Time.......

Well, it's been a little while. Much has probably happened since I last wrote. What? Well, let my addlepated little mind wrap itself around the past couple of weeks.

Skally's energy had been waning. I gave that up to her age, and the fact that she wasn't completely thrilled about having to share with another being. All seemed well, until one day I came home to find her in the bed, with the bed soaking in her urine. Yuck! I know.

However, my first thought was 'What is going on?' This was completely out of character for her. I also noticed that there was poop two days (not in a row) in different parts of the house, when I awoke. She wasn't going to tell me anything - this, a little vomit, and peeing at night, as well as during the day in the house. This from the girl who, as I recalled from her youth, howled when she couldn't quite make it outside (hence the dog door); this happened once. It had been approximately 12 years since anything like this had happened - and it was one time when she darted through the house to go outside - I didn't open the door quickly enough - never happened again - until now.

I decided, after washing all the bed linens, etc, that we needed to walk further, and I needed to ensure all the pee was out of her before I headed off to work. Didn't happen. She seemed quite tenuous to go outside. In fact, she nearly flat out refused! It was as though she had been traumatized by something out there.

I was perplexed. After watching her a few days, and realizing this wasn't going anywhere good, I called Dr. Leddy.

We went to the good doctor's office, weighed Rusty (78 pounds! Yay! Down 9!) and Skally (68 Pounds - good sign). She examined her, and we determined to try hormone therapy - yes, the same therapy as women have after menopause.

So, after the first pill, the next day, Skally had more vigor. She seemed much better. After the second day, even more.

The second night, Rusty, apparently used to having his way with the chew bones, etc., in the family room, decided to wander in to Skally's territory which had been fine before - until that night!

I was in the other room, when I heard a great violent and raging cocophony. Skally had her mojo back, and she warn't gwanna give up her bone! It was settled, and Rusty came running to me. Skally eyed him warily.

I was thrilled. She was coming back to herself, as I hadn't seen in months!

Dr. Leddy will phone tomorrow or Wednesday with results of the tests they ran on her; I'm praying there isn't anything else that might be amiss - like kidneys, or cancer or anything else; I can't stand to lose her - she must needs be immortal.

Other than that, Rusty is coming along well. After my chat with him about dawdling on walks, he seems to have given in. He trots at a pace with Skally, and it seems as though they make fantastic pack partners in this milieu.

At the park, Rusty is playing, and Skally began to show her colors from months ago, where she plays and barks with the other dogs - usually through the fence with Ziggy, where they talk smack.

I pray all is well with the world.

Yesterday, too, a woman approached me and began to ask about Syd & Cubby. Her dog used to play with them years ago, and I had forgotten who they were. When she mentioned her dog's name, I remembered. He had died of cancer- I thought they had just moved. She was moved by the stories of Syd & Cubby and their ailments that led to their deaths. It was sobering.

So, now, after our walk, and a little breakie, Daddy is going to take his shower and hie to work and the gym. When I get home, I hope it's warmer than the 37 degrees it is outside, and we'll head to the park to play with Bella Blue, Pepper, and all the others we have come to know.

And Skally will be even better!

Mid Week October 6, 2011

I've created a monster.

I've created a monster.

I've created a monster.

Did I mention I believe I've created a monster?

Yesterday, rather than hit the gym (I figured if Rusty could go on a "boot camp regimen, then must I!), I rushed home to beat the rain. Skally was asleep - but not for long. Rusty was gadding about the house, happy to see me, and happy to be let out (he still can't understand the doggie door).

As soon as I opened the door to the garage, they both rushed to the car. I put Rusty in - it seems as though he was ready to leap in, but doubtful he could - and Skally immediately followed suit (she gets in the front. Usually, she wanders around the car, making me stalk her - much as Syd used to do - until finally she wanted to get in.). WE got to the park - nice, sunny, and moist.

Skally got out with her leash on, and Rusty came out the back, but didn't stop when I told him. No. He began to rush to the dog park. Yes. He ran ahead of us, and when I told him to stop, he did, then turned, smiled and with a little leap of evil, he continued to run.

Upon entering the park, Rusty ran over to a new dog, and then did his business, as did Skally. I went over to talk with Victor, and they double-teamed me, barking and refusing to let up. So, I ran with them. And run they did. Rusty was trying to out-maneuver Skally, and Pepper and Rusty were vying for me - whilst Skally went a'sniffin'. This continued for several minutes, with Skally coming to me and me chasing her while Rusty was off chasing a young yellow lab and Pepper.

Rusty, after a bit, realized that if he were to pick up a ball, other dogs would come to him - as it was their ball they had been playing with. This was quite new. I even threw a ball for him a short distance, and he fetched it, brought it back, and refused to let go, no matter what. There was evil mischief in his liver-colored eyes!

I found a rope for him to tug with, and Pepper took the other side. Rusty pulled, and Pepper let go- Rusty went tumbling, looking at me as though I had done him a great injustice - so rope was no longer an option, at least for now.

This was how it continued, until the rain began to come down heavier and heavier. Others left, and some more came, but my two just stood there, as statues, guarding me, growing damper and damper. So we left.

At home, the frivolity continued for them both. I swear. It has been so long since I've seen Skally be so animated for so long. The aura of the house is good.

This morning, though, neither had tons of energy - but there was something in the air that made them badger me until we finally left and walked; Rusty, though, was hardly the epitome of energy once out the door. It wasn't until we crossed back over the street on the downhill side of the hill that he picked up steam - and then it was to take the short walk route, and they both flew.

This is happiness, with a touch of evil mischief.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wow! It has been some time since I posted, and things are looking up!

Well, Rusty and Skally are getting along famously. There was one instance where Rusty knocked Skally when we were leaving for our morning walk, and Skally "vented" on Rusty - he certainly took notice! But, since then, they seem to be doing fine. I did have the talk with Skally that she was a hunter and he was a herder, so it was fine they had different jobs, but he was her underling. That seemed to do the trick.

Since then, we have visited with Miss Yvonne and her cat, Nitro, for lunch. The dogs wandered around her yard - Skally kept schlepping through the gardens, much to Miss Y's chagrin, until she had to be leashed and kept by my side. Rusty, just kept near me - apparently hoping I wasn't leaving him. Well, he got his wish, of course.

We also went to PetUtopia for the Doggie Spa Day. No, we didn't get the pawdicures, or the massages, but we did buy some things for noshes, and they had their pictures taken by Aaron McNally from 12amphotography. They are marvelous pictures. When I posted them, I received all sorts of comments on Facebook, and other people came up to me to compliment them. I would certainly expect no less of my pups and their photos - they are the most beautiful critters in the world!

Last weekend, we headed up north to Port Angeles to spend the weekend with my mum. Of course, Skally spent the entire trip with her head out the window enjoying the freeway breezes! I was a little concerned, as she stayed in the backseat with Rusty, but then I figured they were bonding. We finally arrived around 930 pm to Mum's. When she first saw Rusty, she said, "Oh my God! He's huge! He's as big as a piece of furiture!" I assured her he had lost a ton of weight (which he has - probably close to 15 pounds), and she would appreciate him. She did. But she has a strong affinity for Skally - I overheard her talking to Skally, spoiling her - she later denied it, but it did my heart good.

We went for a walk on Ediz Hook, where I was happily surprised to see Rusty hopping on logs and moving gracefully over them. His back legs are much stronger now! He got more workouts when we went to Salt Creek Park, and Lincoln Park. They spent most of that time off leash, rushing through the woods, brush, and Skally immersed herself often in the waters, either of the resevoir, or the straits. She was in heaven, as was Rusty.

ON the day we left, we headed out to Port Williams, and Mum wasn't feeling so good. The tide was rather high, and we had to do some extra climbing to get to the real beach, which is more of a marsh and spit. As Mum was feeling so ill, we decided to head to a park in Sequim, where they ran and ran. Of course it wasn't really legal, but they are creatures of the wild. Skally went into the creek, and Rusty simply marched by my side.

We headed home, and hadn't seen much rain. Skally rode in the front seat with, of course, her head out the window, enjoying the cool breezes along 101 and the Hood's Canal. Then it began to rain. Did this stop her? Certainly Not! By the time we stopped for a rest break just outside Hoodsport at Potlatch Park, her head and upper toro were soaked. So, as I closed the window before we got out, she shook all over the interior. I was not amused.

From there, She decided to remain in the back seat, much to Rusty's annoyance. He refused to move over closer to the other window, so Skally straddled him as she kept her head out the window for the next 2.5 hours. Once in a while, though, she re-adjusted, and her feet went into Rusty (he still wouldn't budge. I swear he's ever so stubborn!)and he barked at her. But, she decided it was her car, first, so he could move. Two bull-headed pups.

Monday night, I realized Skally was not walking properly. I watched her closely, and her left leg seemed to be quite stiff. This was concerning. So, I gave her a little hip massage, and she went to sleep in the bed, where I joined her. Eventually, she left and went to the hallway.

Tuesday, we went for an abbreviated walk, as the weather was rather moist, and neither seemed interested in anything longer. She was still stiff. And more so, and demonstrating some pain that night. So I massaged her a bit more - hoping that the morning would find decent weather for a goodly walk, where we could actually go out.

We did head to PetSmart for some snacks (Duck and Yams), and they had a marvelous time sniffing about. After 20 minutes, though, it was time to leave. We came home, did our regular routine and went to bed.

This morning, we got up, and she seemed to be moving much better. Perhaps it was the car ride and the straddling that got her. We had a good hour plus walk at a very nice pace - Rusty, many times, leading the way, and when they were both off leash, he was trotting after Skally! Usually, he's lagged behind. Another sign of progress!

So, now we're home, about to eat our breakfast before I head off to work. This evening, I'm hoping the weather holds out and we can convene with Sonny and Aaron at the park for them to play. It would do us all some good!

Running and Running and Running and.....

Wow.

This week, the boy has really been running a lot! Wednesday night, he and Skally had me chasing them and running from them, and they were having a blast! I was a little fatigued by the time we left!

Rusty was on his feet chasing and sniffing and having a lovely time, while Skally walked about hoping that I would begin again. But no. So, she found a young, un-neutered male who she watched out the corner of her eye; but, alas and alack, he was still a pup, and wanted to run with the other dogs - she demands exclusivity. She's a princess that way.

Well, last night I ran with them, but Rusty kept joining in the pack, and Sonny, a young rescue, decided that he would run away from her, since she LOVES to herd him. So, for nearly an hour and a half, Rusty was going going going going, much to the amazement of the other dog pops and moms who were watching, and have seen him develop over the past 5 weeks.

One thing I noted, was that Rusty is a bit of a pill. He really wants the dogs to run for him to chase them. But he's a good pill. When he and another dog had Sonny pinned to the ground, I called him and he turned and came right away - but then ran back once I gave him permission. He was a dog in heaven!

When we came home, both dogs crashed! I fed them, and they scarfed down their meals (of course I gave them a little steak with their meals - maybe that helped, but it was really only gilding the lily with their hunger!). Then they fell asleep. They awoke only to have their nylabone dessert, and then were comatose until bed time, which was only walking from one room, down the hallway and into the bedroom.

This morning, Rusty was a little slow in getting up - slower than yesterday, which was another slow start - usually he's up and gadding about within a few minutes of my slogging around the kitchen. Skally was a little tired, as well, but she was really raring to go when walk-time came about.

Rusty was quite slow on the walk today - yesterday was a good one, with the challenge to walk all the way up to the top of 185th and through the new neighborhood. I love the sparkle of the lights below - you can see Hillsboro, North Plains, Beaverton, and the West Hills of Portland - but today we went on our usual trek. He seemed inclined to just walk a block and then return. Even this, though, seemed a challenge. But we did it. And once we hit the grade school, he was showing his fatigue. However, he rose to the challenge and came galumphing up to me at the gate and his pace quickened as we headed back up the hill to home.

Now, he's quietly dozing next to me, awaiting his breakfast. Skally is in the hallway with one eye open. We'll see how active they are this afternoon.

To be honest, the pallor of death has lifted from the house. It feels alive again after the deaths of Cubby and Syd, which still smart and make me quite sad. I verily miss them so much, as does Skally. But the enervation of Rusty has helped raise the optimism and life which once was here - we're nearly normal, but it will be difficult to say we'll ever be the same without our wonderful Ba's.

Becoming a dog

After a very long walk in the morning, which Rusty seemed to really enjoy, I was impressed. He is becoming more and more of a dog. He is lifting his leg, doing a paw wipe after pees and poops, and playing well with most other dogs. He really seems to enjoy the park!

I had a chat with Skally and Rusty on Sunday. There still seems to be something missing in their relationship - that there truly is one - and if we're going to be a successful pack, this needs to stop!

I explained to Skally and Rusty that they both have different jobs. Skally's is to hunt, and Rusty's is to herd. They might need to figure out how they are going to blend the two so they can play, but that is up to them.

So, later, after returning from Sunday dinner, I gave them both their chew bones. They lay quite close to each other. I stayed in the room, sat down and watched - just in case. Success!

Yesterday, Monday, I noticed there was a little more interplay between them. And when we got to the park, they sort of stuck around each other. In fact, at one point, whilst I was at the picnic table jabbering with Victor, Aaron and other dog owners, I noticed they were laying side-by-side. Could this mean progress? I surely hope so!

Rusty was attacked by Muffin, a small mixed breed, when Muffin brought his ball over by Rusty and Rusty dared to sniff it. I was impressed that Rusty fought back - but he wasn't quite as spry as the 35 pounder, and his ear was slightly chewed - but no blood, and he seemed shaken, but not stirred.

This morning, though, Rusty kept shaking his head as though something was amiss in his ear. He was much slower this morning, and although we took a shorter walk (he and Skally really played hard last night), he kept shaking his head, which worries me.

Upon our return, I did a little cleaning with some ear swabs, and there was dirt. I mean dirt! I got a bit out, and the shaking stopped. Hopefully this was all it was, but I need to keep watching.

Now that order seems to have come to our little manse, Skally is being a little mischievous, and it does my heart so much good. Now, before we eat and I head out, they are resting happily.

Life is good.

4 weeks and still changing!

Wow!

Rusty is herding. But, there is unrest on the homefront. Skally has decided he needs to leave. She's not very thrilled with his presence. Apparently, she has been enjoying her ability to free-feed, and Rusty has taken it upon himself, of late, to take advantage of that.

This morning, he was caught eating her food - which is quite different from hers. This was my suspicion, yesterday, when he suddenly was pooping up a storm - and I don't mean small ones - I mean gargantuan ones - and his body seemed to have grown a little. Hmmmmmmmmm.

This morning, after he was caught, I re-fed Skally, and he had nothing (it was all left over from last night, and she had barely touched her food - about 2 cups worth). He is currently lying, repentant, next to me as I write this.

This week, I went back to the old grind. Upon my return, Rusty went straight outside and did his deed. It was rather warm, and neither of the pups wanted to go outside much - they preferred the A/C in the house, which was nearly 20 degrees cooler. I couldn't blame them.

We walked, though, and day-by-day, Rusty has grown stronger. Our walks are longer, and faster. Skally appreciates this, and Rusty has begun to demonstrate some interesting personality traits.

Rusty now barks at me if he feels I'm not doing what he wants. This was a shock, from a dog who, I was told, doesn't bark. When I give him a direction, he seems to understand and then does it - as in, "Go chase those dogs!" We spent nearly 3 hours at the park yesterday, before the temperatures got above 85, and then home before noon, so they could rest, and cool off.

On Friday evening, I played with Skally in the backyard, and Rusty joined in. Skally liked ME playing with her, but when Rusty came into the picture, she glared at me, barked, and then turned and went inside. Obviously, she believes him to be the alpha now, and after 13 years, this doesn't sit right with her. I don't blame her. Yet, at the park, they go their separate ways, and she is somewhat content.

However, I did take Rusty to meet my neighbor's dogs, and when I opened the gate, Frenchie rushed Rusty, and began to attack him. Rusty just sat there. Luckily he has thick fur around his neck, and Frenchie is a boxer, so no damage was done. So, this didn't work out well.

He is still my shadow. He is still galumphing around the yard and the park. He rolls around on his back and has fits of energy that are truly delightful. He loves bones. He loves lying in the doorways and hallways blocking any and all traffic. He is becoming a little more comfortable. Whew!

This morning it's to the park, walk, and then yard work. The pups should be spending some time outside despite the temperature of 95. They prefer to be with me in Hell, rather than sit around luxuriating in the cool of the house...at least for a few minutes.

Rusty avoids water like the plague, so while Skally splashes around in the kiddie pool, or the pond, Rusty simply sips water from the pool, and walks away. Water is not his friend, I believe. It's supposed to rain a little next week, which may prove to be rather interesting to deal with.

I think I can wait.

August 28 - Sunday, Monday Tuesday and Wednesday.

Watching a dog become a dog is rewarding!

Sunday, Rusty began really playing at the park. He and Skally were barking at me after we played in the open field.

There were a couple of dogs who were playing roughly, and one of them was a 7 month old pitbull mix. He was a wild one. Rusty took him on, galumphing after him and barking orders. Skally began playing with a giant schnauzer, and wasn't at all interested in Rusty's shenanigans (it would seem they are finally beginning to bond). After Rusty's romp with the pit, he was proud. He ran over to where Skally and I were, and chest bumped her with a huge grin. Skally was somewhat shocked. Never had anyone, least of all another dog, chest bumped her. This was the beginning of the bond.

On Monday, Rusty was a little tired from all the running about he had done the day before. But we still took our walk - it was 20 minutes longer than normal, but he did it. I went to work, afterward.

Upon my return home, we headed for the park and guess what!? More galumphing and running about! Skally's corgie friend showed up, as well, and they played for quite some time. Rusty tried to play with them, but they shut him out - so he ran after some other dogs.

His energy level is increased, and it's obvious he's losing some weight! He is still having some troubles climbing stairs, but that's about pacing, at this time, rather than an inability; you see, he tries to charge up the stairs which, with his weight, forces his legs to slip. When I walk slowly before him, he tends to have fewer problems. He is getting much better, though.

Tuesday, a brisk walk (how about that!) in the morning, and out to the park in the afternoon. We went to the big dog park, and Rusty began chasing Sonny, the dog from the news who had been stolen from PetSmart's dog adoption program (no, his current people adopted him - he had been returned). Sonny's owner told me that Rusty had bitten his dog, but everything was okay. So, I watched Rusty a little more closely - He did it again with another dog - but it wasn't a bite. In his attempts to herd & chase the other dogs, Rusty mouths them or jabs at them with his nose - quite interesting. I told Sonny's dad, and we watched and realized this was true. Thank goodness - I thought I was going to have a problem! Pepper, the park mascot (for all intents and purposes), has begun to like Rusty. She caters more to Skally - they're both alpha females, but Pepper, a pit bull mix, succumbs to Skally's wishes, and is quite submissive to her!

We then took a good walk, and home for dinner and bones.

Wednesday, more of the same. Good walk, and in the evening (I was a little later coming home) the park. Tonight Rusty demonstrated dominance. He began to hump Sonny as Sonny was dominating another dog. I was a little shocked! But we laughed. He did it again later, but it did me good to see his joints were becoming a little looser.

He ran a little more, and with more dexterity - his turns and his moves showed more finesse. Impressive!

A walk then dinner and chewies. He slept quite well!