"Drop"

Blogging Friends.... Behold!! A story about Rose!! For the first time in.... Well.... Forever.... Love you later.

History, in my own personal experience, can have a way of repeating itself. Like déjà vu all over again. Growing up, I owned this female cat with snow-white fur and an itty bitty "kiss" of black on her head. She was {According to my Mom} "the sweetest cat we've ever had". Just four years old, I was indecisive on what to name my new kitten. Eventually? I named her Sugar. Thank Heavens I did not choose "Whitey", because that was a close runners-up!! I recall Sugar as being loyal--like her half-brother Goldie--she never wandered away or left home. But then one July in 1991, we travelled to Bakersfield, California for a family reunion. Neighbors frequently looked in on Sugar and Goldie--both outdoor/indoor cats--as they gave them some attention while also inspecting their food/water situation. Sadly, we returned home from scorching hot Bakersfield temperatures to only one feline. Sugar was gone. Fast forward. In June of 1997, my Mom was "gifted" with a male cat from her brother and twain nieces. They had previously named this yellow-eyed, white, tan and black striped feline Yoda. Since giving pets to unsuspecting people is not recommended for valid reasons, he was unwanted by my Mom. So I took him!! Unlike Sugar, Yoda was prone to wander. He would frequently disappear on "adventures" but always return home. Always. But then one February day in 1999, Yoda never came home. Like Sugar all those years before, he was gone. History had just repeat itself. As a Lifelong lover of dogs, I then spent some time researching breeds {And their mixes, of course!! I love, love, love mutts!!} that follow their noses "to China" if allowed. Such as Border Collies. {As well as their mixes!!} And.... Beagles. {As well as their mixes!!} I then made a mental note to never--ever--adopt or rescue any mutt with a breed within her D.N.A. that wanders. This was a strict rule. Because my poor thoughts, feelings, emotions, and heart could not deal if history repeated itself again. Fast forward once more. On September 21st, 2010, I broke this rule when I saw Rose. A sign on her kennel read "Beagle X". And, although admittedly, I did have my initial reservations about adopting Rose because of her very apparent D.N.A., it was love at first.... Uh.... Bay!! Yes, she was excited, friendly, and belting out her "happy sound" from day one!! Then, suddenly? My heart melted, and every mental list or rule that I had previously made was virtually erased!! I could feel it. Rose was "the one"!! And I am so very thankful that she is!! One heart pounding, adrenaline-rushed, panic producing dash down the cul-de-sac after my escape artist Rose years ago in November was far more than I could handle!! If our backyard gate is wide open? I watch Rose like a hawk. If our front door is wide open? I watch Rose like a hawk. If our garage doors are wide open? I watch Rose like a hawk. In other words? I leash Rose up!! One very busy Saturday--my oldest brother surprised us by stopping by with his little girls, "Amethyst" and Opal"!!--we had firewood delivered to our house. Although. The weather has been so very unseasonably warm with clear skies and sunshine around here, we have yet to burn any firewood!! As a matter of fact. I sit here at this very flat screened desktop computer wearing shorts!! Where is our "normal" brisk, rainy Autumn weather?! Weird. After my oldest brother left with "Amethyst" and "Opal", the dump truck dropped our firewood off!! I love watching him maneuver his vehicle!! I was a bit bummed that either "Amethyst", "Opal", or Rose distracted me from seeing how the dump truck works!! Oh well. I then emptied/refilled our dishwasher, ate lunch, wolfed down a homemade frozen s'mores cupcake, picked up kid toys, then stepped outside to help fill the wheelbarrow with firewood!! Whew!! Our gate was wide open, as we needed to haul that firewood around back from the driveway. Before stepping outside, I nervously asked my sister {Who stayed in her bedroom} "Can you just.... Make sure that Rose doesn't go outside? The gate's open. I'm gonna go help bring wood around." Our next door neighbor had graciously volunteered to help us. So this task moved along surprisingly quickly!! Despite my Dad getting called into work, and therefore losing twain strong arms!! I piled firewood into the wheelbarrow. As did my youngest brother, Michael. And our next door neighbor. He insisted on pushing the heavy wheelbarrow every single time!! I offered repeatedly. But he insisted!! At one point, I emptied my rubber Crocks {Definitely not good shoes for this job!!} of sawdust chippings. I sat on our wooden sun-stained yellow front porch bench to empty them. When--from the living room window--I could hear Rose desperately baying for me!! Oh, I who can resist?! I then allowed myself a short break, and stepped inside to stroke Rose's velvet-soft fur!! I spoke sweetly to her. I calmed down Rose's hyperactive energy. Then I stepped back outside and returned to work. Shortly thereafter, Michael surprised me with a bottle of water. Which was just what I needed!! And--cosmic oops--apparently Michael did not close our white magnetic bedroom door {Which leads to the backyard!!} very well. It happened so very fast. Seemingly one second. I turned around and saw her. Rose!! Loose, leash-less and unprotected!! Her tail was wagging as she felt so very happy to see me!! But what occurred after that? It was a complete blur. Did my heart momentarily stop? I do not know. Did I mentally panic? I do not know. Did I wonder "How on earth could she have escaped?" ? I do not know. However. I do know this much. I gasped. I said "Whoa!!" Strangely, I did not overreact. And then I gave Rose an unconventional command that I've made up. "Drop." I believe I coined it one day when Rose was hyperactive, and I needed to link her red leash in a timely fashion. I point downward. I firmly yet patiently command "drop". And she does just that. Rose drops down on her back, as though awaiting a belly rub. Which--for the most part--she is given!! Truth be told? Rose--who has never been very obedient--listens to this unconventional made-up command even better than the more traditional "sit", "come", or "stay"!! Go figure!! "Drop," I calmly commanded her on our driveway that Saturday afternoon. Which she immediately did!! I quickly grabbed a hold of Rose's red collar, pulled her up, and--while bending over--I walked my little girl back inside. Where she could be safe!! "You just wanted to see me," I recall sweetly telling her, "You just wanted to see Mama so bad!!" Back inside, I decided that I was finished hauling firewood. For I could not possibly go back outside!! I now felt as though I needed to stay in and protect my baby girl. The pile of firewood had nearly all been hauled around, anyway. I sat on my bedroom bed next to Rose, exhausted and physically achy from such a busy Saturday. Then I "went there", as I always do after the rare occasions when she escapes. I let my mind race toward the depressing scenario of if something bad were to suddenly occur. Rose gets killed by a car? Ingests something poisonous? Escapes from our home and disappears.... Forever? Then I always think this. I'm not ready to lose Rose!! Not now. Not this way!! I have far too many memories to make!! I have far too many Gotcha Days to celebrate!! I have far too many stories to write about her!! I have far too many pictures to take of her!! I have far too many Christmases to celebrate!! I have far too many dog biscuits to bake for her!! I have far too many hikes to take her on!! I have far too many Life adventures to share with her.... Then once my mind stopped spinning like the rotator blades of a helicopter that Saturday? I silently thanked God.... For such a thing as an unconventional made-up command like "drop".

                       

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.... 

Rushing Water Sound

Blogging Friends.... "Better late than never", as that phrase goes? Here is my previously unfinished story about Rose!! Love you later.

It was around 2:00 AM. Although I did not know that yet. I had been having a weird, crazy dream. Details from which I, as per usual, don't remember. Because I seldom ever do!! Then, suddenly--sans any warning--I was abruptly awakened by Rose running out of my bedroom. Groggy from sleep, I initially thought that perhaps Rose needed outside. Wrong. Rose always slowly wanders through my bedroom doorway when she needs outside. And if I were not so groggy from sleep I'd have known that!! Like some preprogrammed robot, I peeled my warm blankets off. I stepped out of bed to find Rose. See. This preprogrammed robot has pulled herself out of bed during ungodly hours countless times. For various reasons. Because Rose needs outside. When she has to vomit. Or because we are experiencing thunder and lightning. Ah, the joys of being Rose's Mama!! And I love it!! Immediately upon stepping foot into our dining room/kitchen, my ears heard something. Something loud. Still groggy from sleep, I thought, Where is that rushing water sound coming from? Suddenly, my internal Sherlock Holmes took complete command over that groggy head of mine. I'm afraid I even forgot about poor Rose for few minutes. Whoops. I was wide awake now, my mind on investigation mode. For I had a mystery to solve!! I looked around. Our screened kitchen window was open as early, early, early morning air wafted through it. Where is that rushing water sound coming from? I had wondered. Shortly thereafter, I solved my mystery!! It was the familiar sound of pouring down rain against our backyard patio roof!! Which terrifies Rose, because she is seemingly convinced that thunder and lightning will follow. Even though we do not reside in a location such as Roswell, New Mexico where it was dangerously in close proximity to my grandparents' house. Or despite the mere fact that thunder and lightning doesn't frequently occur around here. Rose is still seemingly convinced. Myself on the other hand? I love, love, love a good rainstorm!! I looked at our oven's neon green digital clock. What time is it? I thought. 2:00 AM. Completely captivated by this awesome rainstorm--and remembering that our local news station weatherman predicted Sunday thundershowers--I made a beeline toward the living room window. I then thought about poor Rose. If there was/is thunder and lightning, then my terrified little girl is going to need some consoling. Which means. As thunder and lightning storms can persist for hours on end, I will not be returning to bed anytime soon!! I stared out our window toward the skies. Now. I do not know whether this is fact or fiction, but I heard once that in the event of lightning, to stay away from windows. Why? Because, apparently, you could get struck by lightning. But, being the rebel that I am, I seldom ever abide by that fact or fiction!! It makes absolute zero sense to me, anyway!! Besides. Thunder and lightning may terrify poor Rose, but I am totally mesmerized by this--to quote Dusty from Twister--"Wonder of nature, baby!" Truth be told? I haven't got any fear!! I've been known to step outside and watch lightning bolts stretch out across ebony skies--whether it be here or in Roswell, New Mexico--which I never do anymore!! But stand by windows during thunderstorms? When I'm not stroking Rose's velvet-soft fur--which I always am--I occasionally still do that!! Because. Why not?! I never did witness any lightning bolts out our living room window. However. I did see rain roll off of our Chevrolet van--illuminated by a streetlight--as though somebody had been dumping bucket water on it!! I just stood there--while Rose was cowering down the hall--and whispered "wow...." Then, the unexpected occurred. Ebony clouds opened up and I witnessed a nearly full moon!! You know what? The moon is so much more incredible at 2 AM then 8 PM!! Who would have thought....? Again, I just stood there and whispered "wow...." At last I walked down the hall to find Rose. I touched her body. Tremors were not making their way through my mutt's body. She is fine. See. I understand that Rose is terrified of thunder and lightning. Its booms are, after all, quite loud!! And there is absolutely nothing that I--or anybody--can do about Rose's Noise Phobia issues. But rain--however hard it falls--is rain. Alright? And it pours a lot around here!! Winter. Spring. Occasionally Summer. Rainy weather is--to us--quite "normal"!! So I neither understand, nor allow, Rose to freak out over rain!! I grabbed her red collar. I gently, yet firmly, lead Rose back to my bedroom. I decided to close the hollow wooden door. This way, Rose will be confined in my bedroom. She won't aimlessly wander through our house. Or trip somebody in the pitch black darkness!! This was where Rose relaxed and fell asleep. As did I!! Where is that rushing water sound coming from? I had wondered with a groggy head. This question now brings me laughter. Because. That question was not too far from the truth!! As our skies had opened up, there truly was rushing water outside!! Literally!! For it sounded like we were in close proximity to some rushing river or a flowing waterfall!! Thanks, Rose. For giving me the opportunity to experience a mighty 2 AM rainstorm and nearly full moon....   

Natural-born Dog Lovers

Blogging Friends.... I have been writing like crazy ever since Grandma arrived from California--it keeps me sane!!--so much so that I'm afraid I've mislocated some potential posts in my Word document file!! Whoops. I hereby behold. A story about Rose!! Love you later.

I have been absent from reading/commenting on all of your Blogs. I miss you terribly!! I hope that Life has been well. Please do not forget about me!!

Some people--based on observation--are natural-born dog lovers. It is like an instinct. I was. As a girl growing up, we only owned felines--siblings named Sugar and Goldie--but no canines. However. I used to happily run toward strangers at stores as a girl and pet their canines!! Heedless of my Mom's consistent warnings against it. "Ask the owner if you can pet him," she would say, "Not all dogs are friendly." But, as per usual, I never listened!! My two-year old niece, "Amethyst", is the same way as I, a natural-born dog lover. She always was, even from the beginning. One day I was cuddling with "Amethyst"--then eight months--while sitting in a comfortable red chair. And miss "Jealousy, thy name is Rose" decided to see us!! She balanced her front legs upon the chair. And Rose was face-to-face with "Amethyst". Wet ebony nose-to-cute-button nose!! Sheer delight in her voice, "Amethyst" giggled!! It was so very cute!! Now didn't Rose just make her entire life?! Because today, "Amethyst" still loves Rose!! Her little chubby toddler hands will stroke my mutt's velvet-soft fur. "Amethyst" embraces Rose. Even while my little girl is lying down!! Which, occasionally, makes "Amethyst" accidentally fall into Rose!! She loves it when my Mystery Dog is hyperactive and playful!! "Amethyst" even squeals with delight as my little girl belts out her ear-piercing high-pitched bay!! For she truly does love Rose!! They are best friends!! For "Amethyst" is a natural-born dog lover. Like my youngest brother, Michael. And her baby sister, "Opal", as well. For being natural-born dog lovers flows in the family blood!! "Opal"--who will turn seven months old in the end of May--is quite observant, her big round blue eyes breathing everything in. And that includes Rose!! "Opal" will watch my canine in every single activity {Rose's hound bark only causes her to jump} she was always enthralled!! Everybody screams whenever Rose barks!! One day, I sat "Opal" on our great room carpet--while supporting her balance--and my niece's chubby baby fingers touched Rose's ebony nose!! To which she cooed with delight!! "Opal" had made physical contact with Rose at last!! Then, on Sunday, May 4th, we invited my brother, sister-in-law, and their twain little girls over for barbeque dinner so they can see our Grandma, who is visiting from California. "Opal" had been sitting independently on the great room carpet when I crouched down. Rose--jealous again, I am certain!!--walked up to us both. "Opal" flashed her big killer somewhat toothless baby smile, giggled and cooed. Bliss. "Opal" extended her chubby arm toward a visibly nervous Rose, touched my mutt and cooed some more. Yep!! "Opal" is a natural-born dog lover!!            

  

I Should Have Known

Blogging Friends.... Is it just me, or does it seem somewhat wrong that my family--literally!!--happily celebrates Christmas for twain months or longer in advance leading up to December 25th with festive songs, but Easter merely only lasts one day? I mean, really. "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" has periodically reemerged within my crazy head countless times this week!! I must be experiencing Easter withdrawals. Wait. That is a withdrawal from my lack of chocolate, as I just finished it!! Anyhoo. Here is my Easter Blog post, a story about Rose!! Love you later.

I should have known that something was ailing Rose. I should have known. I fed Rose her crunchy dog food on Friday afternoon, as per usual, but she never ate any of it. That is fine. Occasionally, Rose skips meals. Perhaps she was not hungry. Rose's stomach didn't growl at all, which I found strange. I had baked her some crunchy biscuits in adorable Easter/Spring shapes on Good Friday. Which she contently wolfed down!! I had given Rose some bites of hardboiled egg. Which she loved!! However. Come Saturday, Rose did not eat one single bite of her dog food. I should have known that something was ailing Rose. I should have known. It is so very hard when--although I try to be vigilant of anything that might be wrong with Rose--she cannot complain. Again, I gave her some crunchy home baked dog biscuits, and, most likely, bites of hardboiled egg. Maybe even a few baby carrots. All of which, she ate. Come Easter, we were leaving for church and I was helplessly watching out a great room window as Rose did not have a bowel movement. Occasionally--occasionally--she doesn't poop in the mornings. There is no reason none whatsoever that I will return home to an accident. Rose had been experiencing regular bowel movements before Easter. I am not worried. I should have known that something was ailing Rose. I should have known. What with having strong Beagle blood proudly flowing deep within her D.N.A., and being my food-lovin' little girl, Rose has never gone that long sans eating. Ever. For reasons beyond my comprehension, I also felt exhausted on Easter. I went to bed on time the night before. I enjoyed myself {I thought!!} a good night's sleep. However. I found myself literally nodding off during Pastor A.'s always-amazing sermon. Several times!! I was yawning, as tears stained my glasses. Sorry, Pastor A.!! Immediately upon our return home, something did not seem right in the living room. But what? I was so very out of it, that my internal Sherlock Holmes was, to quote Tony Stark from "Iron Man 3", "actively napping". I love that line!! I may be a keenly observant individual, but I was not on Easter. The red throw rug that lies in front of our magnetic white door. It was gone!! My Mom found it lying on our laundry room floor, a large yellow bile puddle caked to it. Canine vomit. I should have known that something was ailing Rose. I should have known. I did a quick inspection of the great room, as I always do upon returning home, looking for any accidents. Nothing!! I let Rose outside. She had a bowl movement!! Yes!! By the time all of our relatives had arrived and we were serving Easter dinner, Rose ate her dog food!! At last. I later treated Rose to a little cooked broccoli {Her preference to how she likes it!! Not raw.} and, apparently, my Mom gave Rose some small pieces of ham. I do not know whether or not dogs can have that. But Rose was so good on Easter!! Consider it a once-in-a-lifetime treat? Oh yeah. And I'm afraid that Rose also licked off the floor a tiny bit of dropped Cool Whip from my cake. Because I was much too exhausted for an intervention!! I am so very glad that my little girl is well, healthy and eating her crunchy dog food now!! I should have known that something was ailing Rose. I should have known. But I will look at it this way. All of my not knowing that something was ailing Rose? It saved me tons of worry!!

Meeting Roxie At Last

Blogging Friends.... "Marley & Me" author John Grogan has a bit of advice for aspiring writers. Which is this. Write every day, even when it seems impossible. Great advice!! So that is what I, a "published" writer, has attempted to do. Well. Some days I "play hooky" on account of watching my two-year old niece, "Amethyst"!! Write every day, even when it seems impossible. Thanks, John Grogan!! And, while following this advice, I have been seemingly writing more stories about Rose!! Score!! Love you later.

Rose has wanted to meet Roxie so badly, silently whining, her big brown eyes looking longingly across the street, floppy ears perked, and forehead furrowed toward our neighbors Gary and Pat's curly "blond"-furred, pink-nosed Labrador Retriever/Chesapeake Bay Retriever cross. However. For a while, my super protective instincts took complete command over whether or not I wanted Rose and Roxie to meet. I mean come on. I do not know Roxie. She's so huge in comparison to Rose!! Is Roxie friendly? Or aggressive toward other canines? Is she territorial? Truth be told? At first, whenever I spied Roxie outside--off leash--I'd wait to walk Rose until Gary finished his gardening chores and she was brought back in. Because. When canines are not linked to their leashes, it makes me nervous!! What if the loose dog charges? I know, I know. I have since mellowed down a bit with Roxie, because she is obedient while off-leash and seldom ever wanders!! So during such moments of whining, ear-perking, forehead wrinkling longing when I walk Rose, I usually gently encourage her to "keep walking". I also distract my little girl. Yes, I take complete advantage of Rose's attention deficit disorder!! I lead her to bushes. I gently pull Rose along. I act nonchalant. Anything. Eventually, based on observation, I came to recognize Roxie as sweet-natured and calm. "She wouldn't hurt a fly", as that phrase goes. But Rose still hadn't met Roxie. Not yet. It was actually my Beagle-owning, canine-loving next door neighbor who encouraged that I walk Rose across the street to meet Roxie. She somehow sensed my nervous anticipation. Was it that obvious? The following day, Rose was granted a chance to meet Roxie!! At last!! Gary had been pushing his green-colored battery-operated lawnmower through the front yard. Roxie, as per usual, happily accompanied him. Gary's friendly, cheerful, talkative wife, Pat, was also outside. My youngest brother--Uncle Michael to Rose--had been walking with me that Sunday afternoon. We did it. We crossed the street over to where Gary and Pat reside, so Rose could meet Roxie!! This absolutely thrilled my crazy, excitable little girl. Before we even stepped foot onto Gary and Pat's driveway, she let out some high-pitched bays!! Her happy sound. I love, love, love it!! Apparently Roxie--who's aging and a bit white around her muzzle--is in the process of going blind. Thus, Rose's ear-piercing baying initially startled poor Roxie. I could almost read Roxie's thoughts. Who is that youngin.... And why does she have to be so darn loud?! Kids these days. Nonetheless. Within seconds, Roxie was greeting her new friend, with crotch sniffs!! And visa versa!! However. As I chat with Pat, Roxie kept walking away from Rose. She fetched pinecones.... Then ingested them. Roxie walked toward her outside water bowl for several drinks. She wandered freely onto Gary's newly mowed grass. It was as though Roxie had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and couldn't stand still!! Not bad for an "old lady"!! Poor Rose seemingly couldn't understand why her new friend wouldn't stay by our side. And more importantly. Rose seemingly could not understand--or remember--that her purple harness was securely linked to a red leash. If I set Rose free? She would not only frolic around with Roxie--no leash attached--as canines should. But she might also run away without a trace. Rose is, after all, part Beagle!! I am not being overprotective this time. Just responsible!! While still chatting with Pat--and eventually a much more quiet Gary--I stretched my long right arm to allow Rose a little freedom with Roxie. I kept saying this. "We're connected!!" To quote Tony Stark from "Iron Man 3"!! Or Harley, depending on your perspective, as they both say it!! Eventually, we were all chatted out, the sun was shining hotter and hotter and hotter, plus I was insane enough to be wearing black jeans rather than blue shorts. So. I said my final good-byes to Pat--and Gary!!--as quite often once we begin that process, either she or I keep chatting away. Then {With some encouraging!!} Roxie walked back toward where Rose had been sitting and they said their goodbyes.... With crotch sniffs, of course!!           

Multitasking

Blogging Friends.... I would like to clarify something about the other day's post. I wrote this. Then, in my teenage years, I developed a "thing" for Harrison Ford. Well, he hardly counted, anyway. I was really in love with Han Solo!! Wrong. Days after clicking "publish", I flashed back to my teenage self. Scary.... Anyway, I then remembered that I also had "thing" for Indiana Jones. Especially in the last film!! Swoon!! So yeah. Harrison Ford does, in fact, count as one of my "old guy" Hollywood celebrity crushes!! And you gotta love Han Solo!! As I promised, here is a story about Rose!! Love you later.

Multitasking. They say that this comes naturally to women and girls. Well. They have evidentially never met me. Because frankly? Multitasking can overwhelm and stress me out!! Why? I haven't a clue!! Perhaps this is because I am learning disabled. Therefore, I do everything at my own slow pace. Or maybe. Just maybe. My attention deficit disorder and fierce sense of focus on one task interferes. Either way, I am no "Supermom". And I have never found multitasking as one of my strengths. Never. Last Thursday, during partly sunny weather, I was taking my two-year old niece, "Amethyst", for a ride in her red hard plastic Radio Flyer wagon around our suburban cul-de-sac. I snapped the black belt around "Amethyst's" chubby tummy. Then I noticed that Rose felt left out and wanted to come with on our "adventure". Okay!! I happily linked the red leash to Rose's collar. Then, outside we stepped!! My youngest brother--Uncle Michael to Rose but just Michael to "Amethyst"--pulled the wagon while I walked Rose. At first. After one or two times around the cul-de-sac, Michael got bored and stepped back inside."Amethyst", ever observant, saw Michael leaving. I asked her if she would like to go back inside also. No. So around and around and around the cul-de-sac I walked. I was on my own this time. My left arm held the hard ebony plastic wagon handle. We heard a flock of Canada geese honk, honk, honking away. I picked some "lellow" dandelions for "Amethyst" to hold in her chubby little hands. We saw a tiny bushtit, and I taught "Amethyst" that word. She can say it now. From clear down the cul-de-sac, we could hear our next door neighbor's black and white Border Collie/St. Bernard mix, Zeke, bark loudly. "Amethyst" loves that crazy canine!! As my right hand held Rose's leash, I felt an odd sense of gratitude that I was born with two complete arms. Eventually, Rose decided that, like Michael, she, too, was bored of our same-old-same-old walk around the cul-de-sac. So my iron willed little girl tensed up every muscle within her shoulders and stopped walking. On several occasions!! But my long skinny right arm kept pulling Rose along!! At one point I even said this aloud. "To quote Tony Stark from 'Iron Man 3'. 'Stop stopping!' ". We must have looked like a sight to behold, for it felt as though I was being torn in twain opposite directions toward the end of our walk, pulling a red wagon and my canine....

I was doing it. I was multitasking!!     

"Stuff Happens"

I am a self-described "dog-wrangler" in this suburban cul-de-sac where we reside. I do not know, exactly, when it began. Because frankly? I do not remember. Was it several years back, when Zeke, our next door neighbors' black and white St. Bernard/Border Collie mix often escaped as a puppy, perhaps? That never occurs anymore, by the way!! Because. I have since grabbed Puffy the-escape-artist Pug's collar, and lead him back home. On a nearly daily basis. I have since helped my poor frantic neighbor avoid Sammy, her Schnauzer mix, from running toward traffic. Which is a lot less scarier than it sounds, really, because I was walking Rose. And Sammy followed her everywhere!! I have since helped a bewildered Gary find Roxie, his yellow Labrador Retriever. Who never, ever, ever strays far!! I have since brought home a wandering, aggressive chocolate Labrador Retriever. It actually frightened me a bit when "he" growled, but I'm afraid that I may have scared "him" with my approach!! Well. The other day--on a fleetingly sunny Spring-like afternoon--I was promoted to "kid-wrangler"!! And all because of Rose!! I had been sitting on this very flat-screened desktop computer writing. Suddenly Rose jumped off of "our" bed, ran toward the front door and barked. Ferociously. Rose {Who, amazingly, has never been an excessive barker. Even though she is part Beagle!!} possesses twain very different barks. Both are loud. Both cause us all to jump and/or scream. However. When somebody has actually stepped foot on our front porch as opposed to neighbors slamming their car doors, Rose's bark, I have observed, is much more ferocious-sounding. So. Upon hearing it the other day, I instantly knew that somebody was at our front door. But who? I stood up from this very chair. With my wrenched right knee injury which, yes, I am still recovering from, I'm like "the little engine that could" these days after sitting for awhile. {Grunt, pant, grunt, ow, grunt.} I feel like an old lady already, as opposed to a thirty-year old!! When I reached our front door, I felt shocked at what was innocently looking back at me. The cherubic face of my next door neighbor's two-year old granddaughter!! I opened our door. I expected to see my neighbor, Debby, as well. Perhaps she needed something? Nope, it was just the toddler!! Instinctively, sans even thinking, I took her chubby little hand to walk back toward next door. Barefoot. And I smiled. "Did you get away from Grandma Debby's?" I asked her. She did not answer. Although I'm fully aware that all children develop and learn at their own pace, my two year old niece, "Amethyst", is speaking in complete sentences!! So. I expected this little girl to at least answer "Yeah". "Amethyst" would have!! But I am just glad that this sweet little girl did not fight me or attempt to run away. "Amethyst" probably would have. Because my niece is most definitely two!! That girl I love seems far too much like me, I'm afraid. Strong-willed. Stubborn. And obstinate. I pray for "Amethyst". Avoid my laundry list of character defects, please!! I found Debby--who had been outside washing cars--and gave back the toddler. "We had ourselves a little visitor," I announced. To which Debby shot me this terrified expression. "She was sitting on my front porch a minute ago," Debby explained. But no need. I understood. With children, sometimes you have to "watch them like hawks", as that phrase goes. Because it happens so fast. And "in the blink of an eye", as that phrase goes, children can cause mischief!! Now. Lest anybody wonder. I do not expect this to occur again, for Debby is a responsible Grandma. But "stuff happens", as my Dad oft casually says. I am just so very grateful for Rose who alerted me of our little visitor!!

And they say that Lassie was great....

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"   

"I Want Biscuit."

Blogging Friends.... I am going to begin work on my March fictional children's story today for "Minuscule is good!"!! I cannot wait!! So!! Knowing full well that I owe you all a Rose story, I wrote this one over the weekend!! However. I am also currently writing another "Therapy Session", so stay tuned for that!! Now, this is what occurs when you possess a crazy never-shuts-down head!! Sometimes I write twain posts at once!!

Speaking of my crazy never-shuts-down head. After "publishing" the other day's post, I was later reminded of a line which was spoken by Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes. Here it is. I can totally relate!!

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems. Give me work. The sooner the better." --Sherlock Holmes from "Sherlock Holmes"

Allow me to change that line a bit. "My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me projects. Give me work. The sooner the better." And my creative Brain Juices do!!

It was 2:00 PM. The Purple Martin on our singing bird clock had quietly chirped. It was time for me to feed Rose her afternoon meal. On February 13th, I provided myself with a "second chance" regarding baking Rose's cheesy biscuits from last month. This time? I remembered the Parmesan cheese!! Score!! On Valentine's Day, I was giving Rose a heart-shaped cheesy biscuit after dumping one cup of dry crunchy dog food into her silver bowl. We were also "baby-sitting" my two-year old niece, "Amethyst". Now. "Amethyst" and I have this habitual thing of pulling out twain baby carrots as a treat.... One for her, the other for Rose!! It is expected!! "Amethyst" even walks over and pulls open the refrigerator!! Well, on that specific Valentine's Day, we changed things up a bit. Because. Rather than give Rose a baby carrot, I pulled out this glass airtight container full of home-baked dog biscuits. "A carrot," "Amethyst" said. She says it like Elmer Fudd would!! Minus the "R" sound!! I love, love, love it!! "Well, I'm gonna give Rose a biscuit," I explained, "But you can have a carrot!!" Then, "Amethyst" said, in a sweet innocent voice, "I want biscuit." And my heart melted like vanilla-scented candle wax. How do you say "no" to that? My home-baked dog biscuits have ingredients such as flours, cheese {I used mozzarella this time rather than cheddar!!} butter, milk. It is really "cheesy bread" no different from something my Mom might bake!! Correct? I'd never give "Amethyst" a store-bought salmon biscuit that I purchased for Rose after our Winter Blast. Those are for dogs!! So, yes, I gave "Amethyst" a small bite of Rose's home-baked cheesy biscuit. Shamelessly!! Because, I've been eating them as well, and they are delicious if I do say so myself!! Yes, you read that right. Yeah, I get a ton of teasing around here for snacking on Rose's home-baked biscuits!! I am called "Shaggy" from "Scooby-Doo". Because. Apparently he noshes on Scooby Snacks? I would not know. I never watch "Scooby-Doo"!! I am told that I'll become a canine like Tim Allen in "The Shaggy Dog", grow fur and bark. Which, I also have not seen!! Oooh, can I be some sort of Scottish/"Irish"/German-Russian mutt? Because I am one!! I'm shameless, remember? And, of course, I have been mentally referred to as "weird" by my sister. What can I say? I am weird!! Guilty as charged!! And now? I'm afraid I am in a bit of trouble!! Why? Because. One week later, "Amethyst" pointed to that glass airtight container full of home-baked dog treats. "A biscuit," she said. My Mom was standing there, so she told "Amethyst" that they are "for the dog". Meanwhile, I just stood there, looking innocently guilty. An oxymoron? I do not think so!! My sister then shot me a facial expression that said this. See what you started? And in exchange I'm pretty certain I gave my sister a cockeyed smirk!! Because I am shameless!!

Winter Blast

Blogging Friends.... So. I wrote a heartfelt tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman and then disappeared for one week. Sorry. That was completely unintentional and out of character for me!! Seriously. My excuse for being absent from both Beautifully Unique and everybody's Blogs? It will be explained throughout this post....

Over six years ago, in December 2008, our local area was hit--hard!!--by a back east-style snowstorm!! At least that is how I, an unpublished writer, would have described it!! Colossal-sized flakes descended from our clouds for at least one week with seemingly no end in sight!! Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds.? Forget about it!! Because our mail carrier stopped service completely during that snowstorm!! The streets were hardly untouched. Why? Because. For the first time in my entire life, we were snowed in!! Plus. For the first time in my entire life, we enjoyed ourselves an amazingly memorable full-force White Christmas!! Less than two years later, on September 21st, 2010, I adopted Rose!! Now. My Mystery Dog's breeds are not the only unknown fact about her. We have also guessed Rose's age. See. The shelter where I adopted Rose said that she was three years old in 2010. Our vet? He guessed that Rose was 2 1/2 years old in 2010. Who was correct? We will never know for certain!! Fast forward. To February 2013. Our local area has once again been hit by what newscasters have deemed a Winter Blast!! As of Friday morning, sidewalks and yards were covered in ankle-deep snow and Rose likes it!! Now. This is not my first snow experience with Rose. We have enjoyed a few. This is my first Winter Blast experience with Rose!! There's a significant difference between the two. A significant difference. This Winter Blast blew in--literally!!--on Thursday afternoon!! And it was white-out blizzard-like weather conditions!! Which is much, much, much prettier than our typical Winter rain!! I love, love, love it!! Especially--especially--when our weekend arrived and those who I am in close proximity to were safely home from work and/or school!! Praise the Lord!! When I let Rose outside to urinate before bed, on Thursday night, she looked back at me through our sliding glass door, quite ambivalent of this newfound freezing cold windy snowy weather. Not that I blamed her. But she had to at least try. It was bedtime, after all, and Heaven knows we did not need any accidents!! Well!! Rose did much more than just try!! She plowed through a steep snow bank on the edge of our backyard patio like some Alaska sled racing dog, walked toward our neighbor's wood fence, squat and urinated!! Good girl!! For that, Rose was given a treat!! My little girl has always seemingly been curious about snow!! I took her for twain Winter Blast walks on Friday!! Our first. It was during the morning while sunbeams made everything sparkle like diamonds!! No snowflakes fell. Not even one!! See. I was wrongly convinced that this so-called Winter Blast had drawn to an abrupt close. For most snows around here only last one day. And I wanted to take complete advantage of it before Mr. Sun slowly melted this cold fluffy white stuff away!! Our second Winter Blast walk? It was during the afternoon as chilling winds blew and snowflakes descended from clouds!! Brrr!! It was seemingly much, much, much colder than our morning walk that day!! Either way, I love, love, love it!! During our afternoon Winter Blast walk, Rose was so very curious about the cold wet white snow that she returned home with some on her whiskers from sniffing everything!! However. During our morning walk, Rose suddenly started limping. Once we had found this bare patch of sidewalk which was blocked off from the snow by a neighbors' bush, I could examine its culprit. This did not require my internal Sherlock Holmes to "solve". No. Rose's back paws were clearly bothering her as though something was stuck in them. Sure enough. I examined Rose's back feet. Caked below both of her paw pads were several tiny snowballs!! Poor baby, no wonder she was limping!! Using my pointer finger, I sort of carved them out!! Rose then walked absolutely "normal" after that!! Once we returned home, she was given a treat!! On Saturday morning, as colossal snowflakes began to fall, I took Rose for our last Winter Blast walk of 2013!! Why? Because. As the snow piled steeper and steeper upon our suburban cul-de-sac's sidewalks, my little "Alaska Sled Racing Dog" wannabe was forced to jump over bank after bank after bank. And Heaven knows I do not need any injuries!! Speaking of which. To avoid accidentally injuring my canine, on Saturday night, I stepped outside the backdoor, nearly slipped, grabbed a shovel smashed this path through our then twenty-two-inch deep patio snow bank, and collapsed it!! You know what? I'm so very glad I did!! Later that night, it sleeted, hitting our windows and making them look like clear stained glass artwork!! This also produced some awesome icicles which were virtually everywhere!! I love, love, love it!! When I let Rose outside to urinate before bed on Saturday, she looked back at me through our sliding glass door, quite ambivalent of this newfound sleet. Would Rose brave it? Not so fast this time!! Rose stepped over my parted path in the snow bank, walked out, was hit by tiny balls of sleet, then turned back!! Poor girl!! By yesterday morning, our outside world was a frozen, glossy, shiny Winter Wonderland!! I love, love, love it!! I let Rose outside to urinate and have a bowel movement. She never got constipated during this Winter Blast, by the way!! Rose slowly and cautiously stepped over my collapsed snow bank path, skid on ice which now covers our yard, and did her business!! Good, good, good girl!! For that, Rose was given a treat!! She is definitely my little Snow Dog!! Which leads me to wonder about Rose's age. If our local area was hit by a much, much, much more "severe" snowstorm than this one in 2008. And I adopted Rose on September 21st, 2010. Could she have actually been two years old when I got her? Not three? Which might have made Rose a puppy in 2008. Because. My little "Alaska Sled Racing Dog" wannabe hasn't got any Siberian Husky or St. Bernard mixed within her mysterious D.N.A.!! That I am completely certain of!! Being a Snow Dog {breed} does not flow proudly within Rose's blood!! So. If Rose was two rather than three on September 21st, 2010, then that means.... I could have an additional year as her Mama!! Hmmm!! I am alright with that!! Now. Only God knows how long Rose will live. He has her days numbered just like mine!! Meanwhile, I only have today!! That being mentioned. I shall make every second count!! With quality time. Hiking. Home-baked treats. And, of course. Making Winter Blast memories!! As temperatures rise a bit, and wet raindrops fall from clouds today, let the meltdown begin!! I love, love, love it!!