Sunday, August 27, 2023

"Labs A-Leaping" at Annual Pooch Party

 


In a fitting end to the dog days of summer, dozens of pups were leaping, splashing, and frolicking at Lakeview Pool on Saturday, August 26. That’s when Nampa Parks & Rec hosted an end-of-season, dogs-only pool party to raise funds for area dog parks. And what a party it was!



Hundreds of pooches and their people attended the four-hour festival, complete with a stroll, entertainment, contests, and dozens of pet-themed vendors. This popular community event has been making a splash since it began in 2007 and keeps growing every year.


It was pure JOY to watch dogs swimming, fetching, barking, or simply standing in cool water on a hot summer day. And yes, the pool was populated with plenty of Labradors and other retrievers, but I also saw bulldogs, cattle dogs, huskies, border collies, shepherds, and of course, oodles of poodles and doodle dogs with happy grins.


These are the vicarious experiences that remind me to live in the moment like dogs do. No time like the present to seize a sunny day! Don’t just watch from the sidelines - jump in with enthusiasm, make new friends, then relax in the shade as the afternoon floats by.


Oh and. Happy National Dog Day!

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Walk the Dog, Ease the Pain



 

A few years ago, I was having back problems and shooting pain in my legs.
My toes would fall asleep, then my feet. It felt like there was a
rubber band around my ankles, sometimes even my knees.


I started with a chiropractor, then progressed to physical therapy and finally onto medication aimed at numbing “nerve pain” in my legs. On bad days, I could barely make it around the supermarket. Hunched over my shopping cart, I realized that other people in that position were not lazy shoppers, they were in excruciating pain.

As was I, whenever standing. I could barely walk 5 minutes and began to wonder if a wheelchair was in my future. Suddenly, I feared losing something I had long taken for granted. Something so basic, so critical to an active and productive life – walking.

I grieved over this loss as I recalled every hike in the foothills, every stroll along the Greenbelt, enjoying nature and my canine companions. Anger, disbelief, sadness and finally resignation. I lost hope that I would ever take another 3-hour trek on a sunny afternoon.

And as my aging dogs passed on, I grieved two-fold. I felt I would never have another companion who required daily exercise.



But then, just as I was contemplating surgery, I started to feel better. I realized I could ride my bike, since sitting didn’t seem to bother my back. I started to meditate as a way to manage pain – learning to separate the physical pain from the emotional suffering it invoked.

And then, as spring erupted, I started walking. Ten minutes, then 15 and 20. It hurt, but being away from trees and water, fresh air and sunshine, pained me more.

One day, I pushed my 30-minute walk to almost an hour as I enjoyed an early summer day along the canal by my house. I loved the way the sun sparkled on the flowing water and a breeze rustled the new green leaves on the wooded banks.

I soaked in the motion all around me and marveled at my own ability to move.

I vowed never to take my mobility for granted. And then, in tears of relief, I went to the Canyon County animal shelter and adopted a dog. A wonderful, lively and happy teen-aged dog that required daily exercise (and plenty of mental stimulation as well).


My return to walking came with other benefits, including the loss of a few pounds and a gain of renewed energy and focus. Mostly I am grateful for the leaping, twirling dog beside me, who relishes all our walks as if it’s the first one of his life.

Thank you, Monte, for symbolizing the appreciation of simple things that are anything but. Together we share gratitude for the wonder of life and the sheer joy of moving within it.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Winter Days are Made for Napping


One of the things I love about my dogs, and all animals really,
is their ability to live in the moment. Or doze off in the moment,
when the situation calls for it...


On a snowy winter day, just shy of a New Year, my canine pals relax by the fire (you can't see it here, but below you can see the scene from a few nights earlier) at my humble homestead. I moved to this 1930s farmhouse in northwest Boise nine months ago, so this is our first winter here. 

In fact it's only the second winter for my two yearling dogs, Monte, a Red Heeler mix and the social butterfly of the nearby dog park, and Skyler, a nervous toy Australian Shepherd who is learning the difference between excitement and fear. He starting to channel Monte's happy, confident vibe.

Despite their size difference, they play together in such a joyful dance. But come nap time, Sky prefers to sleep with one of my two young cats. Or perhaps the cat prefers to sleep with him! At any rate, there is peace and joy at my house this season, and really any time I slow down enough to savor it.


I wish we humans could be more like these cats and dogs, playing and napping together in trust and contentment. Mostly, I vow to remember the influence we have on each other - how our positive qualities are reflected in the reactions of others (as well as our not-so-positive ones). How being calm and grounded can quiet the anxiety and worry of others. Let peace begin with me, as the saying goes.

There is a time for rough and tumble play, and long walks in the foothills. But there is also time for snowy afternoons, and quiet reflection before another year takes off at breakneck speed. I think I'll snuggle up with book and a cup of hot tea, with sleepy cats and dogs around me. I only have one lap to give, but I'm happy to share it with whoever gets there first. 🐢🐱







Sunday, April 30, 2017

Welcome to Going to the Dogs!



Spring has sprung and my human friends are planning their seasonal vacations and business trips. That means I get to visit my animal friends while they are gone! I'm looking forward to seeing Luna, the Golden Girls, little Put, Mika & Nellie, Gus, Rowdy & Duke, the Oodles of Poodles, Teddy, Shadow & Kramer, the Hens & Mister Rooster, Nemo & Tinker, the Bully Boys...

Well - you get the idea. I have a lot of friends!

I started this blog to stay in touch and post photos of all the fun my animal friends have while their people are away. I'll also post helpful feeding and training tips, upcoming activities for people and their pets as members of the Eagle and Meridian social club, called Must Love Dogs: https://www.meetup.com/Must-Love-Dogs-Eagle-Idaho/ 

It's a gas! we met at the Eagle Yappy Hour last Friday, April 28 and it was so much fun.

Did I mention that I also bake healthy, homemade dog treats? Yup, that too. My dogs love them and so will yours. All my dog pals receive complementary treats when I leave a pet sitting gig - kind of like the human equivalent of gourmet chocolates on the pillow at a luxury resort. I make small batches, so they are fresh every week. No preservatives, so be sure to freeze or refrigerate! Visit https://www.facebook.com/MrGoodbonesPetBakery/ to see what's new!

So, that's all for now. Check back soon for the next blog - Tips for dog park etiquette.