March Musings

We got our snow late, enjoyed playing in it for about three weeks and now it's gone!   The best kind of winter, in my opinion.   We had several cold snaps, and February was especially cold but we've been breaking records (highs) for the past week and it definitely feels like Spring!   It doesn't look like Spring yet with brown grass and no leaves but that will come eventually.   We've been to the dog park every day this week.   We were stepping over (and occasionally into) mud puddles at first but they have dried up now.   Zak had great fun playing with this 12 week old Siberian Husky last week, and the last two times we've been to the park, he has had a blast racing a one year old Pit Bull along the fence line.    I won't let my dogs play in a pen with Pit Bulls but with a fence between them - well, they've both had great fun and I've been amazed that Zak can totally keep up with Chole!

Dan and Zak

My brother Dan was here (all the way from China) last week and Scarlett and Zak had so much fun with him.   I think it was mutual.   We're looking forward to a few more times together with Dan before he has to return in August.  

Dan and Scarlett

Yesterday would have been Princess' 16th birthday.   I miss her so much - especially this time of year, when she went to work with me.   Whenever the temperature was between about 40 and 70, she'd go with me, spend the day in the car (windows open, of course) and we'd go for a walk and share lunch together.    Sweet girl - great memories.

Finally, THIS is where Zak lies when he wants to play (which is most of the time) or otherwise, just wants my attention.   Yes, I know that sitting at a desk would solve the problem, but I've always preferred sitting on the floor.   He's too smart for his own good, but I did manage to get the upper hand this week.    He's too big to be left in a kennel for nine hours a day, but I don't want him having the full run of the house yet either.   My bedroom door has a very weak latch and he's been able to get it open.    I finally figured out a solution.  I attach a bungy cord to the outside doorknob, stretch it across the hall and attach the other end to the bathroom door.   It works like a charm, so now he and Scarlett can play in the bedroom during the day when I'm at work.   I put up things like dried flowers and boxes of kleenex (his favorite thing to destroy) and leave toys in the room for them.    So far there has been no damage and no accidents.  A Mom couldn't be more proud.

Snow - Better Late than Never!

It's interesting that I started that last post commenting on how cold January was, because right about that time, we began an extended warm spell.   January thaws typically last one or two days around here.  This one lasted two full weeks.   It was wonderful!    But the little bit of snow we had quickly disappeared and for the past month, it's looked like more like early Spring than mid-Winter.   That all changed this week.   We finally got a couple of good snowfalls (nothing compared to Boston, mind you!) and a push of Arctic air behind it.   We usually have at least a few winter days with sub-zero highs, and we're in a stretch of that now.   On top of that, the wind has been pretty fierce so it is REALLY cold!   This morning, after shoveling two inches of fresh snow that had blown itself into a concrete drift in the driveway, the puppies and I played in the yard for about an hour.   I've found a great toy for playing in the snow.   It's called a Hol-ee ball and it's large enough, and light weight enough, that it doesn't disappear in a snowdrift.  In the house, I put a Milkbone in it, and it provides entertainment and mental exercise for about an hour.

  

Man of the House

January has been a quiet month; cold - and not much snow.   We got about an inch one day last week and Scarlett was so excited.   She tore around the yard, burying her head in it and popping up with a smile.    This, my girl from Alabama!   Go figure!

Zak and I play with his ball every evening in the living room.    If he's feeling neglected, he will lay his head down on my laptop or drop his ball on the keyboard!  He's loving and well behaved and charms everyone.   Hasn't had an 'accident' in the house in about six months now.   So nice to have that behind us!    I saw an ad online, featuring a corgi and some houndstooth merchandise.    Since I love houndstooth, myself, I decided to do a photo shoot of Zak with some of my stuff.    He sat so nicely for me while I snapped about a dozen pictures!   Pretty handsome boy, if I do say so! 

We hope that everyone had a good Christmas.   I was in Michigan with my brothers, and we had a great week together - although a rather large wet blanket was thrown over our Christmas Eve when I learned that my dog care provider, back home, had bailed on us!  Thank goodness for neighbors who, in spite of having a small house and both having to work, were willing to step up to the plate.   They are the best!

I have a four day weekend coming up and it's supposed to be in the 30's!   Around here, that is warm - especially in January!    We look forward to some good romps in the park.  

In memory ....

In Memory of Princess Isabella

March 14, 1999 - December 4, 2014 

I am grateful to the staff of the Casselton Veterinary Clinic for their professionalism and compassion this week.   There is no easy way to let a pet go, but they certainly made it an infinitely better experience than I had with Dee Dee.   I am at peace with the decision, and grateful that I was able to hold Princess throughout the procedure.   She died in my arms, and the veterinarian and tech sat with us for another 20 minutes and we chatted about our dogs and the love they bring into our lives. That meant the world to me. 

This week marks the end of the "Princess, Dee Dee and Elvis era".   The memories of the times we shared with all three dogs are precious.   So much life happens in the span of fifteen years.  Princess was with me through upheaval at work, through the loss of my parents, through other changes in my family and in my own life.  For fifteen years she slept pressed against the small of my back.   I can hardly remember life without her.  

I look at Scarlett and Zak now and try to imagine what they will be like in 12-13 years .... what memories we will make together and what those years will bring.  I'll be in my 70's (yikes!!), retired, quite possibly living in some other place.   Dogs are amazing creatures.   They know more than we realize .... and they love unconditionally.   I have marveled at that over the years.   I shudder to think of how many mornings I was running late and snapped at Princess and Dee Dee or failed to give them the attention they needed.  And yet when I came home at the end of the day, they were at the door to greet me - butts wagging, so happy to see me; and I, them.   

I miss Princess terribly.   She brought more joy into my life than I would have believed possible.   She was my first corgi, and the reason I got the others.   She changed my life, and I will always be grateful.    Rest in peace, sweet girl.   You are forever in my heart. 

Saying Goodbye

Princess, at the age of 15-3/4 years, has lived an extraordinarily long and wonderful life.   Our veterinarian gave me the supreme compliment at her wellness check in October when she said  "You've taken such good care of her."   I hope it's true.   Princess was my first corgi, and the one who made me fall in love with the breed.  Just like first time parents, you cut your teeth on your first puppy and learn as you go.   I'm sure I made some mistakes, but it wasn't for lack of love.   I adored my girls, and only hope Scarlett and Zak have lives that are just as good.

Sleeping in the car

The past few weeks have been tough for Princess.    We've had a cold start to the winter, she gets the chills when she goes outside and needs help going up and down the steps.   She drinks so much water and of course that means she has to go outside a lot too.   The puppies are rambunctious and bother her.   This Fall she went to work with me most every day but now that it's gotten cold, she can no longer do that.    She adores my neighbors and loves to go to their house.   But those trips are more difficult with the onset of winter.    Her digestive system has been upset, her back hurts and her legs are no longer stable.   It's time to say goodbye.

Princess with our neighbors, Mike and Gina

On Thursday, my neighbors will accompany us to our veterinary clinic in Casselton where we will help her cross the Rainbow Bridge.   Unlike Dee Dee, who passed in an unfamiliar place with a doctor we'd never met, Princess will have our wonderful Dr. Schmid, and Casselton has a special room, quiet and peaceful, just for this journey.   I anticipate that it will be a bit easier than it was with Dee Dee.    Princess is almost three years older and I have no doubt that it is time.

Princess and Susan

But the ache in my heart is still horrific.   Ever since the decision was made last week, I've had intermittent waves of grief.   Not one to cry in front of others, I've savored the moments we've had together at home.   But Princess is not just my dog.   Dee Dee was very attached to me and didn't even want to leave the house without me.   But Princess has so many, many friends.   And because of that, I've needed to let them say goodbye.   So, since Saturday, we've have a number of different friends stop over.   Princess has enjoyed tummy rubs and special treats, although I've maintained pretty tight control over that because I don't want her to have a tummy upset in her final days.   On Sunday, our friend Susan Lenthe took these wonderful photos of us together.    They will bring comfort in the weeks ahead.  Tonight I will bury my head in her back, memorize her smell and allow my tears to fall on her fur ... I will linger ... I will treasure these last two evenings together.   She will always be my PRINCESS.

Yard Work

While much of the country is languishing in record breaking November snowfall, here in Northwestern Minnesota, we have been largely spared.   We've had a couple inches, and the surrounding area has had much more, but right here, the ground is bare.    We haven't been as fortunate in the temperature department, as we have been well below normal (even below zero) for the past three weeks.    But the lack of snow has enabled me to finish up my raking and late Autumn yard work.   One Saturday, several weeks ago, I decided that I'd better go full throttle on spreading the black dirt and mulch I had delivered to spread over the area where three large trees were taken out last Spring.   I planted an Autumn Blaze maple and a hydrangea tree. watered them faithfully until freeze up and look forward to filling in the area with perennials next Spring.    That particular Saturday I was bemoaning the fact that I had to do this all alone, with no DH to help.    Just then I turned around and saw that the 'man of my house' (Zak) had come to my aid and was all too willing to 'help'.     That nice, cool black dirt was SO soft and completely irresistible, and he was happily digging himself a trench to lie in.    One look at him, and all I could do was laugh.   I was nearly as filthy as he was, and we both found our way to the tub an hour or so later.   I really should have taken a picture of the bathwater!

Autumn, Nature's Loveliest Smile .......

Yunker Farm Dog Park

We've been enjoying a nice stretch of Indian Summer, which generally occurs right after a hard freeze.   As I recall, we never really got that last year, so we are especially enjoying the nice days this year.   With daylight hours waning, I rush home after work and we head to the park to get some playtime before dark.   We all sleep better at night when we've had some exercise!   Evenings have been cool; just perfect for sleeping with the windows open.   Last night was particularly lovely, with a nice breeze drifting right over my pillow.   

Maplewood State Park

With my favorite boy

A couple of Saturdays ago we made our annual Fall trek to Maplewood  and Glendalough State Parks.  It was a picture-perfect day and our friend Susan Lenthe snapped these shots of us.  We got there early enough in the day to beat the crowds and by afternoon it was warm enough that the dogs could swim.   Princess was in top form that day, easily beating everyone but Susan's border collie, Tulip, to the stick in the water.    I wanted to get Zak into the water one more time this year, to reinforce his swimming skills and was gratified to see him take right off without hesitation.   Yay!!  

With Miss Scarlett

Princess got the chills when she got out of the water.