She's Living The Dream

We spoil PD, there's no two ways about it. We try not to disturb HER when we change positions in bed, we cuddle her like a baby, sometimes she insists that we both go with her at potty time, we're very careful about what we feed her...you get the drift.


We've been taking her on rides to get her past being carsick and that's worked well. She'll stand on my legs and look out the window and if someone pays her attention, well then she really turns on the charm.

Perhaps we shelter her too much, perhaps in her doggie dreams she's running through tall grass, unfettered by her parents telling her not to jump, to be careful, to stop pulling on the leash. Yes, that's probably what she was thinking , that we shelter her too much, as she jumped out of the car and took off in a crowded parking lot today.

SO took ofter after PD yelling her name and I hopped in the car trying to head her off at the pass. You have no idea the speed that little dog can get up to; her legs were practically parallel to her body! We finally got her and put her back in the car, curtailing all the fun activities we had planned for her. SO and I were just ready to go home.

This evening as PD was having one of her many naps, making those twitchy, running like motions she makes SO said: "she's probably dreaming of running, like in the parking lot", I said: "yeah, she's living the dream".

If You Invent This, You're A Guaranteed Millionaire!

It's hard to believe that it's only been three months since we got PD; it seems as if we've always had her.

There once was a time when I was able to spread my limbs freely in bed at night without a 22lb. weight impeding my movement but I'm not that girl anymore.

One of the things that people are most concerned with is money; not enough money, mostly. I have often heard that the surest way to become rich is to find a need and fill it, and I believe that to be true.

There is a need for something; a product that does not exist but is needed most desperately. I know if you invent this, you're a guaranteed millionaire or a multi-millionaire! Won't someone please invent something that keeps animal hair off clothing, furniture and carpets!

Now, PD is not an exceptionally long-haired dog, but it seems as if every blanket, sheet, piece of clothing and furniture has 2 inch long black and white hairs. I've purchased those tape roller things and (I swear I'm personally supporting those companies) they hardly seem equal to the task. I roll and roll and go through strip after strip, still I always miss a spot; which always shows up in broad daylight. Trust me if you're dressed ultra casually, loads of animal hair makes you look as if you just got up from Skid Row.

A pretty thorough search on the internet has shown me that there is absolutely nothing that deals successfully with the extra animal hair problem, but it's a problem many people have. So... can someone, anyone please make a product that can help? I promise I'll be your first customer

The "Joys" Of Pet Motherhood

PD has been my fur daughter for a couple of weeks now and boy, am I having growing pains!

When I was 20-years-old I purchased my first car, a shiny, new red, stick shift. I went with a friend; we knew nothing about negotiating and just said "ok" when told the price. I signed all the paperwork and got ready to take my new car home except there was one small problem: I couldn't drive a stick shift. My friend drove the car off the lot for me and promptly took me to a big parking lot for my first lesson.

After I completed a couple of parking lot turns I was pretty much on my own, with a car payment and a car I couldn't really drive. The car was parked in my mother's driveway and every day I would go out and screech, lurch, and stall my way down the street as I taught myself to drive. It got to the point that I would literally get a headache whenever I looked at that car. I feel much the same energy when I interact with PD.

I haven't owned a dog since I was a teen; I didn't have to do anything but love my dog Floyd. PD must rely on SO and I for everything and that can be an overwhelming responsibility; especially when I am a perfectionist with no patience for the learning curve. I have yet to experience the "joys" of pet motherhood. I want her to be a Perfect Dog, and if she isn't I want to know by osmosis how to extract that behavior from her. I am constantly thinking I'm doing it wrong and that does not feel good at all.

I'm A Fur Mom!

As my wonderful readers know I've been ruminating about becoming a fur parent for a while now. I'd like to introduce you to my new baby.
As she is in Witness Protection she will be known in my blog as PD (perfect dog).

Since she's been here, my life has become pretty different; walks, picking up poop, feeding schedules, holding her like a baby, laughing at her perpetual snarl (she has an under bite).

I used to be able to just do what I want but I'm not that girl anymore.

How To Find The Right Dog

If You Love Dogs You Won't Do This

It's certainly no secret that I'm a You Tube fan, but I felt the need to share this video I found today.

I don't know if you could hear me laughing in whatever state or country you're in, but let me tell you I was howling as loud as these poor dogs must have been.

WARNING: DO NOT WATCH THIS WITH A FULL BLADDER!!!

Wisdom Of Life From The Dogs

Some days ago I was ruminating over my readiness to be a pet parent. As I was playing around making a stylized cartoon version of myself, it came to me to put a dog in the picture. The one in the picture seemed to speak to me. Should be interesting to see what we end up with and if he resembles this guy! My good friend sent me this a while back and I thought I'd share it here. It seems apropos. If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. I think I'm getting closer :)

How Do You Know When You're Ready To Be A (fur) Parent?

When I was a child I had a dog named Floyd, some "Heinz 57" mix who was my good buddy. I was six -years-old, and Floyd was the unwanted puppy from a litter of six; it was definitely love at first sight. Sam, a beagle/poodle mix joined our family four years later and Enzyme, a snow white cat, completed the brood a couple of years after that.

Floyd was a wonderful little dog, probably about 20lbs tops, with a heart full of love and courage like nobody's business. He was quick to turn his butt up for a scratch, and equally quick to bare his teeth and emit a low, menacing rumble if he perceived a threat to his loved ones. Floyd went to doggie heaven when I was 15 and I still get a lump in my throat when I think of him.

Fast forward 34 years later and SO stands fully ready to take on the reigns of pet parenthood, pointing out cute dogs in the street, on TV, and in the paper. I don't feel ready yet. I am the perfect doggie auntie and will make friends with the dogs that pass me on their daily walks but making the leap to owning one, that seems another thing entirely.

I am not sure what the real reason is, somehow when I think of having a pet, what comes to mind is how expensive they are, the training they''ll need, and the change in my freedom.

I wonder how my very low income sole parent managed three pets and a growing child? I've seen many other people, including homeless, who have dogs and seem to have no problems.

Maybe, like having children, you're never 100% prepared. You just have to take a leap of faith.

I still don't fee like I'm ready.