Dog Toys...and such....

My dogs love to play.

Not necessarily with each other (seriously), but with toys.

They won't even play with other dogs, much - it's rare.

So, how do they play? And what do they play with?



Years ago, when Skally was still a pup, she and Cubby (the schipperke) used to play tug-o-war with one of those ropes, made to play tug-o-war with.

Cubby in his later years.

And Syd, Skally, and Cubby used to frolic in the family room, wrestling, jumping, leaping and just having a wonderful time!

Syd relaxing

Then came the fire. We won't go into the backstory of this, but let's just say the dogs were more traumatized than I had originally believed. After a month in a kennel, they were finally back home to a house under construction - their "playroom", kitchen and nook were completely bare for 3 more months (yes, it was utter Hell!).

Skally in the new kitchen circa 2005.

After this, they didn't have the same joie de vivre with one another they once had. No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to work. Until.......

For Syd's eighth birthday, I bought him a foodball. He had had a "die", which he would roll around the house, but it was square, and Cubby seemed to be taking it over...Cubby could be somewhat vicious when he felt possessive, and Syd, wisely, avoided him and the cube.

This foodball made his eyes twinkle. He was so very happy. Odd to believe a dog would know he had a gift just for him, on his birthday, but he did. It squeaked and made other noises, as it was rolled about the rooms (and boy did he ever exercise with this). Then Cubby decided he needed to have this. He went after the ball with a vengeance. Poor Syd didn't know what to do. So, I hatched a plan. AS these weren't terribly expensive (about $6.95 each), I bought three more. 'Now,' I thought, 'Cubby will not be able to micromanage these!'

How wrong I was.

Skally could care less about these things. The rope was of no interest. She enjoyed watching them, and though she was the youngest of the three (she was a year younger than Cubby, and two younger than Obsydian), she watched as a maternal figure. There's something truly remarkable about her - the grace, style, dignity and finesse she exhibits, still, at age 15.5.

With 4 foodballs and one food die around the house, there was the constant sound of 'peep', 'squeak', 'bang', and then barking and growling with whining. Cubby was exhausting himself running between the toys, waiting for Syd to roll them around. He wouldn't employ them, but lie down guarding them. Syd would eventually go to another finding Cubby throwing himself in the way. Skally would be with me in another room, looking at me as though saying, "Those boys will never learn."

So, to relieve tension, I would take the items away for a period of time to much protest.

I couldn't give Syd stuffed toys - he'd rip them apart in no time.

I did find those balls that have the "cookie" you screw in. I bought three sizes, the very large for Skally (she lost interest after 5 minutes - just wasn't worth it for her, I guess), a medium for Syd, and a smaller size for Cubby. They weren't cheap, and the cookies were expensive, as well.

Syd took those over, and took on Cubby's first, popping out the cookies and gobbling them up. Then he would go to Skally's - his record was 15 minutes for both cookies and the screw that held them in place. Then his own, which was gone in no time flat (though a little quicker than Cubby's).

Kongs with peanut butter were fine, but I needed to find something that wasn't food oriented - alas, there wasn't anything that struck their fancy...

After Cubby passed, sadly, at age 12 from nerve damage suffered from a pit bull attack, I brought out the balls again, and these weren't played with as much. There was the pall of depression from both Syd and Skally. And when Syd passed from cancer 7 months later (he was 14), I gave away the balls that were still intact (Syd had figured out how to take out the "dials" that regulated the dispensing of the kibble). Skally had no interest - she was more interested in chasing rodents, and fence fighting with the neighbor dogs.

When Rusty came to roost in our abode, he liked having stuffed animals, but was indifferent - he now had a new life, which included going outside, walks, the park, and other enticements (he had been in a small townhouse with cats, no yard, and no exercise).

Then came Sammy. Sammy has his stuffed animals, Timmy Mouse and Ricky Racoon. HE loves these. He came, as well, with his Eyore, which sits atop the microwave stand in the kitchen, with various other ripped "in need of repair" stuffed toys. I would sew these, but as soon as I take them down, he's grabbing at them, and won't allow me to mend them!

Then came Simon. Simon is very much a ball dog. He loves balls. He lives for balls. Balls are his passion. So, noting that the only foodball I had was damaged by Syd, and I kept it as a reminder, I bought a rubber foodball.

This is very popular with Simon, Sammy and Rusty. I fill it up, Simon grabs the ball and walks around the house with it in his mouth, and inadvertently drops kibble here and there, with the vacuum mouths of Sammy and Rusty cleaning it up. Simon also rolls it, as does Rusty and Samson (when Simon goes to drink water).

The ball uses their minds. It's good therapy for them. Skally watches, or sleeps. She has no interest. But then, sh is much older than they.

They play a little with each other - Rusty and Skally play off each other. Samson and Simon (both 6) play together, with Samson terrorizing Simon (yesterday, he rose up on his hind legs, and played Godzilla at Samson. It was hysterical, and I didn't have a camera handy - doggone it!).

However the days of wrestling and frolic aren't there. I miss them in my mind. Perhaps I radiate my age, but I'm glad they're mellower than that. A hearty walk in the morning, and a long frolic in the park in the evening - sometimes with a walk - seem to do them well. They're all healthy and happy.

Right now, Skally is pacing the room, hoping I'll chase her around the house (good for their mental stimulation - keeps her young!), Rusty is at my feet, Samson on the sofa with Timmy Mouse, and Simon is rolling the ball in the other room...

My lesson is that simple surpasses anything fancy.

Packing - no....not luggage

A beautiful day. We're having wonderful weather - albeit breezy and cool. But it's not raining, nor snowy. Ice on the ground in the mornings, and the wind chill is there - but it's still bright enough to enjoy.

This seems to be a pep pill for the pups. They love the sun, especially when it doesn't mean needing air conditioning, fans, or very early and late night exercise to escape the heat. It's nearly pleasant out.

Of course, the rest of the country seems to be in an icy bind, but we aren't, so we can relish this.

As the dogs were at the park, today, I pondered upon their not playing much with many other dogs as they once did.

When Skally and I were just a pair, she would play often with several dogs. She revelled in finding others to play with. Now, at age 15.5, she has slowed, but still, every once in a while, she finds a young virile stud, and keeps pace with him to her best abilities. Sometimes it's embarrassing. She's my cougar. Yup! She may look frail and dainty, but once her hormones begin pumping, she's right there! Wow!

When Rusty came, she still kept it up, and eventually Rusty would run out and chase other dogs; herding them, as it were, nipping and doing a short sprint or two, here and there. After he nipped me, though, he seemed to have stopped...it may have been my reaction, which was a loud "OW!" and a reminder everytime he was on my heels chasing me. He didn't truly stop, though. He still managed a good run - but other dog parents seemed to be wary of him...Hmmmmmmmm.

Then, along came Samson. Samson usually runs around, plays with other dogs, or hounds after them. It's cute. It's harmless. He's quite popular among the other humans, and some dogs...well, that is until....

Simon came along. Simon gets to chase the ball. Simon gets to run. Simon goes about leaning into other people. Simon is another favorite with the park patrons. Samson seems to resent this - Samson seems to go after Simon (about a 60-70 pound difference, mind you) more at the park than anywhere else. Poor Simon!

Simon used to play with other dogs, as well, when he first came to live with us. Yet, within a month - after chucking the ball became a routine, he seemed to stop, disregarding many of his earlier pals.

Why?

I'm not completely sure. But what dawned on me, today, was they are truly a pack.

I thought back to last week at the beach. They walked as a pack, keeping me as the leader (as it should be), and venturing out a little to investigate, but always coming back to the group. They're well-mannered, as well, just sniffing as if window shopping, and not creating a fuss.

Today at the park, they walked around sniffing, but they wouldn't interact with any other dogs unless I had. And if I patted another dog, or had them near me, mine rushed to my side to remind me they were mine. They don't want to share any more, apparently.

But after doing some research, what I discovered was the Pack Guards the Home. This means that wherever I am, as leader, they are going to be by my side, ensuring nothing happens. But that poses the question as to "Why didn't they do this before?"

I have no idea. But, what I'm thinking (not believing at this juncture in time), is that every year, for the past 3, I have added to the pack. Each dog has his/her own needs. Skally is still the sole female of the group, and she oversees them all. She has been quite standoffish for the past year, but is coupling with Rusty, and even with Simon at times, in her relaxation phases. Samson is a no-brainer. He will cuddle with anyone - including me. But he resents sharing the bed with Simon....

And the other dogs they play with at the park are established friends of theirs. If we see them on a regular basis, or there's a history of friendship/activity with the other dog, then they're tolerated or accepted; so long as they aren't going to be living under our roof. They can come and play - just not stay; especially if it's a female (Skally doesn't tolerate any other female but herself living here).

I find this quite interesting. It would appear that I have been watching this happen over the past decade with all my pups, but only recently has it come to my attention.

If anyone reads this and finds that it's relevant to what they've seen, experienced, questioned, or whatever, then I beg them to share!

House Cleaning for Dog Parents 101 (and cat people, too, I suppose...)

I remember not long ago, someone I work with posted on Facebook with a picture of what their dog had wrought - tons of clumps of hair, strewn all over the house and on the carpet. They were so full of woe.

Well, my friends, that is what can happen if you're not brushing & grooming your pup on a regular basis! I know. I am remiss, at times, until I find clumps hither and thither around the house, and follow them to their source(s). It's a bit of a bother - if you have one. I have four. And, to make things worse, I have one who sheds who, as soon as she sees that brush in my hand, skedaddles as quickly as possible out the door and into the backyard.

Skally hates to be brushed - so I take our Furminator with us to the park, and get it done there. That way, we have no big mess at the house, and the birds and other critters can take the fur for nesting. There are those "people" who are dead set against doing this, as they don't like the fur in the park, but they're not natural humans - they're the type that have house cleaners, maids, and other servants who take care of them - and they really have no clue how to groom. Forget them. They're as trivial as their opinions, usually...

Rusty needs to be Furminated, as do Simon and Skally. He loves it, as does Simon. But Rusty also needs to be brushed to keep from natting and knotting. Samson is the same - but he doesn't get Furminated...it won't work with his type of fur. He just gets brushed. And there's tons of hair from all of them! And if I do it at home, well, there's tons of fur; and if I don't do it, there's tons of fur.

And as for the dust - well, keeping them groomed and washed makes a ton of difference!

So. Years ago, when I had my two Schipperkes and Skally, I was vacuuming about once a week, which I thought was pretty normal. But when I did, I realized I was dumping the bin quite often, and it never seemed to decrease. I was using a powerful vacuum, so I figured it was leaving very little in the carpet and around the house. HA!

I began vacuuming daily. On Day 2, I discovered there was a little difference in the amount I was collecting, and Day's 3 and 4, the amount continued to decrease. It took a week before I realized I was still going to have about 1/4 the amount in the bin no matter what - unless I was was brushing and washing the dogs daily. Well, I'm a pinnacle of human nature, so that wasn't going to happen!,

What I did realize, though, was that by vacuuming daily, the amount of dust in the house decreased amazingly! The grout in the kitchen marble was returning to a normal clean color. I had less dusting to go after on a weekly basis. I found the house was beginning to smell better, as well. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Now, mopping....Ugh!
I used to use PineSol, and other assorted cleaners, including Swiffer WetJet. I stopped. Not mopping. But using those products. Why? Because they're full of harmful chemicals.

You see, dogs, cats, and other critters of their ilk absorb those chemicals into their pads as they walk over them (it doesn't matter if the floors are dry). Then the chems filter their way into their bloodstream. The Swiffer cleaner, I discovered, was one molecule different than Anti-freeze. So, that stuff went immediately into the trash.

Then I heard that using vinegar on the floors was safe. So, we began mopping with that. I was using it on pee stains, windows, interior of the car windows, so why not on the floors. Well, if you've marble, and are using regular grout (not synthetic), then it eats at it, and makes it crumble. I have marble on some floors - so that's not going to work for long...

Youch!

Then I realized that boiling water would really do more good, and then wiping the water up with towels. That made for an awesome floor. But, being the pinnacle of human nature, it wasn't going to happen on a daily or even weekly basis. too much work, and too time consuming.

Thankfully, there are those steam mops out there, now. Just hot water! I even have a handheld, which has made my life so much easier! And it dries much faster. This, for me, is a no brainer. The dogs may notice..when I don't clean, all of use seem to sneeze more often, and I see a lot more hair floating around...

One of the chief rules of cleaning with a pet, is to keep them safe, and you sane with ease and no chemicals. Twenty years ago, I'm not sure this would have been possible, unless you did the boiling water thing. Today, there are vacuums with pet attachments, with pets in mind. It's a growing business! But, be careful.

When I bought my vacuum a little over a year ago (I had back problems, and the vacuum I was using was too heavy), I needed something that worked well, was for the budget conscious, and would do the job for years. I went to the local vacuum store, which my family has patronized for years. I had read all the reviews in Consumer Reports, and then did digging about the ones I was interested in. I wasn't interested in Dyson (sorry) as I knew people who weren't raving about them - in fact, a couple were raging...

I took to one. The model up had the attachments, and would cost me $40 more. The salesman told me not to buy that one - and explained that the attachment wasn't worth that much, and if I really wanted it they'd sell it to me separately for less. I hated that tool, anyway - they always broke on my vacuums, so it was a no brainer.

Took that sucker home, and flew through the house. I paid well under $100 for it, and it's my saving grace.

Do I vacuum and mop daily? Well, being the pinnacle of human nature, I'd have to say, "No." But I do vacuum at least 3 times a week. I mop about 1-2 times a week, if possible, and I dust once a week.

I still need to figure out how to brush on a regular basis. But for now, I've got a plan - and the system is still booting...I'm eager to hear if anyone else has ideas to share...

Beach Crack

This morning the ice was everywhere. It was cold. Colder than last night. The deck and steps to the backyard were slick. Maybe that's why Skally had issues last night.

She had some urination problems - on the bed (of course, right where I sleep), and on the sofa - though the latter was only a fraction of what she took care of in the bedroom. I'm thinking it has something to do with her feeling quite frail, and not wanting to hazard the steps with ice on them...I'm hoping.

She's 15 1/2, and still in pretty good shape! We played chase last night (instigated by her), and she really went into the treats! Yesterday she shadowed a beagle - the same one she seems to want to get a hold of every time he comes to the park...When he's near, she becomes quite lithe and limber. Probably something to do with hormone rush.

So, this morning, the streets were slick, as were the walkways. Yet, I knew I had to drive to the coast - Cannon Beach - to meet with the tenant at the cabin the family has there. I was a little leery of walking the four of them, thinking it would be somewhat treacherous - but they were going to be in the car with me driving, so nothing could be more hazardous than that. Right!?

Skally spent a goodly time in the front yard when we awoke around 445am. All four pups are really good about going out in front (Syd and Cubby were notorious for running off and exploring to see just how big and grand the world was - but not these guys.) and staying within sight. Samson went with her once or twice (yes, it was cold out, and I left the front door & screen door open for them, so I wouldn't have to drag my robed self into the throes of such chilliness), and Rusty went, then came bouncing back in, barking and barking! Even Simon awoke and arose earlier than usual this morning, and went out on his own.

After we'd eaten, I took them up the street and back around through the greenspace (I cannot explain it, without using more time, but you'd still be confused if I did) and back home again - a 15 minute walk. We then grabbed gear and jumped in the car to hie to the beach!

Simon sat in front. Later Samson would join him. Rusty sprawled across the back seat and Skally stuck her majectic head out the window, while she stood on the armrest of the back passenger side door. Sometimes I realize this is something that really wears her down, but it also gives her great joy. She's old. Got it?! She has done this for the past 15 years, and it's doubtful it will kill her. Samson popped his head in and out of the back driver's side window (he figured out the buttons for the up/down of the window over a year ago. Rusty uses this for his own pleasure - and loves it when Sammy is in back with him).

The fog was icy and the roads were slick - especially the highway. Traffic moved pretty well, and we made it down to the coast in good time. The sun had broken through, and though it was still somewhat cold, the brightness made up for the chill.

I met with the tenant, and then the dogs went with me for a walk. A walk to the beach.

It was odd, though. When we entered the town of Cannon Beach, Simon perked up. I don't know that he'd ever been to the coast before in his 6 years. Samson had been once before, and loved it. Rusty had been twice.

Rusty's first trip was not long after I'd adopted him. He was still in shabby shape. When Skally and I had gone down on the sand, and I'd taken off their leashes, Rusty dropped down and just watched. It was difficult to get him up, and then walking continuously - his weight and his health were horrendous, and he did his best to attempt keeping up. His second trip, he had more energy, but he was still somewhat large, and we had gone down onto Crescent Beach, which is just north of town. He did quite well, but spent the majority of time lying next to me or walking when I walked. Today, though, he was up, alert, and excited.

Skally, even in her somewhat chilled condition from having her head too long in the frigid breezes, was happy. How could she not be? This was the BEACH! Disneyland for Dogs!

The air at the coast seems to be fraught with crack - at least for dogs. When they've been away from it for a while, they seem to lose all inhibitions and want to frolic in its joy.

We walked the block to the beach from the house, and once unleashed, Simon took off loping (he's a bit too big to really run that much), Samson flew down the sand, Rusty ran toward the water with Skally following.

They found a log, and then another, and another. They found kelp, branches, little dots of whatever. They put their heads against the lovely breeze that blew, keeping the temperature a little cool, but not chilly.

AS a pack they moved hither and thither. Samson ran up and down, sniffing a sand castle near Elk Creek (now dubbed Ecola Creek), and Skally threw herself into the icy waters, drinking with relish. Rusty and Simon stuck close to me, as I walked at a goodly gait.

They met other dogs, and nary a growl or bark was heard (odd for Rusty!). We went all the way up past town to the elementary school on the beach, and then back down to iconic Haystack Rock.
We met all kinds of people who seemed to stare at this man with 4 leashes about his neck, and 4 happy, contented and well-mannered pups (like I said, Crack!) walking about him, stopping only to sniff, be petted, investigate and trot quickly away from the waves that occasionally crept up in their way.

Skally began to drag. It was obvious she was feeling the drive - her hind legs support the majority of her weight in the car because of the need to have her head out. But she was smiling. This was good.

I had to take them on this trip - I don't know how much longer my Skally will endure, and as her early life (until she was about 8) had 2-weeks at the beach every summer, and many many weekends, as well, I felt neglectful about having waited a 1.5 years to bring her back. Her demeanor was of gratitude and fulfillment.

When we returned to the house, all 4 pups jumped into the car - and promptly fell asleep. Simon in the front with his chin propped upward on the glove compartment, his front legs dangling in front; Skally with her head regally preening out the window; Samson and Rusty curled up next to her in the back seat.

I'm not sure what it is about the beach. There's something. When we used to drive through Puget Sound, there wasn't any of the excitement, or the wonderment. Cubby, my schipperke who passed first, used to go crazy in the car once we drove into town - but on Hood's Canal, and even on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, he showed an interest, but not the "need to have it" craze like a crack addict.

Is it the sand? The water? The smells of all the history of the depths that washes ashore? The freedom of being able to gad about in the sand, encountering new dogs, new people, new smells and sensations? The feel of the sand underpaw? I really don't know. I do know, though, that with this type of daytrip comes happiness and joy for my pups. That's all I need.

A New Year & A Look Back....

It's been a quiet New Year - well, sort of.

Last year we saw lots of activity.

Simon came and joined us.

Skally, Simon and Rusty all caught Kennel Cough.

Rusty was down to 65 pounds.

Rusty has been quite rambunctious - and really having fun!

Samson has a back injury.

They had their first night away from Pops - when I went to move Mom's things from her house.

They had a dog sitter - for the first time - everytime I had to run to Port Angeles for the day.

Now, about the dog sitter. She's really sweet. She really tried. Rusty and Samson (Simon was not yet in the picture) even crawled into bed with her. Yet, they wouldn't allow her to walk them very far. They demanded to stay at home! She really tried to walk them....they like her. But, alas and alack, they just won't venture out very far without me. I'm not so sure what to do with this.

Meg (the dog sitter, also my step-niece), took the three of them to hike Forest Park. Well, Skally went 500 feet, and then demanded to go back to the car, where she remained sleeping. Rusty and Samson gleefully went for the 10 mile hike! Hmmmm.

New Year's Eve was somewhat eventful. There were fireworks going off all over the neighborhood - beginning around 730 pm. This frazzled Rusty and Samson. Rusty kept pawing me, at one point, but I thought it was because of his angst. No. I later found the persian rug in the bedroom soaked with pee...

After treateing it and the carpet beneath with baking soda, I took both him and Samson outside to drain. They were quite apprehensive, but the need to flow overcame them.

That night, we may have gone to be at 1030 (I was quite tired), but Rusty and Samson were lying next to me, very anxious. And Simon? Well, Simon went out like a light! I couldn't get my feet under him, as he was perpendicular to the bed, and he refused to budge. A few swift shoves of the feet helped, but it basically did nothing.

Finally, around 1210, the fireworks stopped, and I could sleep. 1230, Rusty jumped down from the bed. 210 am, Skally came into the bedroom barking at me. There was nothing I could see (when I dragged myself up) for her to have any inclination for barking.

We managed to sleep the rest of the night...until 6 am, when I woke - don't ask.

And Now, the New Year...

Yesterday, the dogs and I went to the park. Twice.

Skally found an 11 month old beagle that she adored. She was running. Yes. Running and pouncing and playing for quite some time! Viktor and I marveled at her 15 year old agility! Not only that, but she ran and pounced at the fence at other dogs, either walking outside the park, or in the little dog park! Such energy! Such agility! Such wonder!

The others were quite happy, moving about, getting strokes and pets.

They were quite tired.

And this evening, we will have the neighbors over for wine and pie. Still have to make the pie. Still need to finish cleaning and dusting (making up for months of neglect cannot be done in a day). But there's a serious dent already made during the past 2 weeks. Yay.

Well, that's all for now.

Happy New Year!