Meet the Bloggers Getting to Know You Blog Hop

Ok, I'm a day late (and a dollar short ha hahahah) because yesterday was NUTS, but I was told this event is going on through Christmas Day, so here goes:  I'm taking part in the Meet The Bloggers Blog Hop.  As such, I'm going to tell five things about myself that folks may or may not know (hopefully the latter, since how boring would it be if I told everyone stuff they already know?!).  They also want us to "come out from behind" the (camera, keyboard, computer), so you'll get a photo or two of yours truly to round out the equation.
Now, really, here goes!

Christmas, 2012 at Wiley Park

What’s your favorite non-animal related movie?  

Everyone knows this (look! I have failed already!):  Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" is my favorite movie in the whole world.  I can't wait to watch it this weekend.  I cry every time I see it, and I've seen it hundreds of times.  Maybe thousands.  I can recite the entire script along with the movie -- like one would sing along with a song!

What’s your favorite non-animal related book?  

My "pillar of the Earth", Nauset Lighthouse

"The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett" -- just thinking about this brilliant historical novel gives me a little thrill!

One of my favorite pictures of me!

Who’s your favorite actor?

I haven't got one.  I guess maybe it would be James Stewart, but he's long since gone.  The old Hollywood actors are untouchable.  None of "today's" actors compare (in my opinion).  Now, if you had asked about SINGERS!!  [Tori Amos, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Chuck Negron]

What’s one thing you have to do every day?

Coffee!

What do you wish you were more skilled at?

This one's easy:  construction, renovations, repairs, art and playing an instrument.  I always have to hire someone to do work around the house, and I wish I could just take out a board and some tools and do it myself.  I can "dabble" at the piano or organ, but can't play for real.  I can't draw anything!

Me, 1963

What one word would people who know you use to describe you?

Funny!

How is your pet most like you?

Separation anxiety.  Or just plain... anxiety!

Other than blogging, what are three things you do that bring you joy?

Well, I'm not certain blogging brings me joy, but anyway... these three things sure do (and these are "things", not people):  The beaches of Cape Cod; reading on Cape Cod; riding my bike on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.  

Here's me, doing two out of the three joyful things.
The beach is down the street.
(Can't read while riding a bike!)

So, I answered 7 questions.  

This blog hop is hosted by these wonderful folks who blog: (copied and pasted from one of their blogs. Hope you don't mind, and thanks!)

• Amy - Go Pet Friendly ,A.J. – I Still Want More Puppies ,Jodi - Kol’s Notes,
• Mel - No Dog About It  ,Julie - The Daily Dog Blog ,Jennifer - My Brown Newfies
• Kim - Cindy Lu’s Muse ,Lauren -Life With Desmond ,Leslie - Bringing Up Bella
• Jodi - Heart Like a Dog ,Kristine - Rescued Insanity ,Peggy - Peggy’s Pet Place
• Dawn - NEPA Pets

It's a pile of dog books!

Here is a photo of my pile of unread books, 2014 calendars, and my journals where I wrote the yet-to-be-published "Hector's Story" and other stories.  The pile sits, ready to be brought on my two upcoming trips, in the hope that I'll get some reading AND writing done.  (Both trips are work assignments, so it's highly unlikely I'll get any of this done, but there are some long airplane rides so who knows?)

This morning, I had two emails from the wonderful W. Bruce Cameron.  I read his book, "A Dog's Purpose"  exactly one year before Hector's sudden death.  Bruce's amazing story helped me cope with the loss of Hector, and also helped me adopt two puppies not long after Hector's passing.  If you haven't read the book, it's about a dog who gets repeatedly reincarnated.  I always think I had to adopt Cooper seven months after getting his litter mate Charlie Brown because Hector's personality was so huge, so much larger than life, that his reincarnation required two dogs just to carry the love, and Cooper was accidentally adopted by the wrong family at first.  He had to find his way to us (or back to us, if you believe that reincarnation stuff!).  At least, I like to think so, hey, it makes me feel better, what can I say?

Back to today's emails:  one was a reminder that if you bought Cameron's new book, "The Dogs of Christmas" you could get a handy-dandy special gift if you post a photo of the book online no later than today ("works well under pressure", that is me).  So I figured what the heck, let's do it .  I went to pull the tome from my pile of unread books, and lo... there are TWO copies of "The Dogs of Christmas". How and why the heck did I do that?!  I have no idea.  So anyway, here is my photo and I'm going to submit it on Cameron's web site and see what little Christmas gift I can snag for myself.   Yeah, I'm a little bit Grinch-y, ok?

The remaining seven books in the pile can't really be seen in this picture (except for Cesar Millan's latest, which I still haven't read 5 months after getting it at his show).  They are ALL dog-related, except for two!  Oh dear, my obsession has been revealed, as if my readers didn't know already. Included are two autographed copies (what?!  Two?!) of Chuck Negron's memoir, "Three Dog Nightmare", which arguably isn't about dogs, but hey, close enough.   Those are NOT being taken on the trip.

Cesar Millan and me just 2 months
after Hector died.  Cesar autographed my journal
in which I wrote the Hector Story.

Cesar Millan, Junior, me, my friend
Lori (and her little one Nicolas lol!)

  

Me and Chuck Negron!
A teenage girl's dream come true!

P.S.  See that Tripawds 2014 calendar?  Cooper is one of the featured three-legged stars!!  He's the one in the chair... the other guy depicted on the same calendar page is a sort of look-alike tripawd named Clover.  Very clever of the folks over at Tripawds, eh?

It's snowtime, folks!

Givin' a big ol' raspberry to snow!!

Charlie Brown says, "Open up that door, and lemme in!"

Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You

Hey, when I was in kindergarten, we performed The King and I and I've never forgotten any of the songs -- no kidding, from like 5 years old!

So anyway, on December 18th, many of us in the pet-blogging community are taking an aside from pet-focused blogging and telling a little bit about ourselves.  It's called the Meet The Bloggers Hop, and I'm going to join in with dozens of other bloggers to tell little tidbits about the various wizards behind these bloggy curtains!

Tune in on December 18th, right here on k2's k9s and kitties.

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Coming soon! Original essays from k2k9.com

The last six or eight weeks have been so busy, I've barely had time to breathe.  I decided to move my domains k2k9.com and millenniumdog.com to this blog to consolidate in one place (and I had issues with complicated hosting options through the company that hosts my domains).

So anyway, as a result all my stories about my pets (both living and dead) Timba, Hobie, Hector, Fritz, Sam, Filkin, Maggie and Mr. Kitty no longer appear online.  Not to worry, they are on my computers and backup drives for safekeeping!  And soon, very soon, I'll self-publish them in print and e-book format.  I should point out that the aforementioned pets are just the ones I had written about on k2k9.com --  I haven't yet written the stories about Charlie Brown, Cooper, Tux, Newman and Cali; nor the long-ago pet companions Chi-Chi, Nigel, Slippers, Annie and Connie's cats that we fostered at the Farm back in the '90s!  So many pets I have shared my life with, how fortunate!

These essays will eventually appear here on this blog on the main menu -- I haven't quite figured out that step yet.  Stay tuned!!

For now, an update on Hobie:  he was in the hospital again this week.  His back legs had given out on him suddenly and we got him standing up again, but then he would not lie down.  After a sleepless night for all of us in the household, we brought him to emergency and even though it was pricey, he was taken great care of and restored to fully-functioning dog -- complete with the joys of an elderly god on steroids!  Just in time for the first snow, which he handled like a champ.  No price is too high to save our beloved Hobie's life.  Dog willing, he will be 14 next month.  He's our Millennium Dog.  (Here's a video from a few years ago lol)

#WordlessWednesday #Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I am thankful that my elderly dog forgives me!!  He was left out in the rain by mistake last night by dumb mama (um... that'd be me [hangs head in total shame]).  

My attempt at a "shaming" picture.

Here's what happened: I turned my back for a second, and left the slider open for the two younger dogs. They came right back in after "doing their business" in the rain. Unbeknownst to me, while I had my attention elsewhere, Hobie went out!  I shut the door and went back to bed.

Our ever-resourceful dog decided, after (yes) opening the gate (the gate that I need TWO HANDS to open and close, mind you), that maybe barking like a mad dog from the next door neighbor's yard, in the DARK, just might get my attention.  It worked.  Thank goodness I recognize his voice!  I had no idea he was outside!  I thought he was sound asleep in the other room!

To my credit, I ran outside barefoot, sans coat, at dawn, in the middle of a storm, in November, in New England, on an almost holiday, and found him sort of disoriented at the back fence, on the neighbor's side.   He had exited from the front fence where the gate remained, wide open.  I don't know why he couldn't find his way back, and that really bothers me.  I sure learned my lesson, from now on I do a head count no matter what!

Anything for my beloved dawg.

Hobie:  "WTF, mom?!"

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

#WordlessWednesday Cooper & Charlie Brown reunite with their mama & sis

Cooper kept hogging the ball

Can't tell these guys & gals apart!  This isn't Charlie, it's his sister, Tess!

Mama Katie taking it all in.

"Gosh, did I really give birth to those two idiots?"

Charlie doesn't know what to make of Rico Suave, our foster mom's latest cutie.

On the way home, Cooper says, "Can we do it again next year?"

That's 14, in dog years! #puppybirthdayreunion #veteransday

What a day!  First off, it's Veterans Day, and everyone knows I'm just a little bit proud and grateful of the various Mueller family members who served our great country, especially the Greatest Generation guys like my dad.   To those serving right now-- Thank you for your service!  Here's a nice little collage my colleague and friend, Pat, made today on our company Facebook page, cool, huh? (That's my handsome father, Sgt. Mueller, in the lead photo.)

Next, DoggyWoof published my November blog post right on schedule (my posts on DW blog are always published on the 11th of each month, in case anyone would like to mark a calendar!)

The big day finally got here:  Charlie Brown and Cooper's second birthday [that's 14 in dog years!] and their reunion birthday party on the beach in Gloucester, Mass. -- home of the Gorton's Fisherman.

Now, I have been anticipating and planning (read = worrying) about this day for MONTHS.  Ok, probably for a whole year, even though last year's event went off without a hitch and was wonderful. That's me, worry for an entire year... for what reason, exactly?  Things again went swimmingly, as I should have know they would, and this has me now vowing to break out of my funk and get Charlie to social situations with other dogs more often.  This is ridiculous living in fear all the time and for what? Yesterday, I told a neighbor what I was going to do (bring the dogs to the beach) and said "I hope Charlie doesn't get into any trouble", to which my neighbor replied, "Trouble?  He's so friendly, what kind of trouble could he possibly get into?"  Of course, my neighbor was right.  Nothing happened. Ughhh!  So, baby steps for sure, but I'm going to seek out little places I can take Charlie and SOCIALIZE!

We're probably going to have to pay a visit to Eddie's Wheels soon (how ironic that this manufacturer of mobility carts for disabled dogs is right HERE in Massachusetts!).  In hindsight, we probably shouldn't have let Cooper run as much as he did today (could have put him on the leash).  We will have to remember that for the future.  He did have fun, and seems fine, but (big surprise) I worry.

Now, without further ado:  photos from today!

Charlie Brown, his mama Katie in the middle, and sister Tess off in the distance.  What a reunion!

 I finally met mama Katie! (ok, I just typed "we" .... uh, the boys already know her, LOL!!  and yes, I think they remembered each other)
Sister Tess looks so much like Charlie I had to keep looking for the red collar to determine who was who!  (Tess wears the red collar)

Can't get enough of lovely Katie :)

Q. Charlie, or Tess?   A.  Tess!

Cooper wasn't exactly the most polite guest -- he kept stealing Tess's ball!  But it's ok, everyone accommodated his handicap and let him keep lying down (with the ball lol) to rest his weary front leg.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Tess is saying, "Gimme back my ball, you, you, you.... typical brother, you!"

Charlie diggin' to China!

 Captive audience!  [ Charlie, foster sister Bella on the bottom, mama Katie, and Rico Suave looking on in the background.]


Bella and Katie looked at the camera LOL!

Cooper resting, but won't let go of that ball!

Coop and sister, Tess, running after the ball !  Yeah, we kinda had the whole beach to ourselves WOOO!

Bon Jovi's best "quarters in the jukebox" performance EVER!

So many good parts, I can't decide which is best... but guitar trio at the end is not to be missed!

http://www.youtube.com/v/R10sQ6hsD18?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&attribution_tag=muhtF2ZV4hWZX6JJjgtKRg&showinfo=1

Purina + GOOD partner to celebrate heroic pets in photo/video challenge

Better late than never!  This press release should have been shared here by me a couple weeks ago.  The contest is still on, for two more days.  It ends on Veterans Day (November 11th).

Until Nov. 11 at http://heropets.maker.good.is/, pet owners can submit a photo or video plus a short (true) story about how their pet has changed someone's life. Whether it's turning a frown upside down or feats that would make Lassie jealous, pets are heroic in every way.

15 finalists will be voted on by the GOOD community and the winning "hero pet" will receive a $5k donation made in their name to one of the following pet service non-profit orgs: Pet Partners®, Support Dogs, Inc., New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc., Working Dogs for Conservation; plus a one year's supply of Purina brand food and a featured post on good.is to make the hero pet truly Internet famous.

Purina ONE^® and GOOD Celebrate “Hero Pets” In New Photo and Video Challenge

Pet Owners Encouraged To Share Images And Stories Of Heroic Pets For Chance To Donate $5k To Pet Service Non-Profit And Win A Year’s Supply Of Purina ONE Food 

LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2013 – Heroes often come in all shapes and sizes. The pet lovers at Purina ONE and GOOD (good.is) know the profound difference that a furry friend can make in a person’s life, and they’re celebrating the ways that pets are everyday heroes with the new “Hero Pets to the Rescue” photo and video challenge (http://heropets.maker.good.is/). 

Now until November 11, 2013 at http://heropets.maker.good.is/, pet owners can submit a photo or video and a true story about how their cat or dog has helped someone in need. A panel of judges will review applications and select 15 hero pets to move on to the finalist round. The GOOD community will then vote on the 15 finalists from December 2-9, 2013. The hero pet with the most votes from the GOOD community will receive a year’s supply of Purina ONE brand pet food, a featured post on Good.is to share their pet’s story and a $5,000 donation made to one of the following four pet service non-profit organizations of winner’s choice: Pet Partners, Support Dogs, Inc., New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc., or Working Dogs for Conservation. 

“At Purina ONE, we’re always striving to highlight the positive difference pets make in everyone’s life,” said Christina Schneider, Assistant Brand Manager, Purina ONE. “Whether in small ways or in bigger ways, all cats and dogs are heroes to the people who love them. We look forward to seeing the inspiring stories that pet owners submit to the ‘Hero Pets to the Rescue’ Challenge.”

“Our partnership with Purina ONE has celebrated the many ways that pets change our lives, and we’re constantly amazed by how pets help people with even just the smallest of gestures. We’re excited to recognize the heroes that pets are,” said Jay Ku, Head of Partnerships, GOOD.

Entering the Challenge is simple. Participants submit a brief story along with a photo or short video about how their pet has been a hero to someone in need at http://heropets.maker.good.is/ from now until November 11. The winner will be announced on or before December 16.

Purina ONE® and GOOD began their partnership in 2012 with the GOOD Pets Hub on good.is. The editorial hub includes personal stories, shelter appraisals, revolutionary ideas, infographics and community challenges called GOOD Maker challenges. 

About Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

Purina ONE® brand dog and cat food is manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, one of the leading global players in the pet care industry.  Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The company has provided more than $30 million dollars in support to organizations nationally. By supporting their partners in animal welfare, Purina^®assists in providing care and adoption for more than 2.2 million pets annually. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A. -- the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company. For more, visit www.purina.com.

About GOOD

GOOD is a global community of people who give a damn, and good.is is a social platform where community members can connect with the best ideas and tools for progress, like GOOD Maker, an online grantmaking platform. GOOD Local brings the collaboration and efforts of the community to life in person at a local level, and GOOD Magazine is a quarterly publication that reflects the activity and impact the community creates. GOOD/Corps partners with member companies and organizations to align their social impact efforts with organizational success. To learn more, visit www.good.is.

The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop - Best Photo Ever of Charlie Brown

#DiamondNaturals commitment to food safety... and a gift basket #Giveaway!

This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network (link to http://network.blogpaws.com/). I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but k2k9 only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.

Enter our prize GIVEAWAY between now and November 15th for a chance to get THIS groovy gift basket (or similar) from k2k9 courtesy of Diamond Naturals!  The gift basket includes:

• 28lb bag of Diamond Naturals Grain-Free, formula of choice
• Box of Dogs on a Beach notecards
• Dog bone shaped paper clips
• Decorative sign
• 2014 dogs and puppies calendar
• $40 Visa gift card. 

The Rafflecopter entry form is below! (and please Tweet and re-Tweet and share so everyone gets a chance).  You can enter once a day, and some of the questions are mandatory for your entry.

Charlie Brown says "Hey, you're giving away all those great prizes to some lucky human? Wow!"

Cooper is just trying to figure out how to get away with chewing on some firewood.

And now for a little bit more information on Diamond Naturals and Diamond Pet Foods.

Diamond Pet Foods is committed to safe food manufacturing and processing, and that's appealing to any pet parent.  Did you know that the company is family-owned and privately-held? Just like the company I work for!  And just like our family-owned and privately-held business, Diamond Pet Foods prides itself on only manufacturing dog food that the company's owners would feed their own pets. Quite honestly, I'd much rather do business with a "mom and pop" company (even a big, successful one) than a publicly-shared organization, wouldn't you? 

Stating "nothing is more important than" the safety of its products, Diamond Pet Foods adheres to stringent and scientifically-advanced food safety protocols.  Raw materials are constantly monitored and tested for things like mycotoxin, oxidative stability, ingredient nutritional tests and finished product nutritional tests.  All employees are also trained for safety. The company's air quality and water quality systems and state-of-the-art facilities are second to none.

  Leading-edge manufacturing technologies have been incorporated into the Diamond Pet Foods manufacturing plants to ensure a safe, 

high-quality product is produced. This technology includes equipping each production area with HEPA®-filtered and ozone air-treated 

handling units to ensure clean, treated air is utilized in segregated zones. 

A "test-and-hold" program provides very strict standards before a product is released into distribution.  No product manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods is released into distribution without passing the Test and Hold Program, in which product tests are conducted by a certified, independent lab.  (No, not a Labrador Retriever... a laboratory, silly!).  Tests are conducted on samples that are collected hourly, and every sample is kept for a time equal to the guaranteed shelf life of the product, typically 12 months.

                                                                      The Diamond Pet Foods facilities incorporate the latest technology and manufacturing processes. 
                                     Every step of the process is carefully monitored, tracked and measured to ensure the quality and safety of every product made. 

Made in America, by American workers, Diamond Pet Foods has four manufacturing facilities, all located in the U.S.:  Missouri, South Carolina, and two in California.  Employees are offered a great benefits package and the company boasts a very low turnover rate (hey, family-owned businesses are like that!).

You can find out more about Diamond Naturals at their web site , or follow Diamond Naturals on Facebook or on Twitter @diamondnaturals_dngf.  



a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Brothers Brown

#WordlessWednesday October is BlogPaws Adopt A Pet Month

BlogPaws

#WordlessWednesday

#WordlessWednesday

Why choose a grain-free dog food? #DiamondNaturals

Since starting to feed our dogs Grain Free Dog Food, I've noticed a definite change in their health and vitality. We've always been blessed to have all of our dogs and cats live well into their teens, because we've always taken very good care of our pets.  That includes spending a little bit more money on high-quality food, "only the best" veterinary care, and making sure they have plenty of exercise and lovin' besides.  

The choice of grain-free dog food was a relatively new concept to me about three or four years ago when our veterinarian recommended the change due to some minor health issues Hobie was experiencing.  As posted previously, the vet's famous words were "Dogs don't eat rice!" [or corn, or wheat, or rye... in the wild.]  I hadn't really known anything about grain-free dog food, and to be honest I just grabbed the first brand he named off from the list of brands he suggested.  

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is a new brand to me, and I look forward to trying it out.  They offer three protein-rich dry dog food formulas, enriched with power-packed fruits and vegetables, and natural antioxidants.  It's designed to be fed to dogs of all ages.  Each of the three formulas (Beef & Sweet Potato; Chicken & Sweet Potato; and Whitefish & Sweet Potato) has a quality meat as the primary ingredient.  This provides dogs with important amino acids necessary for an ideal body condition, keeping them lean and healthy.  

(my attempt at taking a photo using the Mac's built-in camera on "mirror" setting lol!)

Grain-free diets are known to provide more concentrated energy because higher levels of protein and fat enable the dog's owner to feed less amounts of food.  This not only saves money, but also gives dogs like Charlie Brown enough fuel for an energy-packed day. According to Diamond Naturals, grains such as corn and wheat are a frequent cause of canine allergies and can also be difficult to digest.  Choosing a grain-free diet can lessen food allergies and optimize digestion.  Bonus: a protein-based, instead of grain-based diet is closer to a dog's natural ancestral beginnings (think "caveman diet" for humans).  Animal fats are easier for hounds to digest.  Sweet potatoes are provided as a complex carb perfect for all-day energy.  Fruits and vegies provide powerful natural antioxidants for a big health boost.

Vitamins in the Diamond Naturals Grain-Free recipe are plentiful, and include vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as the B vitamins of biotin, pantothenic acid, choline chloride, folic acid, thiamine, B12, and riboflavin!  The food also contains mineral supplementation including iron, selenium, copper and more.  Natural "food" ingredients include flaxseed, tomatoes, fish meal, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, peas, potatoes, raspberries, and of course sweet potatoes!  Talk about tasty!  Charlie and Cooper say "YUM!"  (Hobie, 13, has been sick lately, so he's on a low-ingredient diet at the moment.)


This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network (link to http://network.blogpaws.com/). I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but k2k9 only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.

backwards selfie -- why does Mac built-in camera do that?

Tuesday update

Hobie is keeping down his food & water, and is more energetic.  Small portions, more frequently, is the name of the game for him from now on.  Based on the findings from when he was in the hospital in August, the vet suspected he had chronic canine pancreatitis.  I tend to think that's what's going on.  Pancreatitis is recurring.  Feeding small portions throughout the day and no table scraps is the recommended course of treatment.  We are really good about not feeding table scraps, the occasionally small piece of bread when we eat toast is about the extent of "table scraps" in our household, but we will not be doing that anymore.  We already eliminated manufactured dog biscuits (for all three dogs).  Admittedly, I'll sneak a well-made expensive one from the dog bakery to the two younger pups on occasion.  I keep a stash in a special cupboard in the kitchen!

The landscapers are here, replacing the "trailer trash" rolled fencing that we installed as "temporary" six years ago!  The new material is real, chain-link fence, as tall as me.  Charlie will be unhappy that he won't be able to escape anymore, but really it has been stressful dealing with one constantly-escaping dog while the other is off puking on the new carpeting! Charlie is a good dog, and thankfully never runs farther than the next door neighbor's yard... but a good fence will prevent him from escaping the yard, thus reducing the stress level of the two humans in this household. Thankfully, we have the best (dog-loving) neighbors on the planet!

Here's a picture of the fence that's being replaced!  I mean, really!  What were we thinking?! LOL!

Happy-go-lucky Cooper gets overlooked in all this drama.  He continues to try to bring balance to the otherwise crazy pack (and that includes us bipeds).  He's a good dog, and provides great therapy.  He absolutely adores Hobie, and that's a big plus.

Livin' on a prayer

I'm very sad today, trying to buck up and be strong for my dog who is sick again for the second time in the last 60 days.  In August, he spent three days hospitalized.  This time he isn't as sick as he was then, but we're still very worried.  He can't keep any water down, we haven't even bothered trying food.  He has been going outside throughout the day, and has barfed about 6 times.

A week ago today, I took Hobie on a car ride and stopped at my office for a few minutes.  I heard a horn beep and thought it was just one of my co-workers driving away.  When I came back outside, Hobie had somehow managed to get himself jammed up under the steering wheel on the floor in front of the driver's seat, and couldn't get out.  I was horrified I had left him in the car for two minutes, how could this happen?  He didn't seem hurt or anything, so I walked him around the parking lot and then brought him home.

Yesterday, or was it the day before (?) he fell down the stairs on his tummy while climbing up from the bottom.  It wasn't a whole flight this time (yeah, it happened before), just a few steps.  He actually caught himself.  I was quite amazed.  That same night, or was it a different night (?) Charlie attacked him, big time, like wicked bad.  I pulled Charlie off him within 4 seconds, and as usual no blood drawn.  But Hobie made noises like a human talking.  I never heard a dog do that before.  I hated Charlie for that.  I hate myself even more.  I have made our beautiful dog's last few years on this earth a living hell by bringing Charlie into our lives.  I feel so guilty.  I've never loved a pet more than I love Hobie.  I regret getting the other two dogs -- even though Cooper and Hobie are hopelessly in love with each other. When Hector died, I declared that I wanted to experience life with just one dog again, and wouldn't be adopting another dog any time soon.  That lasted 5 months. I had to be the big freakin' hero dog rescuer, instead of enjoying what little time I had left with Hobie, whom I love so much it hurts.  The only other time Hobie and I were alone was the 5 months between when Timba died and we adopted Hector.  Seems to be a 5-month limit on my ability to be with just one dog.  I think it's because Hobie is so EASY that I wanted to double the fun.  I know we went through "the terrible twos" with Hector (and also with Hobie -- remember the cat killing incident!). They both eventually turned out to be the best dogs in the world. I know this will pass with Charlie and he will one day be a great dog.  Cooper is a gem, and I wish every dog could be as easy as him.

Here's a picture of Hobie and Charlie when they actually enjoyed each other's company.  I know it's my own fault, for spoiling Charlie and letting him get away with things.

While writing this, I've been listening to Bon Jovi, gearing up for the concert that's coming in a couple weeks.  The songs lift my spirits.  Hobie's livin' on a prayer right now, and as I walked him around the yard tonight at an excruciatingly slow pace, I kept marveling at what a perfect dog he has turned out to be.  The years and months of his puppy problems are a distant memory, in fact, they would be completely forgotten if it weren't for the fact that we're going through altogether uncharted problems with his successor, Charlie Brown.  And for that reason, I know that one day, it will come up way too fast, I'll be writing about Charlie Brown and what a wonderful dog he turned out to be.

Please say a prayer for our Hobester, and let's hope we don't have to bring him to the hospital again tomorrow.