Independence Day

Blogging Friends.... I hope all of my Readers who reside in America enjoyed themselves a happy and safe July 4th!! Here is my experience with Rose, who suffers from noise phobia.... Love you later.

For those of you who have not read it yet, I finally--three freakin' days later than promised!!--posted my July fictional children's story on Minuscule is good! !! Go ahead. Read it!! And be sure to leave comments!! So I know you visited!!

Congrats, congrats, congrats to Robert Downey Jr., Susan, and Exton as they are adding a girl to their little family in November!! I am so very happy for them!! I've always thought that Robert--especially considering his past--should have a daughter. How so? Nothing against sons, but a daughter eternally holds an incredibly special place within her Daddy's heart. Robert. An ex-drug addict. Is having a daughter!! It's nothing short of beautiful.

   

Bombs explode in warzones. And they are set off during terrorist attacks. Bombs' powerful blasts turn homes into rubble. They blow off people's limbs. And worst of all, bombs kill. I am not an Army soldier who served in Iraq. Nor was I a runner during the Boston Bombing Marathon. And I hope to never {Ever, ever, ever!!} witness or experience the real thing. These were thoughts which crossed through my crazy never-shuts-down head as I sat on our hard tiled "Boy's Bathroom" floor while fireworks, illegal booming pretty explosions and bottle rockets {Or "bombs" as I call them both!!} were lit on Independence Day night. I hope to never {Ever, ever, ever!!} witness or experience the real thing. There truly is no escape from fireworks in our one-level home. For we do not have a basement. So, after a few distant fireworks, I linked Rose's collar with her spare red leash and "held my girl hostage"--in "our" bedroom. Then, when they stopped, I released a very cautious Rose. She wandered toward our great room. I followed her. Well. It was 7:30 PM when the first resounding, booming, nerve-racking, heart-stopping, terrifying "bomb" went off behind our house. I gasped. Rose abruptly jumped up from her lying position by our red great room loveseat. Again, I followed my little girl, figuring that Rose would lead me to the "Boy's Bathroom". She did not. Rose wandered down the hall toward my parents' bedroom, instead. I gently grabbed her collar, another red leash in hand. I linked it to Rose's collar and lead us toward the "Boy's Bathroom". It serves as an incredible sound barrier!! Although we can still hear fireworks, illegal booming pretty explosions and bottle rockets {Or "bombs" as I call them both!!} I, myself, feel safe in the "Boy's Bathroom" on Independence Day!! As does Rose. Anywhere else in our home and she trembles, pants or tries to escape. Poor baby!! Not that I blame her. When I momentarily stepped foot into our darkened great room and stretched my legs, there were twain sudden flashes of fireworks-created light. I jumped, then whispered these words. "I am feeling unsafe in my own house!!" Not surprising. I always feel unsafe in my own home on the 4th of July!! Yes, always. But I never feel unsafe on the hard tile "Boy's Bathroom" floor!! As I sat next to Rose, and stroked her velvet-soft fur, I bemused myself with this far-out thought. It feels like we're hiding in a bomb cellar!! I know, I know. But that is--in a minuscule sense--how it feels!! Behind our house resides a semi truck driver. As he drives across America, this "neighbor"--who I have not met--purchases illegal fireworks that result in booming pretty sky lit explosions. He is safe and responsible. But these "bombs" are resounding, booming, nerve-racking, heart-stopping, and terrifying!! This year, The Trucker was not home!! That being mentioned. Despite our outside world setting off countless "bombs" anyway, the "Boy's Bathroom" felt safer this year!! Somehow. Rose--as per usual--even slept through several "bombs". Although some fireworks made my canine's eyes suddenly pop open and inhale deep Drama Queen sighs. Rose otherwise escaped to Dreamland, as her legs twitched. No tremors worked their way through my mutt's poor body. She never panted hard and salivated. Rose simply snored!! Oh, how I'd wished I possessed that ability as I was tired and exhausted all day long on July 4th!! I do not know if it was the several consecutive late nights due to pre-Independence Day fireworks. Or horrid hot Summer weather. Or the manual labor of exchanging my brother Michael's bedroom with our sister's. Or happily chasing after my energetic two-year old niece, "Amethyst" on Independence Day. Or the stress of spending five freakin' days writing my July fictional children's book. {I am already thinking about next month's story, by the way!!} Or.... Nonetheless. I was tired and exhausted!! After everybody in our home attempted slumber among seemingly endless "bombs", I mixed up my ultimate chocolate addict's recipe. About 1/2 cup Hershey's syrup--no, I have not measured it!!--mixed into pure white milk!! Yum!! I mixed it up in a glass as swiftly as I could {While "bombs" were lit above our roof, therefore terrifying me!!} then I poured my "chocolate/chocolate/chocolate milk" into one of our bottles so that Rose could not drink it. Because accidents occur. I was partying hard. Hey, I do not too much care for alcoholic beverages!! I was going to get "high on chocolate". Because I needed it!! A result which is ineffective, I'm afraid, when I am exhausted. Did you know that when the Boy's Bathroom toilet seat is down, it makes an awesome makeshift table?! Well? The counter/sink is too high up from where I was sitting!! There I set my "chocolate/chocolate/chocolate milk"!! Pop the toilet seat back up, and I can urinate in it!! Which, I did!! Toward the end of everybody's fireworks, illegal booming pretty explosions and bottle rockets {Or "bombs" as I call them both!!} I was dozing off on our hard tiled Boy's Bathroom floor, my back against the opened hollow wooden door, my feet between its toilet and sink. "Bombs"? What "bombs"? I was suddenly determined to sleep through them alongside Rose right then and there!! But alas, I could not. For every time yet another resounding, booming, nerve-racking, heart-stopping, terrifying "bomb" went off, this light sleeper--me--popped open her eyes!! Oh well!! I would have awoken the following morning with my butt and legs asleep, anyway!! Although. The bathtub would have made a good makeshift bed!! And I am just now thinking of this because....? Rose lets me leave the Boy's Bathroom--or our "bomb cellar"--so I do get to briefly witness some booming pretty explosions out our living room windows while stretching my legs!! It was 12:15 AM. "The cone is silent", to quote a line from Twister. Or so I thought. I quietly called Rose into "our" bedroom. She stood up from her lying position on the Boy's Bathroom floor. Willingly!! Rose then walked toward "our" bedroom and lay on her comically-sized dog pillow as though no "bombs" were ever lit!! I was shocked and surprised!! What a resilient girl!! Then, as I was checking our great room sliding glass door to make sure it had been locked--my pre-bed ritual--apparently yet another "bomb" or two exploded. Ugh. Rose returned back to the Boy's Bathroom--or our "bomb cellar"--and I will never, ever, ever forget her apologetic, untrusting facial expression when she looked directly at me with a pair of big brown "Beagle" eyes. I felt so very guilty, so very terrible!! Did my facial expression look displeased? Because I was most certainly frustrated. But not at Rose!! No, I was frustrated with the seemingly never-ending fireworks. I was frustrated with everybody's late, late, late night insanity. The thought that crossed my mind during those ungodly hours was this. She'll never trust me again!! Eventually, I was forced to give up as distant fireworks, illegal booming pretty explosions and bottle rockets {Or "bombs" as I call them both!!} still exploded. My clock now ticked at almost 1AM. And I was desperately in need of some sleep!! So I grabbed Rose's collar and gently pulled her out of the Boy's Bathroom. Literally!! I lead Rose to "our" smoky-smelling room--because the window was open--closed its door, heard a few faraway "bombs", apologized profusely, lay in my bed, then attempted slumber. Until another nearby resounding, booming, nerve-racking, heart-stopping, and terrifying "bomb" was lit. I popped open my eyes, checked on Rose, attempted slumber again, then yet another "bomb" exploded. Sigh. It was nearly 1:20 AM when our outside world became silent!! At last.... 

Fireworks Season

Blogging Friends.... Is it that time again?! Already?! Fireworks season, as I am now calling it, is once again upon us!! Just last night, before bed, our neighbor shot off several illegal, heart-stopping, booming, beautiful when exploding in our skies, bottle rockets. Or bombs, as I call them!! Rose, my noise phobia suffering little girl darted from our bedroom, first cowered in the kitchen, then living room, and finally our sound barrier of a "boy's bathroom". Poor baby!! I lead Rose to our bedroom, and linked her spare red leash. There we heard a bottle rocket--bomb--explode, so I walked my reluctant, terrified little girl toward the great room. All while sarcastically whispering these words. "God bless America." And so begins yet another long {weekend} fireworks season.... Love you later.

      

Did I seriously write the other day that my July fictional children's story will be posted on the first? Really?! What on Earth was I thinking?! July 1st. We will be watching my two-year old niece, "Amethyst" that day!! So. Since we will also be watching my nearly eleven-year old cousin on Thursday, look for the story {Again, Lord willing!!} to be posted on July 2nd!!

This information was taken from a Summer 2011 local dog newsletter issue.

"Every year, many companion pets escape and are lost or injured because of their fear of fireworks. While many of us love the big bangs and beautiful lights, our companion pets do not share our sentiment. Many dogs and cats escape their homes, some never to be reunited with their families. We encourage each of you to please take the necessary precautions to make sure your companion pet remains safe, at home and healthy. If your pet is easily frightened by sudden noises or bright lights, talk with your veterinarian about a mild sedative to ease your pet's anxiety. Keep your pet in a safe place when the fireworks begin. Options include the pet's crate, a safe room or the basement. Turn on a radio for background noise to help muffle some of the bangs. Provide a high quality chew toy to help keep them busy and distracted. Provide their favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other item that helps them feel safe. Every year all animal shelters see many pets that have escaped over the July 4th holiday."

And.... Its veterinarian writes this.

"With the Fourth of July right around the corner, fireworks and loud noises are plentiful and for some pets, it's anything but a happy time. They can become anxious, stressed, terrified or uncomfortable and can suffer from a fear of loud noises known as noise phobia. Learn to recognize the signs of a noise phobia. Signs commonly seen are: shaking or trembling, excessive drooling, barking or howling, hiding, and trying to escape from the house, fence, or other enclosure. Some animals will lose control of their bladder or bowels and some may experience prolonged diarrhea from the stress. Keep in mind, dogs that escape can end up with wounds, lacerations or worse-hit by a car. To help you manage your dog's anxiety, try these tips: keep you dogs at home. Keep dogs inside in a safe, quiet room, turn on music and pull the window blinds. Remove any items that might be chewed. Take your dog for a walk prior to the start of the noise. Provide a safe "escape" place. For safety measures, make sure your pet's ID is current. If needed, visit your favorite vet for medical help with the noise phobia/anxiety behavior to ensure a safe holiday for you and your pet."

I acknowledge completely that some facts were repeated in this Blog post. My apologies for that!!

Imagination

Blogging Friends.... It feels as though I owe you a story about Rose. This one occurred quite some time ago. It was hidden away in disorganized notes on a Word Document page!! Enjoy!!

"A lively imagination is one of the best things a cub can have. It's imagination that lets us paint pictures, make up poems, invent inventions!" --Papa Bear from "The Bernstein Bears: In The Dark"

  

An imagination. Everybody--whether young or old--possesses one. Some, I have observed, are much more in touch with their inner imaginations than others. But everybody possesses one. And with my crazy never-shuts-down head? I am one of those who is much more in touch with her inner imagination than others!! And, you know what? This is a cosmic blessing, as it enables me to write fictional children's stories!! Because after all. My lively imagination just created twin leprechaun characters!! And, occasionally? My imagination can produce some wild, far out images, like a weird dream. Such was the case after an incident with Rose. I awoke early, as per usual, and turned on this very flat-screened computer. What I was doing, I do not recall. Fooling around and wasting time? Reading/commenting on people's Blogs? Just simply waking up? Suddenly, out of nowhere, I heard a loud booming sound, but could not determine what it was. Our Army conducting practice flights? Now that gives a brand new meaning to the term "o dark thirty", doesn't it? Were commercial airliners flying too low? Again? Whatever the loud booming sound was, it most certainly spooked Rose!! Poor baby!! Rose--who had been sound asleep in my bedroom--abruptly stood up and made contact with the closed door. BAM!! This flat-screened computer is located right next to my bedroom, so I can--for the most part--hear everything that Rose does. Which is quite convenient!! Now, Rose merely perks her floppy velvet-soft ears whenever jets fly above our house. She does not make impact with a closed door!! Which lead my internal Sherlock Holmes to only one logical conclusion. Thunder. I immediately jumped up and opened the door to console a terrified Rose. Later, my lively imagination produced this wild, far out, yet comical image. If Rose were a cartoon character--like in an old Mickey Mouse episode--she would have shot right through that door!! And survived it!! Then there would have been a canine-shaped hole in my bedroom door!! And, by the way? That canine-shaped hole would have closed back up within seconds!! No need to repair it!! Now, imagine that. You know what? Papa Bear was absolutely correct!!

"A lively imagination is one of the best things a cub can have. It's imagination that lets us paint pictures, make up poems, invent inventions!" --Papa Bear from "The Bernstein Bears: In The Dark"   

New Year's Eve, "Bombs", And RDJ

Jackson Update. He just underwent craniosynostosis reconstructive surgery. Serene graciously told me in a comment that I could repost anything from her Blog. So!! In Serene's own words. Warning. You will need your tissues!!

 

I held up okay, until that horrible moment when I handed little Jackson over to the anesthesiologist. I could only turn into Hubby's chest and cry. We were told it would take about two and a half hours from the time they put him under to the time they woke him up. Not bad considering we had to wait over five hours with Alayna's procedure. About two hours later, Dr. Siddiqi (pediatric plastic surgeon) and Dr. Riva-Cambren (neuro-surgeon) walked into the waiting room and told us that Jackson's surgery went perfectly and no blood transfusion was needed. I started crying all over again. Hubby asked why I was crying? Things had gone so well! But that was exactly it. I just felt so much relief and gratitude. About half an hour later, the call came that "one parent of Jackson" could go see him in recovery. In truth, if I had known what I would find, I may have sent Hubby. I suppose I expected to see something like what Alayna looked like. Still pretty sedated, doped up on pain killer, laying there all wrapped up in clean, white bandages. Instead, I could hear him screaming from down the hall. I found him crying and crying, being held by a nurse who was trying to console him with a bottle of water, the bed and blankets he was wrapped in was smeared with the orangey-red iodine they had used on his head. It looked so much like blood. They handed him off to me, hoping I could calm him down and possibly make him eat. But all he did was scream and scream, and all I could do was sit there and cry while feeling to utterly helpless. I hated it. So much. They gave him a couple doses of pain meds but it didn't seem to make a dent. After what felt like an eternity, they told me they were going to move him up to his room. I set him back in the bed and we walked out to the hallway where we met up with Hubby and a dear childhood friend of mine, Seth, who had stopped by. Even though it was obvious, all I seemed capable of doing was to stand there and repeat over and over that Jackson wouldn't stop crying. I couldn't do anything to help him, he just wouldn't stop. He screamed all the way to the room where I once again held him, trying to calm him as they gave him some oxycodone. When they fed him the oxycodone, he seemed to realize he was hungry and I was able to feed him while the drug took effect and he finally, blessedly, calmed down. He continued to whimper or burst out into sudden fits of pain or discomfort. It was always bad when they had to draw blood or check vitals. Hubby and I took turns holding him for hours at a time, not wanting to put him down. At some point in the early morning hours, he was calm and comfortable enough to lay in his bed so all three of us could get a couple hours of sleep.

Blogging Friends. Please continue to keep Jackson, Serene, "Hubby", and the rest of this dear family in your thoughts/prayers!!

New Year's. It is a time of fresh beginnings. Resolutions are made. Then later broken. We purchase new calendars. And it is a time of wild celebrations, which, quite often, involves booming bottle rockets--I call them "bombs"!!--plus one poor, terrified Rose. 9:30 PM. That was the precise time of when our first "bomb" exploded. 9-freakin'-30!! Quite frankly, I was not ready for fireworks. I had been sitting at this very flat-screened desktop computer working hard--and swiftly running out of time!!--on my January children's story for "Minuscule is good!" Not yet. Not yet. Not yet. Midnight was still hours away. Hours!! I still had plenty of time to work on my children's story before all hell broke loose outside based on Rose's perspective. Or so I thought. I linked Rose's spare red leash and we walked toward our great room. There I pet my little girl's velvet-soft fur, each hand stroke calming her nerves. She then cautiously stood up from a laying position. I followed suit, as I'd been sitting down on our carpeted great room floor next to Rose. This one "bomb" was a solitary thing for now. Correct? Nobody else was going to set any more off until 11:30 or midnight. I was confident of it!! Well, I still needed to work on my children's story. So!! Feeling like some workaholic whose priorities need straightened, I returned to this desktop computer, Rose's red leash loosely dangling from my left hand. And I wrote--only a little bit--as my ears could hear distant, nonthreatening fireworks. They grew louder. The computer clock read 10:30 PM. 10-freakin'-30!! Fireworks were now in close proximity to our house, "bombs" literally exploding above the roof. Ready or not, here they come!! My children's story will simply have to wait. Once again, I lead Rose toward our great room. Sheltered from the firework's noise? Not really!! But together in a one-level home with few rooms to escape, we would sit out these "bombs". However long it takes. Did you know that Robert Downey Jr. released a solo album titled "The Futurist"? Well, he did!! That actor can sing!! Which is quite impressive, I think, considering all of the illegal narcotics he used to smoke!! And Robert Downey Jr. can play the piano, as well as other instruments!! Plus write songs!! Even as a poet, I cannot do that!! Well, I received "The Futurist" for Christmas!! Rather than watch some prerecorded New Year's Eve television special, I played Robert Downey Jr.'s C.D.!! Three and a half times!! Obsessive? Perhaps!! But Robert Downey Jr. has a soft voice, which was exactly what Rose needed against the noise of those "bombs"!! Plus. I just so happen to have Robert Downey Jr.'s sweet redemption story/song for his wife Susan--"Man Like Me"--memorized!! So I sang it!! Word for word!! Which furthermore comforted Rose!! So don't knock it!! Outside, our world was engulfed in fog just like on Christmas Eve one week ago!! To which I smiled!! I love, love, love a mystical, deep, thick, eerie fog!! I'm an oddball, this I know!! I thought that with the foggy weather, I'd never see any brilliant colors through windows exploding in our skies. It would be all noise and no show, if you will. Well, I thought incorrectly. Because my eyes caught a glimpse of explosive colors through our dirty, bird poop-stained great room skylight!! However. As though the mystical, deep, thick, eerie fog were some cave, and our outside world was trapped, those "bombs" seemed much more resounding than usual. Now. I have somehow trained myself during fireworks to remain as calm, and emotionless as humanly possible. For Rose. Because amidst every single booming "bomb", she needs me to stay strong. No jumping out of my skin. No gasping. And absolutely no screaming. But I'm afraid that I could not control myself this year!! Because, every time a "bomb" was set off, poor Rose panting as tremors worked through her body, I jumped and gasped!! It was so very intense!! Quite frankly? I had a difficult time deciding who was the most terrified that night!! Rose? Or I? I talked to my little girl sweetly. I wished Rose a happy 2014. I apologized on behalf of our insane neighbors' "bombs". And I told her that she was a good girl. Repeatedly. Because she is!! The "bombs" finally lessened considerably at 12:30 AM. That was twain hours of explosive bottle rockets!! Her spare red leash still linked, I turned off Robert Downey Jr.'s C.D. and lead Rose back to our bedroom. There, I sat with my mutt for another thirty minutes until 1:00 AM, and she was calm. The following morning? I wrote most of my children's story on five hours' sleep.... With lots of chocolate!!

2014. It is going to be a wonderful year....                     

July 4th, 2013

My Dad suffers from a sensitivity to loud noises. They hurt his ears and overwhelm him. This has, perhaps, progressively worsened with age. Watching Independence Day fireworks outside? He tolerates them. I cannot say the same for Rose, however!! We actually enjoyed ourselves an eerily quiet Independence Day. No pops. No screams. No booms. Nothing!! It was so weird!! Didn't our calendars say Independence Day on them?! I continuously wondered. I awoke, and, as tradition, created my ever-changing red/white/blue getup. Normally, I plan this outfit long in advance. I make lists, check them, and purchase a brand new T-shirt. Not this year!! See, I had been a bit preoccupied with working on My Life Story. Plus, we could not find very many patriotic T-shirts!! And after what occurred in Boston? Where is the patriotism these days? So, I had very few ideas, exactly, as to how my Independence Day getup would look like!! Very few ideas. I wore the Star Spangled Bandana around my ponytail. A red/white checkered blouse with blue stars stitched into it. Two different necklaces. One was a red/white/blue cross. The other? It was this "silver" dog tag which features a heart-shaped American flag. They jingled against each other all day long, and I loved it!! Around my left wrist were three rubber red/white/blue bracelets. I flipped them around in an effort to hide their messages. And, lastly, I wore my American flag socks!! Not bad for on-the-whim planning!! After a strangely quiet day, fireworks began around 9PM, later than last year's 6:00 time. I'd skeptically hoped that Rose and I could sort of compromise by camping out in our great room while watching some July Fourth special on television. We did that on New Year's Eve, me stroking her velvet-soft fur, the red leash connected, bottle rockets exploding periodically. Not a chance!! See, we have this truck driver who resides behind the great room. He snuggles in illegal fireworks, which are extremely loud. But they produce gorgeous sky lit explosions!! Plus, I could not torment poor Rose. So, I watched her body language closely. She wanted to flee, far, far away from the booms, screams and pops. With all doors securely closed, I unlinked Rose's red leash. She slunk away, ears back, shoulders slumped, tail tucked. I followed closely behind. Rose crept toward the Boy's Bathroom, which muffles noise considerably!! Our house is, unfortunately, one level, so we haven't a cool, musty-smelling basement to "den". It is the same scenario every single Independence Day. Bottle rockets {Which I call "bombs"!!} are set off in every north, west, east and south of outside. Plus normal fireworks, as well. This can carry on until well after midnight. So, Rose and I hung together, on the hard Boy's Bathroom floor. I hummed loudly to her {Any tune. Patriotic, church songs, even Christmas carols!!} as "bombs" resounded high above our roof. I stroked Rose's velvet-soft fur, gluing ebony hair to our pearly-white bathtub. I can vacuum later!! I sang various songs to her. Rose loves it when I hum and sing!! I even read selective paragraphs aloud from the book which I'm currently reading, "Soul Surfer", by Bethany Hamilton. I could sense thoughts, prayers and positive vibes from my Blogging Friends all around the world. Because Rose handled those fireworks quite well!! Tremors never shot their way through her body. Never. She even fell asleep, slipping into Dreamland, as "bombs" exploded!! {No, Rose was not under the influence of any medication, thank-you very much!!} Occasionally, she would awaken, pop open her colossal brown eyes, and sigh deeply. I was the one who felt unsafe!! But I could not show it, because Rose will sense my fears and apprehensions. As tradition, I get a can of lemon lime soda from our garage--for the sugar high--knowing full well that I'll stay up very, very late. Walking out there, I always feel extremely insecure!! It literally gives you an illusion that the garage will blow up, your limbs will fly off, blood will spill everywhere, and you'll die!! {No, I am not being a Drama Queen!!} So, I ran out there, opened our refrigerator, snatched my Sprite, and bolted back inside!! I was also apart from Rose. To quote Tony Stark from "Iron Man 2". "Not okay. Not okay with that.". Rose needed me within her sight. You know what? The Boy's Bathroom is an excellent place to camp out in. Not only does it have an incredible "bomb"-barrier. But it also has a toilet {Which I used. Three times!!} that converts into a makeshift table!! Plus the bathtub. It is a wonderful flat surface, as well!! Unfortunately, however, while using the toilet, I had to maneuver around Rose's lying body, so I would not step on her. Tricky, tricky!! And once, my jean shorts accidentally caught the toilet's seat, slamming it closed with a loud BANG, thus frightening an already terrified Rose!! I felt so bad!! But Rose recovered with a bit of coaxing from her Mama!! For reasons beyond my comprehension, staying up late makes me hungry. Yes, hungry!! So, around 11:30PM, I ventured out of the Boy's Bathroom, and walked toward our kitchen. I needed to stretch my legs, anyway!! So, I found a large-sized sourdough croissant, and ate that, its buttery flavoring touching my taste buds. Mmmm!! Meanwhile, my little black clock ticked away, midnight lurking, as the "bombs" slowly reached a close. I could no longer read "Soul Surfer", which sucked, because Bethany Hamilton's arm had just been ripped off by that unsuspecting shark. But my eyelids were drooping, and I was getting sleepy. Then as the horizon appeared silent at last, something surprising occurred. Our feline, Katrina--who is also terrified of fireworks--paid Rose and I a visit!! Katrina's designated person is my Mom, so she seldom ever seeks attention from anyone else. I recall asking her this. "What are you doing here?". I extended my right hand to stroke Katrina's soft grey fur, which she accepted gratefully. Then, Katrina nervously slunk away. Weird. Looking back, I wondered if by exhaustion, I hallucinated that!! No, I was actually quite alert!! I always am in the middle of the night!! Somehow. I am glad that I spent the night alongside Rose. I only witnessed one "bomb" explode in orange colors outside our great room window while stretching my legs. No regrets....   

 

Independence Day

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you for your comments on yesterday's post. I appreciated them!! As per usual, all of my feelings and thoughts concerning Teresa's passing remained numb until today. Yes, numb. Then, they spilled out of my soul!! Although we mere humans cannot understand why some loving Catholic family would adopt a Beautifully Unique then-three year old--from China--just to eventually watch her suffer and die, I can still see God's Sovereignty in this sad occurrence. See, if Teresa weren't adopted, chances are, she never would have lived as long. It is China, not America. We have more advanced medical technology here!! Correct? Plus, they prefer boys over there!! Teresa might have died alone, rather than being surrounded by her large loving adoptive family!! How tragic would that have been? And, as I wrote in Ann's Blog post, they made a cosmic difference throughout Teresa's short life. They shared the Love of Jesus with this very special child. She knew her Lord and Savior!! Not that any of this wipes clean the pangs of her passing, or makes grieving any easier. It doesn't. {Sorry. I did not mean to get all "preachy" on you!! I will stop.} 

 

Not to distract from the sorrow of Teresa's death, but I'm afraid that it overshadowed my Independence Day post about fireworks!! Whoops. For it is an important post, if you are like me, and love a noise-phobic canine!! So. I am now re-posting it!!

 

This information was taken from a Summer 2011 local dog newsletter issue:

 

"Every year, many companion pets escape and are lost or injured because of their fear of fireworks. While many of us love the big bangs and beautiful lights, our companion pets do not share our sentiment. Many dogs and cats escape their homes, some never to be reunited with their families. We encourage each of you to please take the necessary precautions to make sure your companion pet remains safe, at home and healthy. If your pet is easily frightened by sudden noises or bright lights, talk with your veterinarian about a mild sedative to ease your pet's anxiety. Keep your pet in a safe place when the fireworks begin. Options include the pet's crate, a safe room or the basement. Turn on a radio for background noise to help muffle some of the bangs. Provide a high quality chew toy to help keep them busy and distracted. Provide their favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other item that helps them feel safe. Every year all animal shelters see many pets that have escaped over the July 4th holiday."

 

And.... Its veterinarian writes:

 

"With the Fourth of July right around the corner, fireworks and loud noises are plentiful and for some pets, it's anything but a happy time. They can become anxious, stressed, terrified or uncomfortable and can suffer from a fear of loud noises known as noise phobia. Learn to recognize the signs of a noise phobia. Signs commonly seen are: shaking or trembling, excessive drooling, barking or howling, hiding, and trying to escape from the house, fence, or other enclosure. Some animals will lose control of their bladder or bowels and some may experience prolonged diarrhea from the stress. Keep in mind, dogs that escape can end up with wounds, lacerations or worse-hit by a car. To help you manage your dog's anxiety, try these tips: keep you dogs at home. Keep dogs inside in a safe, quiet room, turn on music and pull the window blinds. Remove any items that might be chewed. Take your dog for a walk prior to the start of the noise. Provide a safe "escape" place. For safety measures, make sure your pet's ID is current. If needed, visit your favorite vet for medical help with the noise phobia/anxiety behavior to ensure a safe holiday for you and your pet."

 

I acknowledge completely that some facts were repeated in this Blog post. My apologies!!

 

Have a happy--and safe!!--Independence Day, Friends!!

 

 

A Scattered Post

Blogging Friends..... Thank-you for your sweet comments and prayers on behalf of Teresa the other day. I--as well as her family--appreciated them!! This was yesterday's Blog post. Nothing new yet.  

 

Surgery is at 7:30am Monday morning. {Today. Philadelphia time.} God must move another huge mountain. They feel her pulmonary pressure may be too high for the Berlin to work. It is not looking hopeful but they are going to try. She said she would not give up on her but If the pressure is too high the blood will not be able to go to the left side and nothing else can be done. She will bring her out of the O.R. for us to hold her so she will not die alone. We always promised Teresa we would never leave her. Please pray and beg God to keep her with us. If it is His will to take her Home we would ask for prayers to accept this also. Please share and ask the world to not stop praying!

 

Now. I am adding a little "happy" to this Blog of mine since the last twain consecutive posts have been depressing. Enter Charlie Chaplin!! {Drum roll, please!!}

 

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." --Charlie Chaplin. I like that!! So take Charlie Chaplin's advice. Laugh!!

 

It seems to me that, what with being preoccupied by My Life Story {Which, I just finished yesterday, by the way!! I mean it this time!! Now, I shall allow My Life Story to rest for a few days, adding whatever minuscule facts which seem necessary!! Wow, nearly eight months later, and it is completed!! I cannot wait to start my next Writing Project!! Because having an agenda for this work of art is oddly addictive!!} has made Independence Day sneak up to me. You know what? I haven't even given much thought to my eccentric patriotic getup!! Not that I can ignore exploding bottle rockets which have kept me up late since Saturday with a noise phobic Rose. Repeat after me. Those things are illegal around here!! Alright, now that I got that out of my system.... Here are some July Fourth precautions for those who love canines which experience anxiety attacks associated with fireworks like Tony Stark's episodes in "Iron Man 3".

 

This information was taken from a Summer 2011 local dog newsletter issue:

 

"Every year, many companion pets escape and are lost or injured because of their fear of fireworks. While many of us love the big bangs and beautiful lights, our companion pets do not share our sentiment. Many dogs and cats escape their homes, some never to be reunited with their families. We encourage each of you to please take the necessary precautions to make sure your companion pet remains safe, at home and healthy. If your pet is easily frightened by sudden noises or bright lights, talk with your veterinarian about a mild sedative to ease your pet's anxiety. Keep your pet in a safe place when the fireworks begin. Options include the pet's crate, a safe room or the basement. Turn on a radio for background noise to help muffle some of the bangs. Provide a high quality chew toy to help keep them busy and distracted. Provide their favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other item that helps them feel safe. Every year all animal shelters see many pets that have escaped over the July 4th holiday."

 

And.... Its veterinarian writes:

 

"With the Fourth of July right around the corner, fireworks and loud noises are plentiful and for some pets, it's anything but a happy time. They can become anxious, stressed, terrified or uncomfortable and can suffer from a fear of loud noises known as noise phobia. Learn to recognize the signs of a noise phobia. Signs commonly seen are: shaking or trembling, excessive drooling, barking or howling, hiding, and trying to escape from the house, fence, or other enclosure. Some animals will lose control of their bladder or bowels and some may experience prolonged diarrhea from the stress. Keep in mind, dogs that escape can end up with wounds, lacerations or worse-hit by a car. To help you manage your dog's anxiety, try these tips: keep you dogs at home. Keep dogs inside in a safe, quiet room, turn on music and pull the window blinds. Remove any items that might be chewed. Take your dog for a walk prior to the start of the noise. Provide a safe "escape" place. For safety measures, make sure your pet's ID is current. If needed, visit your favorite vet for medical help with the noise phobia/anxiety behavior to ensure a safe holiday for you and your pet."

 

I acknowledge completely that some facts were repeated in this Blog post. My apologies!!

 

Now. "The day is still young", as that phrase goes. It is nearly 7:00 AM, and I'm awake because I could not sleep. I am finished with My Life Story. So, it is time for some much-needed catch-up on everybody's Blogs!!   

  

 

 

  

"Crack on!!"

Blogging Friends.... Busy. That one two-syllable word pretty much sums up my life right now!! Busy. What with my still hush-hush secretive writing project slowly making progress. A pair of consecutive late, late nights typing. Insane, I know!! And trying to keep Beautifully Unique updated, yet failing anyway. This computer and I are now one, joined together like twain working partners. Sigh.... I've felt like a robot recently--built by some much more intelligent human being than I--and that is never good. Christmas music is playing as these words are being typed. Yes, Christmas music!! I feel codependent to these cheery holiday songs right now like some infant on breast milk.... They nourish my soul.

It has swiftly become my firm belief that life possesses a sense of humor. An ironic sense of humor!! Which, is refreshing, since life can also be so hard!! Difficult. Yet humorous. Life most certainly evens itself out!! Doesn't it? And, since God Himself is Author of life, then He, too, must possess a strong sense of humor!! An ironic sense of humor, that is!! So, I taught Rose the phrase "crack on". To me, this is "Sherlock Talk", part of a Robert Downey Jr. line. And it forevermore shall be!! But, I knew very little about where "crack on" originated from. What does it mean? I wondered. Did moviemakers invent "crack on"? Maybe it came from one of Robert Downey Jr.'s brilliant contributions? I finally did Google-search "crack on" after saying the phrase several times. But I still knew very little about it. I then learned that "crack on" means: To make good speed. To push on hard. To carry on. Cool!! So, I taught Rose the phrase "crack on". Quite by accident. Honest!! How did I teach Rose "crack on"? That is a rather eventful story.... Last Summer, in July, I was nervously anticipating seemingly never-ending Independence Day fireworks. For those who own noise-phobic canines, that time of year can feel like a helpless hell. And, in 2011, Rose most certainly gave me a "run for my money", as the saying goes!! It was an all-Summer experience, which I expressed throughout not one, but three Blog posts!! This being Rose's first 4th of July with me, I had zero clues as to how badly she would "mishandle" it. Zero clues. Independence Day landed on a Monday, so people launched fireworks plus bottle rockets. All weekend long and then some. When I walked Rose, one would explode. And she'd immediately perform an about-face. Literally. Rose would turn me around and immediately march home. If we were inside, I become a virtual "refrigerator". Rose was the "magnet", attaching her trembling body to mine. She occasionally hid beneath our great room table. If we were in the backyard when one exploded, same deal. An about-face toward our sliding glass door. Really? Does Rose not hear herself bay? Shouldn't that high-pitched howling hurt her ears? Apparently not!! Getting Rose to urinate before bed, proved our greatest challenge of all.... I would feed Rose some pumpkin at 9:50, link my girl's red leash to her collar, and encourage with a "Let's go outside!!", then the battle begun!! Eventually, we even forwent our nighttime walks. Temporarily. Plus, I purchased Rose a red harness for better control. So, I would lead Rose toward our backdoor, then every muscle within her neck tensed up!! What?! Is that the "German Shepherd" in her? I'd gently, yet firmly pull my canine toward outside, and she yanked back, like some stubborn mare. With an even stronger force. Rose simply refused to go outside!! At all. Once finally in the backyard, I repeatedly encouraged: "Go potty." Then our tug-of-war continued!! I would lead Rose to her new favorite location, and she'd yank back!! Midway, my mutt would sit--like some strong-willed three-year old child--certain that a firework could explode at any second!! Poor thing!! Not that I blamed her!! Given the pattern of those things randomly exploding, my little girl's worry was actually quite valid!! Quite valid. If I tried to walk Rose, we would never even leave our front lawn before her mighty muscles tensed up!! My goal was for Rose to urinate before bed. All Summer long, that seldom ever occurred. It felt as though I wandered an endless circle in attempting to solve this problem. Trying to find solutions. And I ran out of ideas!! Now the fireworks were gone. They were no more. The only bottle rockets which still existed were within Rose's head!! It was as though she suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I tried being firm. One night I gently pulled my headstrong girl--while she yanked back in return--halfway down our cul-de-sac!! This took thirty minutes of tug and stop, take a breather, begin again!! It was exhausting!! Both physically and emotionally!! Not to mention, it looked terrible!! Me, pulling a poor canine down the street.... Have I no decency? I tried being gentle to the extreme. We slowly took our time. Zero pressure. Rose could sniff bushes. She was allowed to freeze in motion. I'm relaxed and completely patient with her. Yet neither option worked!! I struggled to maintain my sanity and evade frustration. For every night, I "fought with Rose"!! It reached a point to where I no longer excitedly anticipated our walks. They were no longer enjoyable. I now dreaded them!! Eventually, I gained a bit of wisdom. I mentally threw my hands up in surrender. New plan. Feed Rose her pumpkin at 9:50. Fasten the harness. Link her leash. And onward toward our backyard we would head!! But not without a battle!! We would step foot/paw out the sliding glass door. That part was easy. She cooperated fine with leaving the house!! But, my little girl would stop--stock-still--once we were outside!! She'd put on her breaks at the end of our patio!! Why me? I tried pulling Rose everywhere in the privacy of our backyard. No success!! So now what? I stargazed!! Alongside a very reluctant Rose!! It was August now. And Summer skies are sprinkled with tiny sparkling stars!! I arranged this long white plastic lawn chair and positioned it next to "Dougie", our rapidly-growing future Christmas tree. There I sat, staring upward. Rose's red leash connected to my right wrist, I "incarcerated" her for about five minutes. This way, she could learn just how safe the darkened outside world truly was. Or not. It was unconvincing. For Rose's fear--pathological may it be--is, according to some experts, inbred. She was born with Noise Phobia. And I witnessed Rose's fear swiftly graduate from pathological to psychological. I tried every "solution" my mind could imagine up. I even bribed Rose with treats, as though she were a preschool-aged child. Nothing worked!! This was a roller coaster ride of one step forward and two steps back. Temporary success. Long-term defeat. I so desperately wanted a victory!! An ending to this hell!! My perseverance was running on empty. Then, I got smart. At last!! I reached a realization that Rose not only learns best with treats, and bribing is for naught, but my Beagle cross can anticipate one.... So long as she is cooperative!! If my Rose walked flawlessly down our cul-de-sac--the entire way--sans tensing up, she earned a baby carrot!! Plus endless praise!! If not, nothing. No treat. Not even a simple "Good girl". It was "tough love" time!! This newfound plan began one night during a short-lived heat wave. Quite by accident. Rose--like everyone--was drinking more water than usual. That night, she provided me with a pleasant surprise!! I lead her toward our backyard, and Rose walked in the direction of growing blueberries!! Really....? We walked completely across our backyard.... Toward the end of it!! And then.... She urinated!! The following night, same thing!! On both occasions, I praised Rose excessively, and provided her a baby carrot!! Then. Our heat wave ended. We returned to "fighting" each other. I tried walking Rose down our cul-de-sac.... But gently pulled her instead. Alright. We shall return to the backyard next time. Inhale. Exhale. And relax. Plan Z: I lead Rose toward the blueberries!! My message was crystal clear: Cooperate, baby carrot. Be reluctant--even for a second--she loses!! Rose is my bright girl.... Who loves food!! It most certainly did not require much time for a long-awaited "mission accomplished"!! Why didn't I think of that before? So it was a battle of wills. A battle constantly lost. There were tears on my behalf, feelings of defeat, emotion aplenty!! Whenever I heard one and Rose seemed frightened, I sat alongside her. I spoke in an unnaturally meek tone. I stroked her velvet-soft fur. I hummed any tune that entered my brain. Any tune. This was Rose's first Independence Day with me. I wanted her to understand, best as possible, that I'm here, and I always will be. Fast forward. It's July 2012. All I have to draw back from, memory-wise, is that previous arduous Summer. That first experience. And I did not wish to relive any of it!! So. We needed a plan. A mantra. A phrase, or line, to--if possible--evade another "war" against my canine. So, I taught Rose the phrase "crack on". She learned it. The rest is history....