2.14.2025

February 14, 2025

Valentine's Day holds fond memories from childhood for me - exchanging cards and getting those little candy hearts. Sue and I never celebrated Valentine's Day except that Siku landed at the airport in Albuquerque on Valentines' Day in 2005. Sue was in a college class, so I went to the airport and found Siku's crate locked in the baggage claim office. After rescuing her, I took her back to the office and cuddled with her. She was such an adorable puppy!



1.21.2025

January 21, 2025

Well, Miss Diva finally received a much needed grooming today. Her last grooming was less than successful. She nipped at the groomer twice and the groomer trimmed off her whiskers, which concerned me. My friend James has two adorable Shih Tzus and they are always groomed perfectly, so I used the same groomer. Evelyn (our new MOBILE groomer) pulled up right on time. She groomed Diva perfectly and Diva didn't nip at her, so we have a new groomer! 

1.18.2025

January 18, 2025

Crazy Clara thinks she's a parrot while waiting for breakfast. She likes balancing on our small side table!

1.04.2025

January 4. 2025

 




I can't believe that I'm writing this post. I'm devastated. Yesterday, I brought Zsofia to see Dr. Julia. Zso hasn't been feeling very well lately and I sensed that she needed to be examined. Now, I'm writing her epataph. After a thorough exam with blood work and x-rays, we determined that she had an advanced spleen/liver tumor that looked like it required immediate surgery. It was Friday late afternoon, and finding a surgery location proved difficult, so I was preparing to medicate her, keep her comfortable, and get her into emergency surgery ASAP. It seems that there is a new talented surgeon in town who can work with cases like Zsofia. We discussed what I should look for if issues were to arise at home, one of which was massive black blood in her stool. Standing in the waiting room, I looked over and she was providing the horrible example that we were just discussing. She could not survive any longer and we made the immediate decision to euthanize her. Zsofia was born on July 4, 2014 and came to us as an adorable 8-week old pup as a gift from a grateful student of mine. She trained with Sue and me at a trainer who helped work with Sue in her wheelchair. Now, I've lost Sue and Zsofia. Fare well, my loves. You will always live in my heart.


7.10.2023

July 4, 2023

July 4 is a national holiday, and everyone celebrates in their own way. Here at the White Dog Ranch, we celebrate the birth of our Itty Bitty Baby Girl, Zsofia. She came into our lives through the grace of one of my students whose huskies had an adorable litter of wiggly babies. He offered me one of the puppies. How could we say "no"? Happy 9th Birthday, sweet Zsofia. 
Zsofia at 8 weeks old coming home with us
Zsofia's first visit to Dr. Julia
Zsofia being adorable
Sticks are still a favorite!

Zsofia's litter at 4 days old










6.24.2023

June 20, 2023

 "You guys ALL need to go outside while the yard is still shady and get a little exercise. You need more than bedtime walks to stay healthy. All you are doing these days is eating and napping," I announced as I walked into the living room.

"We also drink water" Roman replied, "We know you would not want us to get dehydrated."



"And contrary to the way it looks," Bailey took up the defense. "We are practicing time telling skills while we do aerobics. In three more minutes, Zsofia's time resting in the coolest best spot in the house is up. She will have to get down and we'll all rotate. I get the ottoman spot and Opal moves to my position. So you see, we'll be stretching and jumping."

"Lilly is stretching right now," Diva yipped. "she has a graceful giraffe neck and note her form as she takes that tissue off the cabinet top without disturbing anything else."

6.15.2023

June 12, 2023

 

Opal long ago decided that she was going to be Roman's friend...whether or not he knew what to make of her. She pushed into his cone of solitude so casually and so unrelentingly that Roman has come to accept, and I believe enjoy, her interactions. 

He regularly lets her sniff him and kiss his face with gentle nudges and licks. Roman has come to understand when she prances up to him and swishes about that she is inviting him to play. She has slowly extended the chase game beyond the living room.

Both were out in the yard with me and caught their antics from Roman's point of view. The  photo is Roman's response to Opal's dance as she moved closer and bowed. He continued his encouragement for her to pursue him around the yard. 

It was thrilling to see the joy of each in their game and Roman's willing happy participation. Later, when Opal came inside to check on me, I took a moment to stroke her ears. Sweet Opal, you are such a patient loving friend; Roman has come so far with your help."

6.09.2023

June 7, 2023

It's a fine tradition of the Southwest," Zsofia opined. "When it is hot have a spicy treat, find a cool shady spot and SIESTA!"



6.06.2023

June 6, 2023

 


"You know, guys, SOME dogs love the idea of a wading pool filled with water for a place to take a quick dip and stay cool during these hot days. Do you think YOU might like one or two out here in the yard and maybe on the deck?"

Zsophia and Bailey headed to the back of the yard. "You mean like a bath?' "Outside?"

Lilly thought about it. "Could we play 'bob for yummies'? That might be fun." "I would need a life jacket or water wings" Diva commented. "And a fluffy towel to lie on afterward to dry off. Oh, and sunglasses."

"Maybe if the water was not too cold and there were bubbles. Would dad sit on the edge and rub-a-dub-dub me?"

Roman gave the entire conversation his side-eye whale look. It is a very clear warning not to push or go further. "No one would be forced to go in," I reassured him. "I don't want to be teased or splashed either," he said.

"Maybe let's give the pool idea some more thought," I suggested. "White Dog never wanted a pool; we tried once but she thought it was gross that I was standing in the middle of a gigantic drinking bowl. If anyone changes their minds let me know. For now it's always cool in the house."

6.05.2023

June 5, 2023

 

"It's 8:30 on Monday night and we're STILL waiting for dinner," Zsofia complained. "Why are you just sitting here, Dad?"

"The spinach is wilted but we're waiting for the lentils to get softer. Then they must be mixed and the chopped tomatoes and parmesan must be added. You wanted to share, right? Well then you must be patient," I explained.

"Dad, could we have ice cream first?" Diva suggested. The rest of the WDA quickly picked up her plea. "Um, no. If I share ice cream it will be AFTER dinner, just like always," I disappointed them. Just then the timer sounded in the kitchen prompting me and my cadre of tasters to head off to check for lentil softness."