September 29, 2008

White Dog nervously followed Steve as he took the ailing Tortuga from his pen and put him in the transport box we had assembled. She sniffed him and made sure he was comfortable. Over the weekend the desert tortoise developed what we guessed (based on internet research--what did we do before it?) was Prolapse, a swelling of organs that pushes out from under the shell.. It looked horribly scary. Unfortunately, neither the emergency vet nor the exotics clinic in town had anybody over the weekend that was able to help tortoise. So we held our breaths, followed the on-line advice, prayed he wasn't in too much pain, and nursed him until Tortuga could see White Dog's doctor this morning. All day White Dog and I waited for news and finally got the call late afternoon that we could bring Tortuga home. White Dog was very sympathetic and glad to see her pet. It was prolapse of one of his hemipenes and the treatment was to surgically remove it! White Dog may be pressed into nursing service since the vet said it took four people to give Tortuga his oral antibiotics (which we must continue)! For now all is once again well.

P.S. from Susan: For those of a certain age who remember the Talking Heads from the 80's punk scene: go see former lead David Byrne's touring concert if you get the opportunity. Steve and I saw David Byrne in concert last night. It was a little nostalgic but even better because his new songs, as pointed as ever, have matured along with us. He is politically and relationship astute and the show was solidly entertaining. Besides, I cannot remember the last time we were at a concert that had people literally dancing in the aisles (they generally don't at the Santa Fe Opera)!

Premio Dardos

Thanks to my friend Isis for giving us this award!

September 28, 2008

White Dog was not all that broken up to discover Jesse had disassembled most of the Agility Course in preparation for the move to her new house later today. We practiced a few climbs and commands then spent some social time. White Dog gave Daisy her surprise present, a beautiful BFF friendship necklace that Hana's mom made in appropriate "Daisy" colors. Daisy put it on right away and looked so happy and lovely. Her mom could not stop smiling and hugging her and telling her how pretty she looked! I think Poppy, Daisy's sister was just a little jealous. Even Buster checked out the collar and nosed Daisy in approval. White Dog was thrilled that her gift had been so well received. After, everyone in class had a puppermint stick before going home (Daisy, still wearing her necklace, looked out the car window as they drove away; it was so cute).

September 27, 2008

White Dog was as surprised as I was when Adam called to suggest that he come down from the mountain with garden vegetables and chicken so we could all prepare and share a meal. He is still struggling to regain balance after a nasty end to an important relationship. We are honored that he finds comfort and safety in our company. So Adam and Steve chopped and sauteed and whipped up a Greek-style chicken and vegetables melange with garlic and lemon. Served with rice and humus, the dish was so good everyone of us (including White Dog) licked our plates clean. Relaxing up beat conversation over apricot tea and sinfully rich brownies left the humans as satisfied and nap ready as White Dog, who had already curled up on the couch with Adam and was snoozing. For a moment all the troubled world seemed held at bay.

September 26, 2008

White Dog consented to play model so Steve could snap some photos of the Xebra--but only after he made a show of placing the keys on the table so she knew it wasn't a trick to make her go for a ride! You can't see White Dog in the first shot because she decided to demonstrate the lying down room while Steve was positioned for a distance shot. In the second photo White Dog shows off the head and leg room of the driver's compartment. I think she is almost ready for modeling at the big auto shows!



So without further ado, here is our new electric car!

September 25, 2008

White Dog went to the Park this morning! Not that she chose to leave the house but Steve carried her out to the car and off they went. Once there Steve kept her on-leash until she asked for more freedom (about two minutes). She ran and did all her usual Park frolicking and seemingly was fine. White Dog even spent a few minutes with Collette the spitz mix she knows. When she returned home I greeted her with pets and praise. Right now we think White Dog might be experiencing a bit of separation anxiety because she and I are always together. (I work from home and have been actually here alot this summer). So we are attempting to gently let her know it is ok to leave me. I guess the test will be White Dog's next scheduled Park morning.

Meanwhile White Dog, Steve, and I welcome my grandnephew, Cody Ryan, into the world! Tyler's new brother was born this afternoon.

September 24, 2008

White Dog knows the difficulties of maintaining a blog that is interesting, intimate, and informational all at the same time. When a blog consistently combines all three, a bond is developed that makes readers care about your story. This requires creativity, hard work, and a willingness to share. Below then are those blogs that White Dog rushes to the computer to check on...and the humans and dogs that make them special. We hope they will accept our "I Love Your Blog Award" and will continue to entertain us for a long time...
Hana the Dog
Life Inside the Fence
The Nottie Scottie
Casper and Friends
Dugan's Barkery
...making us laugh, sometimes cry, and always cheering for the underdog!

The rules of the award are: 1. The winner can put the logo on his or her blog. 2. Link the person you received your award from. 3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4. Put links of those blogs on yours. 5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you have nominated

September 23, 2008

White Dog should have been very, very happy this morning--Steve was feeling agile enough for a trip to the Park and they could go in the new electric car! Instead, she sat at the front door and refused to get into the car! Steve was stunned; "No thanks" to a car ride and a Park run from White Dog? These are two of her favorite-est things! She doesn't appear to be sick and (as far as we know) has no reason to suddenly become a homebody. We are puzzled and a little concerned.

September 22, 2008

White Dog went with Steve at lunch today for a road test of the Zap Xebra...and to finalize the deal for the three-wheeled electric car. (See it at www.zapworld.com until Steve posts pictures of ours). It was parked in our driveway by 2pm being lovingly investigated inch-by-inch by Steve and his copilot, White Dog.

Steve loves the peppiness (much quicker than his Mercedes 240 biodiesel) and the fact that it uses no gasoline, requires no oil changes and all the maintenance can be done yourself with "normal" tools. (In fact, Zap offers free training in the wrench stuff to owners willing to travel to Santa Rosa CA and dedicate one day to learning...hmmm wine country?...only one day of car-talk?...sounds like a week long vacation to me!

White Dog says whoo-hoo road trip!) White Dog loves the long console (her co-pilot seat), that she can easily see out of the windows, and the fact that the blue car color frames her whiteness handsomely. This is the new "going to the Park" vehicle and it gets as many stares and comments as White Dog does...Steve fears between the car and White Dog that he will have to build extra "conversation time" into every trip they make.

September 21, 2008

White Dog has looked forward to Solar Fiesta all week and fortunately, Steve's foot felt improved enough so we could all go. A crabby guy at the ticket table tried to tell us that no dogs were allowed to this outdoor event but the guys at the gate waved us all in. We checked out the latest advances in solar and building technology, chuckled over the newest fad of drying clothes by hanging them outside on a clothes line, and enjoyed conversations with like-minded conservationists (and Eskie lovers). White Dog drew many compliments and behaved beautifully (waiting patiently as we gathered info and visited booths). Dragon got to ride in the new shoulder tote that White Dog and I made for Candace; they, too, received attention. Oh, White Dog talked Steve into buying a Zap! Xebra electric car...and both were amazed when I gave the idea a thumbs-up...more on the new car to come.

September 20, 2008

White Dog at least got to go for car rides as Steve's foot continued to be troublesome. Knowing that she has cabin fever, we took her along to run errands, to drop off and pick me up from class... and to go through the DRIVE THROUGH at Taco Tote! (Steve never uses the drive throughs saying it wastes gas and is for the lazy...so we know he is in pain). White Dog was allowed to order her own chicken taco. The customer service woman even put white dog's lunch in her own bag...which she zealously guarded until we got home to eat.

September 19, 2008

White Dog has been asked to stretch her patience and compassion beyond what should be expected of a small fluffy dog. All week (a week already out of routine) Steve has complained of a mysterious pain along the length of his left big toe. There is no bruising or cut and Steve has no memory of a damaging incident. The pain has grown progressively worse and a red spot has appeared. He can barely stand or walk on it. Right now it is being treated as a staph infection and he is taking antibiotics. He has been told to stay off of the foot as much as possible. This directly affects White Dog and her trips to the Park, which have been temporarily put on hold. Tonight Steve was in such pain that the bedtime walk was cancelled. Poor White Dog cuddled against Steve and reassured him that it was OK...but I saw her waiting at the leash chair staring longingly at her leash. She is a bundle of pent-up energy. We both hope Steve is back to running soon.

September 18, 2008

White Dog had to endure a fate worse than two-year-old Camryn when Jesse came by to clean. Jesse had Remus and Romulus, two adult miniature Schnauzers, along with her. White Dog thinks these boys have no party manners (they mark indiscriminately everywhere) and are rude (they are always sticking their noses where they have not been invited). Since Jesse was doing a good deed by emergency babysitting them, White Dog reluctantly agreed to let them stay on the front porch (where they, of course, peed!). When they finally left, White Dog thoroughly sniffed over the porch checking for damages...she even checked on Tortuga, whose enclosure is on the porch, to make sure the tortoise wasn't traumatized by the C- guests.

September 17, 2008

White Dog came back from the groomer beautiful but sleepy. She wanted to nap; I wanted her to model for some parts of my current painting. White Dog flat out refused to bare her teeth and look threatening (The somewhat political piece is called My Sister's Keeper...or Keep Away?). She kindly consented to lie next to me so that I could pull her lips back every so often to study the size and arrangement of her "fangs." "Stop complaining," I said as she sighed for the hundredth time. "This is far better than being ignored while I worked on the virtual Mayan village for months." White Dog responded by crawling under the chair and looking out so that I could only see her big dark eyes and nose...which were exactly what I needed to model for another part of the work!

September 16, 2008

White Dog has asked Hana's mom to make a special "friendship" necklace for her best friend, Daisy. White Dog is still working out the color scheme for the surprise gift (don't worry Daisy is a Dogster girl so she won't see this). She thinks maybe the colors should reflect Daisy's name. Daisy sometimes feels left out because everyone makes such a cooing fuss over her tiny Maltese little sister who is adorably cute and hyper-ready to please. Daisy is shyer and while not a "knockout" has a beautiful loyal spirit. White dog hopes the gift will make her feel special--and as regal as Hana always looks.

September 15, 2008

White Dog is not happy that Steve is working late every night this week. He has the class that he normally teaches at the community college on Tuesday and Thursday and has additionally agreed to do followup training with a former corporate client this Monday and Wednesday...all this in addition to his regular daytime stint at the architecture firm. Each evening White Dog climbs to her window perch at 7pm anticipating Steve's arrival; on his late nights she maintains her vigil looking sadder and sadder as time passes. There is nothing that I can do to distract her. Late nights leave little time for cuddling or playing; she really hates when Steve over-commits.

September 14, 2008

White Dog and Buster both came to class tired and in the throes of Fall Frolic. Neither could concentrate on the tasks at hand and wanted only to eat treats and play with their friends. It was a tough battle of wills for Steve and Rita vs. their attention deficit "babies"...and there were no clear winners. It was precious to see huge full-grown chow/lab mix Buster hunkered down to the ground gently rolling baby Dragon (who has been adopted by class as its official mascot and distraction) onto his back and gumming him until he was covered by slobber as they play wrestled.

September 13, 2008

White Dog seems obsessed with her new squirrel on the fishing rod toy (and Steve seems equally captivated). Both gave up going to the Park this morning so that they could spend more time "Fishing for Eskies." Like the mother of a video game addicted child, I may have to limit the times White Dog and Steve can play...especially since Steve in his over-enthusiasm has already broken a candle holder. Later when Richard came over for cheese tasting, White Dog insisted that her real life fishing buddy see her new toy in action. Then we settled in for a pleasant evening of artisanal cheeses, conversation, and for White Dog exclusively, ostrich jerky.

September 12, 2008

White Dog and Steve spent the evening "Fishing for Eskies" a game utilizing the new fishing pole toy that arrived by UPS this afternoon (this is why White Dog loves when the brown truck stops in front of the house!). White Dog could hardly wait for Steve to come home and help open the package so that they could play (she knew it was for her and had been sniffing at it since it arrived). The game begins with Steve "casting" the bungee-corded squirrel out into the room where it bobs and wiggles from the tip of the fishing pole. White Dog sneaks up, leaps for the squirrel and tries to grab it to the ground where she can sink her teeth into the plush animal. When the Eskie is firmly "hooked" a tug of war to "reel her in" ensues. She usually slips off the line and Steve must recast, starting the cycle again...and again...and again. White Dog has even ignored dinner in favor of continuing play.

September 11, 2008

White Dog was thrilled to hear that Take Abe her composer/musician friend in Japan is soon to release a CD of his work which will be available in the USA (see his link on her Blog Friends). She loves his beautiful electronic soundscapes and was instrumental in helping me select his work to accompany my art. White Dog is always glad when Take write because he never fails to give regards to "the lovely Siku." Please visit his website and give his work a listen...White Dog guarantees a moment of serenity as you do.

September 10, 2008

White Dog looked like half the restaurant scene from Disney's Lady and the Tramp as she sat in front of her plate of whole wheat spaghetti, garden vegetables and ground turkey. Every so often as a surprise, White Dog gets to eat exactly the same meal as we do. Like Steve, she prefers her pasta and sauce totally mixed and topped with a generous grating of cheese.

September 9, 2008

White Dog sat on the bed watching as I began defining the forest floor on my canvas. As I choose and applied color to represent fallen leaves. White Dog left me and returned carrying a yellow leaf that selected from the yard. I thanked her for her input and she settled back on the pillows. A short time later and another trip outdoors found White Dog standing before me with a twig in her mouth. I truly appreciate White Dog's help and her excellent eye but I wonder how much influence can she have before I must give her credit as my collaborator?

September 8, 2008

White Dog was very happy to see Christine when she stopped by unexpectedly this morning. Her difficult pregnancy and odd home situation has left White Dog, Steve and I anxious about Christine. The baby has finally (to quote Christine) been scheduled for arrival by C-Section on September 25 if he doesn't choose his own earlier date. White Dog so wanted to cuddle and get a tummy rub but Christine is in no shape to bend to the floor nor does she have a lap to sit upon. Innovative White Dog saw the problem and sat next to Christine with her head on Chris' belly thus allowing at least an ear scratching and a hug.

September 7, 2008

White Dog was a little embarrassed that we were late for the first day of class but that fact was quickly lost as everyone (dog and human) greeted each other and did quick "On My Summer Vacation" summaries. It was wonderful to see the group. White Dog particularly missed Daisy her best friend since puppy class days. Daisy has lost her timidness on the A-frame and now raced over it almost as quickly as White Dog does. Poppy sported an extreme haircut but was just as squirmy and upbeat as ever despite her scary incident of being grabbed and shaken by a much bigger dog. Buster has learned to calmly approach White Dog and she pushed against his muzzle to let him know that she was glad to see him. Dragon had come along to class to observe the "big dogs" in action and was amazed at how well-mannered and patient the class was toward him. (Except Poppy who drew the line at being humped by a pipsqueak 12-week old who had no idea what he was doing). All the dogs remembered the stuff already learned and worked hard. After class and a reward run through the cottonwoods at the Bosque, both White Dog and Dragon (full of treats from class), slept.

September 6, 2008

White Dog rode along when Steve dropped me off for my class and then the two of them bee-lined it home to spend the afternoon lying on the bed, munching popcorn, and watching the old movie Forbidden Planet. This tradition started several semesters ago when Steve and I were out of sync class time-wise. White Dog and Steve utilize the time I am gone and Steve's at home to watch macho action and sci-fi flicks that are not my "thing." Over next 15 weeks they should be able to see quite a few of them.

September 5, 2008

White Dog, though she secretly loves it, thinks it strange that I sing to her. Not just croaking along to tunes on the radio but a capella renditions of songs altered to personalize them for my fluffy Princess. Ever since her first days with us I have sung "I'm being being followed by a White Eskie, White Eskie...Siku Marie is my White Eskie, etc." to the chorus tune of of the old Cat Stevens song "Moonshadow." ...or "She Ain't Heavy She's My Eskie"... "Si- ku Ma-rie, Si-ku Ma-rie dance with me, prance with me" to a Zydeco French Waltz...the Association's ancient hit gets a remake with "Every-one knows it's Si-ku! And Si-ku has stormy eyes that flash at the sound of lies and Siku has feet that fly...across the grass." Usually these are private moments between the two of us but sometimes we include Steve (if White Dog has an upset tummy or if there's a thunderstorm, for example). I tell White Dog that this ritual of ours can't be that unusual...is it?

September 4, 2008

White Dog sat patiently while Camryn petted her head but she looked for help when he began to pull at her loose shedding hair. Jesse quickly lifted the toddler to her lap and Brenna stepped in to soothe her canine "little sister." Everyone regained their balance. White Dog even let Camryn give her a goodbye pet. Progress, though slow, is being made both by boy and by Eskie. After they were gone, Steve and I shared pieces of coconut fruit pop with White Dog (one of her favorites) as a reward.

September 3, 2008

White Dog has been particularly enjoying the book we are reading during our afternoon cuddle. During those times, if she is alert and needs attention rather than a nap, I read aloud and she lays on the pillows where she can watch me turn pages. The current novel by Dorothy Hearst is Promise of the Wolves and it tells from the wolf, Kaala's perspective, the story of the bond formed between dogs' predecessors and humans 14,000 years ago. The writing is lively and the author obviously has been around dogs enough to realistically capture their mannerisms/behaviours. Published by Simon & Schuster this year, White Dog and I recommend this read with two paws and two thumbs up!

September 2, 2008

White Dog's day was all about school. This was Steve's first night of teaching for the Fall Semester. Jesse called to let White Dog know that the Agility Group had reformed after its summer break and that classes would resume this Sunday at eleven. While looking forward to seeing her friends Daisy, Poppy and Buster, White Dog is not sure she's ready to go back to classes. (Steve and I are sure; too long without and the Princess gets lazy!) Finally, Dragon and Gregg (photo of both above) started puppy training. "At last," White Dog sighed. She was very flattered when she heard that Gregg had asked Jesse (also Dragon's trainer) "if Dragon would ever be as well behaved as Siku?" Gregg has set a pretty high standard for such a little pup!

September 1, 2008

White Dog spent most of this grey day lounging and napping. But we finally have pictures of all the "critters" that live with us to share: Including Milo, our three-legged iguana who is over 4 feet long and who moved here with us from Chicago a decade ago. White Dog tries to play ball with Milo who is a free-roaming lizard but she has had no success.
Arvo, our bearded dragon is a happy-go-lucky little guy that sits on White Dog's window pillow and watches the neighborhood intently (when he is allowed out of his enclosure).

Tortuga, the Saharan spur-thighed tortoise is nearly a foot in diameter. "Turtle" was our niece, Christine's, homeschool project (about 4" across then). He is always interested in White Dog's chewies when he wanders so White Dog collects all of her toys on the couch in order to protect them.

The Sugar Gliders, Chuck and Isaac, are nocturnal and wake up right before White Dog goes on her goodnight walk. She waits patiently while they are fed and get a chance to jump around. (Isaac is the one with the bald spot, actually a scent gland. Chuck was neutered before hitting maturity so his gland never developed. White Dog watches over and protects all of us...which is sometimes a big task for one small American Eskimo.

August 31, 2008

White Dog hustled us along to get moving. It was Sunday morning bike riding/ playing at the Nature Center time! When we stopped to pick up Gregg and Candace, little Dragon (picture at left) was doing the same excited dance to get everyone back into the car. (Candace said "I think he knows where we're going!" White Dog gave her an "of course he does" look). In the pre-ride walk, White Dog flushed a rabbit: she and Steve chased it until it slipped under a fence. The threatening weather prompted an abbreviated ride but it was long enough for Dragon to gain some points with White Dog. Both dogs sat on the driver's seat of thye car watching for road runners through the slight mist. Dragon behaved well, standing with his front feet on the arm rest intently mimicking White Dog's surveliance. He did not yap in her face or bite or otherwise torture her...he just stood beside her watching. When the riders came back the dogs tag-teamed another rabbit. White Dog found it and chased it toward Dragon who got so excited that he somersaulted backward and sent the scared pup scurrying behind Candace's legs. Then it was time for brunch, admiration from the other patrons, and bacon nibbles at Sophia's.

August 30, 2008

White Dog and Steve proudly set up dinner on the freshly painted screened front porch. They had worked most of the afternoon (Steve sweated; White Dog supervised) painting over the 40-year-old pink stucco, cleaning and reassembling the space, and it looked great. The table filled with Chef Richard's chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, and cowboy beans invited us to sit in the pleasant shade sharing food, companionship and a beautiful sunset. White Dog has been promised the bone from the ham hock Richard used to flavor the long-simmered beans but until then has "settled" for bites of chicken and ham and gravy-soaked tortilla...and ear massages from Richard!

August 29, 2008

White Dog sat with me at 6:45pm awaiting Steve's return from work. The sky was already turning toward twilight and the living room was in shadows. "Before too many days pass," I lamented, "we'll need to turn on the lights by now." White Dog brought in a bright yellow crispy dead leaf from the porch to let me know that she understood summer was nearing its end. We resumed our Steve-watch, each of us filled with musings of this season nearly done.