Week end with Mom!

9/5/09 Didn't feel like eating much this a.m. so I napped while Mom walked in the rain! Later when I did decide to eat TWO lunches I tried thanking her as I often do by gently bumping her leg or foot with my nose. Sometimes I use this same gesture to tell her I'm really hungry and could she please hurry with the food. Of course I can use my 'nuzzles' just to say 'Hi!", 'don't forget I'm here, too' or 'THERE you are'... Somehow she doesn't seem to appreciate my gesture of gratitude--she wipes the food which is caked in around my mouth off her leg right away. Maybe one day she will understand.

It never got very light today. I think maybe this is one time that I'm happy I can't hear or see very well since I could feel the electricity in the air. My suspicions were confirmed that it was a rainy day when I had to go out in it again to do my 'business'.

Perhaps the cooler drizzly day put me in the mood as I slept really well.

9/6/09 This morning Mom didn't get to me in time and I wet my bed. Only one other time did this happen but this one was WET. I wonder if some part of me knew it would be laundry day since because of that it didn't seem to be a big disaster to Mom. And she sure did hustle doing three loads, in and out, hanging it all on the line outside. She also talked on the phone.

Later a human that was in my life from the time I was born stopped by for something from Mom at the little box on the table. She let me sniff her hand but I didn't much feel like being petted since it was my naptime. She knew because I just didn't act much interested. Maybe eating two meals at a time is becoming a habit, since that's what I did again for dinner.

I sure do hope Mom can fit some more walks into our days since I look forward to them and they sure do keep me limbered up as much as is possible at my age.

So tired, tonight when Mom put me outside for last call that I sat and fell asleep in the yard! Needless to say it didn't take me very long to find that right and comfortable position for sleeping soundly all night.

Friday with Mom!

9/4/09 Mom didn't seem to be too affected by her interrupted sleep last night--at least didn't take it out on me. Other than a teensy accident that she stepped in but took calmly, all was well...

Back to when I was a puppy again... For some reason Mom heard a funny little questioning yawn sound coming from the back of her van when she took me and my cousins for our first puppy shots. She thought it cute & strange as she'd never heard anything like it before nor has she since from any other creature. Just me, since I'm still doing it. It means lots of things that she hasn't quite figured out yet. Mostly though it really is a question mark when I'm uncertain of something, like where were we going that first trip?...along with a bit of queazy feeling. Even this morning as Mom was carrying me back in from first potty call, I said that to her--but she didn't quite get my message (no matter how hard she tries).

Have to confess we had a couple of floor scrubbing accidents today. First I spilled my water by trying to get past it--just don't see it there. Then since going in circles is yet another means of communication that Mom just can't get, I tinkled on the floor. I was going in circles but she just didn't understand--which admittedly might be tough for her, like the question yawn, since I'm trying to say different things at different times! Oh well, we both keep trying our best.

It's refreshing to have a good night...

Thursday with Mom!

9/3/09 As soon as I woke I knew there was something brewing again...Mom had already gone on her walk and I didn't get mine. Instead she put different clothes on and gold things dangling from her ears. Soon I knew Mom was enjoying another day out with a girlfriend when my friend Susan popped in to visit me. Of course I'd rather have Mom here with me but sure do enjoy Susan's visits! She sits on the floor with me and rubs my belly (always feeds me, too).

I remember the days when Mom used to take us 'kids' everywhere with her. When I was a pup, riding in the car made me feel just awful. One time we went through some curves and Mom couldn't stop before I deposited my breakfast between the seats! So I'm really glad I outgrew that since I've always loved being with Mom. It took a while longer for me to get over being 'gun shy' about every noise like rocks hitting the car, or you should have seen me when we had to pass a huge truck! I sure wanted to get in Mom's lap sometimes but she wouldn't let me since she was always driving. Now I only get to go in the car to the groomer or when we visit Sugar II in her town about 3 hours away. I sleep all the way. All her life, Katie was one of those who went to sleep right away on our trips--that would have been nice.

After my TWO bowls of dinner, Mom realized she is going to have to add yet another "Jack duty" to her day...I'm just so messy when I eat that food cakes onto my face & chest (sometimes even my feet and even tail!) until it gets hard and crusty. So if Mom can just wash my face after my meals then I'll be more comfortable. She's just about got cleanup around my eating area conquered.

Doggone it! I must have eaten way too much--just couldn't find a comfortable sleeping position for like forever. Then I topped it off by needing to go out to eliminate some of it. Really settled in around 4:30 a.m. Sure do hope Mom isn't too crouchy today...

Wednesday with Mom!

9/2/09 What a WEIRD day! I just couldn't decide if I wanted to go for my walk or not, going in circles, finding more to sniff than usual, changing directions--until Mom had enough and brought me home. She then went out and came back with lots of bags. She sure does get busy sometimes...putting things away, talking on the phone and working at that little 'box'. Seems like her day was 'off' too, from her body language--heck, she even did some pacing like she didn't know which way she wanted to go! Think I heard her tell someone there's a full moon.

Once again it was a cloudy day and being a dog without the human dramas Mom has, I got to spend my hours in dreamland again. For some reason I began thinking about some of the dogs I grew up with. I was born in Mom's boarding kennel along with lots of cousins and my sister. She also adopted lots of other playmates. I remember Rusty (see the photo). He could almost keep up with me >ha<>

Still a little restless during dinner and before bedtime, but completely worn out from such a day, so it was another good night.

Tuesday with Mom!

9/1/09 What a great day! Although I was restless most of the night--guess I couldn't find my most comfortable position--I didn't have to get Mom up all night and even held everything until she got back from her walk. I got the hot walk, but again was 'air-conditioned' with the moistened coat. Came home and ate like a little horse.

Warm, comforting thoughts this long daytime nap--of my favorite stuffed toy, my fuzzy monkey. I loved this guy probably because his long arms flopped when I played with him. You can see how worn out he was before I lost interest in playing with my toys a while back. Katie's favorite toy was "lion-king-man-dude" who kept getting torn in half with playing too rough. His demise when no more repairs could be made was a sad day indeed and I'm not sure Katie ever fully recovered. Maybe that's why she used to be so protective and line up her favorite stuffed toys on the couch when Mom was gone, I just cuddled up with 'monkey'. I didn't seem quite as "motherly" as Katie who also tried to take them outside with her upon occasion.

Then a rude awakening from sweet reveries...to go outside in the rain to 'take care of business'. Of course I slept exactly long enough to endure the very brief monsoon. Oh well, back to sleep after a snack. As I said I don't sweat the small stuff.

Good night with minimal tossing and a bit of coughing. I'm proud I slept all night again.

Monday with Mom!

8/31/09 How could I have been so wrong about the relaxing night! Mom was pretty "matter-of-fact" (bordering on just plain tired and grumpy) this morning. Somehow I must help her remember I would never be restless all night, up twice and ready to begin my day at the 'crack of dawn' to be naughty.

Even after our walk I didn't feel very hungry. Maybe I'm really tired, too. But boy, when dinner time came once again I ate several helpings and wasn't too messy this time. I'm always happy when I make life easier for Mom, but then when things go wrong I don't take it too hard. I've learned that it doesn't really matter much in the big picture. Guess you'd say I've pretty much been "happy-go-lucky" all my life.

Today was understandably slow for both Mom & me, even cloudy. So we had lots of time to reminisce again. I recall that Mom has always been passionate about creating just about anything--artwork, photography, sculpture, birthday cakes, designs on walls, sewing or just about anything. One time she had this great idea to sew 'designer' dog coats. Even though they were all sizes, colors, for girls and for boys, Katie and I had to be the models for pictures. Well you can see what my attitude was about the cowboy outfit Mom designed for a chihuahua! You ought to have seen Katie Lou in it--she looked like she was dancing or something trying to get those little boots off her feet! I understand that my fancy shirts now are necessary so I let it be just fine.

Week end with Mom!

8/29/09 Today Mom let me sleep until I stirred since I'd been up in the middle of the night for 'duty call'. She had already been for her walk. I got to see just how it feels to go on the 'hot walk'--I paced long enough that she knew I wanted to go. Since I must wear one of my snazzy Hawaiian shirts when I'm outside in the sunshine, Mom sprinkles it with water when it's too warm and it feels much cooler. Isn't that a brilliant idea?

Didn't feel like eating too much before nap time.

Here's a memory: living in a motorhome for several years. Even though it was a tiny space, we always seemed to have everything we needed--and Katie and I got along pretty well (guess her mental problems hadn't kicked in yet). I'll never forget the time the box with the food in it came open while Mom was driving and a head of cabbage rolled toward Katie--she ended up in Mom's lap! Mom even took us to Mexico a few times. And one of the most unforgettable times I had was staying in a Mexican boarding facility when Mom went on a train. I was so nervous I held everything for the entire few days she was gone. Well, I was so happy to see her that I let it all go as soon as I was in her arms again. Took a while to clean up that mess! I've often wondered if that's when my real fearfulness began...

I made a bigger mess of my dinner than usual today but Mom isn't pulling her hair our as much lately. It's so hard for me to pick up my 'cookies' out of a dish or off the floor that she turned a dish upside down to see if that would help. It did until I just kept dropping it on the floor. Needless to say I was exhausted by bedtime.

8/30/09 Didn't get walks, didn't do much of anything all day long. I just love it when Mom takes a whole day to do whatever she is moved to do--rather than rushing to get her "shoulds" done. It's a bit boring for me, but I can give a little, too. Looks like a good relaxing night coming up.

Friday with Mom!

8/28/09 I REALLY appreciate it when Mom gently pets me awake in the mornings. I'm glad I'm not like Katie who woke up biting, but it's good to not be startled nonetheless. Then she carries me outside to do my 'business'--I even hear her grunting a bit, picking up my 12 to 15 pound body depending on when I've eaten. Think she does this because it takes my legs to long to get in gear and then find my way to the back door. Oh, for the days when I hopped in and out of the pet door with ease..and at will!

Mom took the 'hot walk' again today after mine. Once again I did my 'bunny hop run' part of the way back because I knew breakfast would be served.

In keeping with yesterday's entry about my mischievousness I'm remembering back even further today. My sister and I ran circles around our cousins born about the same time. We seemed to actually look for something to get into. I remember the little step in our playroom that my roly-poly body rolled me off of lots of times as I chased after a toy. We all loved to chew on shoestrings, too!

Eventually I learned lots of tricks. I could sit and stay for a very long time--of course my body just quivered for the treat when I was told 'okay'! And I loved finding my 'cookies' tucked away in everything from egg cartons, jars, newspapers, paper sacks to even a glove. Mom was always looking for ways to keep our lives interesting. My main chore seemed to be leading the way on our glorious walks, with Katie 'having my back' always. I deemed it my duty as well to alert Katie & Mom of any strange noises, but best of all I enjoy simply being a good companion. Now it's just a challenge to just get my cookies from the dish or off the floor. Although sometimes I do miss having more to do, our walks are priceless.

Thursday with Mom!

8/27/09 Great start to the morning! Boy, when I get to sleep I really sleep. I felt something brewing, though...turned out to be Mom went on another outing today. We both only thought I was soundly asleep when she left, but I woke up all alone again and had a good, loud CRY! I also couldn't hold the piddle until she got home, which always makes me sad because of the extra work it caused. As usual Mom made it all better again quickly, though.

The picture for today is one of Mom's favorites and brings to mind lots of memories for both of us. For a couple of years Katie and I enjoyed a grassy back yard. That deep green grass was so cool and there were so many things to do and experience in that yard (nothing like our Arizona rock landscaping). When we went outside Katie & I loved to run as fast as we could to say "Hi" to the neighbor dogs--made quite a ruckus in the neighborhood. We both laughed inside really hard when Katie amazed Mom by chewing on a huge green bean from the neighbor's garden, and even more when she played with a big, big grasshopper. Finally she chomped down on it and 'grossed out' both Mom & Robyn.

As for me I liked burying my beef bones and then trying to find them. The picture is the result of one of those efforts. Don't think I ever found the bone but sure had fun in that snowy moist dirt! Come to think of it, maybe that's why I felt like I needed to dig in Mom's houseplants after we moved to the desert...

Speaking of dirty--I guess I'd have to admit I've sort of been a 'dirty' dog all of my life--by human standards, that is. Not only did I love eating 'droppings' as I already mentioned, but I absolutely loved getting into the trash (the smellier the better). I even embarrassed Mom & her friends one time for some reason when I proudly wanted to share a 'female treasure' from one of the bathroom trash cans! Just can't understand why humans think these things are "gross". Well, I no longer think those things are so fascinating anymore so Mom now puts the trash cans back on the floor instead of on counters and backs of toilets. Maybe, just maybe some of these antics are why I used to be called "100% Mischief".

Good night's sleep.

Wednesday with Mom!

8/26/09 Today I was really hungry (I ate two whole helpings!)...maybe that's why I am so restless sometimes before bedtime. I suppose I'd best finish my dinner before I get so excited about my bedtime cookie because Mom puts the food away then. Gotta remember that.

Our walk was great today but when I see those shapes that must be people or dogs across the street from us, I get really skiddish. I know Mom begins to get impatient when I keep turning around as if they are going to come up behind me or something. It sucks to not see very well even though my sense of smell also helps get me through. We met a neighbor today who always labels me arthritic. Today she said, "looks like we have arthritis" and Mom replied, "oh, I'm so sorry" which took her by surprise. It seems to make Mom sad when people point out that I don't walk quite as well as I used to. I'm just happy I can go for my walks at all, but we do remember the good ole days, too.

Then Mom went out for a while again. Darn, I'd have been okay with that, but I woke up after she left. I got so lonely again that I was crying loudly when she came back. After she comforted me and gave me a treat I settled right back in for my long nap.

Yummy smelling freshly blended food, even with some sweet potato mixed in (I love sweet potatoes!) and I tipped the whole thing over, box and fancy dish included! I was so afraid I would go hungry since Mom took it away then. But she was just cleaning up the mess...whew! Sometimes I get so disoriented especially if there isn't enough light that Mom has to put my face in the dish not to mention pulling me out of dark corners. She sure works hard for me sometimes...

Tuesday with Mom!

8/25/09 I thought I might need to go out very early this morning, but found a comfortable position and was able to let Mom sleep for another few hours. Today I just felt like eating instead of walking. This was sort of a good thing so Mom could get her walk in during the best time of the morning for a change.

This afternoon she spent a lot of time at the little box on the table. Think she was doing more reminiscing by sharing pictures with friends.

It was really heartwarming to hear Mom say that she not only loves me but respects me when Day tried to explain that we have a very special bond. It's not like a mother & child but something even more comforting. Difficult to explain. They also must appreciate my qualities because they both agreed that the world would be well served if I come back over and over in human male form.

Once again it's about bedtime and I'm ready for my bedtime snack. Mom gives me a 'chewy'. I used to love my fresh beef bones and rawhide--the bigger the better, but now I can't get my teeth into those so well. So she gives me pressed meat sticks (think they have some supplements for my old bones) with natural toothpaste on them. She really is trying to keep my mouth healthy even though we both know my teeth aren't very good anymore. Sure don't want to have tests and be 'put under' for the cleaning so I'm really happy this is working so far.

Monday with Mom!

8/24/09 All is well again. Not quite so hot these days so Mom doesn't have such a challenge to get both of our walks in early enough to 'beat the heat'.

No real mishaps eating.

Then the day turned exciting. My other friend Day visited. She comes once a month to give Mom a long massage. Since she also loves me lots, she always takes the time to give me some of her healing love energy, putting her warm gentle hands on me right where it feels best. I really like that. And she also takes the time to talk and listen to me just like she does between visits from afar. Mom knows that she checks in with me which gives her lots of comfort. Day made sure Mom knew that through this blogging I'm helping her reminisce along with me. That's how I spend all the very quiet or asleep time I'm getting these days--enjoying the good times. I also told Day that I'm going to be lucky enough to choose the time I finally get to go be with Katie and the other dogs. I made sure Mom knows that I don't really want to continue getting more and more feeble so I'm finding myself looking forward to putting on my young body and mind again in the not too distant future now. I believe that Mom and I have shared and learned almost all we can from one another and it’s about time for both of us to begin new adventures.

To end the day perfectly Mom got to enjoy another conversation by phone with our buddy Andrea who also sensed these same loving things.

Very beautiful white/silver/gold angel light filled our house today!