunities.

Who are The Trio? They are two Beagles (Hamilton, Isabeau) and a chocolate lab name Jake. All three are elderly and the beagles are half siblings. Actually, all, but one dog I walk, are in their senior stage. I love senior dogs and never really knew why; they seem a bit more calmer. Even on nice, non-rainy days, walking them was something else.Our walk involved many short brakes (to stop the pulling) and untangling the leashes. The Trio are actually really awesome dogs and their owner is very kind. Their my longest walk in the day, (hour long) and they get two of these walks a day; I believe. Their mother is in a wheelchair and needs help, when it comes to their daily walks.


My next, first solo walk, was with Ginger; a cattle dog mix. Now, her mom's apartment is awesome and on the 27th floor; so seeing the windy/rainy weather, that high up, was pretty sweet. Gingers mom, Margret, is so incredibly kind. When I got there, she told me I was no way obligated to walk Ginger; because the weather was picking up for a 5th episode and Ginger has already gone potty a few times. I told her I wasn't too worried and felt it only looked nasty outside because we were so high up. Also, Ginger knew why I was there and to just leave without walking her; would have been the meanest thing I could have done to her.
When I was getting Ginger and I ready, Margret offered a cup of herbal tea, to be ready when I returned; isn't that just so generous? What an awesome woman!
Like I had predicted, once we got to ground level, it was only windy and a bit misty. Actually, it was a lot of fun and at one point, the gust was so fierce; I thought the wind was going to scoop me up! I started to giggle and I was glad Ginger was my anchor. The rest of our 1/2 an hour walk was pretty nice; the wind eased off and the sun even decided to join us; for a few moments.
When we got back to Gingers home, there was the cup of tea waiting for me and I stayed over for a few extra moments; to talk with Margret. I really like her!

I ended the day with some of my favorite dogs, Jack&Maddie; these two old, but young at heart, dogs just...they never fail to make me laugh or smile. Some day I will get a video of Jack walking, seriously is my favorite walk; he prances! Hahaha.  Jack is a German Shorthair Pointer and Maddie is a Weimaraner, their dad appears to be an pretty cool dude (haven't met him, but I love how he raises his dogs); he leaves the radio (88.5, jazz and all things consider) on for them. If its raining outside, you toss two towels in the dryer, so they're warm, when you get back from the walk. His apartment is pretty sweet; nice balcony, spacious, huge windows to bring in all the light, and clutter free.
One of my favorite things Jack does, is, when you walk in; he trots to you, with one of his toys in his mouth. Today, he was on his dog bed in the living room, when I entered; he gets up, looks at me, and then disappears in his dad's room, only to reappear with his stuff toy. As if he was saying, "hold on one moment, got to get something". I have to capture this on film as well. Maddie always has a chronic worried look on her face, and is always looking at your pockets; hoping a treat falls out.

This last walk, couldn't have ended on a better note. We had perfect weather (just like how I stated the day...hmmn, can we say unified?) and the dogs looked pretty pleased with me.
One thing I love about this apartment building, is, the free hot coco! Yes, in their big tv room, they serve free Starbucks coffee&hot coco. Its become a tradition, after walking the kids, I get a tall hot coco to go. They also have nice, big, flat screen tvs and I'm allowed to use them; between clients or on my lunch brake (yes! adventure time&regular show lunch brakes, once again!)

That was my day and I just have to say this; I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY JOB!!!

Till next time, have a mathmatical day!!
<3

Wet Dogs&Wet Walker

I imagine everyone in the greater Seattle area, experienced one way or another, of today's hairy weather. Man, this torrential downpour was some thing, but being a dog walker; duty called. All my dog's today rocked, but the worse of the storm struck, when I was taking little Simon&Katie out (two elderly Miniature Pinschers). We couldn't do their full 15 minute walk (which isn't long in the first place) and they looked miserable out there, but this didn't stop them from giving snuggles and kisses; once we were inside and dry :)
My first client was at home in the rain because he's an Irish Water Spaniel. He appeared to be in pure bliss on his walk; not once did his tail stop its wag!
Jack&Maddie (a pointer and weimaraner) lucked out on their walk, the rain had little to no impact on us; though I heard their morning walk was...well, they wanted to walk, but get it over with at the same time. It was nice to finally have a short brake; I was started to get pretty cold.
I almost covered another walkers walk because the storm was too intense for her to drive, and the dog was only 10 minutes from Jack&Maddie, but in the end I think either the original walker showed up or the dogs owners.
Driving though all the weather was a little intimidating and some drivers weren't being too smart. I kept at healthy speed and tried to avoid the trucks (there were so many!) as I drove to Bellevue and Kirkland.
When I got home, I still had to walk my boy; remember not only is he a Blue Doberman (thinner coat). he's also from Texas. You an only imagine his displeasure with Washington's environment. He really hates the rain and is quick to pee and head back in, if its raining in any form. So back to when I got home, I knew he hated this mornings walk and I wanted to find a way to ease his discomfort (trying to save up for a good rain jacket for him) and decided to go all ghetto on him. I grabbed a large trash bag and made a DIY poncho...fail! It just kept his shoulders dry, but I think he felt a little better then this mornings walk. I really wish I took a photo, but completely forgot.
SO that was my take for today's weather; what do you guys do, when its raining hard and you have to walk your dog(s)?

I did say I would introduce some of my clients, so I'll start with my very first client; I walked solo. Miss Katie, she has a brother Simon (he's blind and deaf, sometimes I forget this and start bubble talking to him), but he won't stay still for a picture; one of these days though!
Katie I believe is 12 and Simon is 14, either way, they have done their time as a dog and can now retire :)

Katie supposedly is feisty and will nip people's ankles,but I've had no such experience with her; quite the opposite! I followed instructions and moved slow with her, the first time I walked her and she was anything, but mean. She actually is a very affectionate pup and is always eager to jump up on your chest, so you can scratch behind her ear. I absolutely love these two dogs and they always bring a smile to my face. When I first arrive, their barking at the door and Katie will sometimes charge to the door, hackles up, but once I say my hello and she smells me; her little stub is on fire. Since Simon is blind and deaf, I try not to startle him, but its hard not to; even if you move slow to pet him, at first he will jump.
I hope to get a picture of him soon and show everyone this very sweet and handsome min pin :)

I will post more little profiles, of my other clients, later; for now, lets enjoy this very cute picture of my sweet/fierce Katie.

Have a wonderful night and everyone on the West coast, try to stay dry&warm!

First of Many Chapters

(Baloo left, Jixxer right)Well here I go, trying once more to make a blog. Can't promise how consistent I am, in uploading, but I will try. So, where to begin? Ah, I guess in the actual beginning of this chapter in my life. My dream-career ball is finally on a role and becoming a reality. I graduated from Triple Crown Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, in late July; specializing in search and rescue, scent detection, and coarse agility. I trained 3 dogs down there and ended up adopting one, Baloo, a blue Doberman. I started a business called Dharma Dog, I don't have a website yet, but I do have a facebook page :) I'm not quite ready to start taking in clients. I'm wanting to continue my education, right now, its books and DVD's; in the near future I would love to attend another school and some seminars.
I'm working as an independent-contractor for Doodle Dogs and Puget Pets, as a dog walker. With Puget Pets, I may gain clients for Dharma Dog (training only) through them and Doodle Dogs want's to incorporate me as their trainer. With so many animal adventures on the way; I felt inspired to start a blog.
In the next post, I'll introduce some of my dog walking clients and hopefully I will have a tale to tell :)