Wordless Wednesday 1/12 -- Who's That Tripping Over My Bridge

Growing Older Gracefully

This past weekend, we were glad that we got to get out on Sunday and hike.  Saturday morning, Bunny and Morgan were both champing at the bit when they recognized the routine that signalled that neither Mr. Taleteller nor I were going to work.  We had planned a hiking expedition with family, but it turned out to be bitter cold with windchills that weren't safe to be out in.  Since the treat jar was empty, we bundled up ourselves, Bunny, Blueberry and Morgan and made a trip over to the dog bakery in town.  The girls were happy to have an outing, but it wasn't the leg stretch that they were hoping for. 

Sunday, we figured that we'd better get the two youngsters out of the house for a little bit and so we headed to the nearest state park for a hike.  We approached this with trepidation, because it had literally been cold enough the day before to take your breath away.  I guess that's why God invented Cuddle Duds and Smartwool socks.  Since we weren't quite sure what to expect when we got there temperature wise, we decided that only Bunny and Morgan were going and that if it got too cold, we'd go back and call it a day.  At least we'd get a nice drive in if nothing else came to pass.  It turned out to be a really nice day for a hike.  Crossing the frozen creeks were a little challenging, but I found myself regretting that we hadn't brought Blueberry along.  I knew she wanted to go as she stood in the kitchen, her head vibrating with excitement.

When we got home, I was surprised by the display of affection Blueberry put on.  She was leaping on the couch and doing yoga poses of bliss as I scratched her head before she collapsed in the nest of blankets she's arranged while we were gone.  She can be affectionate, but is usually a bit more reserved.  As I sat down, she curled up against me and was gazing at me in total adoration until I got the camera out.  I made up my mind right then that next weekend, she has to be included, provided the weather permits.

It's so hard not to feel guilty when you have to make a decision for your pet that's in their best interest and against what they so obviously want.  I admit that since her cancer diagnosis in November I feel the need to treat her like she's made of glass.  Another factor in the issue is that she's actually not a young dog anymore.  She was barely two when we first met her and now we realize her ninth birthday will be in a week and a half.  Where did the time go?   The woman at the dog bakery was giving all the girls treats, but making them sit before she fed them.  When it came to be Blueberry's turn, she said "You don't have to sit!  You're an old lady!"  Blueberry promptly displayed the prettiest Greyhound sit ever executed which looked particularly charming while she wore her pink coat.  It was as if she and I both had the same outraged thought at the same time.  I can't think of her as old. 

Since having that thought, I realized that I have to start being a bit careful with her, but not treat her as if she's old.  Lilac is fifteen -- that is old!  Blueberry is still ready to go.  It will require some planning on our part to be sure it's challenging enough to take the edge off Morgan's energy, but not so challenging that we have to carry Blueberry back to the van.  There will still be times when it's not in her best interest to go, either because the terrain is too treacherous or the weather is too extreme, too.  Still, I am hoping we can find a happy medium that works for her.

My question to others out there is how do you do things that include your aging dog?  What do you do to help him or her make the transition to old age?  What are some things that your slightly older dogs enjoy doing?

Staying On Our Toes

Bunny here at the keyboard to share our Sunday hike. 

I was worried we weren't going to get to go hiking this weekend.  Saturday was bitter cold and Mom and Dad cancelled the family hike we were supposed to do with our cousins, which was disappointing, but when we saw Lilac's pee freeze before it hit the ground in the turn out pen, we were willing to forgive Mom and Dad.

Sunday the weather was a lot nicer, so Mom and Dad got bundled up and packed up our gear and we headed off.  This time we hiked to Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park.  The canyon is known for its beautiful waterfalls and we were hoping to catch some more pretty pictures.

There were actually a lot of small waterfalls all along the trail.  They made for some really interesting ice formations in some places.  We saw one spot where the leaves looked like they'd been turned to crystal.

Most of the trail was pretty easy walking, but we did have to brave walking across the frozen creek several times.  I'm proud to say that my first attempts at ice skating were quite successful and I didn't fall once.  Morgan made it across every time, as well.

We saw several other people and dogs while we were out on the trail, too.  Sadly, not all of them had as much respect for the surroundings that we did.  We were glad we got some of these cool waterfall pictures on our way out because on the way back a man was letting his kids break the icicles off.  I guess they didn't think anybody else would want to appreciate them.

When we finally arrived at the Illinois Canyon, we were a little disappointed.  The waterfall wasn't nearly as impressive as the one in the St. Louis Canyon last weekend.  It was still pretty, though, and the sound of the water burbling under the ice was fun to listen to.

On the way back, Morgan and I practiced our rock climbing.  I think I might have gotten just a teeny bit higher than she did, but I'm not sure.  It sure was a great view from way up there.

If you followed our hikes last summer, you might remember that almost every one that we went to had a wedding happening.  Well, would you believe that there was a bridal fair at the lodge this weekend?  I guess they're all planning to have their weddings at our hiking spots again this year.  I can't say that I blame them.  We've hiked in some of the most beautiful spots in our area and I can see why people would want to start their new lives together in those places. 

Our hike was definitely a great break from the Winter doldrums.  What do all of you like to do to relax and enjoy Winter?  Also, Morgan has started her own blog.  I think she plans on mostly writing about our hikes.

I'd also like to say how very sad we are that The Luke is no longer with us.  He was a special boy with a golden heart.  We send our very heartfelt condolences to his mom and The Bleu.  Hug your hounds and cats -- you never know how short or long your time together might be! 

The Ties That Bind

We have four dogs here at our house, which means that I have four different canine relationships.  If you read the blog much, you probably realize that the closest bond that I have is with Bunny.  I think one of the main reasons for that is that she is the only one of our current dogs that I have done formal training with. 

Lilac was older when we got her and we didn't take her through formal training, partly because we just didn't think she'd live long enough to really need it, and we spent time teaching her basic commands at home.  When Blueberry came along, it was at a time when Hawk was having some issues and it was a good time for Mr. Taleteller to begin doing work with her to make her a therapy dog partner.  They did formal obedience training together for a while and Blueberry is actually quite good at it.  Bunny came along just after Treat's death, and she was intended to be my therapy partner, so that meant that I had to do the formal training and work with her.  Now that Morgan has arrived, Mr. Taleteller has devoted his time to working on training with her.  I have to work with her some, too, but I'm not the one who takes her to class and does the practice with her.

That's not to say that I think that doing obedience training is the only way to bond with your dog.  A good Saturday morning sleep in session can  help, too!  Bunny had been here with us for several months before we started going to class and we'd already started doing some things together.  We didn't go to obedience class because we had dreams of a career in obedience, either.  I wanted her to learn to walk well on a leash and to know basic commands so that we could start thinking about getting certified as a therapy dog team and so that our neighbors realized I was walking a dog instead of a kangaroo or landed trout.  I think that taking class got us started on the path to knowing each other well, though.  It made me concentrate and think about what she was doing at that time and she had to learn to pay attention to me. 

Our bond has also deepened over time and our continuing work as a therapy team has strengthened that.  Spending time doing fun things that we enjoy has improved it, too.  Going out hiking has given us a chance to do things together like build trust while still being out away from all the distractions of home and concentrating on being together.

I think Bunny and I would have been close no matter what happened, but I do think that our bond has been enriched by the time we've spent training.  I feel like I'm getting to that point with her where I can really predict what she'll do, and I imagine she has a pretty good idea about what to expect from me.   That's not to say that surprises don't happen, like a rabbit in the bushes, but even when those things pop up, I can react based on how I know she will react.

If I have one of the other dogs along with us, I often see her checking to make sure that I know that she's there with me.  When I happen to be home sick, she's the one who will be curled up beside me.  She's the one doing the dance of joy when I get home from work and she's the one who sits by me on the couch and licks my feet or hands while we watch TV and catch up on blogs. 

One of the reasons I chose to share this is that January has been named National Train Your Dog Month by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  It really made me reflect on the benefits that training our dogs has given us.  It can make such a big difference in the relationship you have with your dog and it can be anything from taking formal classes to teaching basic manners or even to teaching fun tricks.  The important thing is to have fun with your dog and to get more in tune.  It can be one of the most valuable things you do with your dog.

We're participating in this Saturday's Pet Blog Hop, hosting by Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume.  If you'd like to participate, please follow the rules and follow your three hosts, add your blog to the Linky and copy and paste the html code into your html editor.  Thanks again to our hosts for putting on the hop!

The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown

Bunny here at the keyboard writing about a challenge that has been thrown my way.

My friend Pip has challenged me to a race.  He says that he's in top shape and working out even more since the New Year started.  We've had a little friendly rivalry before, but now the gauntlet has been thrown.  You can all bet that I am going to rise to this challenge and represent for Greyhounds everywhere!

Pip has asked Roo to be his coach, so I figured I'd better get serious about this training business.  So, I have asked Puddles to be my coach.  She assures me that she can help me get in shape in time for Race Day on February 5.  Don't worry, she will not be giving up her beer or cheetos or taking up any kind of healthy lifestyle.  She'll just be coaching me from her laundry basket.

On February 5, Pip and I will have our big race.  I hope that you'll all come to see the race that day and cheer me on.  If you'd care to make a wager, that option might be open later, too.  Here are two videos so you can start making your predictions now.




Be sure to come by on February 5 and see who wins the race!  Feel free to use the banner or this button on your blog if you like.  One right click does it all!

One last note, if you don't mind.  If you are friends with Golden Boy Luke, please stop over at Scout and Freya's blog for a very important message about something you can do for him.  It seems that sadly, the Luke is in his last days, but there's something special that we can all do for him and you can find all about it over there at their blog.