When I was growing up, we had a black toy poodle named Kurley. I still remember the day that Dad brought her home - she was just a tiny little bundle in his big arms and so terrified she was shaking. I wanted to name her Snowball, because I had a white stuffed dog named that, but Snowball is a pretty silly name for a black dog, so I was quickly out-voted. The name Kurley fit, because she was, and because that way she could share the same initials as my sisters and I.
Kurley was 18 years old when she died. By that time, she was pretty much blind, deaf, and so senile that she was going to the bathroom anywhere and everywhere. She had also been hit by car many years ago, and her bad leg was pretty much useless. When my parents finally made the decision to put her to sleep, I took her to the vet for the procedure. Even though that was more than 10 years, I still remember it very clearly. It was difficult, but she had lived a good, long life, and it was time.
So we grew up with one small dog, but somehow my sisters and I went a bit crazy when we moved out on our own. My brother is a big dog lover, too, and I have no doubt he'll have his share when he has his own home. I got Dakota as a puppy nine years ago, then adopted Harvey about a year after moving to Virginia Beach. Katie got Bailey just a few months before she married Mike, then she and Vince adopted Lexie three years ago, and finally they took in Zoey last spring, who turned out to be pregnant with a litter of 8 puppies (all of whom have now found a good home). Kelli got Barkley six years ago, then took Bella, one of Zoey's puppies. And my parents and Jon got Teddy six years ago. All of which means that if our entire family got together, including all of the dogs, and Vince's kids weren't there, the dogs would out-number the people.
At least, that was true a month ago, but not anymore. Two weeks ago, Katie and Vince had to put Lexie to sleep, because she had developed nose cancer. It was too widespread (we suspect throughout her entire body) by the time they discovered it, and there was nothing more they could do. Then, this week, Teddy got sick very suddenly from complications due to undiagnosed diabetes, and he died on Thursday night.
I knew when I got my dogs that it was likely that, God willing, I would outlive them. And even though I know in my head that so many things in life aren't guaranteed, I guess I just figured they would go the way Kurley did, after a long and good life. Today I'm realizing that might not be the case, and I'm reminded to enjoy the time I have now with the ones that I love, including these furry, four-legged creatures that bring so much life to my home.
Showing posts with label Harvey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harvey. Show all posts
hiking.
Goal #20 for the year is to go hiking with my sisters, and Katie put this on her goal list, too. So Saturday, after celebrating (the weekend before) Fat Tuesday with kinklings for breakfast, we headed out to Gambrill State Park with Jacob, Cameron, and three of the dogs. We even found a geocache (Katie has written more about that here).
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This is part of the reason that I moved back to Maryland, so that I could spend more time with my family in day-to-day life, not just a few times throughout the year. Between the demands of work and fixing up the house, I'm learning that I still need to be intentional about spending time together. I'm glad we did it this weekend.
[Kelli and I with Bella, Harvey, and Dakota]
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[me, Katie, and Kelli]
[me, Katie, Kelli, Cameron, and Jacob with Dakota, Harvey, and Bella]
This is part of the reason that I moved back to Maryland, so that I could spend more time with my family in day-to-day life, not just a few times throughout the year. Between the demands of work and fixing up the house, I'm learning that I still need to be intentional about spending time together. I'm glad we did it this weekend.
meet dakota and harvey.
This is Dakota:
She's a terrier mix and will be 8 in June. She's about 40-45 lbs. She's sometimes affectionate, but most of the time she just wants to do her own thing. Like any other terrier, Dakota loves to hunt small animals in the backyard - fortunately for me she very rarely catches anything! Dakota would love to have a backyard to run around in, but she's also lived in a condo where she had to be walked outside to use the bathroom. She is house-trained.
This is Harvey:
Harvey (a girl, despite her name) is a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix that somehow looks kinda like a Dalmatian. :-) She's about 50-55 pounds and not nearly as hyper as you would think, given her breed mix. Harvey loves attention and when I'm home, she's either lying next to me or where she can see me. Harvey is house-trained, but does pee sometimes if she gets excited or nervous (she can't control it). Like Dakota, she loves to be outside, but mostly just to lay around in the sun.
I'm still looking for someone to take care of one or both dogs, starting in mid-June through mid-November, while I'm loving on kids in Africa. Both dogs are healthy and up-to-date on all of their shots. I'll gladly pay for food, any unexpected vet bills, and if you're not local, I'll transport them to you. Even if you can only take care of one dog, or even for part of the time, could you please let me know by either emailing me, or leaving a comment below?
And just remember - every home needs a Harvey.
She's a terrier mix and will be 8 in June. She's about 40-45 lbs. She's sometimes affectionate, but most of the time she just wants to do her own thing. Like any other terrier, Dakota loves to hunt small animals in the backyard - fortunately for me she very rarely catches anything! Dakota would love to have a backyard to run around in, but she's also lived in a condo where she had to be walked outside to use the bathroom. She is house-trained.
This is Harvey:
Harvey (a girl, despite her name) is a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie/Chocolate Lab mix that somehow looks kinda like a Dalmatian. :-) She's about 50-55 pounds and not nearly as hyper as you would think, given her breed mix. Harvey loves attention and when I'm home, she's either lying next to me or where she can see me. Harvey is house-trained, but does pee sometimes if she gets excited or nervous (she can't control it). Like Dakota, she loves to be outside, but mostly just to lay around in the sun.
I'm still looking for someone to take care of one or both dogs, starting in mid-June through mid-November, while I'm loving on kids in Africa. Both dogs are healthy and up-to-date on all of their shots. I'll gladly pay for food, any unexpected vet bills, and if you're not local, I'll transport them to you. Even if you can only take care of one dog, or even for part of the time, could you please let me know by either emailing me, or leaving a comment below?
And just remember - every home needs a Harvey.
things i love about spring.
Things I love about spring...
- Warmer weather.
- Backyard barbeques - someday I'll have a house with a deck and a grill, and I'll know how to use it, and I'll have people over every weekend.
- My birthday - on Friday the 13th this year!
- Things blooming everywhere.
- Watching Harvey and Dakota enjoy the backyard.
- Smoothies (am I only the person that starts to crave smoothies and ice cream when the weather gets warmer?)
- Pollen. But thanks to some heavy-duty doses of Zyrtec, I'm not letting that hold me back from enjoying this season.
if i didn't have dogs.
If I didn't have dogs...
...I could go away for the weekend and worry more about gas money than the cost of petsitting.
...I wouldn't have needed to replace shoes, books, or my cell phone.
...dirty floors wouldn't be inevitable when it rains.
...I could take up the whole bed by myself.
...I wouldn't feel just a bit guilty when someone walks in my house wearing black.
But if I didn't have dogs...
...there would be no one watching out the window for me to come home.
...I'd look crazy talking to myself all the time.
...I'd be a lot more selfish and self-centered.
...I wouldn't know the joy of curling up with them in the corner of my sectional, with the afghan my mom made me.
...I could go away for the weekend and worry more about gas money than the cost of petsitting.
...I wouldn't have needed to replace shoes, books, or my cell phone.
...dirty floors wouldn't be inevitable when it rains.
...I could take up the whole bed by myself.
...I wouldn't feel just a bit guilty when someone walks in my house wearing black.
But if I didn't have dogs...
...there would be no one watching out the window for me to come home.
...I'd look crazy talking to myself all the time.
...I'd be a lot more selfish and self-centered.
...I wouldn't know the joy of curling up with them in the corner of my sectional, with the afghan my mom made me.
fostering is like a box of chocolates.
The thing about fostering, is you never really know what you're going to get.
Scooter was energetic but pretty well-trained already. The most difficult thing about him was that he always, always found a way out of the yard - under the fence, through the fence, chewing through a rope and then through a fence.
Skeeter was incredibly timid, but a great dog. It took a lot of effort for him to be comfortable with me, but once he did, he followed me everywhere. He's the only foster dog that I ever let sleep in my bed.
Harley, on the other hand, has been another whole set of challenges. In addition to the infection he developed, he has more energy than any dog I've ever known. He could be outside all day and all evening, running and jumping and playing with Harvey, and still wakes up and wants out of his crate at least once, usually twice, during the night. And he lets me know this with an annoying, high-pitched bark that sounds like it should be coming out of a dog one-fifth his size. He wants to chew on everything - bones, toys, paper towels, tissue boxes, Harvey's collar, my shoes, my watch, my phone, my laptop cord, my comforter, my pants, me. He needs constant attention, and the rare moments that he is actually occupied with something he's allowed to be doing, like sleeping or chewing a bone, I don't dare move for fear of distracting him.
Overall, I still enjoy fostering, and I'm glad I signed up to do it. I think we're going to take a bit of a break, though, after Harley finds a home. Because he wants to play with Harvey constantly, she's getting a little stressed out - she's clingy and would rather than stay inside with me than go outside with the others. And since Harvey pees whenever she's scared or excited, and she's not emptying her bladder as often as she should be, we've quite a few accidents in the house.
Scooter was energetic but pretty well-trained already. The most difficult thing about him was that he always, always found a way out of the yard - under the fence, through the fence, chewing through a rope and then through a fence.
Skeeter was incredibly timid, but a great dog. It took a lot of effort for him to be comfortable with me, but once he did, he followed me everywhere. He's the only foster dog that I ever let sleep in my bed.
Harley, on the other hand, has been another whole set of challenges. In addition to the infection he developed, he has more energy than any dog I've ever known. He could be outside all day and all evening, running and jumping and playing with Harvey, and still wakes up and wants out of his crate at least once, usually twice, during the night. And he lets me know this with an annoying, high-pitched bark that sounds like it should be coming out of a dog one-fifth his size. He wants to chew on everything - bones, toys, paper towels, tissue boxes, Harvey's collar, my shoes, my watch, my phone, my laptop cord, my comforter, my pants, me. He needs constant attention, and the rare moments that he is actually occupied with something he's allowed to be doing, like sleeping or chewing a bone, I don't dare move for fear of distracting him.
Overall, I still enjoy fostering, and I'm glad I signed up to do it. I think we're going to take a bit of a break, though, after Harley finds a home. Because he wants to play with Harvey constantly, she's getting a little stressed out - she's clingy and would rather than stay inside with me than go outside with the others. And since Harvey pees whenever she's scared or excited, and she's not emptying her bladder as often as she should be, we've quite a few accidents in the house.
scooter.
This is Scooter:
He's a border collie mix, just over a year old, and living with me until we can find a permanent home for him. Harvey and Dakota met him yesterday, and I brought him home today.
So far, so good. He marked all over the yard, and I was prepared for him to try the same thing inside, but he didn't. A few minutes ago he was helping Dakota catch a fly (I'll never need to buy a flyswatter), and now all three dogs are curled up around me taking a nap - Harvey beside me, Dakota on the other side of the couch, and Scooter at my feet.
He's a border collie mix, just over a year old, and living with me until we can find a permanent home for him. Harvey and Dakota met him yesterday, and I brought him home today.
So far, so good. He marked all over the yard, and I was prepared for him to try the same thing inside, but he didn't. A few minutes ago he was helping Dakota catch a fly (I'll never need to buy a flyswatter), and now all three dogs are curled up around me taking a nap - Harvey beside me, Dakota on the other side of the couch, and Scooter at my feet.
Birthday girl
Yesterday (Friday) was Harvey's 2nd birthday.
I wish I had a photo that really captured her personality. Someday I'll have a friend take photos of me with her, so I can capture the way she likes to lean up against me.
Still, though, I think this will always be my favorite photo of Harvey:
I wish I had a photo that really captured her personality. Someday I'll have a friend take photos of me with her, so I can capture the way she likes to lean up against me.
Still, though, I think this will always be my favorite photo of Harvey:
More Christmas ideas
I think we've already established that I'm obsessed with all things Christmas. Here's more Christmas stuff - I got the holiday Pottery Barn catalog in the mail, and I absolutely love this tree:
I don't think I'll ever do this, at least for a big tree, myself, because (1) I like my tree to be a somewhat messy conglomeration of different ornaments that I love and (2) I can't imagine it staying that neat with two dogs with active tails. But still, isn't it beautiful?
In other news - all Harvey's tests came back with no medical issues, which is good, but that just means that the problem is just behavioral. I can try to start her on some meds, but I need to do some thinking about that first.
And, last night I bought an advent calendar at Bed Bath and Beyond that I'm going to give Jacob at Thanksgiving, to use starting December 1. And tonight I bought the year's first new ornament for my tree - Santa holding two puppies, to commemorate my first Christmas with both Harvey and Dakota. See? Obsessed.
I don't think I'll ever do this, at least for a big tree, myself, because (1) I like my tree to be a somewhat messy conglomeration of different ornaments that I love and (2) I can't imagine it staying that neat with two dogs with active tails. But still, isn't it beautiful?
In other news - all Harvey's tests came back with no medical issues, which is good, but that just means that the problem is just behavioral. I can try to start her on some meds, but I need to do some thinking about that first.
And, last night I bought an advent calendar at Bed Bath and Beyond that I'm going to give Jacob at Thanksgiving, to use starting December 1. And tonight I bought the year's first new ornament for my tree - Santa holding two puppies, to commemorate my first Christmas with both Harvey and Dakota. See? Obsessed.
Working from home & Harvey
I've been working for home for a week and a half, and you know what? I think I like it. There are the obvious perks - no commute, being able to work outside if I want, being home with the dogs, starting a load of laundry in the middle of my workday (not that I'm any better at get laundry done). And the things that I thought would be challenges - the distraction and need for careful self-discipline, haven't been issues as yet. I've been keeping to a regular schedule, which is going well.
One of the best benefits I've found to date, though, is the freedom to schedule things like vet appointments in the middle of the day. Harvey was due for another heartworm test, so while she was there the vet implanted a microchip. I also asked them to send blood and urine samples for testing, because her peeing has, overall, not gotten that much better. I can avoid it, mostly, when I walk in, but she does it for almost everyone else, regardless of how much attention she gets and when, or how recently she's gone outside. It may be that its just something I have to live with, but I want to make sure that's my only option before I do. Between all those things and more heartworm medicine, I spent over $300 there. And that's before I even figured out if there was anything wrong. I should hear the results from the test sometime today.
One of the best benefits I've found to date, though, is the freedom to schedule things like vet appointments in the middle of the day. Harvey was due for another heartworm test, so while she was there the vet implanted a microchip. I also asked them to send blood and urine samples for testing, because her peeing has, overall, not gotten that much better. I can avoid it, mostly, when I walk in, but she does it for almost everyone else, regardless of how much attention she gets and when, or how recently she's gone outside. It may be that its just something I have to live with, but I want to make sure that's my only option before I do. Between all those things and more heartworm medicine, I spent over $300 there. And that's before I even figured out if there was anything wrong. I should hear the results from the test sometime today.
Dog training
I scheduled a meeting for Bridge Kids volunteers at my house for tonight. Normally, during a meeting like this, I would leave both dogs outside. But I realized a few days ago, that Harvey and Dakota will never learn how to behave with people if they're never around people, so I put Harvey on her leash and left them both inside. Jenni put Dakota on her leash when she got here and we started the meeting, and after the initial excitement (Harvey peed several times, of course), they both did really well. And apparently, being good makes them very tired, because they are currently sacked out and have been since almost right after everyone left.
A picture is worth...
I love quotes, and I love candid black and white photography. In fact, I'd like to find a way to incorporate more words and quotes into my home - still thinking about how to do that. I have been working for a while, though, on a project for the empty living room wall. I used birthday money to buy three frames with pretty large mats, and have written one of three quotes on each:
It is the sweet, simple things of life, which are the real ones after all. - Laura Ingalls Wilder
In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about. - Nell Blain
Where thou are, that is home. - Emily Dickinson
These are the three photos I'm planning to use, though I wish I had better photos for the individual ones of Dakota and Harvey. I love, love, love the one of Harvey and Jacob.
It is the sweet, simple things of life, which are the real ones after all. - Laura Ingalls Wilder
In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about. - Nell Blain
Where thou are, that is home. - Emily Dickinson
These are the three photos I'm planning to use, though I wish I had better photos for the individual ones of Dakota and Harvey. I love, love, love the one of Harvey and Jacob.
I watched Because I Said So a few days ago, and after watching the music video in the bonus features on the DVD, I've totally fallen in love with The Weepies. Their site is one of those that plays a bunch of songs as you browse it, so the last two days at work, I've left the site open to listen to it. Here's the video, with scenes from the movie:
Tuesday night I watched Nathan, and he had a great time with Harvey and Dakota. He spent most of the night imitating them - crawling on his hands and knees, panting, letting them lick his tongue, and eating their food. So, tonight, Dakota and I headed over to Heather's to walk, and Nathan was wearing one of those kids' backpacks with a tail that's really a leash. Apparently, he is very into being a dog now, and we took a walk around the block with me walking Dakota, and Heather walking Nathan. He even ate his food on the floor - how funny is that?
Tuesday night I watched Nathan, and he had a great time with Harvey and Dakota. He spent most of the night imitating them - crawling on his hands and knees, panting, letting them lick his tongue, and eating their food. So, tonight, Dakota and I headed over to Heather's to walk, and Nathan was wearing one of those kids' backpacks with a tail that's really a leash. Apparently, he is very into being a dog now, and we took a walk around the block with me walking Dakota, and Heather walking Nathan. He even ate his food on the floor - how funny is that?
It was Harvey's turn for a walk tonight, and she did really well! I stopped by PetSmart on the way home and bought her a harness, which makes it tons easier to control her. She's still pulling on the leash (though not the whole walk, like she did last time), but she wasn't gasping for air the whole time. Dakota really didn't like being left behind, though.
I finally got around to uploading the pictures from my camera. Here are some of the best from over the last few weeks:
I finally got around to uploading the pictures from my camera. Here are some of the best from over the last few weeks:
I decided (again) that I need to take Dakota and Harvey on daily walks, because if I ever want to be able to take them out in public (to the beach, for example), they need to better behaved on a leash (especially Harvey). I think the easiest way to start is to alternate, one each day.
Last night, I went over to Heather's neighborhood to walk with her, and brought Dakota with me (Harvey will be just getting short walks, for a while, until she doesn't pull on the leash as much). She did a great job, but definitely was pretty hot by the time we finished. So, last night, I bought this:
I'm not sure how well they'll drink out of something that small, but I figured I would give it a shot. I might try practicing with them in the house a little.
Last night, I went over to Heather's neighborhood to walk with her, and brought Dakota with me (Harvey will be just getting short walks, for a while, until she doesn't pull on the leash as much). She did a great job, but definitely was pretty hot by the time we finished. So, last night, I bought this:
I'm not sure how well they'll drink out of something that small, but I figured I would give it a shot. I might try practicing with them in the house a little.
Ever have one of those days that just feels like the perfect summer day? That was yesterday for me.
I spent the morning and early afternoon at the First Landing State Park beach with Nick, Heather, and Nathan. I just love going to the beach - it's so incredibly relaxing. We never went to the beach much when I was kid, but I feel so blessed to live in a place where I can go anytime I want. Mom, Katie, and Jacob are coming to visit in a couple weeks, and I think I'm going to take them to this beach, rather than down to the oceanfront. Because its actually on the Chesapeake Bay, the waves are a lot calmer, and I think Jacob will like it better.
After the beach, I spent some time at home with Harvey and Dakota, then drove over to Robbie & Jenni's for a cook-out (they were having fish, but they even made chicken especially for me). Then we drove to downtown Portsmouth to watch the fireworks. We met a bunch of church people there to hand out bottled water. I got home late for the fact that I had to work today, but it was such a good day. And today feels like a two-day week - there's something to be said for holidays right in the middle of the week.
I spent the morning and early afternoon at the First Landing State Park beach with Nick, Heather, and Nathan. I just love going to the beach - it's so incredibly relaxing. We never went to the beach much when I was kid, but I feel so blessed to live in a place where I can go anytime I want. Mom, Katie, and Jacob are coming to visit in a couple weeks, and I think I'm going to take them to this beach, rather than down to the oceanfront. Because its actually on the Chesapeake Bay, the waves are a lot calmer, and I think Jacob will like it better.
After the beach, I spent some time at home with Harvey and Dakota, then drove over to Robbie & Jenni's for a cook-out (they were having fish, but they even made chicken especially for me). Then we drove to downtown Portsmouth to watch the fireworks. We met a bunch of church people there to hand out bottled water. I got home late for the fact that I had to work today, but it was such a good day. And today feels like a two-day week - there's something to be said for holidays right in the middle of the week.
Dogsitting: I've found someone to watch Dakota and Harvey while I'm in home for my brother's graduation, and I think I have some leads on possibilities for the weekend away to visit Kate and Rockbridge at the end of the June. That's a huge load off my shoulders.
Walking: Heather and I try to walk together twice a week, though our current schedule is making setting regular times kind of difficult. Tonight, though, she came over and we walked for over an hour (with a potty break in between) around my neighborhood and the one across the street, and saw some absolutely beautiful views of the water and the sunset. I've decided to commit myself to just walking a minimum of 15 minutes each day. Just setting up that habit will be a great start, I think, and I'm really enjoying being outside now that I can be (my allergies are finally under control). I want to take adventure of this weather while it exists, before it gets too hot to spend a lot of time outside.
I'd also like to take Dakota for a walk on the beach, to see how she'd like it. I only have a few more weeks (until Memorial Day) before that's prohibited for the summer, so I'm thinking that I might do it for my birthday weekend.
Walking: Heather and I try to walk together twice a week, though our current schedule is making setting regular times kind of difficult. Tonight, though, she came over and we walked for over an hour (with a potty break in between) around my neighborhood and the one across the street, and saw some absolutely beautiful views of the water and the sunset. I've decided to commit myself to just walking a minimum of 15 minutes each day. Just setting up that habit will be a great start, I think, and I'm really enjoying being outside now that I can be (my allergies are finally under control). I want to take adventure of this weather while it exists, before it gets too hot to spend a lot of time outside.
I'd also like to take Dakota for a walk on the beach, to see how she'd like it. I only have a few more weeks (until Memorial Day) before that's prohibited for the summer, so I'm thinking that I might do it for my birthday weekend.
Allergies: I finally found something to take care of my allergies - I spent a significant amount of time outside both yesterday and today and have been doing fine. I've been taking Zyrtec, and I have Benadryl to take at night as needed. The problem is that both make me tired, Zyrtec more so, but its a relatively small price to pay to avoid being miserable for the next several weeks. I took a nap for a couple hours today (I'm not even sure exactly how long), and am going to head to bed as soon as I finish this post and let the dogs out.
Dogsitters: I've been having the hardest time finding dogsitters for Dakota and Harvey. I found someone for this weekend, but I've got two weekend trips planned for June and haven't been able to find someone yet. I could board them, but I just really hate doing that. I'm still searching.
Good friends: My friends Kate, Bethany, and James came to visit for the weekend, and it was so, so good to be with them again. Saturday afternoon we went down to the beach and walked along the water a bit, which I loved (I've vowed this year to take more advantage of where I live). Saturday night we hung out at Nick & Heather's, then went to a church picnic after the service today. Here are a handful of photos, some from last night and some from this afternoon:
We were able to spend a lot of time with friends from around here, and it was neat to see my two separate worlds come together a bit. We had a church picnic after the service today - it was a ton of fun. Here are a handful of photos, some from last night, some from this afternoon:
Dogsitters: I've been having the hardest time finding dogsitters for Dakota and Harvey. I found someone for this weekend, but I've got two weekend trips planned for June and haven't been able to find someone yet. I could board them, but I just really hate doing that. I'm still searching.
Good friends: My friends Kate, Bethany, and James came to visit for the weekend, and it was so, so good to be with them again. Saturday afternoon we went down to the beach and walked along the water a bit, which I loved (I've vowed this year to take more advantage of where I live). Saturday night we hung out at Nick & Heather's, then went to a church picnic after the service today. Here are a handful of photos, some from last night and some from this afternoon:
We were able to spend a lot of time with friends from around here, and it was neat to see my two separate worlds come together a bit. We had a church picnic after the service today - it was a ton of fun. Here are a handful of photos, some from last night, some from this afternoon:
Catching up: My personal time online has been very limited over the past several days, as I had to take my laptop to the Geek Squad to be sent away for service. I've got lots to say, but haven't had a chance to say it.
Virginia Tech: I can't even begin to wrap my head around the events that happened on Monday at Virginia Tech. Hearing the news reminded me of the shootings at Columbine, probably because I was in college myself when those shootings occurred. I was sitting in the Student Union, trying to do some last minute studying for an test in a few minutes, when the news reports came on TV. Most of the people around me weren't paying attention, and when I went to my class to take the test just a few minutes later (literally), I thought it was weird that hardly anyone in the room knew that there were high school kids across the country running out their classrooms, for their lives. That's the most amazing part of it all to me, that I can hear these news reports and check for updates throughout the day but actually get work done in the meantime. Or that I can write about something like this, and then go on to talk about something as mundane as washers and dryers.
Flooding: And yet, I am going to talk about them. Because I have new ones, and I really like them, even if they are so new and bright and clean and fancy that they make the rest of the garage look like a dump. I needed a new washer, after the last flooded my garage not once, but twice. Given how little I paid for them and how old they are, I figured I'd go ahead and just replace them both. I bought two open-box models (and no, they don't match), but they work great. I'm going to ask Hannibal, the next time I see him, to build a platform for me. And the best part? I hooked up the dryer myself. Jenni told me what to do, but I did it. Boy, I love stuff like that - not the doing it, especially, but the empowering feeling I get from knowing that I did it. I hooked up a dryer.
Harvey and Dakota: I'm still toying around with the idea of taking Harvey and Dakota for training, mostly because I don't think I'll be able to really walk them (and definitely not together) if I don't. In the meantime, though, I've been working on a few basic things - coming when I call, going inside when I tell them to, sitting. The next step is to get them to sit and wait when its time to go outside, rather than barreling full-force at the door. If they can learn that (especially Harvey) it will make it much easier to train them to behave the right way when people come over to visit.
Virginia Tech: I can't even begin to wrap my head around the events that happened on Monday at Virginia Tech. Hearing the news reminded me of the shootings at Columbine, probably because I was in college myself when those shootings occurred. I was sitting in the Student Union, trying to do some last minute studying for an test in a few minutes, when the news reports came on TV. Most of the people around me weren't paying attention, and when I went to my class to take the test just a few minutes later (literally), I thought it was weird that hardly anyone in the room knew that there were high school kids across the country running out their classrooms, for their lives. That's the most amazing part of it all to me, that I can hear these news reports and check for updates throughout the day but actually get work done in the meantime. Or that I can write about something like this, and then go on to talk about something as mundane as washers and dryers.
Flooding: And yet, I am going to talk about them. Because I have new ones, and I really like them, even if they are so new and bright and clean and fancy that they make the rest of the garage look like a dump. I needed a new washer, after the last flooded my garage not once, but twice. Given how little I paid for them and how old they are, I figured I'd go ahead and just replace them both. I bought two open-box models (and no, they don't match), but they work great. I'm going to ask Hannibal, the next time I see him, to build a platform for me. And the best part? I hooked up the dryer myself. Jenni told me what to do, but I did it. Boy, I love stuff like that - not the doing it, especially, but the empowering feeling I get from knowing that I did it. I hooked up a dryer.
Harvey and Dakota: I'm still toying around with the idea of taking Harvey and Dakota for training, mostly because I don't think I'll be able to really walk them (and definitely not together) if I don't. In the meantime, though, I've been working on a few basic things - coming when I call, going inside when I tell them to, sitting. The next step is to get them to sit and wait when its time to go outside, rather than barreling full-force at the door. If they can learn that (especially Harvey) it will make it much easier to train them to behave the right way when people come over to visit.
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