Sportshound

I'm not a professional animal trainer.  I have been somewhat successful instilling some basic responses to common sense commands so that my dog is not a complete menace to society. I thought she was happy living day to day eager to obey and keep peace in the house. Little did I realize that her education was continuing in my absence. She's apparently been watching football when I've been away from the television.  Didn't know that she could record games on her own, but the maneuvers she's displayed recently have me hoping that the Heisman will include a canine category this year.

Let's just list her accomplishments: (spoiler alert…she's equally skilled in the penalty category)

Pass interference:  This is a predictable pattern when I start to dress.  She sees it as a threat and will wedge herself between the intended item of clothing and me, hoping that I cannot manage to pull on, button or pull up what I need to.

Pass completion:  She's 10 for 10, but I didn't pass her the shoe to begin with.

Pass interference:  Negating my attempt to hold onto my car keys as I slip between the storm door and outer door.

Offsides:  Simple math; She weighs 78 pounds, I weigh more.

Fumble:  I fumble the cookie...

Interception: Clue:  food.

Face masking:  Well, got to give her some leeway on this one and if you're not a dog person,
you'd better just skip to the next one.  If you do not mind an up close and personal inspection of your facial features, then you get the picture.

Field-goal:  This is a practice skill for her mental stimulation.  She sees the squirrel, chases the squirrel and imagines the squirrel high between the uprights.

Clipping:  Happens every time I'm not watching where I am going or she's intent on my not getting there.

Blocking: This is a no brainer:  She stands waist high...

Touchdown: Her best maneuver.  There she goes! "Wait, stop, come Back here"! 

She never sits on the sidelines, doesn't matter if it's offense or defense.  Game on.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Head First

Sometimes a few light chores accompany my visits.  They’re usually at my discretion and a residual symptom of my self- diagnosed OCD.  In addition to giving a client’s home that “lived in” appearance (lights on, window treatments opened during the day and my car in and out their driveway daily), I will wash pet bedding, scoop litter boxes, load and run dishwashers, water house plants/flower beds and take out trash/recycle bins.  The last item is the reason for this story.

The only exception to this standard procedure was the two times I was hired just to water houseplants…they took the dog with them.

I am a morning person as long as I have a reason to be a morning person. “Tigger” was my reason for two three week periods last summer.  The single pet of a family of four, he must have felt his home to be enormous and much too peaceful during his family’s vacation.  “Normal” in this home was defined as organized chaos with two boys, 17 months apart both under the age of 4.

Morning visits were predictable.  Food, clean litter & social time shared seated on a very comfortable couch.  I relocated a clock radio from a bedroom and kept the station tuned to a classical station during the hours between visits. Tigger had outdoor playtime, if I wished to put him on a tethered harness which stretched the length and breadth of the unfenced back yard.

The floor plan of the home was typical for this area; a great room which opened to a patio, flanked by bedrooms, study and bathrooms.  The dining room was a straight shot into the kitchen which was the center of activity in this home, I’m sure.  The garage was connected to the living spaces by a laundry room.

Trash day is announced by the placement of green rolling trash cans curbside by 5:30 A.M.  If you wish to entice the local wildlife, you could chance its delivery the night before.

Dumpster duty coincided with the retrieval of newspaper and a quick look see in the mailbox. It had rained, the lid to the dumpster was opened and I was cursing the waste management truck driver.  The rainwater made maneuvering the can up the steep driveway a little tenuous.  I focused on the job at hand and arrived at the end of the concrete drive and looked for a level spot to empty it.

Okay, lawn straight ahead, the can was “facing” me, what I mean is the lid was open, folded back and snug between dumpster and myself.

Now if the lid is “facing” me, I should not be able to roll it, right? I began to tip it away from me, resulting in the lid sliding toward my feet and all of a sudden it rolled from my grip.  I lost my footing and ended up head to torso, right down to my posterior in the can.  Water, a few leftover used newspapers and I snug in a predicament!

My second wave of cursing had nothing to do with the waste management company.  I was hoping for a good Samaritan.  Remaining stunned, embarrassed and soaking wet, the only visible clue to my involuntary incarceration was my legs and butt leading into spaces previously reserved for refuse.  I laid a moment hoping the crime scene investigators would be arriving or a jogger or a curious neighbor-somebody!

Nobody, I mean no one heard or saw anything.  Just my luck.  I wriggled and backed out, kicked the can and with “hulk” like grace, I tossed it in its place.

I was miserable, mad and did I mention soaking wet.  Gathered my composure, found the house key, in the pocket of my scrub top, and stormed inside right past Tigger to the laundry room.

Starting the washer, I removed my outer most layers and wrung them out over the utility sink and into the machine.  Tigger delighted in this one ring circus and sat quietly in his kitchen while I prepared his breakfast in my less than appropriate attire.

The wash and dry cycles kept me prisoner for ninety minutes.  Tigger and I lounged about, taking great care to avoid the front door which I left open so that he could view his street through the storm door. I had calmed down sufficiently to call my husband and share my morning.  My right knee developed a rainbow bruise and a noticeable limp kept me from balancing upright.  “Oh, great”, I thought, this is just the beginning of my day.

Attitude is everything.  A smile, a giggle, a short bout of hysteria and of course, freshly laundered clothes helped me through that memorable morning

That experience helped prepare me for the several years I have enjoyed this profession.  It was the reason I now carry an overnight bag even if my stay is just beginning…

The Egg Lady

I’ve found that flexibility and an appreciation of the unexpected go hand and hand in my pet sitting venture.  This easy going philosophy is a constant reminder that I live life far too rigidly. I’m trying to embrace this new way of thinking, but sometimes it’s a challenge.

My interviews have become an informal exchange of questions and answers with owners, always in the presence of their animal companions.  On this appointment, the “interview” was more or less a quick tour and introduction as the owner was a friend and former colleague.  She knew that I knew all about multiple pets and the details would work themselves out.

Her three Dachshunds and one long hair Chihuahua were the best security system on the block and perhaps the whole subdivision! My quick intro moved from living room to kitchen, kitchen to yard and back to living room where I was invited to sit on the couch. A moment’s hesitation extended the invitation to include all four dogs.  “Blah, Blah, Yap, Blah, blah” was pretty much the extent of our conversation.  She admonished with an occasional “hush” and was quickly over ruled by Heidi who was the matriarch of the pack.  Before I left, I asked about their meal time “They have open feeding and are very good eaters” I was told.

Now, I’m not a fan of “open feeding”.  My experience is food in, food out (in rather short order).  Animals left alone for extended periods without outside access are problematic when not in the company of their pet parents. It is much less strain on them if they eat when I am there and I tailor their feeding schedule regardless if it’s a single meal or multiple throughout the twelve to eighteen hours I am on duty.

An inventory of the cabinet and pantry included “Milkbones, Dingos, Jerky and beef flavored rawhide knots which will bring a smile to my readers who have invited dog companions into their hearts.

I soon learned that snack time was not restricted but rather encouraged.  Most of their day was spent in the kitchen; they roomed together in a large comfortable kennel with gated access to food and water. If you need a visual, just consider a coral in miniature, alright?

Trial and error is unwelcome at 6:00 A. M! I arrived with written instructions to include a schedule of daily routine.  Fool proof, or so I thought.  We got through the going outside part.  As long as I blocked the reentry they were stranded on the lawn until duty was done. Scanning the notes for other than the obvious, I read “4 bowls, kibble, change water, ice cubes okay”.  Got it. Four bowls arranged at equidistant intervals and an automatic water fountain would keep them busy. They wouldn’t even notice I was there.

I stepped outside the gated area and sat at the kitchen table to supervise.  Heidi and Roxie went back to sleep in their blanketed tunnel.  Zack and Willow followed me and busied themselves with sniffing my shoes and growling, taking care to back under the table out of my reach.  I had instructions, I had an agenda.  They were not following the rules.

The fridge had eggs and margarine.  I found the frying pan and spatula and could operate the electric stove without rummaging through the drawer to locate the appliance warranty booklet.

Heidi and Roxie woke up and joined the other two who had now moved as close to me and the stove as possible.  Eight eyes watching me, four tails in rhythmic pattern against the lower cabinets and four noses raised to investigate that yummy smell.

Hot breakfast in a sunny kitchen.  Happy pups, relieved sitter. Success!  Success.. which became a daily ritual and over the years, a tradition.

My friend has a new tradition of her own…

She leaves my favorite snacks and a new carton of eggs on the top shelf of her refrigerator.  She tells them to be good because the “egg lady” is coming.  And every visit, through the years, they continued to be very, VERY good.

Change of Decor

Good first impressions are a survival tool in my profession.  Most of my customers are referred by either a local vet or current clientele. 

Charlie, Sammie, and Jesse lived as siblings in a large brick home in the country.  The subdivision was sprinkled with beautifully detailed custom builds, all centered on manicured lawns.  Neighbors busied themselves with weed whackers and bags of red cedar mulch at all times of the year.

I was introduced to these three during summer, 2008.  “Oh, what a lovely home and the white carpet is beautiful,” I said as I prepared to remove my shoes.  Hum, I wondered, does it clean well?  So as part of the interview process, I asked her (just in case of an accident).  Were there preferred cleaning supplies? Everything I needed was in the laundry room off the main hallway to the master. Good, I thought…just in case.

Months passed and she called to reserve a few days.

Now you realize that pets have their routines and pet sitters must have great patience and flexibility. Sammie (the Westie and Charley (the golden Lab),  loved their back yard.  Jesse never gave me her feline perspective, but she was allowed out and always found her way home…eventually. Lawn extended from patio north to about ¼ acre lot of forested area.  Garden gnomes kept vigil while entertaining the varied frog population. Charley, the old man of the family, was a sun worshiper.  I never worried about extended outside time as he would claim the sun rays either on grass or patio.

Sammie was happy to explore and I often located her simply by watching the tip of her tail dart between ferns, yucca and other native foliage in the no people zone behind the storage shed.

Afternoon visits were relaxed and trust soon entered the new relationship as I became their substitute family.  Their mistress was considerate of my time and always had notes for me, towels and other supplies on the ready, treats available and their leashes neatly folded in their designated spot at the front door.

This afternoon, I had a few other clients on my route and playtime/nap time was shortened to accommodate equal time at the other residences.  Opening the sliding glass door, I called them in.  Sammie scooted in first and dutifully stopped to have her feet wiped off, but either I was too slow or she was impatient with me and scooted between my legs to an unknown destination.  Charley, not so good with formality, walked right in, over the scatter rug and four paws proceeded across the white carpet in the direction of his preferred viewing spot at the dining room window.  This was geographically the furthest point he could have traveled without also decorating the kitchen tile and custom travertine in the foyer.

“Stop Charley…good boy…no, DON’T come over here…STOP, CHARLEY”.  Too late!

Red mulch, sand, and a few flower petals tracked in.  No quick vacuum, breathe…  I have to be somewhere!!

Okay, Sammie into the deep sink next to the washer.  Oh good, she fits and the “whitening” shampoo was already on the edge of the tub. In and out, no problem, just toss her towel in the washer.

Charley, O.M.G…well, he would not fit in the deep sink. The front half of Charley would not fit.  Plan B:  master bath, it was closest.  I commanded him to follow…nope, he started to sit down as we got to the bathroom door.  Not even a gentle tug on his collar.  Not even a firmer tub on his collar.  Couldn’t lift him in, could not push him in, so we got in together.  We had a bath; me in my under clothes and Charley in his newly acquired layered look courtesy of Mother Nature.

It went as well as expected…all bath towels now deposited in the washer and time to concentrate on the not quite dry very red mud and debris on the carpet.

If you haven’t seen a pet sitter in warp speed, this might be your first indication that we even have an internal gear shift.  The adrenaline kept my head clear while I spot cleaned, wiped and vacuumed the temporary trail. I wrote a letter of apology and left for my afternoon’s scheduled visits. As I drove away, I had that sinking feeling of failed duty in my stomach, but I chose to concentrate on the fact that she would be returning to two very clean dogs.

She has hired me back numerous times over the years, we’ve become quite close and I am now considered family.  I attend her son’s soccer games and we meet now and then for supper.

I’m not taking blame or credit for her recent change of décor… but, the newly installed wood grain floors are a constant reminder of that eventful afternoon.

Shadow's Corner

This title may allude to a myriad of subjects depending on the reader’s point of reference.  I shall clue you in that I had a beloved dog and this is his tribute.

All legs and prancing on the other side of the pet store window, he wasn’t our first choice for another family member.  I had chosen a petite greyhound, the breed which doesn’t run the track chasing after the bunny.  As we had multiple pets already, this addition seemed perfect in size and temperament until…the pet counselor stated that any rough housing by well -meaning established family pets could result in a broken leg.  Well, next!

Erik, our then 2^nd grader (I think), fawned over this puppy.  So we asked to meet him. We left the store with him being mostly all legs, docked tail and grey colored short coat in my arms. He stayed in Erik’s lap all the way home.

Having researched the breed and being captivated by the “grey ghost” description, “Shadow” was the perfect name. A hunting breed and loyal to family, the Weimeraner joined our family.

Never had one, didn’t worry about his fitting in.  We’ve always had multiple animals and never really researched the breed standard. 

Yes, he was definitely one of us.  We never discriminate, dogs are people, too.

He lived 12 years, did his best to raise our son and daughter and remained the only male of our “pack” for the last 8 to 10 years. He passed away a year ago last month. At least his physical presence did.

To explain and share the remaining story, you must be open to the realm of possible. This open ended frame of mind is rather new to me.  I chose it over the comfortable religious indoctrination of previous generations. 

I am spiritual and now understand the connection to all living things and the interplay which creates a constant unfolding of my destiny.

There are sacred spaces in my home.  They are in yours, too.  Some are hidden and do not speak, some are deliberate and beckon the rituals of daily living.

My kitchen sink is one.  I can hand wash all the dishes and cookware, utensils and glasses while I meditate.  The double sink (wash on the right, rinse on the left) and dish rack, the designated dish sponge, refillable round scrub gadget, the constant streaming of really hot water all coerce me into a semi -comatose state of “well it’s been a successful day” kind of thinking. I can stand there and stretch my calves and roll my head from side to side.  When finished, I can wipe my dimpled hands on the towel, hung just below the counter lip, and go about my evening.  The dried items will be waiting when I return…later…or maybe in the morning.

The conservatory is another of my sacred spaces.  It houses my concert grand piano.  Shadow’s spirit is there…under the massive ebony instrument. He laid there whenever I played, back legs just near enough to the foot pedals to cause me to miss the sustain pedal.  Oh well, my practices were not for public viewing, I could pretend that the phrasing was as intended by any of my favorite classical composers.

The other dogs gather under and around my feet now, but there is a cavernous space, almost as if it were outlined, where the dogs do not cross.

Several weeks before he died, a corner in my office/parlor garnered his attention.  Curios because there had always been a two cushion love seat neatly and snugly fitted on the wall, leaving maybe 5 inches space to the wall seam. He would just stand facing the corner, intent on…well…I don’t know. The other side of the wall behind the back of the love seat was the staircase with crawlspace underneath.  There’s nothing in the crawl space; hasn’t been for the last 15 years. He would

just stand and when his curiosity passed, would lie down and study whatever I was doing.

He never tried to squeeze his 96 pounds into the corner and he never sniffed about the love seat as I would predict a hunting dog would do. He never chased one of the cats behind the furniture, there was no hidden bone under the skirt of the sofa for him to guard. 

This was his sacred space. I cannot explain his choosing that exact location.

My remaining quartet of aging dogs have their territories.  We have exactly two small rugs and I often find them piled together a top one.  When the sun streams through one of our south facing windows, each will claim the warmth for themselves and only share if necessary. The Schnauzer will find an unoccupied chair and call dibs.  Our female Weimeraner will pounce with as much stealth as possible on the king size bed and the elderly pug will seek out her even older terrier pal to snuggle up.

Recently, during a grueling 7 months of surgeries and therapies, our other Weimy has discovered Shadow’s corner.  She visits; doesn’t stay but rather returns to her previous activity in other rooms in the house. It doesn’t matter if I am in the room, she comes as if she is honoring his memory. 

Today the Pug came and toured the sacred space, being purposeful and slow to not bump into the wicker chair and table which have replaced the love seat.  She’s visually challenged and her advanced years make any journey problematic if she pauses too long.

This beloved room, in the front of my house, is filled with mementos of my life and shares square footage with the necessary technology which keeps my life organized.  His presence is comforting and I am reminded of what unconditional love should be.

As we go about our daily lives, are we being guided and nurtured from beyond our understanding? If we open our hearts and share this lifetime with animal companions, are their journeys similarly directed? These questions are for your benefit.  I already know.

My Shadow is keeping vigil.