Digital Detox

I had a challenging work week involving a lot of computer time last week and determined to remove myself from the stream of media. The end result was starting AND COMPLETING a project that has been awaiting my attention for two years. A while ago, I bought a new coffee table that converts to a dining table. When it arrived, the coffee table was delivered in two very large and very heavy boxes that intimidated me. Every time I looked at the boxes, I groaned internally. On Saturday, I opened the boxes, spread out the contents all around my living room, and constructed what is now a magical addition to my main living space. 

I was worried that the dogs would dislike the new intrusion, but they accepted it as if the table was always there. One of my favorite aspects of the table is that it’s on casters. 

Ken hasn’t seen the table yet as he has a sick cat who is in overnight care at the vet near our country house.

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!

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! 

January 18, 2025

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

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.

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

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."

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."

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!"

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."