Because Dog Loves You.

There's a reason that Dog is the backwards of God: it has everything to do with unconditional love. All the other animals have conditions. Especially cats. But dogs are faithful to a fault. They love the bad masters, the selfish owners, the lazy owners, the immature owners, the ignorant owners. They don't just love them, they adore them. Even when it hurts. 

Dogs are happy with their owners all the time, every day, every moment. If the owner is feeling self-pity, dog still loves. If the owner is mourning, dog still loves. If the owner made a huge mistake, dog is still there wagging and laughing at life. If owner failed miserably, dog says, "let's play!" 

Yet dogs are still sensitive. They respond to tears with love, no matter who is crying or why. 

Dogs know love. Love, that thing that sees imperfections and loves the imperfections. Your dog will tell you when your being an idiot, one way or another, but Dog won't judge you harshly or love you less. Dog never gets angry. All those annoying selfish habits you have that other people just can't stand, Dog sees through them to the real you. That's love.

Dog never says, "Let's take a break." Dog never says, "You're too much. Go away." Even when you are too much, even when you're doing everything wrong. Yes, if you're imbalanced, Dog will be imbalanced, but Dog never loves you less or ceases to love the good parts of you because of the bad parts.

And the silly things you do? The things that don't make sense to other people? The ticks you have, the disorders, the tendencies, the "issues," Dog doesn't let them get in the way of life: Fun, Food, and Sleep. 

See, that's the thing. Dog knows what life is, even when you don't. Life is fun, food, and sleep. It's not parties or drinks or FB friends, it's moving your body the way it was meant to move. It's not the cost of your car, it's where it takes you. It's not your a job or not having a job, it's about living every moment and having fun with whatever the moment brings us. 

And then sleep. There's always sleep. Dog knows that those hours of re-charge are a huge part of life. Humans treat sleep like the enemy, seeing how much they can avoid it, purging and bingeing on sleep. But dogs know that tiredness is a sign: sleep. And that sleep is an ally. All the good things come after sleep: exercise and fun and food. Dogs know that waking up is the other best part of the day! Then the fun begins!

Silliness: People forget that it's okay. They're embarrassed. Partly because everyone has a different definition of silly. But Dog knows that "silly" is whatever you do that doesn't make logical sense. And they embrace it completely. 

Then there's service. Dog is self-sacrificing, but in a way that doesn't feel life sacrifice at all. They don't play the martyr role. When Dog has to do something for you, Dog does it whole heartedly. Dog sees how fun your idea was! Dog is happy and eager to do whatever pointless drudgery you have set out upon. And Dog WANTS to. Because Dog Loves You. 

And that's the beauty of it. That's why humans have to live ten times longer than dogs: it takes us that much longer to learn how to love. We love you, Dogs, thanks for teaching us how to love unconditionally. 

Reading your new puppy

Topic: Introductions 

In this week's dialogue, James, Alexia, and Sundance will discuss how dogs and humans first meet each other. Sundance will ask a series of relevant questions, and James and Alexia will provide answers.

Sundance: On that first day we met, I had no idea who you and Mama were. You were just a couple of humans visiting who I thought only wanted to play and pick me up, like all the others that came before you. My birth-momma was slowly separating herself from us pups, and no longer wanted to nurse us. We had started eating from a large bowl, chomping away at puppy kibble. You and Mama approached me slowly and did not overwhelm me with excitement, exuberance, and joy. Instead you allowed me to come to you, and you let me watch as you and my my birth mom played fetch.

James: I remember that day well. Your brother and sister were more  interested in me than you were. We knew we wanted a dog who maintained a calm energy and was laid back. You were exactly what we wanted! Sundance, you were not my first golden retriever, so I knew what we were getting into and how to approach the situation. Your Mama and I were committed to being informed about your needs, and understanding the type of energy you shared, and chose you based on our needs and preferences as committed owners. 

Sundance: So if I had been more like my brother and sister, you may not have wanted me? 

James: If you were more like your brother and sister, we would have watched a bit more closely and observed the kind of conversation you were sharing with them. It was important for us to see your birth-mama and look at her temperment with humans and other dogs. We wanted to see the kind of stock you came from and if there were any warning behavior signs like growling, barking, and fighting. Often, bad behaviors like this can transfer over to the puppies. But your Mama was an angel, a perfect golden retriever. 

Sundance: So, first introductions must remain calm and steady, not overbearing and dominant?

James: Most new owners are excited to get a new puppy, and then they read each other incorrectly. Your mama and I wanted to be certain the match was perfect and our union would be long lasting, with room for improvement.

Sundance: I'm so glad I'm the puppy you chose. I can't think of a better Momma and Daddy to have, or a better living situation than ours. 

Bed time story

the day is numbered by the clouds in the sky

i do not wonder when it will subside

all i know is i am here to lie

as any dog would; by my masters side.

does the day ever show any signs of anxiety?

I ask: where do the clouds go when all the rain falls

are they running to the next trail?

will the raindrops fall on that oversized white ferry?

or, will I ever play fetch with the eagles?

Overhead i hear noise

the clumps are at it again

the constant barrage of footsteps

the pink robe emphysema cough

the chatterbox lingo outside our kitchen window

the lingering smoke

isn't smoke suppose to rise?

I look up and what do i see,

my master and rain drops falling on my head

dry my paws

rub my belly

I ask

on a blanket of lions I rub and rub

and then I know all is safe.

time to sleep grandma

Three Day Weekends

What in the world is going on? My Sunday is my Saturday. My Monday is my Sunday. And my Tuesday is my Monday? That means I just get more fun days with my Momma. It all started on Friday, that's the day my beautiful Mamma shared her birth with us.Saturday, our plans were to fire up the Silver Taco (the Tacoma) and head out to the beach. We intended to run and burn off some calories. We did not expect there to be high winds and surf conditions making the normally expansive beach just a tiny strip, nor did we know my good friend Zeppelin would be joining us. We saw a rainbow, played in rain, then in bright sun. We played and played until it was time to go because Momma's feet were cold.Today is Sunday. Last night I had overheard James chatting it up with Mamma about a road-trip to Florence, which is almost 50 miles north of us. I knew I would have a great time. I tend to have a lot of fun when we are away from home. And we did! My first encounter for the day was with a 90-pound, twelve-year-old golden retriever named Clancy. He works at a boutique called Splash selling women's apparel. I did my best to be on my best behavior because I wanted Clancy to see how great of a dog I am, and how I can be clam when the pressure is on, especially nose-to-nose.Here I am with James looking out at the Siuslaw River. You would never guess from this picture, but I am actually very camera shy.
Meet my new friend Bullet. He is a 10 week old Basset Hound and is just about the cutest little guy besides my brother Skuzum. We wanted to make sure he had all his shots before we came over to say hello, but I still kept my distance. It is great to see Bullet begin his socialization and be so open to new experiences. He came up to Momma just asking for love. I think Momma almost kidnapped him. In conclusion, this has been a great first 75% of a three-day-weekend. Life on the Oregon coast is good. Live Happy!!!

Monday Elk Party

Back at it again! Monday we came across a pack of majestic elk. I've heard when people run into a pack of elk, it might trip-wire the elk into a frenzy, causing a locomotive to head right at us. We did not want that to happen.

James, Mamma and I were out for our a.m. run in little Mingus Park, just down the street from where we live. We were only a few yards into the wooded part, when to our astonishment we saw three elk in our path. We looked up the hill to our right, and two more were tramping down to follow the other three into the ravine. We approached with caution; we did not want to disturb them any more than we already had, but we did want to continue forward and get our exercise in. James kept vigilant, making sure there wasn't some predator around who had been eying these big meaty delicious elk prior to us joining the scene. Mamma was so happy, and I was not sure how I felt about it, considering all I wanted to do was get a stronger whiff of their musty cologne and butt asteroids.

Momma had my leash and told me it was no big deal, so I remained neutral and was not as excited. I kept myself from going into a frenzy of emotion and behaved calm, knowing all would be okay with Daddy ahead of us taking these pictures. Maybe we saw those elk because we watched Smoke Signals and Running Brave yesterday. Whatever it was, it was amazing to see those giant creatures the size of horses with huge antlers bigger than me, just five blocks from our house. We love you elk!

Dominance comes in all forms

This week we waited and waited for fun-day Sunday. Monday we were blessed to have some snow fall in a flurry. Tuesday we had 80 mph winds. Wednesday was just wet. Thursday just a lit bit more of the same. Friday winds came late, and Saturday we had periods of downfall and flooding around the county. But Sunday, now thats when Mother Nature showed her first sign of force and the power of life.
We were told on Saturday that towards the north end of Bastendorf Beach, a group of large breed dogs meet at 9 a.m. every Sunday. I was game and marked it down in my mental dog planner. Honestly, why wouldn't Mamma and James find this to be a fortuitous opportunity? I could get my dog on, and they could get their social on. What better way to cap off a hard-working week than to share the company of my brothers and sisters from anotha' motha'.

As we closed in on our destination, we found no dogs, just more of the powerful aftermath, and right-now-math, of Mother Nature. Bastendorf's north jetty was about to be swallowed up by the sea, yet that did not stop onlookers from having coffee and breakfast in the their trucks. We looked for a bit, then drove farther south where we pulled over and parked. The ocean left us very little beach to play on, but that did not stop Mamma and me from jumping out and enjoying ourselves. We were running around until another dog and human showed up.

Now many of my friends know me as a friendly and non aggressive dog. But apparently raw dog handlers consider my sexiness to be a bit threatening; one could even naively call me dominant. HA! I LAUGH! James has raised me to be respectful of people and other canines, I follow all canine codes of courtesy since I have been socialized from a young age and learned well in the time I was with my birth momma. I always look to James for approval when onlookers come in and try to join our fun.

"Is your dog friendly?" "Has your dog been fixed?" "Is it okay if we say hi?"

"Yes. Please do."

I find it rather interesting when owners of dogs are so careful to ask first and than let themselves be dragged by their dogs in a rush to meet me. First sign of disrespect. Second sign, who is in charge. Answer: dog. Now don't take my kindness for weakness, but I am not just going to sit there and allow some dog to bump up against me while I am in a submissive position, especially when my personal space is encountered with a charge of negative energy.

Next thing I heard was, "You need to call your dog because he is showing signs of dominance." Now you think James was going to take that? Never. "It's that you need to ease up on your leash, Homey." I do not think the man knew that was coming, and he walked away in a hurried manner, being pulled by his dog on a long leash and barked at repeatedly by his dog. Ce la vie! Do you really think we were bothered? No, just thrown off our groove. But it needed to be told. I mean look at me, do I look like I was affected?

Momma kept having me chase her down the beach, then sending me far away to where Daddy stood whistling for me. Then he would send me back to Momma, and over and over again for 15 minutes until I was panting and drained. Literally. When Daddy told me to go peepee before we left, I lifted my leg and nothing was left to come out. But I'm obedient, so I stood with my leg lifted, then jumped in the truck and panted the whole way home. Then I got a cold bath in the wind from Momma, got a blow-dry from Daddy, and now I'm sitting calmly pursuing meaningful communication and blogging.

Just read my blog!

Dear Sundance,

I see humans guard resources, like bodies of water and land, stocks and bonds, material goods, and people. My issue stems from the covetous way humans allow themselves to establish dominant territorial orderliness, and still become ignorant of the ways their own pets take control of them. My fellow dogs emulate their humans, just from a more basic and instinctual means. Some of my playmates claim resources and view everything in their paths as property to guard and control.

This behavior needs to stop, for the sake of my own kind. Every day there are countless dogs who are euthanized, because human owners do not take the time to learn and understand dog psychology. The simple fact that we cannot converse with humans should be the first sign that we are different. Reading the body language of a dog takes a commitment, and leads to earning trust and respect.

Sincerely,

Please Share Some Perspective

Dear P.S.S.P.,

So true!

My instinctual approach to this issue: Find a resource! There are so many dog trainers and k-9 behavioralist who can help humans understand our kind better. We are a simple breed and willing to learn and adhere to a set of directions. Our first duty to our owners is loyalty. Not resource guarding. Humans are rational, for the most part, and tend to let their guard down on occasion, especially when cute is involved.

They think it is cute when a puppy rottweiler, jumps on them, yet they deem it inexcusable when an adult rottweiler does the same action. Yet humans allow their eight-week-old to walk all over them, in effect creating little monsters who become adult dogs who are feared and put down. Puppies learn not to do this very quickly from their mother when their behavior has gotten out of line; it is not tolerated. Nipping behaviors like this in the butt with a consistentdog psychology approach must be executed.

I strongly recommend new dog owners skim through the yellow pages, ask their veterinarian, search on the internet, ask other dog owners, read books, get videos on how to share leadership, with trust and respect. Just read my blog! There are plenty of resources and there is no need to guard them with white fangs and growls.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Toy Machine

Dear Sundance,

I love my owners, but they are inundating me with toys, making me feel like I'm in charge of/responsible for to many things. I'll admit, it is fun to receive new things, but the real enjoyment comes from actually sharing in the fun of being with them. I have a basket full of half chewed ropes, kongs, gnawed bones, and rawhides. I have squeaky toys and tennis balls scattered all over the back yard. The latest toy is a red laser light, which makes me feel frantic and obsessed.
I happen to have a fellow K-9 friend next door with the same dilemma, with owners who substitute out exercise time with a large backyard, an abundance of water bowls scattered around the enclosure, in case he becomes thirsty, and an agility course for entertainment and sufficient means to some acceptable exercise. I have yet to see him actually perform any agility in the span he is left alone, but he sure barks like a blues singer the whole time I am passing by. We think his owners are using the accessories to compensate for not giving him time.

In truth, all I want is some one-on-one time with my owner, to reunite with the good old collar and leash, and to share in the fun. A well used collar and leash is worth far more to me than a new toy every week.

Signed,

Toy Poodle

Dear T.P.,

I know our owners genuinely love us, but it sounds like your owners are substituting toys for a good old fashioned walk. The walk is the adventure, the time to share and re-unite, to be a cohesive team, dog and human. The walk is an opportunity to smell the roses, as well as whiff a recently nuked lawn or saturated shrub. It's also a great way for your owner to be proud of you, and make out how well those obedience classes have truly paid off. Maybe they can read this blog and return to the simpler joys of spending quality time with you instead of just letting you chew on imported goods.

Live Happy!

Sundance

Companionship Training

Dear Sundance,

How do I tell my owners I would like to have a partner? another dog to have some fun with? to help train to be like me? a legacy? I am entering my 8th year of life on mother earth, and I would love to share the knowledge I have been blessed with from my wonderful human parents and antecedents with a young pup. Before I was adopted, my owners had just gotten married and previously had dogs of their own. The stories I've heard on camp trips and in the backyard suggest that only wonderful and good things resulting from owning two dogs. Not only that, I love my owners, and I know that dogs don't tend to outlive their people, and I can't bear the thought of leaving them without a canine companion to help them through the hard times, a doggy with a little bit of myself in him or her. If they were to wait until they had no dogs, they would be grieving, and no new puppy wants to enter a grieving household. I eavesdropped on a conversation Dan and Patrick were having the other day about the possibilities of bringing in a new companion, and so this is what prompted me to think and begin writing to you.

Pawed,

Doggy Co-op

Dear D.C.,

Currently, I have been honored to work with a seven-month-old golden retriever. She is a quick learner, even though she can be a silly young pup sometimes. I know the role I play in her life is helpful, but I also know she is getting the correct amount of obedience training from her owners. My owner allows me to tag along on most of our training sessions with young dogs. He is a firm believer in the power of the pack, and its ability to calm and help other pack members adapt to the constant environmental changes. He also knows dogs exude a certain amount of energy. Sometimes dogs who have anxieties can be a bit restless, whereas dogs that give off calm energy will be less likely to resist and willing to experience new things.

When the time comes to choose a companion, it would be in your owners' best interest to allow you to come along. Keep in mind, if you are to see a new puppy, make sure your owners have made sure you are up to date with all your vaccines, and always check with the breeder first. If you plan on going to a rescue shelter, find out if your owners can bring you too.

I do want you to know, I think what you have planned is a remarkable idea. Every dog, and even humans, need a mentor. Picking out the right companion for you will be one challenge and energy levels will be another. Finding the right match is important. Your apprentice and you will appreciate it even more once you both smell each others' rears.

Hard Headed Woman

Just found out my girlfriend Na_Me is in town. YES! Kobe has his hands full for the next few weeks. My uncle Wayne broke his elbow about 2 weeks ago and is unable to walk Na_Me. His daughters, Madie and Bailey are too small and inexperienced to handle Na_Me who has a tendency to pull with amazing force. Na_Me is very driven and excitable, with a strong zest for life. I think this is why I am attracted to her, because she is a dog who knows what she wants and goes after it, just like me. Except, I have learned to harness this energy and call upon it when given directions.

Tomorrow morning will be our time to run and I can give my brother Kobe some room to breathe. I am sure Na_Me has pestered him all day. Little does she know what she is in for.

Before I forget, not that I tried to erase this from my memory, but I had the greatest time in the pool today. Vixen challenged me with all her doggy-paddle moves and has really become a good swimmer. She is becoming a stronger swimmer and is able to stay afloat longer. She still has a funny sounding gastrointestinal issue when she gets out of the water, but that does not keep her away.