As I look at sweet, tiny, Melody, I understand she may only be here for a few more days. It brings up thoughts of a bucket list like others have shared with their pet. We all know the bucket list is for us. Realistically, at the end of life, who has the strength, will, or desire to fulfill a list of any kind. Melody certainly doesn’t. I believe her bucket list has been fulfilled over the past 8 years when she went from the shelter to my arms.
It’s heartbreaking to be at this point in time; yet, there’s no time for questions and/or thoughts of what I could have done or what I could do to give her more than just a few more days. Melody may rally and surprise me with a few more weeks. That would be wonderful. I’m also realistic that at 15-17 years of age, she doesn’t deserve to be in pain or discomfort. She deserves respect, love, and compassion. I, on the other hand, have to be courageous enough to do what is right for her.
So, I ask for a few more (good) days. Love to all reading this.
Recently, videos of people and their dogs fulfilling the dog’s bucket list are making the rounds on social media. It made me think of my own dogs and, in particular, my senior Yorkie, Melody. When I got her, her age was estimated to be between 10-13. (She’s been 13 for five years!) Regardless, I am aware she does things now that reflect her age (let’s call them senior moments).
A recent scare brought to mind the idea of a bucket list. What would her bucket list be? I thought of all the things that make her act excited and silly. The answer was simple – being with me. I took her on a camping trip and with the cooler temperatures, beautiful trees, and even with squirrels everywhere, she only wanted to be with me.
I’m absolutely certain our dogs express joy and happiness; just as they also express fear and anxiety. I know from my dogs that while they love going for walks, playing with toys, chasing lizards (or cats) – I’m at the other end of the leash, I’m the giver of the toys, and while Zoe would prove me wrong for a brief moment of time, they prefer me over chasing anything.
The bucket list? That’s for us. That’s us going for one last run or walk, one last toy toss, sharing that burger we never wanted them to have. It’s all for us. They don’t have an I’m-not-ready-to-go-yet list of things to accomplish. They live in the moment. The moment. With us.
I have often said, “The best dog trainer is another dog.” A well-adjusted, trained, and dog-friendly dog that is. I do my job of observing and contributing when needed but mostly I say things like, “Wear them out, Zoe!”
Zoe looks like a giant Yorkie and that makes their interactions that much more enjoyable.
If you need assistance in training and/or behavior modification from either Zoe, myself, or both of us, we are here to help!
These little guys are just too cute. At almost four months old, these Yorkie brothers are learning their names and quickly becoming aware of their surroundings and their new home where they will be loved endlessly. They will require constant supervision (crate, x-pen, or on a leash) and a consistent schedule for feeding and house-training. We will begin basic obedience where “good” and “yes” are heard far more than “no”. Right boys? “YES!”
What do you remember about your first kiss? Does it make you smile or your heart skip a beat? There is a kiss and then, there is the kiss. The first one. If you’ve kissed, then you know what I am writing about. It can stop us in our tracks, make us see fireworks, (figuratively) bring us to our knees, or make our head spin; and often leave us with a desire for more. What is it in that first kiss that possesses so much power?
The anticipation, hopefulnss, restlessness, and nervous curiousity that precedes a first kiss can all dissipate in a second when the lips gently touch…
Most of us aren’t excited about putting on an extra six pounds. Even though it’s a small amount, six pounds can seem like a lot and can really change your life and how things fit.
As a post for Thankful Thursday, I am so grateful for the six additional pounds that changed not only my perspective on “little” dogs but also added a love that can’t be weighed. Here’s my six pounds (aka Melody) at the shelter where we first met and at home. Putting on a little weight turned out to be the best thing I could have ever done. Add a few pounds – you might love it!
…unless their last name is Terrier! It’s hard to understand why a cute, tiny girl would enjoy a snack of worm – be it dried, fresh, partial or whole. I’m surprised that kibble isn’t shaped in the image of a worm or bird poop, which most dogs find enticing. Here’s Melody (from a previous post) singing a sweet song with the same mouth that just ate a worm. Sugar and spice and everything nice. . .and perhaps a few other ingredients!
Dogs are of service to us in so many ways. This week, I noticed my grass and dandelion-filled lawn could use a trim. I sent the dogs out in the yard to serve as a gauge and measuring tool of sorts. This was their report of findings: “If you can’t find the dog, the grass is too long!” I thanked them for yet another service and promptly called a gardener.
