Cocker Spaniel

Yesterday I read a classified ad in our work place's newsletter about someone wanting a good home for a 2- year-old, neutered, golden cocker spaniel, with papers. I had also been told that he obeyed simple, basic commands.This person had a job that kept him away from home for 12-18 hours at a time and he could not take care of his dog.  So, I called and made an appointment to meet the dog to see if he and I might be a good match, provided Lilo approved!.

The man's mother was caring for the dog.  Upon opening the door, the first thing the dog did was jump up on me. He was a handsome specimen with dark golden, wavy hair on his back and very curly, blonde hair on his head, legs and feet. His body  form was impressive. They readily told me he needed to be groomed (yeah).  I was told he was up on his shots and had surgery as a pup to remove a decayed tooth.  They, too, were surprised he would have that issue as a puppy.  Supposedly the owner gets high grade 'natural' food from the same place I get Lilo's food.  Then, outside, I noted that the dog does not raise his leg to pee, but squats.  When I asked if he was house trained, she said, that sometimes he gets excited and pees inside, but only poops inside when he's hyper excited.  The pooch easily became used to me during the time I was there.  It was obvious he wanted attention, but got used to me quickly and snooped around the house and yard as the woman and I talked.  Back inside, he started scooting along the rug.  I asked the woman if he had worms and she said, no, that they'd checked his poop.  When I asked her about the commands he'd learned, she was vague and said the dog obeys her son really well, but the dog obeyed her only with lots of physical cues and repeated verbal commands(She's his  doggy 'grandma'--is that why he didn't obey her?)

All in all, I felt that perhaps Lilo and I were not yet ready for a dog.  Sigh.  Perhaps not the right time, place and/or dog.

Winter and Spring in One Day

My previous post described my adventure in a winter wonderland.  As I drove down into the valley, leaving it behind, the sun began to shine warmly, making me shed my mittens, scarf, and making me mentally wanting to take off my coat from the sun's warmth filling the car.  The clouds had receded and the sunset was a brilliant orange-pink, leaving me to wonder if spring was not far in the days ahead.  There seems to be some inner hope and joy that comes with warmth from the sun and sunshine in the form of colorful skies.  Just as the wave of the winter play land joy began to wane, I was hit with another wave of joy, that of the warmth and hope of  the renewal of  life in the spring.  Yes, it is still cold in the valley, but most of the snow has melted and as I entered the city, an outdoor thermometer sign flashed 35*!

Winter Wonderland

Today I had one of  those unusually joyful experiences that took me back to my childhood emotions. I traveled to a preschool 1/2 way up the mountain  where I worked with a child with developmental delays.  She is progressing nicely.  Just about the time I planned to leave, the kids started getting their gear on to go outdoors to play.  I realized that each child had come prepared with snow pants, as well as snow boots, hats, scarves, mittens,  and coats.  They were really ready to play in the 8-12 inches of snow that covered their playground!  And to top it off, they were quite self-sufficient putting on all their gear...it wasn't a new experience for them.  Most of them live in the surrounding mountainous villages and ranches. 

( In the valley, where most of our classrooms are located, the children are not allowed to play outdoors if there is that much snow. And when it does warm a little and the snow melts a little, teachers don't get out any trikes or play equipment, even pails and shovels. Children just run around...sigh.)

I watched in childish delight and felt childish anticipation as the kids took out sleds (plural) and a pair of children's skis for turns at taking, large sliding strides across the flat playground.  The sleds were used on a short, gentle slope that went from the patio-sidewalk of the school onto the flat expanse of the playground.  It was so perfect and delightful looking it was all I could do not to stay.  But my fear of returning on icy roads overcame me and I regrettably said good-bye.

At my old age, I had imbibed the invisible, palpable joy of children playing in snow; as I had done as a child once upon a time. I had also shared, though belatedly, the joy my granddaughter felt when she arrived at Christmas to several inches of snow and sunk into it making snow angels and snow castles even though it was getting dark....and shivery cold.  Thank you, Ella, for allowing grammie to share your joy!  Its in my heart to stay.