Tag Archives: Bear

Reporting Live from the Surface of the Sun

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

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You know in The Big C where Laura Linney’s character goes a little wack-a-doodle and starts digging a pool in her backyard?  I predict that will be me before the end of summer 2014 ends.  I don’t do well in super heat.  Riggins does not do well in super heat.  Based on all the evidence our summer in Los Angeles is going to be SUPER  HOT.  At some point I’m going to lose my mind to dehydration, grab a shovel, head to the back yard, and start digging.  Then I’m going to grab the hose and just let it fill up into a muddy wonderful mess so the dogs and I can splash around like cool little piggies.  To you it sounds like a mess.  It’s 91 degrees right now here.  To me it sounds like heaven.

Bear, Huxley & Jax seek shade on Runyon

Bear, Huxley & Jax seek shade on Runyon

91 DEGREES …. END OF APRIL …. 91 DEGREES.  For the next few days Los Angeles will be threatening record-breaking temperatures.  I’m not okay with that.  I live at the base of the LA Mountains.  A nice little piece of desert I like to call my own (well it’s someone else’s and I give them money to live on it).  The sun is drawn to this area and beats down on it with the power of … well … the sun.  Anything left out too long like awnings and lawn chairs are sun washed and faded.  80% of the neighborhood relies on succulents and cactus as their main garden features.  Even the “breeze” is bullshit as it is really just a hot gust of wind we call the “Santa Anas.”  All in all it is a hot mess.  Literally.

Pekka hits the pool.

Pekka hits the pool.

Riggins is a black dog and almost 9 years old.  Those two things make him extra sensitive to heat, although most dogs can get heat exhaustion/stroke very fast.  It is something I have to be very careful of especially when hiking with the dogs.  Frankly I’d rather go out with the pups in the rain vs. high temperatures.  On hot days I eat enough flying bugs to hit my protein quota for the day.  When it gets as hot as it is now and will be for most of this week, our options of where we can go are very limited.  There aren’t a lot of hikes that offer shade or enough shade.  I also have to worry about the trail getting too hot for their sensitive paws and being able to hike with enough water.  Finally, although just as important, if it is a “red flag warning” day I need to be aware of not getting myself into a position where a brush fire could cause us issues.  It’s a real concern as any moment now the hills around me could go up in flames with a snap of my fingers (or some assholes cigarette thrown out the window — I saw a guy driving around Griffith Park recently throw a lit cigarette out the window.

Fredo is the king of chilax hiking!

Fredo is the king of chilax hiking!

STUPID STUPID STUPID.  Don’t do that.  That is a really bad move and could cause mass destruction and death given the right circumstances.  The hills are crazy dry right now.  One little spark and … poof!).  All in all it’s a pain in my butt.

Better for all of us to just stay inside and chillax (as my sister would say).   If you need us we will all be lying on the bed on top of the contents of the ice trays I will dump there.

Stay chill … or at least try.

I Like Ike!

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

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photo 1 (2)When I traveled to India one of the things that I found interesting were the street dogs.  I mistakenly called them wild dogs once and was quickly corrected.  I spent hours on the internet reading about the dogs and what is being done to help stop overpopulation.  Since I had opted out of getting a rabies shot prior to my trip (and because I’m not totally insane) I didn’t come face to face with any of the dogs although all I wanted to do was sit down in a pack and cuddle each and every one.  Since then I’ve had a special place in my heart for those street dogs.

When Ike’s folks brought him to come visit me I hadn’t done any research on his breed.  It wasn’t until after I met the energetic love bug that I headed to the computer to check out what exactly a “Potcake” was.

A Potcake is a mixed breed dog that resides in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas.  They are named after the food fed to stray dogs by the locals, the “cake” mixture found at the bottom of the rice/pea pots.  Exactly what kind of dog is included in the mix depends on where the dog is from but most are short-haired, can be between 25-60 pounds, and a long face.  Brown is the most typical color although their coats can also include a mixture of black, white, red, cream and yellow.  Technically mutts-mixed breeds (my favorite kind of breed) the Potcake is a recognized breed on it’s own by the Bahamas Kennel Club.

On the street Potcakes only live about 7 years and are only about 25 pounds.  Domesticated in a happy home their lifespan is similar to other dogs of their size (approx 13 years) and are a healthier weight.

photo 3Ike is the only Potcake I’ve ever watched but if he is the norm for the breed I’m sold!  Ike is a wonderful dog.  Very energetic so needs exercise but is really smart and very loyal and loving.  Ike did not like it when single men ran by us on the trail.  If they got too close he told them so.  Ike spent all his free time near me and, preferably, on my lap cuddling.  When hiking or at the dog park he always stopped to check in with me, make sure I was close, and that I was alright.  He got along wonderfully with all other dogs no matter age and energy level.  He could easily go nose to nose with Bear who is a vocal and rough playmate.  He was also just as happy sleeping while spooning Riggins (as long as Riggins would allow such silliness).  Although protective of me he never scolded or barked at my other dogs (like Dragon does).  He was part of the pack not the leader and looked to me to fill that role.

photo 2If you are looking to get a dog I always suggest rescue.  If you are looking to adopt, much like human children, I believe there are plenty of loving babies (dogs and humans) close to home that need you.  BUT if you want to reach out to adopt a dog then a Potcake is something to definitely look in to.  From my very minimal research it looks like the loyalty, intelligence, and love Ike showed is typical.  It is like they know you saved them from living on the streets and they are thankful for all you do for them.  They do need someone who can be a pack leader and who is willing to keep them active so definitely keep that in mind.  If you are looking for a mild-mannered lap dog who sleeps all day a Potcake isn’t for you!

Ike’s mom works with BAARK – Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness.  They have a spray and neuter program for the street dogs of the Bahamas and also help rescue dogs and find them homes.  Ike’s mom told me that there are a number of these type of organizations that will help adopt Potcakes to loving families in Canada and the US.  Keep BARRK and Ike in mind when you are thinking of what kind of pooch you would like to make part of your family!

Hiking in Runyon Canyon – Guest Blog

05 Monday Aug 2013

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A few weeks ago my good friend Robyn was visiting from Kansas where she lives with her husband and darling kitty.  During her vacation she wanted to hike Runyon.  Riggins, who loves to be the center of attention with any human, was happy to meet up with Robyn to play tour guide.  Once home Robyn blogged about her doggie hiking adventure and was nice enough to let me re-post it here on WendyandRiggins.com for you to enjoy (head on over to her blog to read more about her and he adventures).  Take it away Robyn!

Hiking in Runyon Canyon

One of the things I really wanted to do on this trip was hike in the amazing hills Southern California has. but which ones? I thought about Turnbull Canyon in my hometown and Griffith Park, but finally decided on Runyon Canyon above Hollywood.I learned about Runyon Canyon from my friend, Wendy. She hikes it regularly with her dog and posts about it on Facebook and her blog. I looked it up online and it sounded like a great hike. I let her know that I was thinking of hiking there on Friday and we made plans to meet.

Now, let me tell you about Wendy. I have known her since I was in 4th grade and she was in 5th. Her sister was in my class. So we went to the same elementary school. When I was in 7th grade and she was in 8th we went to the same junior high. We went to the same high school and I was in Drama class with her for 1 semester (she is a fantastic actress). Then, believe it or not, we went to the same college!!!!!! So I have gone to school with her all the way from elementary through college!!! I reconnected with her on Facebook.

OK, back to the hike!

We met at the top of the trail off of Mulholland.

She had her awesome dog, Riggins, and 2 guests..Bear and Jax. I loved that we did this hike with the dogs!! Runyon Canyon is dog friendly and for most of it the dogs are allowed to be off leash. I had the honor of walking Riggins when he had to be on leash 🙂

Since we started at the top we went downhill (obviously!). The views were spectacular

We went down the easy trail which is wide and gently sloping. You can see the dogs in these pictures, too.

Down there is the foundation of a home that used to sit in the canyon. I believe the owners gave this land for hiking.

A foggy view of Park La Brea. A housing community in Hollywood

Up above is the hardest trail

And the beginning of it

Wendy gave me a choice of which trail to take back up. I did not choose the most difficult. Now Wendy could and and has done that one, but for me it was a little too advanced! My other choices were the one we had just come down which is the longest or a shorter, but steeper hike. I chose the steeper one.

At the bottom, heading up

Century City?

Hollywood and beyond

On the medium trail, looking across to the easy trail and above is the hard one

Oh, and here is what I am hiking

What was I thinking???? LOL. I needed a break. (with the fabulous Riggins!!)

Great view of the Hollywood sign

Look how far we’ve come!!!!

Maybe I am ready for this one???

Maybe not lol.

Hollywood sign again

We made it to the top!!! Wendy said I did really well and I was very proud of myself. It was tough!! But it will make hiking the Kansas Flinthills a breeze lol

there was a home up here and they had this beautiful bougainvillea

Here I am with Jax, Riggings, and Bear

And the fabulous Wendy!!!

More homes in the hills

And a tour bus!!!

2 days later I took these pictures from the parking garage at the Grove. Just to give another perspective. We hiked the trail on the right!

If you ever get a chance to hike in Runyon Canyon I highly recommend it!!

Robyn’s bio (from her blog) – What can I say about me? Well… I am very random and quirky. I live in Kansas, am married to a sexy biker dude who works for Foot Locker and am mom to a crazy cat. I am a runner and vegetarian and I watch entirely too much Reality TV. I am also a Mormon, explorer, crafter, drama queen, native Californian and Spoiled Brat.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

18 Thursday Jul 2013

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The Bad & The Ugly –

photo (13)Today I took the Fantastic Four, Riggins, Bear, Jax & Dragon up to the observatory via the Fern Dell trail.  They all did great, and once we took a time out at the top we started back down.  On the way up we had passed a dozen or so dogs and even more humans.  My pack had no issues with anyone.  Some dogs they ignored while others everyone wanted to say hi (aka sniff butts).  There was no growling, no fighting, no lunging, no issues.

On the way down I had gone just a few steps when I saw a women coming up with 3 dogs.  She looked like she had stopped in the shade to rest (she wasn’t in the best of shape).  As we got closer she started to scream “PULL YOUR DOGS BACK.  PULL THEM BACK.  PULL YOUR DOGS BACK!”  Her dogs seemed fine at that moment.  One was crouched down in a “staking” mode but that isn’t uncommon for dogs.  The other two didn’t seem to care one way or the other that their mom had gone crazy.  I ignored her as I walked past keeping my guys as far away as the path allowed.  She kept screaming at me, which triggered one of her dogs to lose his shit and start barking aggressively.  Smallish dog … I didn’t think it was a problem as I figured, even with three dogs, she could keep such a small guy contained on leash.  Finally, after more outbursts from her, I had to point out the obvious:  1.  She was crazy.  2.  If she was so worried about her dogs meeting other animals she shouldn’t take them to a public location.  Well, that did nothing but throw fuel on the crazy fire.  She went, what I would consider, “ape shit.”  Looking back she is lucky I was in no mood for a fight because it would have been so fun to fight with her.  She started following me screaming that I had no right to have 5 dogs that I couldn’t control (Please note my puppers where pretty afraid of the woman shrieking at them so where keeping as far away as possible, not barking, and not causing any problems … which is actually pretty shocking).  It didn’t help that my response to this was that she couldn’t count.  5 dogs?  Was she counting me?  By then I was far enough away to mumble, “bitch” under my breath before moving on.

30 ish seconds later I let Riggins off leash to trot along beside us without being tethered to me.  You know what happened when I let that vicious creature that I couldn’t control free?  Nothing.  He walked all the way down past many more dogs and many more people and didn’t have a single problem … none of us did.

On the other hand I could hear crazy yelling at more people further up on the trail.  I assume she left carnage from her ridiculousness all the way up and down that path.  This “incident” had two things that make me insane and start to feel all stabby.

image (17)First of all, don’t question my ability to care for my dogs.  Don’t you dare.  This happens more often than you would think and usually I get adequately pissed off to cause a scene.  Once a young man was walking down the street to Runyon with Riggins and me scolding me the entire time about Riggins wearing a retriever bell.  I was polite at first and then verbally destroyed him to the point he turned around and went back to his car.  RETREAT!!!  I care for Riggins and my guest dogs with love and extreme passion.  For you to suggest otherwise really chaps my hide!

Secondly, this woman couldn’t admit SHE was in the wrong.  Obviously she had gotten in too far over her head bringing her dogs there (BTW she did yell at me that her aggressive dog was a shelter dog and I needed to have more compassion … yah I really need to work

Walking nicely together.

Walking nicely together.

on showing more compassion to dogs … it’s a huge problem for me) and instead of apologizing and moving on she choose to channel her embarrassment into angry toward an innocent bystander.  Why?  All that does is make more people feel bad.  When I walk aggressive dogs, like Bud, I ONLY walk them alone and when passing a dog that looks like he/she will get close tell the owner that my dog isn’t being very nice today so I am going to keep him away from their dog.  SEE WHAT I DID THERE … MADE IT TOTALLY MY RESPONSIBILITY … BECAUSE IT IS … I BROUGHT THE AGGRESSIVE DOG … MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE IT IS DONE SAFELY.

This happens a lot in life.  How many times have you seen something like this play out in the work place?  Embarrassment or fear causes us to push blame on others instead of accepting it.  It’s so much better to accept, apologize, find a solution, and move on.

The ugly part?  Well that chick was ugly … YOU UGLY!

The Good – 

I have found a new favorite dog park.  The Hermon Dog Park right off the 110 just outside image (19)of downtown LA.  When I walked up to the park gate I wasn’t really impressed.  It is smaller than other dog parks I go to and is all dirt.  There is a sign that says it was named one of the best 10 parks in 2009 (or something like that … don’t quote me on those numbers) and my first thought was, “why?”  It’s pretty much a big ol’ fenced in dirt lot.  Turns out I was wrong.  It is really a very nice park and what makes it that way are the people.

Dog park people are weird.  I’m allowed to say that as I’m one of them.  Each dog park has its own personality and its own “type” of people.  Hermon Dog Park, like the area it sits in, is home to many different types of people.  My experience is that they are like the Silver Lake dog folks but less freaky and more grown up.  That’s a good thing!

I can go to a dog park and not really interact with anyone.  There is usually the “regulars” who form a gang at a central location and you enter at your own risk.  It’s a lot like high school.  Normally I head to a location that is comfortable, stick in my earbuds, and laugh out loud to an Adam Carolla podcast.  At the Hermon park everyone was so nice and welcoming I had to take my earbuds out in order to have conversations … I know … wacky.  I had invaded their park with 4 dogs (dog parks around here only allow each person to bring 3 dogs so I was technically breaking the rules … not something I suggest doing) and they were nothing but sweet and nice to me and the pups.  They get a bright shiny gold star from me!

My previous favorite dog park was the Pasadena Dog Park and it still has a place in my image (16)heart.  I had avoided taking all 4 dogs there simply because it is full of Pasadena Dog Park people … who can sometimes be a little judgy (don’t tell them I said that).  Yesterday I planned to take only my guest dogs to the park but Riggins looked so sad I added him to the outing at the last-minute.  Turns out, that day and hour, I had nothing to worry about and the folks at the Pasadena location were super nice and not judgy at all … shame on me for assuming otherwise.

Jumping to that conclusion was my fault.  I am sorry.  In the future I won’t make assumptions based on sweeping generalizations I make about other visitors of the parks.  Have a good night!  (accept, apologize, find a solution, and move on … see not hard!)

 

Hazards of the Job

16 Tuesday Jul 2013

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Here is a video of my attempt at a nap today:

A long day of playing poops you out.

A long day of playing poops you out.

Jax and Dragon have become BFFs who spend 99.5% of their time awake wrestling with each other.  The other 0.5% is spent following me around like a mini dog choo choo train.  Their friendship is apparently stronger when they are closer to me!

This is all well and good … except when the wrestling happens on top of me. Which is the case more often than not.

Dogs wrestling + daily blood thinner medication = paw size bruises.

image (15)      photo (15)

(BTW the current bruise on my arm pictured here is actually from Bear just walking on me while in bed.  The one on the other arm, not pictured, is collateral damage from a Jax/Dragon wrestle match.  The bruise on my thigh, seen here, is of unknown origin but I blame the dynamic duo.)

Sit. Stay. Good Human.

15 Monday Jul 2013

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I once went on a couple dates with a guy who treated me like a puppy.  I think the total number of dates was 3.  I kept giving him a shot because he looked so good on paper.  Cute enough, had a stable job, lived in a house near the city, had a vacation house in Big Bear, etc.  I tried to pretend that he didn’t talk to me like I had just peed on the carpet, but it was a deal breaker.  I swear the dude even patted the top of my head … honest.

I thought of him today when I realized with all the time I spend with dogs I’m surprised my human interactions haven’t been downgraded to one word commands, angry staccato growls, and high-pitched words of encouragement.  I suppose it’s only a matter of time.

This week I have 3 guests plus Riggins.  That’s four adorable dogs and sometimes I feel like the lion tamer at the circus.  When getting in the car you can hear me say:

  • Jax up.  Jax up.  Good boy!
  • Riggins up.  Good boy!
  • Bear up.  Bear up.  BEAR UP!  Good girl.
  • Dragon up.  Up.  Good boy!

Then reverse when we get out of the call but add a couple “stay” to keep them in place until they are called.

When I leave the house by myself you hear:

  • Jax to your house.  Jax in.  Good boy! (close crate and lock it)
  • Bear next, to your house.  Dragon back.  Dragon stay.  Bear in.  Bear to your house.  Good girl! (close crate and lock it)
  • Dragon come.  Good boy.
  • Riggins treat.  Treat.  (take Riggins outside with treat and close and lock gate)
  • Good Dragon.  (close and lock the backdoor)

All I need is a top hat and some of those big black boots and I’ll be set for the center ring!

photo (12) image (18)image (16)

Birthday Boy!

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

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image (9)Saturday was a big day for us.  Before going to my friend’s wedding I had to celebrate Riggins birthday!  On the 22nd of this month Riggins turned 8.  Such a sweet and loving boy!

Jax, Bear, Riggins, and I got up and headed off for the Laurel Canyon dog park.  It’s a giant park that gives the dogs lots of room to run around.  The three of them investigated their surroundings then Riggins found a nice cool spot in the shade while Jax and Bear headed off to chase critters and other dogs.  The two sibblings would take constant breaks from their activities to go check on Riggins and join in the relaxing shade.

image (11)All were pooped when we got home so I thought it was the PERFECT time for birthday pictures.  Bear refused to wear a birthday hat.  Apparently she isn’t forced to be the subject of ridiculous pictures constantly like Riggins is.  Jax was a little more accommodating, but not much.  Riggins knew what was up and bravely sat still while I placed a coned hat on his head and started snapping away.  He wasn’t happy about it, as you can see, but he was willing to go along.  By the time I tried to take pictures of him and me Riggins was done and refused to do more than lie on the floor.  As a reward everyone got some extra treats!

This is the first time Riggins has celebrated image (14)his birthday with other dogs vs. just humans.  I’m not sure if he liked having to share in the attention and treats although it made for great pictures!  My folks gave him presents which he opened on Sunday.  Once opened, I had to quickly hide them as Jax felt he should get treats too and warning growls filled my living room!  Jax and Bear went home yesterday so this morning I brought out Riggins treats for him to play with.

Happy Birthday sweetie Riggins.  You are the bestest!

Would You Like a Side of Fava Beans with That?

20 Thursday Jun 2013

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I’ve always said if I died in my house and wasn’t discovered for a while Riggins would eat me.  That freaks people out but I’m okay with it.  After all, I’ll be dead.

Recently a couple of my visiting dogs have decided that I’m delicious and will lick me nonstop.  I realized it was due to the coconut oil that I put on as moisturizer after showering.  Apparently this entire time I’ve been basting myself for the big feast and didn’t even realize it!

image (9)Right now I have four dogs in my house.  The ever adorable Riggins, the brother and sister team of Jax and Bear, and finally my daycare darling Asscher.  Jax and Asscher have become BFFs and consider themselves the lord and lady of the wading pool.  These are two happy water dogs!  Riggins has never liked water.  He won’t even go near the bathroom unless forced to on his death march to get a bath.  The fact that I willingly get in the shower and/or tub everyday simply blows his mind!

Today, after two different outings to two different dog parks, I realized I was filthy and badly needed to wash up.  I was feeling a bit tired and achy so choose to take a nice relaxing bath.  I ran the water, tossed in a dash of epsom salts and a splash of coconut oil (you can see where this is going already can’t you).  As I happily slipped into my tub ready to read a few chapters of The Game of Thrones my bath took a turn for the Psycho.  The dynamic water duo came bounding into the bathroom (not thinking there would be a problem I hadn’t closed the door) and immediately stuck image (6)their heads into the tub.  Asscher was the worse.  She would not leave the side of the tub.  In trying to make her stop drinking directly from the dirty tub water I would push her away only to have her realize I was even tastier than what was in the tub!  The two of them, with Asscher as the lead, proceeded to try to lick as much as me as they could.  I tried to sink deeper in the water but then my legs had to pop out … so I pushed them in and my arms had to come out … I couldn’t submerge enough.  Imagine you were Queen of the Nile and being bathed by your faithful servants except your servants were dogs and their bathing instruments were their tongues.

I had no choice but to ditch the bath and hop into the shower to wash off the slobber that I View From the Tubwas now drenched in.  Asscher and Jax waited, not so patiently, just outside the glass shower door ready to resume licking as soon as they could.  As I toweled off and quickly grabbed my clothes I noticed King Riggins was happily lounging on my bed with Queen Bear on the floor beneath him.  Neither even raised their head as I ran into the room in search of clothing with my faithful followers at my heels.

I realize you are pretty grossed out by this entire post.  Believe me I am too.  I may have to take another shower after writing about the incident.  Right now Asscher is wandering around the house belching.  Apparently salty, coconut flavored, warm water makes you a bit bloated.