Minto Dog

A boy and his dog

2009-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Steve's beloved golden retriever, Professor Jiggs, died in the wee hours of the morning today. He was a grand old dog of 13 years. He breathed his last lying next to his best pal and constant companion.

You can read Steve's tribute on his blog.

When Jiggs entered Steve's life in 1996 a transformation began. Steve, a fastidious and, some might say (but I never would), obsessive complusive neat-freak, saw his lifestyle markedly changed by that golden puppy. I think in many ways Steve's priorities shifted that day Jiggs entered his life. He became more carefree and more spontaneous. He may beg to differ, but this is what I saw - the before and after.

Isn't it amazing that dogs can impact our lives so? The motto of this blog is: Dogs are not are whole lives, but they make our lives whole. They truly do.

Rest in peace, Professor. You led a long and glorious life and brought many smiles to all of us. Find comfort in your memories, Steve. You always did right by Jiggs and gave him a life to be envied.

To everyone else...hug your dog today and say "thank you."

Snug as a bug

2009-09-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

For the first time since Gracie's knee injury in April, she was able to sleep in bed with me last night. I woke up in the middle of the night in that familar "spoon" - Gracie's butt in my face and the rest of her long body stretched out along side mine. It made me smile.

When we first went to bed she laid quietly beside me for a few minutes and then jumped down. She was in the living room for several minutes and then wandered back into the bedroom with her Pig. With Pig in bed with us, all was perfect for a goodnight's sleep.

To catch a fly

2009-08-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Gracie is my fly-catcher. She excels at hunting down the intruder and making it pay for its misdirected flight into the house. It's one of the few activities that actually holds her attention for more than 10 minutes.

Several months ago, when Gracie first tore her ACL, we were at the vet's office in Portland waiting for the official verdict. Gracie, who was limited to three good legs, laid on the floor between my sister and me. My sister said "oh, a fly." Gracie was calmly looked up and as the fly zipped past her, she nipped it in mid-flight. Such is her proficiency in fly-catching.

There are some days when I purposely let a fly in the house, just to provide a challenge for Gracie. Gee, I hope the People for the Ethical Treatment of Flies don't find out.

Minto Dog is back!

2009-08-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

For the second Sunday in a row, Gracie and I have enjoyed a short (and leashed) walked at the Minto Brown dog park. It feels good to be back at our old stomping grounds. There have been some changes since that fateful day in April - our last visit. The parking lot is bigger...much bigger. (However, it still irks me that bikers and runners use that lot for parking when there are two other perfectly fine parking lots for them to use.) A water sharing program seems to have been instituted. Several large jugs of water sit out on a picnic table for community use. A few years ago a thought group of high school kids build some wooden watering stations and positioned them around the walking path. The wooden structures held four or five gallon jugs of water and a couple of dishes. They were perfectly placed for the dogs to grab a drink. It was really nice on those warmer days. But the city, ever mindful of risk, liability and lawsuits, removed the watering stations. It's nice, though, that the city is allowing the water sharing to occur. Or, perhaps, they've simply grown weary of trying to leash the humans at the dog park!

It was a great Sunday walk at the park this morning. Gracie caught up on the park gossip and left a few messages of her own. Walking the length of the park seem to be just the right amount of activity for her. I think she'll have a great nap today.

The mother of all tantrums

2009-08-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Gracie threw a tantrum last night...one that would rival even the most determined two-year old.

It began shortly upon returning from our evening walk. I gave her a treat and then threw myself into the recliner. It had been a long day. It got longer. Immediately, Gracie started in wanting more food. She stood in front of me and barked. She barked an excited, happy bark. She barked a low, menacing bark. She gave me the woooo bark of impatience. She made as if to bite the couch cushions. She stamped her feet. (I'm not kidding!) I did my best to ignore her, even though I wanted to burst out laughing at her. She was serious. She ripped the ear off of Pig. Dead serious. In a final act of defiance she trotted down the hallway to the bedroom. I was close on her heels but not close enough. She had jumped up on the bed and was using one of the pillows in a way that it was not designed to be use.

I grabbed her leash and pulled her toward me. My plan was to reach around her waist and help her off the bed and then send her to a time out in her kennel. Her plan was to bite the hand that doesn't feed her. (Well...she actually bit my arm.) Nevertheless, she found herself standing in her kennel as I stomped back into the house.

After regaining my composure, and icing my arm for a bit, I brought her back inside. She was fine. She made a half-hearted attempt to get another treat. I said "no" and she laid down by my feet.

What was that?

A young Gracie destroying my book on how to raise lab puppies.

Snorting cat

2009-08-01T16:57:00.001-07:00

Maybe it was the hot weather this week. Maybe it was from being cooped up with little activity for 3 months. Maybe it was withdrawls from stopping the sedative. Whatever the reason, Gracie started snorting cat this week.

It seemed harmless enough. Gracie was wound up, as she usually is in the evenings. She saw Mungo lying on the floor and bounced over to him. She buried her nose in his belly fur and took a big sniff. Next thing I know, she running around the living at top speed. You've seen dogs do this before...you know, when they tuck their butt and scoot around as fast as they can. I had her leash on her, but was not holding it. In an implusive act, I tried to step on the leash to stop her run. I was barefoot. I didn't stop her. Enough said.

The next night, she did the same thing. This time I was holding the leash, so I stopped her in mid butt tuck. I showed Gracie Dr. Gustafson's latest instructions: "High-speed, quick turns, jumping, and wrestling could result in joint sprain or damage to the mensicus."

For now, I'm keeping my eye on her. She hasn't snorted cat for a few days now. If she starts again, I'll have to see if the rehab clinic in Corvallis treats this type of addiction.

Contemplating a snort

Patient has improved clinically

2009-07-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I saw Dr. Gustafson on Monday for the 8-week post operative Xrays. He said the bones were healing well, the implants were in good position and the patella was stable in the trochlear groove.

We left the office with a bounce in our step. Well...I did anyway. Poor Gracie had been sedated for the Xrays and was still a bit wobbly. We now continue with rehab and start increasing our walking time. I've added a 5 minute evening walk to our daily ritual. Dr. Moore, the vet rehab specialist in Corvallis recommends increasing the walking tiem by 5 minutes each week. Our goal is to walk 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. Hills are now permited so we can extend our neighborhood strolls to the surrounding blocks.

I thanked Dr. G for his excellent surgical skills and care of Gracie and told him: "I hope we never see you again." He smiled and said, he felt the same.

Walk the dog

2009-07-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I have been enjoying our morning walks again. Last Friday we were treated to a spectacular red sunrise. Mt. Hood was in perfect silhouette. This is what I've missed most about our morning walks - being outside, seeing the changes to nature and the neighborhood.

Our walks, by necessity, have been cautious. Memories of her dislocated patella three weeks post TPLO are still fresh in my mind. I am probably too cautious for this stage in her recovery, but I fall easily for the "my leg hurts" look. With recovery comes some amount of discomfort. The challenge with dogs is knowing them well enough to know when it is pain and when it is simply not wanting to.

Living on a hill has presented some challenges. The vet advised the walking should be done on flat ground. There is some flat ground about a half block from my house. I must then weigh the risks: a slow, careful walk to the flatter ground, or loading her in and out of the Escape. The extra long, extra wide ramp I ordered for the SUV is in route. It should be here by Tuesday. Once we've had a chance to practice using it, I'll feel more comfortable (and there will be less risk) in taking her to a nearby park that has nice flat trails. For now, though, we do a couple of "warm up" laps by walking along side the house on the brick sidewalk. Then we walk slowly the half block up the hill to the flatter sidewalk. This stretch is about a block long. We will do two or three laps.

The deconditioning for both of us is apparent. After the second lap, Gracie starts to pant a little. Even though the temperatures are very mild, I feel a bead of sweat on my forehead. We then head back to the house for a "cool down" lap along side the house. Then it's back to the kennel for a drink of water and a nap.

The Sound of Freedom

2009-07-05T17:12:00.001-07:00

Gracie and I sat out front yesterday evening just as the sun was setting over the west hills of Salem. The sounds of Oregon firecrackers began popping and whistling throughout the neighborhood. As mentioned in my last posting, this noise does not seem to bother Grace. True to form, she rested at my feet. Her concern was less for the noise echoing off the hills, than for the neighbor cat Romeo who was sauntering across the street.

It was early. Still light enough to see the crossword puzzle I was working on, but the anxious kids (young and old) could wait no longer and fireworks were exploding all around me. I could hear them, not see them. No one on my block was setting off fireworks...yet. (My neighbor, Jenn was busy preparing for her show, which she informed me would take place in 1 hour.) As dusk turned to dark, people were becoming more bold. Illegal fireworks purchased in neighboring Washington were now lighting up the sky. I'm fascinated by these roman candle type fireworks - first the flares brightening the sky and then a percussive bomb.

As I sat in my chair enjoying the Washington products and listening to the rat-a-tat of the legal fireworks, I began to wonder about the people in far away places from whom these sounds were not joyful or fun. People who hear these sounds more than once a year. People who hear these sounds, not as marks of freedom, but of klaxons of destruction. I thought about our marines in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Just then a nearby burst of firecrackers went off. Is that what machine gun fire sounds like? That whomph sound as one of those illegal roman candles is launched - is that what mortar fire sounds like? The percussive bomb as the sky lights up with red, green and white flares - what does that mimic?

To say that I'm glad to be able to celebrate American freedom would be an understatement. But I can't help but wonder about, and worry about all the people in the world for whom these sounds are not happy. Who do not oooh and aah at the pretty colors and loud noises. Christmas is usually the time we all hope for peace on earth. I guess I'll just start hoping a little earlier this year.

The rockets red glare

2009-07-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Gracie was about 3 months old when July 4 rolled around. I had heard stories about dogs coming unglued at the sound of fireworks. Grace and I were already beginning some challenges as puppy and clueless companion. I had to wonder what the 4th might bring.

From my deck, I can see a fairly spectacular fireworks show put on by a private golf club two miles south. That first 4th I stood on the deck with a puppy Gracie sleeping - head on my foot. I had leashed her just in case. The first boom echoed acrossed the hills. I glanced down. She didn't even budge. She slept through the whole show. And for all the July 4ths since, she has barely mustered a half-hearted glance in the direction of the noise.

This year will be much the same. I'll stand on the deck and watch the fireworks...and, occasionally, nudge Gracie lest she miss the whole thing.

Walking on water

2009-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Editor note: I didn't have my camera with me for our first hydrotherapy, so this is from the vet's website.

Gracie had her first hydrotherapy appointment last Thursday in Corvallis. Trina, Gracie's new BFF and vet technician at the West Hills Animal clinic, helped her into the hydrotherapy tank. As the warm water started to fill the tank, Trina said "Dogs will do one of three things: start walking normally - very few do this; try to swim; or simply refuse to move at all." Gracie is not always the most compliant of dogs, so I feared she would opt for the third option. But no. Much to my pleasant surprise, when Trina turned the treadmill on, Gracie started walking as if she had done this all her life.

The process was simple. She walked on the treadmill for about 5 minutes. Then the treadmill was stopped and Gracie relaxed as the warm water swirled around her. Then she did another 5 minutes. And then we were done.

Yes, I suppose it's a long drive from Salem to Corvallis for 15 minutes of treatment, but I'm feeling optimistic that this therapy will help Gracie regain the muscle mass in her left leg and get her back into shape. We will also continue our home exercises and increasing our daily walking time at home. We are now 5 weeks post the femoral osteotomy and 8 weeks post the TPLO. Each day brings us closer to our goals.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

"Just as we were reaching the car, we heard a commotion from the woods. Something was crashing through the brush - and breathing very heavily. It sounded like what you might hear in a slasher film. And it was coming our way. We froze, staring into the darkness. The sound grew louder and closer. Then in a flash the thing burst into the clearing and came charging in our direction, a yellow blur. A very big yellow blur. As it galloped past, not stopping, not even seeming to notice us, we could see it was a large Labrador retriever. But nothing like the sweet Lilly we had just cuddled with inside. This one was soaking wet and covered up to its belly in mud and burrs. Its tongue hung out wildly to one side, and froth flew off its jowls as it barreled past. In the split-second glimpse I got, I detected an odd, slightly crazed, yet somehow joyous gaze in its eyes. 'I think,' I said, a slight queasiness rising in my gut, 'we just met Dad.'"

When I first read these words in John Grogan's wildly popular book, Marley & Me, I experienced a sense of deja vu. Gracie's father is a black lab named Chopper. He was named after the popular TLC TV series Orange County Cycle, which follows the dysfunctional family antics of Paul, Sr., Paul, Jr., and Mikey, as they establish themselves as one of the nation's premiere custom motorcycle fabricators.

Chopper had that same slightly crazed, yet joyous look in his eye when I first met him. Of course, he was a new father with not one, but two litters of puppies yappying and dancing around him. When I lifted a squirming Gracie out of her bed, I was hoping she would grow to be like her mom -- quiet, gentle and subdued. After four years, I can see that she really is a daddy's girl.

So Chopper, wherever you are, Happy Father's Day.

Dog is my co-pilot

2009-06-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I both have been experiencing cabin fever. So Wednesday evening after work, I carefully loaded Grace into the back of the car and we hit the road. With the windows rolled down, and the fresh air and smells of the surrounding farms, Gracie sat with her nose pointed high, taking it all in.

Gracie has always been a great traveler, for which I've been most grateful. I enjoy road trips and long drives. Gracie is a great partner. She sits calmly in the back of the Escape. While I watch the road ahead, she watches the road behind. I love having her in the car with me - whether running errands around town or hitting the road to the beach. She's a great companion and I've missed our drives. Wednesday was one of those "first time since..." moments.

Wednesday we drove down to Corvallis as a trial run for a vet appointment we have today. I found a clinic in Corvallis that offers physical therapy for dogs. West Hills Animal Hospital has full rehab services including an underwater treadmill for dogs with leg injuries. I'm hoping in addition to helping Gracie, the rehab specialists will be able to give me some direction on exercises we can do at home. The downside to most of these specialized clinics is their work hours - 8 to 5, Monday through Friday. And to date, the Family Medical Leave Act has yet to extend to our canine and feline companions.

With each day, Gracie's bones heal a bit more. The key is not rushing things, even when it seems like she is doing well. But I still look forward to the day that she and I can hit the road, stop when and where we'd like and resume our great adventures.

Thankful Thursday...and every day

2009-06-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I made the hour-long drive to Beaverton yesterday to see the vet. She had her 3-week post-op Xrays. Good news! The TPLO sight is healed and the femoral osteotomy site is showing good signs of bone growth after just three weeks. Hurrah!

The vet advises sticking with her current restrictions and use of the sedative. The need for the sedative was apparent at the vet's office. Gracie burst through the office doors as if to greet everyone with a big "I'm here!!" I can't blame her though. After being cooped up for three weeks not only did she get a car ride, but a visit with people who think she's the cutest thing ever.

Sticking to the plan has paid off. Now that our routine is fairly established, we'll continue with it for another five weeks until we go back for another round of Xrays.

A big milestone is successfully passed...thank goodness!

Limping along

2009-06-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

The title of this post refers more to me than Gracie. Since her initial surgery in April, I have found myself at loose ends on the weekends. Our regular Saturday morning routine has been thrown asunder. I feel like I'm limping along.

My friend, Steve, retired in April and moved to Mexico with his ancient golden retriever, Professor Jiggs. A few weeks ago, the Professor became quite ill. The prognosis seemed bleak. Steve's distress was evident in his blog postings. But Jiggs has become the dog of nine lives. With a new summer haircut, and a reduction in medications, he seems to be back to his old self. In Steve's post today, he talks about getting his "sea legs" back. With Jiggs on the mend, he is once again exploring his new surroundings and enjoying his adventure.

I hope to take a lesson from Steve and Jiggs. I find myself experiencing a strange sense of guilt when I do things on the weekends that Gracie and I once did together. Intellectually, I know that Gracie doesn't care what I do for an hour here or an hour there as long as her meals arrive on time, she gets to have some belly rubs and is allowed her occasional trips to the backyard to go potty. And, I know, we will one day get to resume our Saturday adventures.

So this Saturday, I'll do some of the things we use to do together. As soon as the June rain showers lessen, I'll wander down to Saturday Market and shop for fresh cut flowers and local berries.

I noticed yesterday as I took Gracie to the backyard that she was barely limping. As time marches on and she continues to improve, I suspect my limp will lessen as well.

Stick with the plan

2009-05-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

I don't like plans. That may surprise some of my friends who think I'm the Chief Planner. I will step into the void and plan something if no one else will, but all in all, I prefer spontaneity. Why plan a weekend activity when you can wake up Saturday morning and decide?

Following Gracie's second surgery I devised a plan: Confinement to her garage apartment and outside only to go potty. My resolve was firm. After all, it was the break in this original plan three weeks post surgery #1, that she got away from me in the house, slipped on the wood floor and dislocated her patella - all leading to surgery #2.

I have to keep reminding myself that this confinement is for her own good and that her recovery will go more quickly. But despite all my best efforts to stay connect with her, I still miss her in the house.

My resolve broke Saturday. I snuck her in the house - against the harsh inner voice warning me against this. I made her go immediate to her crate though. There she laid while I putz around the house doing Saturday chores. After a couple of hours, we made the slow walk through the backyard (stopping for a potty break), along the side of the house and back to the garage. This route allows us to avoid the stairs. Nothing bad happened, but again, that inner voice reminded me that it could have.

Gracie and I had a talk this morning. I told her we need to stick to the plan. I told her I knew how hard it was to do this, but we must. She simply seem to shrug her shoulders and curl back on her bed. She is OK with the plan. It's me who's struggling.

Letting sleeping dogs lie

2009-05-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

The tag long on this blog reads: Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. Generally this is true, but since that fateful day at the dog park, April 19, and two surgeries later, I can definitely say that for right now Gracie is my whole life.

Since her second surgery on May 20, Gracie has been convalescing in her kennel. She has not seen the inside of the house even though she looks longing at the door every time I take her out to go potty.

I miss her being in the house, so I spend time with her in the kennel. I take a book with me and sit by her - sometimes for 15 minutes, sometimes an whole hour passes. We enjoy watching the neighborhood with the garage door open.

This past Sunday I found myself in the baby aisle at Target looking at video monitors...again. I've been in this aisle three times in the last month looking at the same product and each time talking myself out the purchase as being silly, obsessive or just a plain waste of money. Sunday I bought it.

The camera sits on a shelf in the garage. The small black and white monitor sits on the kitchen counter. With a glance I can check on Gracie. Most of the time she is sleeping. Sometimes she is hugging Pig or working on a bone. Sometimes she is just laying there, head up, staring ahead, thinking, I guess.

I still spend time with her in the kennel each day. But when I can't be out there with her, it helps me to see her on the monitor.

I'm not sure why, but it does.

Is the sedative ready?

2009-05-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

This time around, Gracie is taking a sedative twice a day to help keep her a bit calmer during recovery. It's helped - both of us, actually.

However, each time I prepare her pill for distribution (Greenies' Pill Pockets are awesome, by the way), I giggle to myself.

Of course I'm thinking about one of the funniest scenes in my favorite movie, Young Frankenstein. Here's the set up...the monster is alive. The team of Dr. Frankenstein, Igor and Inga rush to the laboratory. Dr. Frankenstein utters the line "Is the sedative ready?" and then begins about 3.5 minutes of hilarity as Inga and Igor play charades with Dr. Frankenstein while he is being choked by the monster.

I haven't quite figure out the process for adding video to the blog, but if you haven't seen this scene for a while, you can find it on Youtube.

Good comedy reminds me that laughter really is the best medicine.

Slow and easy

2009-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Gracie seems to be doing much better after this surgery than her initial TPLO surgery on April 27. I left the e-collar off overnight, but noticed her incision was looking a bit raw and thought it wise to put the collar back on her. I like these soft collars better than the rigid plastic ones. Plus, it makes her look like a flower.

As you can see, she is not lacking for comfort. Her precious Pig is near by. Several times yesterday as I sat by her, she would reach forward and pull Pig close. I often find her asleep with her head on Pig.

Here's a close up of the incision site. Her TPLO was done on the inside her leg. Dr. Gustafson said had he done both procedures together, the incision would be on the inside, but with it being done separately, it was better to do the femoral osteotomy on the outside of the leg. He closed the wound with internal sutures that will dissolve over time. The incision site is closed with surgical glue. Dr. G recommends icing 3 times a day for the first three days. I have worked in about 4 times each day. She has not had near the swelling or bruising she had with the TPLO.

Better living through chemicals. This time around I asked for a mild sedative to help keep her more calm during recovery. Between the pain meds and the twice daily sedative, she is resting comfortably but doesn't seem to be "out of it." With the help of the belly sling we've made a couple of trips to the backyard to go potty. For some reason she is adamant about not going in the front yard. Most likely the result of those puppy training techniques that tell you to train your dog to go potty in one area of the yard. Unlike some of the other lessons she learned, she is consistent and firm on following this one.

I'm feeling better equipped to handle this recovery than I did with the TPLO. I was frantic all the time with her after the first surgery. I'm still concerned about her, but having gone through this once, I know more what to expect. It's OK if she doesn't go potty like her usual clock-work pre-surgery.

We still have a long row to hoe, but we'll get there. We're going to take it slow and easy this time.

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Gracie is home from the hospital. She seems to be do much better after this surgery than the first. She's not quite so groggy and her tail is wagging more.

The vet seemed pleased with the surgery and placement of the new implant in her femur. We go back in three weeks to see how the bone is healing. Some dogs, he says, will have good healing progress in three weeks, others take up to eight weeks for the healing to begin. Her level of future activity is based on the healing process.

Right now she is sleeping in her kennel. When I got her home she was ready for her afternoon pills and ice pack. I sat next to her icing her leg and then just to sit with her. We are using a sedative this time around to help curb her enthusiasm a bit. At least until we get further along in the healing process.

Right now I'm thankful she is home.

A set back

2009-05-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I knew something was wrong Friday evening when I got home from work. I took Gracie to the backyard to potty and she was no longer putting weight on her injured leg. I chalked it up to being tired and, possibly, a bit too much walking. Saturday was no better, so I called the vet's office in Beaverton for an appointment on Monday. By Sunday I knew this was serious. Her knee was swollen and I was out of pain meds.

Today I got the news: her patella was dislocated with a probable tear of the ligament that holds it in place.

And the rest of the news: additional surgery, scheduled for Wednesday, to straighten her femur and correct the patellar luxation.

Prior to the TPLO, the vet surgeon explained to me about Gracie's anatomy. Her femurs are bowed, making her look bow-legged from behind. The curvature of the femur was problematic. In some instances, not only is a TPLO done, but also an osteotomy of the femur to reduce the curve. He could do it in Gracie's case, but he felt the angle was not too bad, so we opted to just do the TPLO. That was the wrong decision in hind-sight.

So Gracie is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. The vet surgeon will perform the osteotomy of her femur to reduce the curve and deepen the patellar groove so that the patella doesn't slip out of place.

I'm struggling with this one. Did I push her too hard, too soon? Did I let her get away with being zany Gracie too soon? Did my desire to have her close to me in the evenings put her at greater risk of injury? It's hard to know. Maybe this could have been prevented, or maybe not. I do know that I'll be more strict this go around. She will be spending time in her "garage apartment" and not in the house. Walks will be to the potty area and back, only. And because she is such a strong and energetic dog, I may have to opt for the mild sedatives to keep her calm.

And we are back to square one.

A stitch...and some time

2009-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Gracie had the staples removed today from her surgical site. The vet thought she was doing well. Some minor swelling around the wound, probably from her licking the area, but the vet thought that would resolve in a day or so. He also gave the OK to start leashed walks. Five minutes twice a day to begin. Over the next 6 weeks, we'll work our way up to 20 minutes, three times a day. The written instructions advise against hills. That's a problem. I live on a hill. But I guess I can drive her to the bottom, walk her along the flat ground and then bring her home. She's my Gracie afterall.

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that some of my fellow bloggers have begun a tradition called Thankful Thursday. I think it is always a good thing to take stock in life's blessings and to practice gratitude.

April 2, Dad was diagnosed with cancer and treatment ensued. On April 19, Gracie tore her meniscus and ACL at the dog park. Surgery followed on April 27. In between, we've all battled colds, potty breaks in the rain and wind, fatigue and mental weariness. In fact, I tried to hold a pity party for myself last week and found I was just to exhausted to even muster a tear. Instead, I think I'd rather spend my time on gratitude. So here it is, a short list, in no particular order:

Dad only has 4 treatments left. He'll be done on Wednesday May 13.

Gracie's surgery went well. She seems to be healing well. The swelling is markedly down. She still makes me laugh every day.

The sun is shining...for now.

Mom & Dad paid for Gracie's surgery. I think they are finally resigned to the fact that my sister and I will produce no grandchildren for them other than dogs and cats. They will dote on them accordingly.

My sister's visit and care of Mom and Dad timed perfectly with Gracie's need for surgery and initial recovery. I couldn't have done it without her here.

Good friends and good co-workers who share my heartache over an injured, albeit recovering, dog and who help me keep everything in perspective.

A faith firmly rooted in the ultimate display of love, sacrifice and forgiveness.

I like this notion of Thankful Thursday and will try to carry it forward - if not in the blog world, at least in my heart.

Back on track

2009-05-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Gracie's body seems to be returning to pre-injury function. Her bathroom forays have been highly successful the last two days. Cross one worry off my list. I do fret that she is doing too much. When outside for her bathroom breaks, she makes the most of her freedom by leading me to believe she needs to sniff each piece of barkdust in the yard. (FYI - my backyard is mostly barkdust.) She is just beginning to put weight on her left leg. Not much, but some. I'm still using the belly strap to help her get to and from the backyard to make sure she doesn't slip and fall.

I talked with the vet surgeon on Friday. He said he was not concerned about her walking around during her potty breaks. He said her main risk was spraining the fragile tendons and ligaments in leg, but he felt certain that the bone was in a good position and the plate firmly implanted.

The sun made a brief appearance today. Gracie laid on the deck for about 15 minutes soaking in the warm rays. It must have felt good on her injured leg. She was really good about allowing me to place cold compresses on her leg for the first 3 days. The instructions then advised to follow the next 3 days with warm compresses. She has not liked that process at all. Happily, though, the swelling is much reduced and the bruising is fading.

Tomorrow we can cross 1 week off our recovery time. Now that she and I are getting a rhythm, I'm hopeful the next weeks will go well (and pass quickly!).

Go potty...please

2009-05-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: please don't tell Gracie that I'm posting her bathroom habits on the web. She's already mortified at the prospects of having to potty in the front yard.

It's been four days since surgery and Gracie hasn't recovered her typical potty habits. Gracie has always been very precise in her bathroom habits and I could always count on a poop and pee every morning and every evening. Not so now. Yesterday I fretted over the fact she wouldn't go at all. This morning I shouted for joy following a lengthy pee.

I have a feeling this recovery is going to be harder on me than Grace. I revisited some of the web postings about post operative care following TPLOs. The Vet Surgery Central, Inc., site has been very helpful in explaining the entire TPLO process from start to finish. It confirmed that potty activities will be impacted following surgery.

In other recovery news, the swelling in her leg seems better. I'm trying warm compresses now although she is less eager to lay still for these. Actually she is less eager to stay still at all. She is still not putting much weight on the injured leg, but is taking a few tentative steps. She is very fast on 3 legs so I have to be diligent and keep her leashed at all times. Even so, her strength is returning and she's been a handful on our brief sojourns to the backyard.

Yesterday, our neighbor dogs, Clare and Pre, stopped by for a visit. Gracie laid down and both Clare and Pre, with a display of gentleness and respect, sniffed Gracie and gave her a lick on the snout.

I still find myself anxious about her level of activity - trying to make sure she doesn't over do it and that I, in my selfish want to have her close by, don't put her at greater risk.

I know that the smarter and more patient we are now, the better chance we have of enjoying some nice walks this summer.

Look who's four!

2009-04-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my best pal, Gracie.

Wish we could be at the park today, but it's enough to have you close by.

You make me laugh everyday.

TPLO

2009-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

I work in insurance. This field is replete with acronyms. Every procedure and process is reduced to a TPA (three letter acronym). But today I learned a new one: TPLO. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

Gracie's local vet confirmed the diagnosis...she has a torn cruciate ligament in her left knee. This morning, we met the surgeon in Beaverton who specializes in the TPLO. In addition to the torn ligament, he also suspects cartilage damage to the meniscus. His plan is to arthroscopically repair the damage and then, via a small incision, insert the stabilizing plate. Surgery is set for Monday, April 27...three days short of Gracie's 4th birthday. She'll spend the night at the hospital and then home to 3 weeks of confinement with breaks for potty time only. The surgeon felt within 3 weeks she would be ready for leash walking only. Within 8 weeks she should be up to 20 minute walks 2 or 3 times a day.

It seems bad news always comes in threes. Today was no different. The surgeon informed me that Gracie will have about a 40% chance of needing the same surgery on her right knee in the next year. In addition, the Xrays show hip displaysia in her right hip. He suspects she has been compensating on the left side put her left knee at greater risk.

But, my goal is to look for the positive. Here's what I've come up with so far:

I have the money to afford this level of care.

I have an employer who is supportive of any time off I might need to take.

I have two possible locations in the house for Gracie to convalesce in.

Dr. Gustafson seems to be one of the top notch doctors in the Salem-Portland area for TPLOs.

Gracie is still wagging her tail every day.

Can I still call the blog MintoDog?

2009-04-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, Gracie began favoring her left rear leg. Long walks, too many extra ball throws at the park and the like would cause her to limp around for a few hours. Always, though, she would walk it off in a couple of hours and be back to her usual self. In March, I had the vet do some checking. On the Lab Retriever's Chat Board I had been reading about several dogs with knee injuries. Coincidentally, or not, several of my subscription dog magazines and newsletters sported articles about ACL repair in the knee. The vet found no ligament tears but some mild arthritis in her left rear knee. We amped up the glucosamine intake. And the weeks past with nary a limp from her. We continued with our long walks and trips to the dog park.

Until Saturday evening at the dog park. She dropped the ball and I grabbed it. I made her wait for me to throw it. She did. Then she took off at top speed. Three or four steps into her run she let out a loud yelp and then yelped for another few seconds. I've never heard her cry out like this. I dropped the chuck it and ran to her. She held her left rear leg up and looked at me with worried eyes.

She laid down for a few minutes to catch her breath. I was hoping for a sticker or burr in her paw. No such luck. She limped a few steps and laid back down. We struggled along like this for what seemed like forever until we got back to the car.

Once home, she refused to put any weight on her leg. I went through the pet lover's conundrum- emergency vet or wait? We waited. It was a long night. She was clearly uncomfortable. About 3 a.m. I moved to the couch in the living room to be closer to her. I would hear her whine, almost a mutter, shift her weight and try to reposition herself on the floor. At 3:30, I helped her to her kennel in the garage. She curled up on her bed and fell asleep. Back in my bedroom, I did the same.

At 6:30 a.m. I got dressed and struggled to get her in the back of the Escape. We got to the emergency vet. I should've gone the night before. Oh, those "should've, could've, would've" moments.

Dr. Fischer pronounced my worse concern...positive Drawer's sign - probable rupture of the ACL. He gave her some pain meds and we limped back to the Escape to head home. We'll see our vet first thing in the morning for xrays and discussions about treatment.

So it looks like our visits to Minto will be severely curtailed in the coming weeks and months. But Gracie is still Gracie. When the emergency vet came in to examine her, she looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye and wagged her tail at him. Restricting activity will be our new normal for now.

A helping paw

2009-04-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

My dad was in the hospital last week. As the paramedics were taking him out of his house last Tuesday night, my parent's cat, Nick, started yowling. Dad's main concern at that point was Nick's welfare. Never mind his own medical crisis that was brewing. I had to make sure Nick was OK before we left the house.

We are a family of animal lovers. My sister has two Chihuahuas - Pelli and Chisum. Mom and Dad have Nick the cat. And, of course, there is Gracie and Mungo. Our animals give us peace amid a world that is often chaotic and where unexpected events throw us into a tail-spin. Thank God for our faithful animal companions who remind us that there is a little a good belly rub won't cure.

On Saturday I was returning to Dad's hospital room when I saw one of my coworkers and her golden retriever walking the hallway. I called her over and she brought Isabella into the room to see Dad. He had been pretty tired, but perked up (a little bit) at the sight of Isabella. For the next 10 minutes, Colleen regaled us with stories of Isabella's upbringing which all led to her becoming a hospital volunteer. Both Colleen and Isabella sported name badges. Isabella is smiling in her picture.

Later that day, as we were taking Dad home, a woman entered the hospital with her Cocker Spaniel. We inquired - are dogs allowed? The CNA nodded yes, that family pets were permitted to visit. This, to me, is a miracle of modern medicine. It speaks well of our area hospital that it acknowledges the healing powers and comfort our pet companions can bring during challenging times.

Dad is home now. Nick is on his lap. We take our next cue from our animal companions - one day at the time, and, when possible, find a nice sunbeam to lie in.

Hot spots

2009-03-31T19:59:00.001-07:00

From the title of this post, you might imagine I'd be writing about sunny location and warm environs. After several months of cold, damp weather, I would love to find myself right now in a nice hot spot...maybe Phoenix, or the Big Island, or a Mexican seaside village.

However, most dog owners know that the phrase "hot spots" does not refer to an exotic locale, but a frustrating and painful lesion that dogs can often incur as a result of allergies (or in some case obsessive-compulsive behavior).

Spring is springing into Oregon despite the continued chilly temps. As the trees start budding, Gracie's allergies start blooming. I'm not really sure if she is allergic to the tree pollen, but this time every year she suffers from skin rashes.

In years past, Gracie has developed a severe rash on her belly and thighs called pyoderma. It's a type of staph infection that requires antibiotics. I have tried to be extra vigilant this year to keep that area clean and sprayed with her topical medicine. I guess that's why the hot spot that developed on her chin surprised me.

I had noticed her rubbing her chin on her paws off and on, but did not think much of. Then one night, she jumped off the bed, and I noticed a silver dollar size stain of blood on the quilt.

Naturally, these events always take place at night or on the weekend, so as a pet owner you are faced with the dilemma- emergency vet or wait for morning? We waited. Monday morning, we showed up at the vet's office.

Grace is now on a course of antibiotics as well as some topical medicine. It's been a week and it looks some better but not much. We have a check up scheduled for next Monday.

As I look out the window at this cold, wet, windy day in Oregon, I'm wishing Gracie and I were dealing with a different kind of hot spot.

Walkies

2009-03-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

When I first brought Gracie home - at 8 weeks - my backyard was not fenced. So Gracie learned at an early age how to walk on leash. After the fence was built, I still found myself going outside with her. By then she was so use to me being with her out back, she wouldn't go out by herself. I've tried to tell her on several occasions that dogs love being outside by themselves. But alas, she'd rather be with me. The downside to this...I often find myself standing out back in the rain, cold, and wind at 2:30 in the morning, while she sniffs around for the right potty spot.

Gracie and I go for a lot of walks. One of my objectives in bringing a dog into my life was to make sure I stay active. I know myself - I'm prone to sitting on the couch like a lump. Gracie makes sure we have a nice balance between lumping around on the couch and exploring the neighborhood. We are faithful walkers with at least one walk each day, and most days two walks.

Here are some tips I've learned over the years:

Invest in some good rain gear and some good walking shoes.
For the winter months, be sure to wear high visibility colors or safety vests, especially if walking in the mornings or evenings. This includes the dog as well.
Use the right leash. Extension leashes are great, but not suitable for all occasions. They don't allow for total control. So you either need a very obedient dog and one not prone to distractions or you should use a shorter leash. I like the 6 foot leather leash. It is much easier on my hands than a nylon leash.
Use the right collar. As a young dog, I used a Gentle Leader harness on Gracie. It was helpful in teaching her obedience on the leash. As she got older and stronger, it was no longer sufficient. We then switched to the prong collar (after receiving proper training in using this type of collar). Now, most of the time, I can just use her regular flat collar on walks.
Use care crossing drive ways. Sometimes it is not always easy for the driver to see you as he is backing out of the drive way. Stay alert.
Carry a cell phone.
Be a good neighbor. Pick up after your dog.
Be a good neighbor - Part 2. During our snowy weather, Gracie and I continued our walks. I would notice the newspaper carrier was not able to make his usual front porch delivers due to the weather. So I would toss my neighbors' papers closer to their front door for them.
Know your dog. If she always looks for cat poo at a certain home, try crossing the street so the temptation is no longer there.
I like to listen to audio books on my MP3 player while walking Gracie. Be sure to keep the volume low, though. You need to be able to hear traffic and other sounds to keep you both safe.
Use care when meeting other dogs out for a walk. Some dogs can get aggressive or anxious when meeting other dogs on a leash. Be sure to check with the owner before letting the dogs take a sniff. If you have to, cross the street to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
Have fun. Walking with your dog is a great chance to connect with your dog, enjoy the outdoors, meet your neighbors, and get some exercise. Don't look at as a chore, but as something you get to do!

Happy walking!

The Sleepover

2009-03-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Gracie had a guest this weekend, a six-year old yellow lab named Sockeye. Sockeye and Gracie had not met before, so it was a bit dicey to introduce a new dog to our home for a weekend visit, but something told me they would get along. And they did.

Gracie seemed glad to have a playmate and we had several sessions of wrestlemania in the living room. I only had to interveen twice when it appeared one of the dogs was getting irritated. At that point, we'd all go out back and get somre fresh air. I was grateful to have Sockeye here for what turned out to be a miserable weather weekend - gusting winds and driving rain. I scooted the coffee table out of the way which opened up the floor plan a bit for them to wrestle and play chase. Sockeye enjoyed rooting through Gracie's toy box and pulled out all of the toys. With each toy she pulled out, Gracie would take away as if to say "I was just going to play with that." Nevermind that she hadn't played with the toy in over six months.

Sockeye was the perfect house guest. She didn't chase Mungo. Her first night here, she quietly curled up on the floor next to the bed. I woke up about 1:30 a.m. and looked at her. I patted the bed and she jumped up. Of course, both Sockeye and I were regulated to opposite corners of the bed since Gracie likes to sleep on the diagonal...on her back...front and rear legs stretched out.

It was a great weekend. I wonder if a second dog might be in our future?

Sockeye wanted to play with both the football and the frisbee!

Checking out the toy box.

Wrestlemania: Revenge of the Sockeye

Spring in the Park

2009-03-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Honest. There was a patch of blue sky on the horizon when I left my house for the dog park. The storms always come from that direction so I thought it would be fine. I swung by my friend Charla's house to pick up her little dog, Hanna. Hanna and Gracie are best pals. They are the Mutt and Jeff of dog world. Gracie, an 85lb chocolate lab, friendly, wiggly, and casual. Hanna, a 15 lb rat terrier, suspicious (at best), stiff and formal. Charla has been battling a head cold, so I thought I'd help by giving Hanna some much needed exercise at the park. Like I said, the weather seemed to be OK.

Our weather has been screwy so far this year. Far more snow than is typical for our low elevation valley. And just when we think we've seen the last, the forecast calls for more. We woke up this morning, with just a dusting of snow. It was gone by 9 a.m., but back by 11 a.m., and then just as quickly gone again.

I thought it would be OK.

When we got to the park, it was busy as usual for a Sunday afternoon. A very light sprinkle of rain had started. Nothing to worry about. In Oregon, you quickly learn to perform activities in the rain lest you spend 6 months locked inside. We headed into the open field.

Gracie chased her ball. Hanna chased Gracie. Then Hanna chased a few birds. Then back to Gracie. Then to me. She zipped, zagged and zigged around the field. Good I thought. She'll be nice and tired for Charla.

As we came around the back side of the field, the rain picked up. Hanna, a worried look on her face, glanced back at me. "It's OK," I said. Then tiny hail began. Hanna really looked worried now. The hail was piling up on her black fur. Her large ears sagged and her tiny nub of a tail tucked tightly under. She ran to me. "Up," she said. I scooped her up. Then the snow started. Sideways snow.

Meanwhile, Gracie strolled along checking her regular pee-mail stops and leaving a few messages of her own. When I looked back for her, the snow was covering her brown fur. She didn't seem to mind. She had her ball. That's all that really matters at the park.

I set Hanna back down and she took off for the car. As far as she was concerned, Gracie and I could lolly gag around in this cold, wet white stuff all we wanted but she was not going to. Gracie and I had to hustle to keep up with her.

We all scrambled to get into the car where it was dry and warm. I was soaked and both dogs were soaked. We had one towel to share. Gracie and I opted to let Hanna have the towel. She shivered and shivered until I got her dried off.

It was quite an adventure for Hanna. I bet she'll sleep really well tonight.

Tough Times

2009-03-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I got an email from a fellow dog-lover at work. The original email sender told of her family's financial troubles, a lost home, and a new apartment that didn't accept dogs. She has two labs - a chocolate and a yellow. The two females are best friends, inseparable. But now the woman had to face two devastating prospects: first, the loss of her precious companions; and, second, the probability that the dogs will be separated from each other when left either at the shelter or rescue organization.

My heart broke - not just for the fate of these two pals, but for a family in distress, having to make tough choices. For half-a-second I had the urge to adopt the two - Cookie and Coco. Get real, I then told myself. My house is barely large enough for Gracie. The backyard is not particularly dog-friendly. It suffices for Gracie because most of her activity comes from me walking her or taking her to the park. Throw two more dogs in the mix and I would be in way over my head. Next consider the cost to keep one dog, much less two or three. Dog food, treats, vet bills, etc. And, for me, the ultimate decider - my cat, Mungo. He's been with me the longest. His health is questionable and costly. He tolerates Gracie, but two other bounding, over-enthused labs would be the final straw for him. I had a vision of him packing his bag and heading down the road.

So, I deleted the email about Cookie and Coco and said a silent prayer that a benefactor would come along to adopt, or foster, both of them until their owners can get back on their feet.

In the recent issues of Bark magazine, there's a short article about "soup kitchens" for pets. It profiles a shelter in Georgia that distributed 4000 pounds of dog food and other pet supplies to area owners. Our animal shelters are struggling to meet the need in our communities. My local shelter, the Willamette Humane Society, is closing one day a week in order to save money. This is loss of jobs and loss of a resource for people struggling to keep their families together. Pet food donations to my local shelter are used to support the AniMeals - a program affiliated with Meals on Wheels. While delivering nourishing food to area seniors, they also deliver pet food.

Between the email from Friday and the article in Bark, I'm reminded of my good fortune, my resources and that I need to be helping. We all have areas we are passionate about. Mine is dogs and the value they bring to a person and family's life. I can't even begin to imagine what I would do if faced with the need to abandon Gracie or Mungo for any reason. If I can help one pup or one cat stay with his family, it will be worth it.

I encourage you all to consider the needs of your community - be it person or animal - and act. I think we're in this economic mess for the long haul. But I hold out hope that by neighbor helping neighbor we will make it through.

The sun is shining, why are we inside?

2009-02-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

It's a fair question. Usually when the sun is shining - and even on days when it isn't - Gracie and I head to the dog park. As the daylight hours lengthen, we can even manage an occasional weekday trek if I get out of the office right at 5 p.m. and traffic isn't too crazy on the drive home. But our outings were thrown off track last week.

It began as an annoying cough Wednesday morning. By Wednesday night, I knew I was in trouble and Thursday morning found me achy, congested, coughing, red-eyed and cranky. I stayed home, curled up in the recliner blowing my nose every 30 seconds and trying not to break a rib from coughing. I hoarsely told Gracie she'd have to go potty out back. No walks today. No dog park.

She took the news in stride and, for the most part, tried to play the role of nurse offering me her Pig for comfort. (No thanks, Pal. Even with a stuffed up nose, that thing doesn't smell so great!)

Friday rolled around and I was still down for the count. Gee whiz, anyone catch the person who threw the brick at the back of my head? Gracie sat forlornly, chin upon the window sill staring outside at the beautiful sunny day. Sorry, girl. I barely made it to the couch today. You'll have to settle for out back, again.

Saturday brought a glimmer of hope that this flu bug was moving on. I rallied in the morning for a trip to the dog park. When we got home, I slept for 2 hours.

Today another minor improvement. We got to the dog park this morning and I only needed a one hour nap afterwards.

Nicknames

2009-02-11T06:09:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking about the nicknames we give our dogs. The thought entered my mind while reading one of my favorite blogs, Nigel,Sola & Co. Mr. Author tells the story of how their chocolate lab, Truffles, joined their family and earned the nickname Fudgepants (here's the story). What a great nickname for a chockie - on so many levels!

Gracie has several nicknames. As a puppy, I suspect Gracie thought her name was actually Dammit Gracie. She was a wild, Tasmania-devil of a puppy. I have also had occasion to invoke her full given name - much like our mothers do when we are in trouble - Gracie Lou Freebush. Sandra Bullock fans will recognize this name as her character from the movie Miss Congeniality. As our adventures at the dog park testify, Gracie has easily won this title. Other nicknames come and go depending on the circumstances and events.

But the one nickname that has endured is Bug. The evolution of this nickname is a bit long and windy. It began with Gracie's first "precious," her stuffed toy called a Lambdoodle. (Pig is now her "precious.") Lambdoodle was her first toy. The toy that she cuddled with on the long drive home from the breeder. It was the toy the comforted her on those long nights in the crate as I tried to resist the urge to bring her to bed with me and the small puppy whimper was replaced with the Baa Baa of Lambie. Alas, after several months, Lambdoodle was lost in a horrific puppy diarrhea accident. Forever gone, but not forgotten.

So the nickname for Gracie began as Doodle. Then became Doodlebug. Then Doo-bug. And finally Bug.

Do you have nicknames for your pups? I'd love to hear the stories.

Saturday at the Park

2009-02-08T14:44:00.001-08:00

Saturday was a beautiful spring day in Salem...in February. Gracie and I found ourselves among the last to arrive at the dog park Saturday afternoon. I've never seen the park so busy. All three parking lots were full. Cars were lining the roadway and making their own parking spots. I finally had to wedge the Escape in between two big trucks that had created their own parking area. It was a long walk back to the dog park...well, not really, but it's long when your stuck on either end of the leash when freedom is calling.

We made one loop around the big field. I found myself in a contemplative mood, so I marveled at the wonder of the dog park, the size of the off-leash area and the fact that despite all the people, it didn't feel crowded. How lucky we are in Salem to have this open space. Gracie was in her element. She ran to each person with a happy lab wiggle, proudly showed off her tennis ball (carried firmly in her mouth at all times) and waited for the forthcoming back rub. Gracie gets complimented for two attributes - her enthusiasm and the softness of her coat. I frequently asked what I feed her. It's Blue. But even as a puppy, her coat was silky soft. I jokingly tell people it's because I walk her in the rain all the time. Who knows...maybe it is.

I'm not sure who benefits more from our trips to the dog park...Gracie certainly because of the exercise and her need to be social; or me, because I feel so contented there and get such a joy from watching the dogs be dogs.

Bumper sticker logic

2009-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

The philosophy is simple and it is lived out each day at the dog park. Once again, we humans could learn a lot from our canine pals: wag more, bark less.

At the park this morning, the sun was shining, but a chill was in the air. The parking lot was full. Dogs were barking to be released from back seats and rear cargo holds. Once released, though, it was all wags and smiles.

I've been trying to limit Gracie's activities at the park. She's been limping around a lot lately. The vet thinks it's arthritis in her left rear knee and right rear hip. This makes me nervous. She's not even 4 yet. I can't keep her from being a dog, though. I love watching her at the dog park. She runs up to almost every human out there, shows them her ball (carried happily in her mouth at all times), turns her fanny to them for a quick butt pat or scratch and then dashes off to the next human. Almost to the person, I see their face light up as if Gracie has singled them out for special attention.

Imagine if we greeted not only our friends, but also strangers with the same exuberance that the dogs exhibit at the park. Even the barking I hear at the park is a shout of joy -- mostly from the hound dogs just arriving.

Wag more, bark less is the tag line of a dog food brand, Cloud Star. They make yummy treats for dogs - especially dogs with sensitive tummies and food allergies. (Gracie falls into the first category, although you'd never know it by the junk she eats.) In addition, to fine dog treats, the company also contributes 10% of its net profits to various non-profits to benefit animals, women, children and the environment. Here's a company living out their motto.

We've been hearing a lot lately about what our country needs to get through the difficult days ahead. As for me, I'm going to try to live out my new bumper sticker and wag more, bark less.

Me and Pig...Part 2

2009-01-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

That dumb dog. Everything she does is cute and adorable. She has a million toys and what do I get? One lousy mouse stuffed with some sub-par catnip. I can't even enjoy that without Miss Nosey stealing it away from me. And does she get scolded? No! But let me raise one paw in her direction and next thing I know I'm chucked outside. I use to be king of this castle...sleeping in bed with mom, ruling the house. Now, Little Miss Princess of Everything gets all the attention.

But I got even...me and Pig, indeed!

Me and Pig

2009-01-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Editor's note: Today's blog is written by Gracie as communicated through a series of woofs, yarps, rrrrrs and barks to her companion, Beth.

Mom brought Pig home about 4 months ago. I like to tear up stuff toys. They are squishy and I want to see what's in side. It might be food. But it never is. Still...it could be.

Pig was different. He wasn't squishy except for his head. But his feet made an irritating squeaky noise. Until I broke them. I don't think I hurt Pig. His feet never tore.

Pig is my favorite. I like to cuddle with him almost as much as I do my mom. Yesterday it was cold and damp outside. Mom sat in her favorite recliner. I wanted to cuddle with her, but also wanted to hug Pig. Mom laid Pig across the arm of the chair so I could cuddle with both of them.

At night I sometimes forget to bring Pig to bed with me. That's a hassle 'cause then I have to get off the bed and go look for him. Sometimes I'm so tired that I can't jump on the bed with Pig in my mouth. Mom says I look pathetic...I think that's a good thing, 'cause then she takes Pig and places him on the bed, and then gives me a boost. I try to look pathetic a lot.

Next to living with my mom and my cat, Mungo, Pig is the best thing in my life. I'm glad he didn't have anything squishy inside him. I'd hate to think I might have tore him up for no good reason.

Gracie

Spread a little hope...and bark chips!

2009-01-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today marks the birthday of Martin Luther King. For the first time in the 19 years I've worked for SAIF, we were given the day off...and a challenge: spend your holiday giving back. I probably would have ignored this if not for the prodding and example set by some of my coworkers who devote themselves to serving others. In an ad hoc committee meeting, my name was raised, I was approached, and, since the "giving back" involved one of my favorite places - the Minto Brown Dog Park - I agreed.

We had a glorious day for spreading bark chips along the muddy trails. As you'll recall, just a few weeks ago, the park was mostly under water. But today was one of those confusing Oregon winter days - brisk chill in the early morning hours giving way to a pleasant high 40s, sunshine and blue sky. (We all know the rain will return, but in the meantime, we lie to ourselves saying this is how the weather always is in January!)

I happily greeted six co-workers along with three additional family members and four dogs at 9 a.m. at the still frosty dog park. As an added bonus, two other ladies who had heard about our endeavors asked to join us. We divied up chores and set about to move a mound of bark chips to the muddy trails. The Minto Brown Dog Park does not allow motorized vehicles, so moving all the wood chips was down by wheelbarrow, pitchfork and rake (all graciously provided by the City of Salem).

The crew worked steadily and cheerfully for a good two-half hours. Clearly a lot of physical labor for us office workers! Our dogs enjoyed themselves spending their time playing with each other, greeting other dogs in the park and inspecting our bark spreading abilities.

It might be the timing of this MLK Day. We are on the cusp of a momentous inauguration. A glimmer of hope in these dim days is breaking through. The idealist in me seems to be gaining a foothold. We didn't cure cancer today. We didn't solve the world's hunger crisis. We didn't restore the stock market. But we made a few trails less muddy and were thanked by those walking by.

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

And the rain came down...

2009-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Our more typical Oregon winter resumed on January 1, 2009 with a relentless rain storm. The rain came down all day long while Gracie and I curled up in the recliner and watched reruns of NYPD Blue. On Saturday, the clouds parted and the sun made a brief and lukewarm, appearance. We headed to the dog park.

I wasn't surprised to see that the pond at the entrance to the park had overflowed its banks and spread into the adjoining wheat field. But as I followed the road into the park, I was surprised to see the water lapping at the edge of the road. When I pulled into the dog park parking lot, I could see the extent of the flooding. Half of the dog park field was under 1 - 2 feet of water.

Gracie could not believe her good fortune! Water at the dog park - this is the BEST DAY EVER! She and several other dogs played for a good hour in the water, fetching tennis balls, playing chase and tormenting the field mice trying to get to higher ground. All we humans could do was stand at water's edge and hope that we remembered to bring towels. (Being an experienced lab owner, I usually have at least 2 towels in the car at all times.)

I was finally able to coax Gracie back to the car. When we got home, I tried to hose off some of the muck. For a dog who had just spent an hour splashing in the frigid flood water of the park, she acted like the hose water was killing her. Finally got her feet washed off and her whole body dried off. She slept really well that night!

Snow Angels

2008-12-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 13 we woke up to snow. A bit unusual for the central Willamette Valley. For the first 2 days, we were all excited. Gracie more than most. She loves the snow. She loves to run through it, scoop it up with her nose and roll around in it.

The snow and ice persisted through the week. Definitely unusual for Salem. This past Sunday, we had an ice storm, while our neighbor 45 miles north, Portland, had more snow than it had seen in many years.

Late Sunday evening the temperature finally pushed passed freezing and the ice began to melt. Large chunks of ice broke from the fir trees surrounding my house and landed on the roof or ground with loud WHOMPS! I was afraid to let Gracie out back for her nightly rituals for fear one my clunk on her head. She was a bit worried too, so decided to play it safe and peed on the deck instead. Smart girl. But I did tell her not to get use to that.

This morning, we awoke at our usual time for a work day. By 6 a.m. the snow was falling very heavy. Wait...didn't the weatherman say Salem was the cut off for the cold weather? We were suppose to be a balmy 40 degrees today. Nope. All snow...all day.

Gracie and I enjoyed a snow day from work. We took two walks around the neighborhood. The damage from the ice storm was great. Many down trees and large limbs. Gracie was more interested in making snow angels, though.

Just keep swimming

2008-10-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today Gracie and I visited Corvallis. A bit dicey for us in our bright yellow Escape with Unversity of Oregon license plates. (I did check - there was no OSU home game, so I felt relatively safe in the Beaver Nation.)

The reason for our visit was the annual dog swim at the Corvallis Aquatic Center. This is the day the outdoor pools are open for dogs to swim. Gracie and I have been to the Western Oregon University dog swim each August, but this was our first venture to the Corvallis pool. And what a set up! There were two outdoor swim areas. For $5, Gracie swam for an hour. Her favorite activity was waiting for me to toss her bright orange float into the pool. Then she would leap from the side of the pool and swim at top speed to retrieve the float. Sometimes she would find the stairs, other times she would paddle to the side where I would help her out of the water.

Just like our visits to the dog park, I can tell this is something she really enjoys. And I enjoy watching her have so much fun.

There were probably 30 dogs or more in the pool area. The set up included a traditional lap pool as well as a pool you might see at water park. Most of the dogs were enjoying that pool because it was much more shallow and most dogs could easily touch bottom.

I watched one golden retriever attempt to retrieve his ball by standing tip-toe on the edge of the pool and then reaching one tentative paw into the water. He wanted that ball, but not bad enough to get all the way in.

What a great fund raiser for the pool and what a fun day for Gracie and for me.

O'Possum, Where art thou?

2008-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

September typically brings a wonderful Indian Summer to Oregon and this year is no different. The mornings start off cool. Then the days warm up (sometimes too warm! we're back in the 90s again) and the evening breeze kicks in around 7 p.m. and makes for a pleasant night. Saturday was just like this. I had all the windows and screen doors open enjoying the cooling breeze through the house. It was a nice change from the AC. Gracie was up to something in one of the back bedrooms - it's hard to know sometimes. And then I heard a slight scratching noise by the front porch. It was a soft noise, but one that Gracie heard from the netherworld of the back of the house. She came charging down the hallyway to the front window and arrived in time to see two opossums crawl out from under the front porch. In a flash, she hit the window screen, which promptly popped out. It was only because I was close by that I got my arms around her waist as she was half way out the window. I'm surprised the opossums didn't keel over right then, but instead they scampered off toward the neighbor's house. Gracie gave them a few parting barks that would make a grown man go weak. I haven't seen the opposum twins lately, so I'm hoping the notion of a dog for an upstairs neighbor was not appealing to them.

I'm reminded of a story from my friend, Steve. He has a golden retriever named Jiggs who has about a million stuffed dog toys. One such toy is a opossum. During Steve's evening ritual of collecting the stuffed toys from the yard, he picked up the stuffed opossum, but if felt a bit different. It wasn't a toy. It was, in fact, a young neighborhood opossum that Jiggs had startled into paralysis. Ugh...

Brother, can you spare a sock?

2008-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Just last Tuesday, I was coming out of the bathroom after performing my nightly "get ready for bed" rituals only to find Gracie sitting by the open closet door smacking her lips.

"What have you done?" I inquired. She declined to answer.

I glanced quickly around the closet. My gaze landed on the laundry hamper. The two blue dress socks I had placed in there earlier in the evening were gone. In addition, a lone black sock peeked out from under a white t-shirt.

I spun around and grabbed Gracie on either side of her face. I pressed my nose to hers. "Why?! Why would you eat those socks?" I asked her. Again, she declined to answer.

I've been on sock watch for a week. There's been much pooping and no vomiting (thank goodness!) To be honest, I'm not sure if the socks have completed the process yet. I try not to look too closely.

Sunday at the Parks

2008-09-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

It was a lazy Sunday morning. Finally about 9 a.m., Gracie and I made our way to the dog park. There was a crisp hint of fall in the air. Not too surprisingly, the dog park parking lot was almost full. We got one of the last spots. The dogs at the park will feeling the friskiness that comes with the cooler temperatures and the treat of being off leash.

Gracie trotted around the park with her prized tennis ball. I got to throw it once - when we first arrived. I managed to "trade for it" with a favorite treat. But after that, she packed it around. It's almost like a security blanket for her.

Later Sunday, we both were feeling a bit restless and headed down to Bush Park. Leashes are required here, but that's OK. Birthday parties were in full swing at the various picnic tables. There was a great game of Frisbee football underway. Gracie tried to rifle through the players discarded sweatshirts in search of missing morsel of food. She found none.

Rain clouds on the horizon were threaten, but the breeze seem to be pushing the rain anywhere but where we were walking. I know the rain falls on the just and unjust alike, but on Sunday, the showers moved on without dampening our spirits.

The two long strolls at the parks on Sunday gave way to a very restful sleep last night (that, and also not having to go to work today!). Say what you will about Salem, but for parks and spending time with your best pal, it can't be beat.

Lost balls

2008-05-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

The April snow and hail showers have stopped and Spring seems desperate to peek through. The dog park is undergoing a transformation. The wet sloppy field is giving way to lush green grass which is growing tall and thick. This is the time of year that the tennis balls go missing.

I try to buy Gracie the bright orange and blue Chuck It or fluorescent green tennis balls so that I can find them when she loses interest and "accidentally" leaves them behind. But even at that we frequently lose a ball this time of year.

One day soon the city will come out and mow the field. Dogs will then discover the eviscerated carcasses of long lost tennis balls lying in the field. It will look like the long shot of the confederate soldiers lying in the train station from the movie Gone With the Wind. Softly, in the background - or your imagination - you'll hear the soft sounds of Taps being played.

What the hail?!

2008-04-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday - April 12 - Salem, Oregon 75 degrees.

Saturday - April 19 - Salem, Oregon 43 degrees, snow and hail.

What a difference a week makes. During the winter months, I got pretty good at judging the rain the clouds on the horizon. I could look out my west facing window at home and determine if Gracie and I had time to get to the dog park and back without getting soaked. I was pretty darn accurate in my assessments. This April has been completely different though. Yesterday, a patch of blue sky finally burst through the gray clouds. I scanned the horizon and it looked like the next ban of rain/snow was stuck on the coast range. So Gracie and I headed for the park. As soon as I pulled into the lot. The dark clouds descended. Uh oh...I said to Gracie. But being the dog park troopers that we are, we went forth. About half way around the path, the hail started. Gracie didn't seem to mind though. She had her ball and plenty of P-Mail to check. I wouldn't have minded as much if the wind hadn't been blowing those tiny missles into my face. On the back side of the loop, the sun once again emerged and shone with so fierceness that steam began to float up from the bark trail. Suddenly my black parka that had been so toasty warm a few minutes ago was unbearably hot. By the time we got back to the car, another ban of ominous clouds was covering the park. New arrivals were trying to guage their chances. But for the most part, I think we dog park goers are a hardy bunch. What's a little hail when your best pal is romping with joy through the spring grass!

R.O.U.S.

2008-03-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Buttercup: Westley, what about the R.O.U.S.'s?

Westley: Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist.

-- from The Princess Bride

Tails of neglect?

2008-03-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Gracie and I were at the park a few days ago enjoying the dry spell between spring showers. I was lost in thought as I ambled along the bark dust trail. It finally occurred to me to check on Gracie and when I turned around she was no where to be seen. I brief moment of panic swept through me, but then I saw her, nearly half a field length away sitting in front of someone who was giving her treats. I called to her. "Gracie! Come!" She looked around the person's legs at me, ears up, acknowledging my call. But she turned her attention back to her benefactor. "Gracie! Come!" I shouted. Torn between the desire for food and the desire to obey, she finally opted to obey and came running toward me at top speed. But the rest of our walk was punctuated with her dashing off to get pats, words of affirmation and an occasional treat from other park-goers. At one point I joked with another person about how Gracie gets no attention or love at home.

I've probably said this before, but Gracie knows no stranger at the park. She is willing to see the good - or at least the potential for good - in each person there. She makes no predetermined judgments based on clothing, skin color or gender. Sometimes I worry that her friendly disposition will cause her to go off with just anyone. But them I'm reminded of our close connection. I see evidence of it when she runs at top speed to catch up with me, when she leans into my legs, and when she snuffles my neck after I load her in the back of the truck. I think she knows we have a pretty good life together.

After a hard play at the dog park.

Daylight Savings Time

2008-03-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

The loss of one hour last Saturday has provided Gracie and me with extra daylight in the evenings and we have resumed our weekday trips to Minto. The parking lot on Wednesday was almost full and I expect more and more dogs and people will start returning to the park in the evenings, especially as the weather improves.

Whippet Wednesday seems to be back in action again. When Gracie was still young, she fancied herself a Whippet. She would hang out with that pack. It was a silly sight - several thin-legged, almost frail looking Whippets and then thick-bodied, block-headed Gracie in their midst. She would chase one of them and just as she was about to over take him, the Whippet would kick in his jet engine and disappear in a puff of smoke. Gracie would stagger to a stop and look back at me as if to say: "no fair!" As she got older, she realized she was not a Whippet and that they did not enjoy the same games she did (wrestling in the mud). Happily, there are plenty of labs at the park to accommodate her type of play!

While it always takes me a week or so to adjust to the switch in time, I am grateful for the extra daylight (and happily this week the lack of rain in the evening) to spend time with Grace at the dog park.

A Tail of Two Dog Parks

2008-03-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Gracie and I hit the road yesterday for an overnight trip to Roseburg. Before I left, I checked Google for off leash dog parks in the area. Oregon Dog Fun has a great listing of dog parks from Portland to Ashland.

After checking into our dog friendly hotel (Holiday Inn Express) in Roseburg, Gracie and I headed for their dog park. Happy Tails Dog park is a fenced park - probably an acre or two. It has trees, several benches, a covered seating area for humans and two watering stations complete with those plastic kiddy pools - I bet those are well used in the summer months! When we arrived, Gracie and her pal, Hanna, were the only dogs there. Then bit by bit more dogs arrived including a 2 year old great dane who though Hanna (a pint size rat terrier) was a great playmate. Hanna didn't agree, so she headed straight for Gracie and stood underneath her until the great dane was distracted by other new arrivals. Gracie had a brief tussle with a golden retriever who didn't quite understand how Gracie wanted to play wrestle. Gracie has taught her pals at Minto that she can knock them down and then they can knock her down. This golden knocked her down, but wouldn't let her back up. As dogs often do though, there were no hard feelings and the two went on their separate ways to play other games.

On our way back to Salem today, I stopped off in Eugene to visit Trader Joes (will we ever get one in Salem?!). In my prior visits to Eugene, Gracie and I had visited the off leash dog park at Alton Baker Park. We stopped by there again today. This off leash park is also fenced. It is bigger than Happy Tails, but not as big as Minto. It also had two watering stations along with a covered seating area. Lots of dogs were already there. Gracie was pretty warn out from our other adventures, so we did a quick loop around the dog park and headed home.

I really appreciate the wide open space we have at Minto. The fenced parks are nice when the area is smaller, though. The fencing also is helpful for dogs and humans new to off leash areas. I guess if I was envious about anything, it was the watering stations and the covered seating areas. It sure would be nice to have potable water available at Minto - in the summer for hydration and in the winter for washing away the mud.

I think it is wonderful that Oregon has so many off leash areas for the dogs. Gracie and I are going to plan more trips to check these other park areas. Maybe we can bring some ideas back to make Minto even more special.

This I believe

2008-03-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

This I Believe is a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. I recently read an essay by David Buetow, an attorney from Chicago. His essay begins: "I believe in my dog." (For more, here's the link to David's essay.)

I thought about his words today while I was at the dog park. It was another sunny day in Salem and the park was full. Despite my previous gripes, I do enjoy seeing the park well used and well enjoyed. Gracie and I met two other Gracies. One was a yellow lab teasing the dogs in her area with a Wubba. The other Gracie was just 4 months old and it was her first visit to the park. You could tell by the way she stood close to her companion that she thought the park was big and loud and she didn't understand why these other Gracies liked to tug on the Wubba. When my Gracie and the yellow lab Gracie collapsed on the ground exhausted from the game, puppy Gracie inched over to the Wubba to check it out. What was this mysterious thing that was so captivating? At the last second my Gracie's big brown paw shot forward to grab the toy. Puppy Gracie scurried back to her companion.

I believe in my dog. I believe in the way she plays - full tilt until she collapses. I admire her ability to make friends with both other dogs and humans. She never waits for an invitation, but just knows that she'll get a pat and a kind word (and maybe, just maybe, a treat) from whoever is close by. I marvel at how gentle she is with puppies (and kids) and then how rough and tumble she is when playing with the big dogs. This once incorrigible puppy, has turned into an amazing dog. My amazing Grace.

Sunday at the park

2008-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

After doing some yard work this morning, Gracie and I headed to the dog park to catch up on the Sunday action. Since it wasn't raining, I was expecting there to be a lot of people. There were. Cars once again lined up along the road and in the field. Happily a few cars were pulling out of the lot as I arrived so Gracie and I had a good spot.

Gracie's pal (and erstwhile boyfriend) Quinn was trying to get someone, anyone, to play tug with him and his rope toy. Meanwhile, Quinn's human companion Robirda was collecting signatures to present to the city requesting a larger parking area. After signing the petition, Gracie and I wandered toward the trail loop.

While the dogs were busy playing in the field, a group of humans were busy spreading barkdust on the trail loop. Gracie dashed over to her favorite mound of barkdust to supervise the action. She checked in with each laborer and expressed her own form of appreciation for their efforts. As I walked by, I also thanked them for making park nice.

In the three years since I've been regularly attending the dog park, I've noticed a growing sense of community among the dog owners. People are taking a more active interest in caring for and improving the park area. As far as I know there is no formal leader, no hired figure directing the action, no one person calling the shots. Instead, it seems like each person is looking into his or her own heart and offering a piece of him/herself for the betterment of the community.

Once again, I've learned another valuable lesson at the dog park.

Perspective - It's a good thing

2008-02-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

My friend Steve has recently reminded me that a even a bad day at the dog park beats a good day at work.

I am also grateful for the other devoted dog park fans who spend their time at the park spreading barkdust on the trails and encouraing good stewardship of the area.

The sun is shining - and I am happy.

The sun is shining - I should be happy

2008-02-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend. The weather gods have teased us with spring-like weather. It's been cool, but perfect for long walks at the park. I should be happy, but...

This kind of weather brings many people to the off leash dog park at Minto. The parking lot is frequently full to overflowing. Dogs bound around the park woofing "free at last! free at last!"

Along with the good weather, though, I'm reminded of my pet peeves (pardon the pun) about the dog park - or, more fairly, about the people at the dog park. Here's a list, in no particular order:

1. Pick up after your dog. The signs say to do it. Others provide the example to do it. There are free poop bags everywhere. So why can't you pick up after your dog?

2. Put the full bag in the garbage can. Yes, I suppose if you own a 200 pound animal, it could be quite a burden to pack a bag of dog poop around the park. Happily, the city of Salem has placed numerous garbage cans at either end of the park for your convenience. If you've gone to the trouble to scoop the poop, please take the extra step of depositing it in the garbage can.

3. Attend to your dog. The park is not a free day care center where you can drop off your dog and then sit in your car unaware. Your dog wants to spend time with you too. So go with him on the walk.

4. Socialize your dog. If this is Fido's first trip (or even second or third), help him adjust to all the new sights and smells. If you're not sure how he'll interact with other dogs, take him off on his own for a while until he can get his bearings. Introduce him to one dog at a time. Stay away for the larger packs of dogs near the parking lot if your not sure how he'll respond. Ease him in to the fun at the park. You'll both have a better time.

5. Parking is for dog park users. Nothing makes me "grrrrr" more than seeing a runner or bike rider use the gravel parking lot as a starting off point for their adventure. Their are two other larger parking lots in the park. Use them.

6. While on the topic of the runners and bike riders, Minto-Brown has miles of paved and barked trails for runners and riders. Why must you use the trail in the off leash area? You are there without a dog and then fuss when a dog chases after you. (See Pet Peeve #7)

7. Small children running through the park. Nothing engages a dogs prey drive like a small critter (animal or human) dashing in front of them. Keep an eye on your kids. If you're going to let them run pell mell through the dog area, make sure they know what to do when a dog wants to join in the play. (Screaming is probably not a good option.)

My most profound observation about life at the dog park is simply this: the dogs behave better than the humans. They play without reservation and when they are done, they go their separate ways, no hurt feelings, no gamesmanship. Lets all resolve to watch our dogs at the park and see if we can't learn to be better humans. And, please...pick up the poop!

Find me

2008-02-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

"Don't always keep your dog on a leash if you want him to be attached to you."
-- A. Willametz

Gracie and I have a game we play at home called "Find Me." I hide some where in the house and call out to Gracie to find me. She completes a methodical room by room search until she locates me. When she finds me, she wags her tail and bangs her body into my legs. I hug her neck and thank her for finding me.

I thought this was just one of the many quirky games I make up to entertain both me and Gracie until I read a section in Tamar Geller's book The Loved Dog entitled "Love and Connection." The premise of this section is that dogs need to feel connected to their owners. Geller writes: "It is not enough just to exercise your dog, give her some food and then put her away like a toy until you feel like taking her out again. They need to know that even with some physical distance, you are still there for them, always connected."

When I first starting taking Gracie to the dog park, I was nervous letting her off the leash. As a young dog, she was unpredictable about coming when called. But as I expressed confidence in her, she gained confidence and now "finds me" often in the park. This was best exhibited last November following my foot surgery. My sister and I took Gracie to the dog park. I sat at one of the picnic tables while my sister walked the trail. Gracie was torn between her two people. I told her to go play, but she would only get so far down the path before she would run back to check on me. Finally, she connected enough with my sister to stay with her on the backside of the trail. As a fine mist began to fall, I hobbled back to the car. As Gracie rounded the corner she looked toward the picnic table for where she thought I would be. I was gone. From the car I could see panic set in. She stood on her tip toes looking for me. I got back out of the car as quickly as I could, and called for her. Her forward-pitched ears caught the sound and she came running toward me as fast as she could run.

I hugged her neck. "Yea!" I said, "You found me!"

A Grace-Full Life

2008-02-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

By Friday last week, both Gracie and my cat, Mungo, were on my last nerve. I attributed this to the rainy weather keeping us cooped up indoors - or at the very least, encased in waterproof nylon to venture outdoors. So it was with some amount of joy that I dropped Gracie off at her West Salem farm for the weekend, while I made my annual pilgramage to Cannon Beach for the Dayspring Women's Retreat. Unfortunately, as I dropped her off with her pal Heidi, Gracie let out a series of seal-like barking coughs. I paused in mid-delivery of her. "I think her throat is a bit scratchy. Sometimes she coughs like this." I left her behind at the farm and headed to the coast. All day Saturday I expected a call to come fetch my Camille. Happily, no call came.

I missed Gracie (and Mungo, too) while I was gone. As much as I wanted a break from the daily demands both dog and cat place on me, I so enjoy those grace-fill moments. Of recent, it occurs when I'm sitting on the couch, Gracie is stretched out beside me and Mungo is asleep on the cushion behind my head.

The title speaks to a day, a week, a month, a life full of Gracie and full of God's grace. Two things I most decidedly need to be happy and content.

At Last!

2008-02-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

A dry day in Salem. After what seems like weeks of rain and/or snow, small patches of blue sky peeked through the gray clouds. I had almost forgotten how great it was to be at the dog park in dry weather.

For the most part, I don't think the dogs really mind the weather. But the human companions seem in better spirits. Gracie saw some pals she hadn't seen for a while - Quinn and Honeydew. She played with some new dogs as well. For the most part, she seemed content to carry her tennis ball and sniff the occasional clump of grass.

If you ever need a "pick-me-up," head to the dog park on a weekend. Watch the dogs leap from their cars and run across the field. Look how they are happy to see everyone.

I know this summer I'll be complaining about the hot, dry weather. But for today, it was a special treat to not have to wear full rain gear and carry an umbrella.

Manners - doggie style

2008-01-26T14:07:00.000-08:00

When Gracie was about 6 months old, we began our regular outings to the dog park. On our first few visits, I would point out things I thought she should know. For example, I explained to her that Border Collies were there to play ball or Frisbee. They would not think she was cute and play tag with her. I also explained that some German Shepherds can be very friendly, while others might be standoffish. She should proceed to introductions carefully. And of course, I told her that some boys just couldn't control themselves - neutered or not - and so if all else failed, she should just sit down and tell them to go away.
Of course, the best lessons were taught to her by other dogs. Her first lesson in manners came from three Cattle dogs who did not appreciate her Lab enthusiasm in their midst. Thereafter, Gracie would approach a group of dogs with a bit more deference, showing her submissive side until the unspoken "all clear" sign was given.
Gracie is not a submissive dog by nature, so learning this form of etiquette was a challenge for her. Now almost 3 years old, she will show a modicum of submission when first meeting new dogs, but it is clear that she wants to be in charge.
The only exception is with a dog name Hunter. Hunter is a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. We see him mostly on the weekends when we arrive early enough at the park. Hunter has never made any aggressive moves toward Gracie, but when she sees him on the path, she sinks into full submissive mode. Her tails scoops under her belly, she bows her head and looks away. All 85 pounds of her seem to magically melt into a very small dog. She will even step off the trail. Hunter trots by her with barely a glance in her direction. Once he is several yards down the trail, Gracie is herself again.
I marvel at the complex social structures created by the dogs at the dog park. I'm sure there are lessons there for us humans as well.

Learning a Second Language

2008-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

My friend Steve is thinking about retiring to Mexico. His retirement date is a aways off, but he's making an attempt to learn Spanish in the meantime. This got me thinking about learning to speak dog.

I'm frequently amazed at how well Gracie communicates with me. Between her facial expressions, body language and bark, I almost always interpret her message correctly. I suspect this comes from us spending so much time together - much as it would with a human companion.

Gracie didn't bark until she was about 7 months old. It surprised both of us when she finally let out her first "woof." As any proud parent would, I went to great lengths to share this experience with my friends. As friends of indulgent parents do, they listened thoughtfully and did not roll their eyes (at least not in my presence).

Gracie mostly barks to alert me to some important occurrence in the neighborhood:

The warning bark: this sounds like a muffled "woof." Her checks puff out air to make the sound. It almost sounds like a human "huh?" or "what?" Her ears prick up and her upper body tightens. I can provoke the warning bark by asking her if she has seen Romeo, the hapless neighbor cat who likes to sit in the street and dodge cars. The mere mention of his name engages the warning bark and requires the household to increase it's threat level to Yellow.
The alarm bark: this is the "woof" without the f at the end. It sounds like "Woowoowoowooowooo!" with a staccato beat. By now her legs have stiffen and with each "woo" her front legs bounce off the floor. The hair on back stands on point signifying the threat level has been raised to Orange.
The "make my day" bark: This bark is a series of repeated "woowoowoo" with some "grrrrrrrrs" thrown in and sometimes a gnashing of teeth. The bark usually only surfaces when a neighborhood dog dares to walk past our front window. This is the bark where Gracie ceases to be the stereotypical Labrador clown and becomes the intimidating guard dog. The threat level has moved to Red.

Gracie also has a playful bark that she uses to wheedle more food out of me. This bark consists of her standing in the kitchen staring longingly at the cupboard where her food is stored. She then checks to see if I'm watching. If I am, she perks her ears forward and smiles at me. Then bowing forward, she gives me a "wwuuuuuvvv" type sound followed by a front paw to the cupboard. If I'm too obtuse to understand, the behavior continues until I give in.

How does your dog communicate with you? How have you learned to listen to and understand his or her language?

Book Review: From Baghdad, With Love

2008-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War and a Dog Named Lava

by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth

I admit it - I tend to judge a book by its cover. That's probably why I picked up this book in the first place. It was difficult to resist the sweet innocent puppy face that graced the cover. I'm sure my eyes next traveled to the title. Baghdad, huh. I didn't think they liked dogs much over there. As it turns out an Iraqi will save Lava's life, all the while denying he gives two hoots about dogs.

Lava becomes a symbol for Lt. Col. Kopelman. Lava is the last innocent in Kopelman's crazy existence. War thunders around him. Burned out cars along the road are blowing up as the marines drive by. The Iraqi soldiers he was sent to train may or may not show up to battle on any given day. Lava brings normality to Kopelman's daily activities. He is the reminder of home - what's more free than tossing the Frisbee with your dog at the park?

While Kopelman makes a few comments about the our involvement in Iraqi, the story is really about a rescue. An attempt to save one dog and in turn, the soul of one man. Spoiler alert: Lava makes it home. The writing is clear and crisp adding to the tension and drama. Happily there are photos of a well-fed Lava romping in a California dog park. The sure sign of a happy ending.

I wanted to share two passages:

"One morning I wake up and find Lava sitting near my sleeping bag staring at me with his left ear flapped forward and the remains of a toothpaste tube stuffed in his mouth. "Morning," I say. He replies with a minty belch and then barfs up standard-issue Colgate all over my sleeping bag."

And this one, the most poignant of all. Kopelman makes it back to the States before Lava does. He is waiting word:

"And then the email arrives. But instead of opening it, you sit there and stare at the computer... Then you open it.

Iraq closes its borders with Jordan. Four Romanian journalists are kidnapped in Baghdad. A major US newspaper reports that "mental disorders" among Afghanistan and Iraq veterans are on the rise.

Then you read it.

Car bombs kill eleven more in Baghdad.

As of 1600 hours Iraq time, Lava is out of the country.

Twenty US troops are wounded at the Abu Ghraib prison attack.

And for the second time in your adult life, you break down and cry."

So if you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend this book. If you've read it, let me know your thoughts.

The bulletin board

2008-01-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

I tacked a note on the Minto bulletin board this afternoon with the web address for this blog. I'm hoping some folks from the park will feel compelled to check out the writings and leave some of there own.

Strange thing about the dog park - I ran into a woman today that I worked with about 10 or 12 years ago. She recognized me and struck up a conversation. Sometimes this happens. Talking about our dogs seems to be a safe way to make introductions, renew acquaintances and build community. This is a big help for someone like me who tends to be more introverted and shy. Fortunately, I have a chocolate lab whose picture is next to the dictionary definition of extrovert and who's not the least bit shy to give a sniff hello and a big kiss on the lips.

Rain, rain and more rain

2008-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Only in Oregon can the sun be shining while it is raining. Each day during the winter months I scan the western horizon and try to gauge the direction of the rain clouds. This morning, the sun broke through the gray clouds. I loaded Gracie in the Escape and made my way to Minto. Half way there the rain drops fell on the windshield. I craned my neck to check the clouds - a few high clouds, but a lot of blue sky. Nuts. My grandma use to say there would be three more days of rain if it rained while the sun was out.

Thirty-one years in Oregon has taught me two things: be prepared to enjoy outdoor activities in the rain and always have your rain gear handy. As I parked at the Minto parking lot, I donned my sunglasses, slipped on my rain pants and pulled on my rain parka. I stuffed my gloves in my pocket just in case the wind picked up.

Gracie doesn't need rain gear. Her lab coat provides her with all the protection she needs. So she gets impatient waiting for me to get organized. I hesitate a minute trying to decide if I need to wear my hat - a lovely fashion statement of waterproof material and ear flaps. I leave it behind trusting my growing experience in predicting the weather - the blue sky on the western horizon is overtaking the clouds. This must be the break the weatherman called for.

Gracie danced frantically begging me to throw the ball. She leaped at me several times trying to snatch it from the Chuck It. On her third leap she took me down. I landed unceremoniously in a soup of mud (and I'm afraid to think of what else). I congratulated myself for having the foresight to suit up in my rain gear. I chucked the ball for Grace so she would not feel inclined to "help" me up. As she dashed after her prized tennis ball, I mustered what remaining dignity I had and hobbled back to the car to towel off.

Once upon a time

2008-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

My favorite dog park story happened long before I had Gracie. Many years ago I would borrow my friend's Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix - a neurotic handful named Fergie, and head to the park for a game of ball. One day while I was there, an older couple were desparately trying to corral their dog and get him in the car. My memory conjures up some type of springer spaniel for this story, but I can't be sure. As the man chased the dog around the park trying to snap the leash on him, the woman stood dejectedly by the car. To anyone who would listen she said: "We wanted grandchildren, but our daughter gave this dog instead." I laughed out loud. Probably not the response she wanted.

The off leash park at Minto Brown is a the McDonald's playland of the dog world. While I don't necessarily believe dogs are small children in fur coats, it is my intention to provide Gracie with a meaningful dog life. So I appreciate this wonderland of open space. Dogs are, after all, pack animals and I think they appreciate the opportunity to be dogs.

Remind me to tell you about Gracie and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Hunter.

Let the adventure begin

2008-01-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

For two years, my dog Gracie and I have been frequent visitors to the off-leash dog park at Minto-Brown. Rain or shine you can usually find us there. Sometimes we're there in the early mornings when the fog is beginning to lift and you can only hear the geese overhead. Other times we're there at mid-day when parking is at a premium and have to take a number to get a spot in the parking lot. And in the summer months we show up as the sun dips behind the giant cottonwood trees.

The park has been a life-saver for me. Gracie is a rambunctious chocolate lab who needs weekly interactions with other people and, especially, other dogs.

I think we are very lucky to have such a large off-leash area in the heart of Salem. I have been "googling" other dog parks in the Willamette Valley to compare features and attributes. I have noticed that some dog parks have volunteer organizations responsible for the maintenance, sustainability and improvement of the park area. Seattle, for example, has a group called COLA (Citizens for Off-Leash Areas) that has been able to bring about significant improvements to their dog parks. Check them out at: http://www.coladog.org/

What kind of things could we do for Minto?

Many of you have spent your weekends spreading barkdust on the trails in an attempt to keep the mud at bay.

Some of you have influence at City Hall and the Parks Department and have been able to secure new gravel for the parking lot and a port-a-potty for the humans to use.

All of us have the capability to keep this off-leash area safe, clean and a fun place to play.

From time to time I'll be posting my observations and dog park stories on this site. If the opportunity comes up, I would also be glad to provide this blog as a forum for brainstorming and organizing ideas for keeping our dog park the happiest place in Salem (with apologies to Disneyland).

Let me hear from you.