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: