Does Your Dog Talk to You? If Not.....Why Not?

Any dog owner will tell you that anyone can learn the language of DOG very quickly.  All you have to do is learn to listen. They enunciate clearly.  Having that type of relationship with your fur friend is also difficult because you always know when it is time for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  I believe they prepare us for their final good-bye.  

We have rescued more than two dozen dogs over the course of many years and it is never easy to say good-bye.  It doesn't matter if they were with us for a couple of years or close to twenty.  I dread the day each time as I realize it is getting closer.   But I will never allow my dogs to suffer by keeping them alive for my selfish reasons.  My dogs talk to me and if you are prepared to listen then you will be able to talk to them as well.

Rescue dogs make the best pets.  They communicate their appreciation of being rescued in a variety of ways.  Mostly you see it in their eyes but their actions speak louder than any human words.  Their constant need to have you in their sight or touching you while they sleep are a couple of ways they let you know how much they love you.  

What is the Best Way to Avoid the Heat? Toilet Paper?

There are many people who truly enjoy the heat.....I'm not one of them.  I start dreading summer in early spring and then become thankful for every day that is NOT hot. But, this year, those days were short-lived as we have had record breaking temperatures (in the North West) along with a drought.  There is no green left in this rain forest.  It is brown. No rain for months.

My complaint is not just founded on how ill I feel when the temperature is over 72 degrees but mostly on the threat of wild fires.  When there are wild fires in the desert, it is completely different than when they are in the rain forest.  One spark can trigger devastation for huge areas as we are so heavily treed.  My daughter's home is surrounded by acres of trees and the property behind her recently succumbed to a fire.  There are over 125 fires raping these forests right now.  

Did I mention that when you live in the rain forest few homes, and most businesses do NOT have air conditioning -- so there is no escape.  Looks like my grandbaby has the right idea -- no clothes!

On a humorous side, here is why I hate  dislike abhor can't tolerate summer......CLICK here for 10 Reasons To Skip Summer.

Outside of working like crazy meeting writing deadlines this month and interviewing incredible guests on my show, I did get some quality time with the grandbabies.

Mini Boss and company

My daughter asked that I travel to the city and babysit William and Aubrie in a hotel while she attended a celebration of life event for her friend's mom.  It was a hoot helping Rochelle and her girlfriends get ready for the 1980's event which included music from that era and dancing.  

There isn't much to do in a hotel located downtown in a large city, so I had the kids (5 years and 1 year) run races down the hall of the hotel.  So many giggles and thank goodness no one was in sight.  




This was the first time my granddaughter was away from her parents for the night.  We weren't sure how it would go, but she didn't ask for her mom once.

  

It is evident from the moment these kids wake up in the morning to the time they go to bed, that they adore each other.  William is kind, caring, gentle, thoughtful and helpful.  At FIVE years old, he will drop his toys and run to his sister's aid if she needs it -- without being asked.

He is respectful to his parents and polite with all adults.  He will grow up knowing HOW to treat a girl and she will grow up knowing HOW girls should be treated.

I knew William loved taking care of his sister but to see it in action, almost made me cry.  I read them a bedtime story and Aubrie intently watched her brother listening to the story, waiting for his reactions to it (one of Beatrix Potter's series I saved from my kids' collection.)

When the story was over, William said, "Don't worry, Gramma, I know what songs Aubrie likes. I will sing her to sleep."  She was out cold in a matter of minutes.  This sweet "Mini Boss."

I have the greatest respect for this mom and dad in raising their children and could not be prouder of them or my grand babies.  

Someone stole my clothes!!

I can't believe that this "queen of organization" left her clothes hanging in the hotel's closet. Even worse I didn't realize they were missing until this morning when I wanted to put on one of the outfits.  I called the hotel and they said: "Sorry, no clothes were found and the next guest must have taken your clothes with them."  

I have two questions:  1)  Isn't housekeeping supposed to look in the closet when they prepare the room for the next guest? 
2)  Repeat of number one.

Lesson learned:  I'll never do that again.

Our precious Star

Star is one of our rescues, a long-haired mini Dachshund.  We have had her and her mate for two years.  Star was a show dog.  Both she and Gunner were severely abused. Consequently,  she is still very shy and tries so hard to please.  To see her relax like this is very unusual......I don't think she likes the hot temperatures either.

How Do You Say Goodbye to Your Furry Friend of 13 years

Each day we live with our furry friends, we love them more. Every day we grow to appreciate them more. Yet, in the back of our minds, we are fully aware that they have a short lifespan compared to ours and that the day will come when we need to say goodbye. It is never easy. No matter how many times we have to go through it, it never gets easier.

I have been rescuing dogs for many years and also have adopted some who have not been abused. Louis Vuitton was one of those. He came into our lives when he was a puppy. He was a gift to our daughter, Rochelle, for her 17th. birthday. The young man who gave Louie to Rohelle is now our son-in-law. She and her hubby have also rescued numerous dogs. I have shared many of their stories here. When Louie came into our lives, we had our beloved black Lab, Mercedez. Louie adored Mercedez as he did all the rescues we brought home.

Sorry But Your Husband Has Irreversible Brain Damage

I remember the first time I heard those words.  It was unexpected.  "We're sorry but there is nothing more we can do."

Doctors are supposed to fix what ails you.  In my twenties, I was told I had two years to live if I didn't have a hysterectomy.  It is 40 years later and I'm still here.  I had a baby.  So, even though these words about my husband were terrifying, I knew there had to be another way.  I'd find the answer. We could fix him.  Click here for that story.

In 1995 my husband was waiting in an intersection to make a left-hand turn.  The guy in the big truck making a left-hand turn from the opposite direction.... didn't see him and hit him head-on.  He blamed the sun. 

 

I Ain't Dead Yet

Looking at my little Dachshund today, I can't believe he is getting so old.  It was just yesterday when he was a puppy.  He will be 18 years old this year and I know it won't be long before we will have to say good-bye.

I Ain't Dead Yet

In the evenings, he is pretty stiff.  When I ask him if he wants to go outside he just looks at me as if to say, "You're kidding, right?  I was just getting comfortable."