Tag Archives: dog sitting

I Don’t Tell You How To Raise Your Kid

10 Monday Feb 2014

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photo 2 (51)It’s amazing to me how much unsolicited advice I get about how to raise my dog or what to do with the dogs I’m watching.  Let’s face it.  I don’t care what you think.  I am fully aware the Dog Whisperer would be horrified at half the things Riggins does.  Lucky for me I don’t talk to the Dog Whisperer so I don’t have to hear about it.  I feel like I do a pretty good job holding my tongue when I see other dog owners doing something I consider “wrong.”  Things like keeping your dog on leash at an off leash dog park.  Bringing your young son into a dog park and playing frisbee then getting upset when a dog jumps up on your son.  Not using a seatbelt for your dog.  Using a choke collar vs. walking harness.  You know why I hold my tongue?  Because it is none of my business.  Zippola.  Unless the animal is in real danger my advice is not needed.  I’m even hesitant to give advice when asked.  I always tend to start with an “I’m not sure but you could try ….”  Unless you are my friend in which case I will give you hell if you are using a retractable leash!

When Riggins was younger and faster he wore a retriever bell when we were hiking.  You can easily purchase retriever bells at pet stores.  They are made specifically for hunting “retrieving” dogs.  Riggins wasn’t being used to hunt but it was in his genes and I was sick and tired of him catching ground squirrels, running down into the bush where I couldn’t get to him, and then coming back up smacking his lips having thoroughly enjoyed his tasty snack!  The bell was necessary on two levels.  1.  His health.  Eating raw critters isn’t great for you.  2.  The grossness level because it is really really gross.  Yet more than once I was told by random people that I was harming my dog.  I once had a young “vet assistant” try to shame me to the point that I lost it on him and verbally abused him to the point that he gave up his walk and headed back to his car.  Don’t you dare tell me I treat my precious prince Riggins poorly.  I will hurt you.  Emotionally, mentally, physically, all the above …

Recently I was walking with the pack I had in an legal off-leash area.  We were near the end of a hike and all were pooped and happy.  I had had zero issues the entire time and had passed many different kinds of dogs and people.  All without incident.  Then two woman passed me and said, “I can’t believe you let that pit off leash.”  “That pit” was my adorable Lousy.  I didn’t have the energy to fight, and if I had Lousy would have gotten all worked up because I was angry and probably just proven their point, so I just rolled my eyes and kept walking.

I’ve been told I shouldn’t walk so many dogs if I can’t control them.  At the time my dogs were just cruising along together and the woman with such great advice had three dogs pulling at their leashes, growling at my gang, and gnashing of their teeth.  When I informed her I was in control and it was her dogs that seemed to be less than socialized I was scolded for not being a loving dog owner who cared about rescues like hers.  Sigh …

Each dog park has their own human gang.  The dogs can all get along so you would think their human owners could too … nope.  Once I took Riggins to a local dog park after being gone from him for a while.  He was SO EXCITED.  He ran around like his tail was on fire.  Granted you should not take a non exercised dog into a dog park.  If your dog has too much wild energy you should walk/hike them first BEFORE entering the dog park.  But let’s face it who, besides the infamous Dog Whisperer, would do that? Every one of us take our dog to a dog park because they need to work off some energy and we don’t have the same level of umph to make it through a long walk.  Riggins jumped up on a “cool kid” who was sitting on a bench talking to another “cool kid” gang member.  The woman LOST HER SHIT.  Crazy screaming that Riggins was too big and hurt her and blah blah blah.  Of course Riggins shouldn’t have done that and I apologized but when she wouldn’t shut up about it I lost my cool.  She was, after all, in a dog park.  Do you know how many times I’ve been covered in slober and/or mud because of dogs jumping up on me?  Do you know how many times I’ve been actually knocked on my butt by dogs running into me.  It’s a dog park!  I may have gotten over dramatic and started screaming things like, “Oh my god don’t hurt her.  Watch it Riggins don’t go near her she is so fragile she just can’t take it.” etc.  Good times.

photo 1 (58)I tell you all of this just to set the stage of what happened to me this weekend at a different dog park.  It was Saturday afternoon so the place was pretty packed.  I had 3 dogs with me, all very well-behaved.  They were more interested in following me around then wrestling or playing with any of the other dogs.  Since it was crowded there was bound to be a few dog fights.  It’s just what happens.  Normally it’s nothing as long as the humans keep their cool.  The problem is the humans never keep their cool.  At one point a german shepherd came into the park at full force.  He was SO HAPPY to be there and just couldn’t control himself.  My experience with german shepherds is that they are rough players.  They, in general, want to play and have fun but their “play” actions are seen as aggressive by other dogs and it starts a brawl.  Not a real brawl a bark and gnash fest.  If it was a real brawl and the german shepard wanted to hurt another dog he could … quick as lighting.  Even though the poor german shepard was just trying to settle into the park many folks went cray cray, screaming and moving their dogs away.  Of course that just made it worse but the german shepherd’s dad was a good guy.  He moved his dog away and sat him down until he was calm enough to go back and play.  At that time I had moved my dogs to go get water and we met the german shepard on our way.  He happily followed us and all the dogs sniffed around and checked each other out with zero incident.  On my way away from the water fountain I passed some grumpy dude who murmured, “you best get your dogs out of here.”  I took one of my headphones out of my ear, looked at him and said, “what?”  “You heard me.” was his response.  Oh yah jackass.  I heard you.  He obviously thought the german shepherd was mine since I had no issues being near him.  Ignorant ass.  I just rolled my eyes which caused him to stare me up and down.  I popped my earphones back in and got lost in my Adam Carolla podcast while walking away.

I don’t know why anyone thinks it is okay to pass such horrible judgment and even worse advice out to total strangers.  I don’t know you.  I don’t want to know you.  Judge me from a distance all you want but there is no need to come up to me and tell me how to do my job as a dogsitter or a dog mom.  If you do there is a good chance I will unleash a number of hard truths at you and I’m not sticking just to your dog …. it’s all fair game fatty!

Sweet Doggies Everywhere

30 Thursday Jan 2014

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Lousy

During my dog sitting business I’ve watched a lot of dogs and most of them come back to stay more than once.  Some, like Dragon (schanuzer) or Asscher (golden retriever), are with me enough that I remember their personalities, likes and dislikes without having to reference anything.  Others like Vesper (german shepherd), I have to be reminded about their personalities and special individual needs.  Luckily when a dog leaves me to go home he/she gets a “Report Card” that reviews what we did during his/her stay and a few stories about the dog and his/her interactions.  When a dog is coming back I don’t fully remember I look back at their old report card and end up giggling all the way through it.  I find all these dogs so amusing!  Here are a few snipits from these write-ups:

Asscher

Asscher

“Asscher finally lived up to your warning that she doesn’t like hats and glasses.  Tuesday she jumped in my lap when I had my feet in the pool and snatched my hat off my head.  She was nice enough to give it back to me even when I made her pose with it on and take pictures.  Today (Friday) I was sitting on the ground in the park taking her picture and she decided I could do without my hat and glasses.  All I could hear over my own giggles while pushing her off, was the rest of the humans in the park laughing their heads off. ”

“Jax and Bear celebrated Riggins birthday with him on Sat.  Bear wouldn’t wear a hat but Jax played along and all three got an extra treat for posing in pictures!”

“I can’t even express in words how much Dragon and Jax love each other.  The two of them are inseparable.  Dragon is going to have a tough time after his friend leaves!  My favorite thing they did was play tug of war which Jax always let Dragon win at.  It was adorable.  Sat after everyone got a bath Jax sat nose to nose with Dragon as I combed out Dragon’s hair.  He wasn’t going to let his buddy deal with such horrors alone.”

Dragon

Dragon

“Friday night I was in bed sleeping and the dogs heard something at the front door.  Dexter was on it and I could hear his bark as he lead the charge.  Dragon (a schnauzer) and Riggins were on his heels to back him up.  In the meantime Kona (a pit mix) ran the other way, jumped on my bed, and buried her head under my arm.  That was how it went for the whole weekend.  If barking was required, Dexter would sound the alert and Kona would run the other way.”

“Lousy was definitely the leader of the pack.  He would “jump in” any of the dogs that tried to join them.  Once they proved they could hang with him he was happy to include them in the fun”

“I would laugh every time Dexter got in the car.  Riggins would go first and get comfy.  Then Dexter would jump up and immediately crawl on top of Riggins.  Riggins would give me a look like, “this kid … what are you going to do?”  Dexter would then find a spot VERY VERY close to Riggins (close as in partly on top of).  The two of them are so sweet together!”

“Riggins can sometimes be a little old man but he LOVED playing with Peanut.  Peanut would jump on him or give him nonstop kisses until Riggins engaged.  Then the two of them would play for hours”

“Sometimes when we went on our hiking/walking adventures she [Creature] would squeak the entire time.  While at Hahamonga/Rose Bowl my friend who was with us was in awe of her little squeak.  It made us both laugh.  Someone who passed once asked me if she was sad and I said, ‘Nope … she is thrilled to be running around!'”

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Creature

“At the dog park Ike was quick to engage in play with other dogs.  Riggins would want to jump in but didn’t know how.  All that energy would end up with Ike humping some poor dog and Riggins humping him.  None of the dogs ever seemed to mind.  I broke up a lot of hump trains this weekend!”

Don’t you just want to cuddle them all?  (Just a second I have to go let Vesper out of time-out for being mean to Dragon.  BRB.)   What I NEED to do is write out the “Wendy only notes” on the report cards before I save them on the computer.  You know those little things I need to remember but aren’t really highlights of the trip.  Things like,

“Had to get used to putting Vesper in time-out for being mean.”

“Tends to want to pee in the dinning room.”

“Tends to want to pee on me.”

“Wants to eat all male runners on the hiking paths.”

“Wants to eat all the horse poop on the hiking paths.”

“MUST sit on my shoulder at all times.  Like a bird.”

“Will only eat if I feed her by hand.”

Who am I kidding.  Even with their little oddities I adore them all!  If you want to see more pictures of cutie dogs being happy head over to my babysitting page at http://www.dogvacay.com/pro/wendyandriggins.

 

Leave my Babies Alone!

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

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pizap.com13904298048481Maybe it is because I’ve had a headache on and off (currently on) for days.  Maybe it’s because I need to invest in Pepto Bismo I down the stuff so regularly.  Maybe it’s because I was snuggling cutie Lousy at the time I read the Facebook post.  Whatever the reason I blew my top.  Per a Facebook post by a dog group Pasadena is discussing passing a BSL (breed specific legislation) ordinance against “pit bulls.”  Oh no you didn’ (with finger snap).  Of course, because I’m a hysterical person, I, like many others, jumped to the idea that this means they weren’t going to allow pit looking dogs in their city.  Not on my watch Pasadena.  Not on my watch!  Luckily before I came on my blog to rant about it I did some research.  Turns out the BSL is specifically about spaying and neutering pit like dogs.  So I’m not so worked up as much as I was a few minutes ago.

First of all let’s address spay and neutering.  Do it.  ESPECIALLY if you have a dog breed that is unfairly targeted because of his/her breed.  There are way too many dogs in shelters and way too many of those are “aggressive” breeds (a term I don’t believe in but using to get my point across).  (I actually had no idea that so many dog owners were against spaying and neutering … perhaps they are just against being told they have to do it?  I’m not sure.)  Wouldn’t it be great if a gaggle of pittie owners could show up to the Pasadena council meeting with their “fixed” papers and say, “I don’t know what you are all talking about.  Go talk to the owners of those yippy chihuahuas.”  Should this be a breed specific law?  No.  Calling out one breed for one reason or another is ridiculous.  Unlike some other dog owners I’m a-okay with neutering and spaying laws (I actually thought there already was one … maybe that is just the city of LA) but I’m NOT okay with you demanding that of only one or two specific breeds.

NOW let’s talk about the breed of “pit.”  First of all there is no such breed.  Many breeds fall under what we consider “pit bulls.”  How would you decide if a dog had pit in him/her or not?  For many dogs I watch I get the comment, “it looks like he has some pit in him.” pizap.com13904325719081 Probably.  So what?  Let’s say you have sweetie Kona in front of you and it is obvious she is a mix of the “pit” breeds.  Then you would have one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met in front of you as well.  I love her so much I wrote a blog about her and her fellow pitties.  The reason you distrust pits (if you do) is because of what you have heard/read about them.  If I asked every single one of you what breed dog you have had an “issue” with I can almost guarantee other breeds would be more represented than those that we label as pits.  Pits get their negative PR from asshats like Michael Vick and others who raise these type of dogs to fight and kill.  That is a bad owner not a bad dog.  Even the dogs that were saved from Vick’s horrificness are living lives where they have proven to be sweet and kind animals.  

People who know pits will tell you they are extremely loyal and protective.  That they are cuddlers who want to be in your lap as much as possible.  That their big jaws that you may be afraid of give them the biggest smiles you have ever seen.

pizap.com13904329345771I’d like to convince you that pit babies shouldn’t be feared any more than any other breed.  I could do research and pull out stats on what breed has hurt humans the most and all of that nonsense but I don’t think it would matter if you truly are afraid.  I’m not suggesting that you go out and get yourself a pet you are fearful of.  I’m not saying that you have to love my sweet Kona or adorable Lousy.  I’m saying that you aren’t allowed to tell me I can’t have them as part of my family.  And although I personally am okay with breeding/neutering laws you don’t have the right to tell specific breeds that they have to be fixed just because you perceive them as scary.

Oh Pasadena.  I love you so much.  I wish I lived in you.  I go to you for everything from dining to doctors and yet your snobbishness is sometimes too much to bear.  Come on Pasadena.  Show me that you are classier than this and keep BSL out of your city.

(Pictures are of my adorable darlings that I have watched and loved that could be labeled as part pit bull.  Each and every single one of them a sweet doll.)

Lousy is Back!

20 Monday Jan 2014

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My baby boy Lousy is back for a vacay!  Despite the fact that one of my closest friends can not (or won’t) come visit during his stay I’m very excited (he tried to eat her a couple times … no biggie).  I have another topic I had planned to write about today but instead I think it is appropriate for me to re-post one of my Lousy blogs.  Here you go …

Lousy’s Last Night

photo (3)I have to admit I’m pretty torn up about this being Lousy’s last night with Riggins and me. Despite of (or maybe because of) his need to kill friends and strangers I just adore him.  Although he may want to kill you, he is a giant cuddle monster to me.  I can’t move far without his adorable little wiggle butt somewhere beside or on top of me.   Right now he is under my desk unhappy that he can’t be in my lap.  By far the cuddiliest dog I’ve ever meant.

Running the Rose Bowl trails.

Running the Rose Bowl trails.

Since he is three and is Riggins’ almost 1/2 brother he reminds me of how Riggins acted at his age.  Lousy is a calm bunny compared to Riggins.  At that age I could not just watch TV.  I had to watch TV AND throw a ball down the hall over and over again.  Lousy will happily curl up and go to sleep at bedtime.  At his age Riggins would grab a squeaky ball and sprint around the house while I prayed to every god I don’t believe in to get him to stop.  In the morning Lousy will happily jump up on my bed and curl up at me knees for a few more zzzzzs.  At that age Riggins would be up and ready to go.  I’d have to semi-tackle him and soothingly pet and murmur statements of love to get him to settle down for a bit more shut-eye.

Almost 1/2 brothers at the dirty dog park.

Almost 1/2 brothers at the dirty dog park.

Riggins is older and calmer now.  MUCH CALMER and has been a champ with Lousy this week.  Although there have been a few warning barks, in general they get along great.  Riggins has even figured out how to use Lousy’s energy to his advantage.  Riggins will camp out on my bed or on my lap and when he hears something going on outside he will start barking letting Lousy know that he needs to check it out.  Lousy will then bound up from wherever he is and make a beeline for the door ready and willing to defend his new castle.  Riggins thinks it is great!  He gets to be the guard dog he wants to be without even getting up!

Runyon (It was hard to get him to leave my side so I could take a picture.)

Runyon (It was hard to get him to leave my side so I could take a picture.)

Annoyance & Stupidity

10 Friday Jan 2014

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I live in Los Angeles.  5 minutes from downtown (when there is no traffic so if you want to get there in the middle of the night).  My yard is small and if I wanted to I could hand my neighbor coffee through my side fence to them lounging in their living room.  What I’m trying to say is I live in a city not the country.  So explain to me why I have to live with a rooster?

A couple of years ago my neighbors got a rooster.  It was a loud son of a bitch.  It was a complete and total asshole.  It started crowing before the sun rose and then continued long into the morning.  It wasn’t like a snooze button.  You can’t anticipate when the next crow will happen.  You think it is over and then COCK-A-DOODLE-DO.  At some point I realized my annoying alarm clock was no longer around.  I was beyond happy.

Guess what?  They got another rooster.  What the hell do they do with a rooster?  I don’t know.  I suppose they have chickens too I just can’t hear them.  I suppose I’m lucky in so much as this rooster isn’t as nearly as loud as the other but he sure is chatty.  That critter cock-a-doodle-dos at any time of day.  He has no sense of rooster timing.  It’s 11:49 as I type this and he is going strong.  COCK-A-DOODLE-DO!!!!

Roosters have no place in my life.

Stupidity

You know I like dogs.  It’s not a secret.  Dogs seem to like me too so they often come up to me to say hi.  What do I do?  I bend down and give them a big ol’ kiss right on the top of their head.  Doesn’t matter what kind of dog, who he is with, what he looks like, or how clean he is.  SMOOCH right there on the noggin’.  I did that very thing this morning while the dogs and I were hiking in Elysian Park.  An older golden came by on leash and wanted to say hi.  Without hesitation I bent down and gave him a kiss.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?  What makes me think I have the right to do that?

First of all you should never ever pet or touch a dog unless given permission from the owner.  Something I obviously feel doesn’t apply to me.  Secondly there is a right way to introduce yourself to a dog and bending down cooing, “You are so cute … muuhaw!” isn’t the correct way.  Some day a dog is going to bite my face off.  That will teach me.

Secondly how gross!  Dogs are dirty animals.  I don’t know where that dog has been and I think it is okay to put my lips on him?  I’m horrified at myself.

I doubt I will change.

Have a happy weekend!

Lights Out

09 Thursday Jan 2014

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photo (54)During the meet and greets with my future doggie guests and their human parents we meet in the backyard and, once everyone has sniffed each other, head inside the house for a quick tour.  In the bedroom the conversation usually goes like this:

Me:  Where does (fill in dog name) like to sleep?

Owner:  Well.  Ummm.  He will sleep anywhere.  I guess we could bring his bed.

Me:  Does he sleep with you?

Owner:  Yes.

This happens 90% of the time.  Dog owners who send their dogs on vacations while they are out-of-town are the kind of dog owners who let their precious babies sleep with them.  We all know we aren’t suppose to.  Yet we all do it.

Lights out at my house is very interesting.  Those dogs that have been with me for a while know the drill and when I say “let’s go to bed” there is a mad dash for the bedroom to secure their sleeping positions.  Things normally work out but sometimes there are arguments.

Because I love him the most I always give Riggins special treatment.  If he wants to be on the bed his spot is always up on one of the pillows.  If there is another dog there he/she has to move.  It just so happens that Bongo (vizsla), who has been here for just over a week, thinks that is his spot.  When he doesn’t get it he will stand by the bed and cry until I convince him it is just as good on another part of the bed.   He is not an easy sell.

Dragon (schnauzer), a regular guest, skips all the drama and heads straight for the foot of the bed.  He hangs out there until I get in and then he gets as close as he can to my feet/legs … when I say “close” I mean “on”.

Baby (Alaskan husky mix) who is here until she finds her forever home, is cool as a cucumber.  She will go wherever but is always there first.  She is first on the bed and plops down right in the middle.  Then she gets pushed and shoved around until everyone else is settled.  That is a-ok with her.

If you are counting that is four dogs and one human on a tiny little full size bed.  Usually the dogs all need to be up there when we first lay down while I’m ready a book, and right before it is time to get up.  In between there is a shifting of what dogs are up and which are down (except for Dragon … he isn’t moving).

photo (53)This morning the crew got up early to pee and eat.  Since I have been sick and pooped I headed back to bed for a few more zzzzzs.  I was the last in the bed and it was just too much trouble to move everyone so I plopped down right in the middle laying sideways.  Riggins and Bongo were butt to butt up on the pillows comfy as can be.  Dragon and Baby were curled up at the foot of the bed snoring.   I was groggy and the path of less resistance seemed like a good idea.

Tonight Dragon goes home and Asscher (golden retriever) shows up.  Let’s see how that changes things!

Super Yum Yum

08 Wednesday Jan 2014

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photo (50)You know my deal about cooking.  I only do it if it’s easy.  Well this holiday I made a couple of winners that I found on Pinterest and wanted to share with you.

* 8 Can Taco Soup – I actually skip a can (the chicken … canned chicken sounds gross) so for me this is 7 Can Taco Soup!  This could not be easier.  You take a bunch of cans of food (specific ones not just any that you happen to throw in your cart), drain whatever is in them and then plop them in a big ol’ pot.  Done!  I’ve actually made this twice once with and once without the taco seasoning packet.  I like it better without but remember I’m a huge wimp when it comes to anything spicy.  Someone on the blog suggested substituting a ranch dressing packet for the taco seasoning.  I actually had planned to do that on my last batch but totally forgot to purchase it.

If you are fancy you could add a dollop of sour cream, a couple of slices of avocado and some tortilla chips.  If you are me you can just ladle it right out of the pot and into your mouth.  I love soup and I love mexican food so this is the perfect lunch or dinner for me.  Today I’m eating it for both!  Yum yum!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
  • 1 (12.5 oz.) can white chicken breast, drained
  • 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
  • 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
Directions:
  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
  2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve.

* Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats – You read that correctly.  Already sounds delicious doesn’t it?  When you click on the link to go to the original blog post of this amazing concoction you will notice that the fancy pants woman made cute little cupcakes out of the krispie treats.  She even made the effort to top them with some fancy schmancy icing.  I did not do that.  I made them like a normal person would make rice krispie treats and packed them into a pan and cut them into squares.  Worked great.  Tasted better.  Seriously for how little effort it takes to add some vanilla and cake mix to your krispie mixture the additional wow factor for your taste buds is amazing.  Do it.  Wow your taste buds.  They deserve it.

Ingredients 

  • 6 tbs margarine* (3/4 of a stick)
  • 3/4 cup yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups Rice Krispies
  • 1/2 10oz bag of marshmallows (5oz)
  • 1 tbs sprinkles

Instructions 

Melt margarine in the microwave (about 45 seconds). Mix in marshmallows and return to microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between, until melted. Mix in cake mix and vanilla until combined. Add in sprinkles and 2 cups of Rice Krispies with a spatula. Add in the third cup of Rice Krispies.

Fill each well-greased pan with the Rice Krispie mixture and press it in gently with the back of a spoon. Cool for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

(I don’t have any pictures of any of this so enjoy some more dog pictures.  They are cute and sweet too.)

What Do I Do With the Poop?

02 Thursday Jan 2014

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I’m about to say something that won’t go over well with most people and certainly most people I know and call my friends … ready for it … hold on to your hats … I truly hate the plastic bag ban.  It just really chaps my hide.  I know plastic bags are bad for the environment.  I’ve biked the Los Angeles River and seen first hand the discarded ripped bags hanging from the branches of the river shrubs like discarded and shamed confederate flags.  I get it.  Mother Earth and I are tight … I understand that the enormous amount of plastic bag waste is a huge issue that needs to be dealt with.  I just don’t have to like it.

Adorable poop makers.

Adorable poop makers.

I’ve been bringing my own bags to the grocery store for years.  I don’t have an issue with that at all.  I have a dozen or so reusable bags stuffed in the back of my car and when I head to Vons (no longer Ralphs as we know they suck) I whip them out and smugly walk into the store knowing I’m as green as it gets.  Then what exactly are my issues with this increasingly popular law?  Let me explain:

* Sometimes I’m running in for just a few things and I forget my bag.  It happens.  Not often, but it happens.  Then I have to decide if I want to precariously carry everything I purchased out to the car to dump in one of my bags or pay 10 cents to get everything thrown in a brown bag.

* When I traveled for work I NEVER brought reusable shopping bags with me.  Come on … on top of everything else you want me to remember that.  Screw that.  I was already stressed I didn’t need to know if I wanted to purchase groceries I had to bring my own carrying device too.  I remember an incident at a Trader Joe’s in San Jose that almost had me on my knees.  My bad day ended in me having to carry my groceries (heavy on the wine bottles) back to my car as I tried to remember where I put my bottle of Xanax.

* I ALWAYS forget if it isn’t a grocery store.  I don’t really know what the law is and it is probably different for each city, county, state, etc.  For the area I tend to shop in if you have x many stores (I forget how many) you are a “chain” and therefore the bag ban applies to you.  This includes Petco, World Market, Michaels, Target, and many others.  Do you know how many times I’ve gotten to the front door of Michaels only to have to turn around and walk back down (I park downstairs at that store) and grab bags before coming back up.  So aggravating.

* I’m amazed how little now fits into a reusable bag.  Those bag stuffers (whatever their actual title is …  I shouldn’t make fun of them I will probably have to get a job doing that soon) use to pack EVERYTHING into one or two of my canvas bags.  Now it’s one or two items per bag.  Recently on a trip to Vons the bag stuffer person was really terrible at her job and every two seconds asked if I wanted to buy more bags.  “No!  Everything will fit.”  She “tried” again and gave me a “what do you want me to do?” shrug.  I ended up having to bag everything myself in my own bags which I think suited her just fine!

Now looking at that list I realize how horrible I sound.  I don’t want the plastic bag ban because it is an annoyance to me.  Plain and simple.  Selfish me doesn’t want to be put out.  True.  But here is the killer reason …

More adorable poop makers.

More adorable poop makers.

* What do I do with all the poo in my back yard?  As you can imagine with all the little four-legged poo makers running around my backyard it is full up with the stuff.  Every other day, or so, I grab two plastic bags and head to the back yard ready for war.  One bag is used to cover my hand while I scoop and the second is used to hold the pounds of poo.  It’s a good system but plastic bags are a huge component of the system.  Right now you are thinking of a number of solutions for me, buy my own bags, buy a pooper scooper thing, use doggie bags …. stop.  Just stop.  I don’t want any of those solutions.  I want my free plastic bags that I can fit a ton of crap in (literally) and the earth can just screw off.

Can’t we compromise in some way.  Why do I have to pay for paper bags?  Why can’t you just give me those?  Or give me those unless I bring my own then give me 5 cents off per bag.  Something like that.  No?  Really?  You sure you wanna piss off the gal with unlimited amount of ingredients for flaming poop bags?

I didn’t think so.

Dogsitting Makes Me Happy

16 Monday Dec 2013

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photo 1 (26)Last week I told you some of the crap things about corporate life so I thought it was only fair to share some of the nice happy things about dog sitting (which is what I am doing right now).  Enjoy!

*  Adventure.  I’ve been able to go to a number of places I’ve never been before.  Even as a LA native I had never visited these places before!  Some of my favorite hiking spots with the dogs are new to me because of having to find places to take them.  Elysian Park, Hahamonga Watershed, Upper Rose Bowl Trails, the zillion of Griffith Park trails, the old zoo, the list goes on!

* Exercise.  I’ve known for a while that exercise is the most effective stress reliever for me.  With the dogs I get in extra exercise if I want it or not.  Due to my dog sitting profile I tend to get very active dogs which means we all have to be active!  No room for slackers.

photo 3 (17)*  Company.  I never ever ever ever pee alone … ever.

*  Patience.  Never my strong suit but when walking 4 or more dogs at a time patience is a must.  Don’t even get me started on the accidents in the house.  P A T I E N C E.

*  Warmth.  I have an extra layer of warmth in the form of dogs whenever I’m sitting watching TV or sleeping.  I’m always very cozy!

*  Knowledge.  I had no idea exercise/yoga pants had such amazing dog hair attraction qualities.  It’s really fascinating.  I think my floor is clean then sit on it to put my shoes on and get up with enough dog hair on me to knit a sweater.

*  Stamina.  I now know I can stay up for 24 hours in a panic searching for a lost dog.  Silly Miles.

*  Outdoorsy-ism.  You know all that hiking?  Sometimes you have to pee during a hike and you are on a hill with no one but the dogs around.  I’ve gotten really good at sneaking behind a bush if it is required.

photo 2 (26)*  Riggins.  Riggins is an only child and would often show signs of “only child syndrome.”  He is still my baby (and he knows it) but he has gotten much better and is now very happy to be a member of a pack.  I’m always very proud of him when he meets a new dog or owner.

*  Tan.  From hiking.  Sure I have horrific tan lines in the shape of a tank top and multiple lines on my legs from shorts, crops, and socks but I’ve never been this tan in my adult life.

* Cleanliness.  I have to vacuum ever other day, or so.  I have now used all the attachments on my vacuum.  It’s very exciting.  How many people can say that?

*  Unconditional love.  It’s amazing to me how quickly a dog will attach himself/herself to me.  Riggins has always been my companion and there for me through thick and thin making me feel forever loved.  Now that feeling is just multiplied by two, or three, or four …

As I continue to hunt for a job that will pay me enough money to survive and allow me to breath freely, I’m thankful I was able to do this gig, learn so much, and be this happy!

 

The Great Escape

25 Friday Oct 2013

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I apologize for being MIA this week.  I’ve been recouping from the MOST STRESSFUL WEEKEND OF ALL TIME.  Let me tell you all about it …

Miles

Miles

This past weekend I had 3 dogs plus Riggins.  Chief an adorable and loving chocolate lab, Lulu a one year old energetic ball of crazy, and Miles the two-year old lab/golden mix aka “the runner.”  Friday night was like a battle ground.  Riggins and I were curled up in the bed in combat “hit the deck” positions trying to snooze while Miles and Lulu ran around wrestling each other ALL NIGHT LONG.  Saturday morning Chief showed up and we meet Giovanna, her husband and poodle Morgan at Runyon Canyon.  Everyone was pretty pooped out by the time we got home.  I had just enough time to shower and get dressed up for a fabulous music/comedy festival with my friend Dee Dee and her husband Jason.  The afternoon/evening was spent drinking Honey Badger shots (delicious) and listening to the genius of the friends of Tenacious D.  I tell you all this back story so you can understand that by this point of my day I was too pooped to pop!  Upon coming home I opened the back door and like a bullet from a cannon Miles was gone.  When I say gone I mean GONE.  Out the door, down the street, out of sight … GONE.

Dee Dee and I ran down the street like crazy people and she spotted him on a side street.  I came frantically running to get him (mistake I know) and he zoomed right past me and, once again, out of sight.  We did not see that little dude again for about 19 hours.

I ran.  I ran and ran and ran.  AND RAN.  Up and down the side streets of my neighborhood calling Miles name and suggesting we go get some food, dinner, snacks, treats, and any other food related word I could think of to make him pop his little head out again.  Dee Dee jumped in her car and started cruising the hood.  At one point she passed me and I yelled, “call Giovanna.”  Minutes later Giovanna and her husband Jack joined the search.  I was seconds … SECONDS … from loosing my shit.  I actually think I spent the next 24 hours in a state of shock.  How could this happen?????  How??????  I was mortified, terrified, and all other ifieds you can think of.

At one point I went back to my car and started cruising too.  At this time I knew I had to move forward with turning myself into the bad doggie watcher police.  I’m not one to shy away from taking blame and fessing up and it was time to do just that.  I called the DogVacay people who put me in touch with Natalie the Sane (I call her that because whenever I read a message from her or she talked to me she was the voice of sanity and reason).  Natalie’s title is “Trust and Safety Specialists.”  Can you imagine how stressful that job must be?  I have not been shy in saying I love DogVacay and would be happy to work for them beyond just being a host, but there is NOT ENOUGH MONEY ON THIS PLANET to do Natalie’s job.  I sent pictures of Miles to her for a flyer and brought Miles bed, blanket, and stuffed rabbit toy outside per her instructions.  I then covered the entire area with chicken.  Something Chief was happy of every time he walked by.  That damn bunny friggin’ mocked me for 24 hours.  Every single time I came home to grab more flyers or go to the restroom or check on the other dogs I would plead with the universe to have Miles sitting there cuddling with his bunny.  Nope.  Never happened.  That bunny just sat there perched on his fluffy dog bed staring at me.

Natalie the Sane emailed me over a “Lost Dog” flyer which I started printing.  I printed 40 at a time and anytime I came home clicked on “print” and picked up the ones that were ready.  I estimate that my friends and I hung about 160 signs and handed out about 20.  Aaaaaahhhh!  It was all so unnerving.

I had to get a hold of Miles mom.  Unfortunately she was out of the US and did not have cell coverage.  This meant not only could I not call her anyone that got a hold of Miles and read his doggie tags couldn’t call her!  Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!  I sent her a message via Viber (app that allows you to text and send pics to folks all over the world at no cost) and held my breath.  I couldn’t even imagine what I would have done if I had received that message.  Probably forced the poor soul with me to cash out on all his assets so we could afford to fly back to LA STAT!

Eventually my poor friends had to go home and to bed.  Jason was starting a new job on Monday and needed to prepare.  Giovanna was running 20 miles at 5 am the next day to get ready for her upcoming marathon.  Jack was falling asleep at the wheel.  That left me and the dogs to continue the search party.  I swapped out Lulu and Chief and walked the streets.  Around 3 AM Chief and I saw cops trying to settle down an agitated hooker eating her ice cream cone across from the local McDonalds.  I saw two cars in full “bust” mode with driver on the sidewalk and cops going through their vehicles.  Everything was pretty shut down about that time except for Jack in the Box.  I have a real problem with their new stoner commercials but they sure do know their customer base!

Around 3:30 AM I emailed Natalie and Miles Mom to tell them I had to go lie down.  I don’t know why I even tried.  I constantly thought I heard something in the backyard and just wanted it to be Miles so bad.  I may have slept for about 1/2 hour.   Giovanna texted me about 4:30 and asked how I was and my answer was “terrible.”  She cancelled her run and came back over to search with me.

The Search Party (the human participants). Jack, Giovanna, Martha & Dee Dee

The Search Party (the human participants). Jack, Giovanna, Martha & Dee Dee

And that is what we did … searched.  We walked up and down and up and down for miles then we got in the car and drove for miles.  Then we walked some more.  Her husband came to help.  My friend Dee Dee came back (she does not live close) and helped.  My friend, Martha, came over straight from the Getty where she had taken her art students earlier that day.  Even Asscher’s dad got in the car and drove around looking while Asschers mom kept checking the Pasadena Humane Society website for dogs that were turned in.  There was even another friend on her way to take up the night shift with me.  I can’t explain how lucky I am/was to have the support of so many great people.  I joke a lot that I hate people and love dogs.  These folks are definitely the exception to that rule!  I LOVE THEM!  They stepped up and every single one forfeited their time, energy and something important they had to do just so they could be there for me.

Dee Dee was the worker bee.  She would get it done come hell or high water.  Signs hung, signs walked into businesses, anything I asked she was on it in a heartbeat.  Her presence also stopped me from being arrested.  At one point we were in the car together and we pulled up beside a cop car.  She handed him a flyer and asked him to keep his eyes open.  The policeman was a douche.  He didn’t want to help at all and his only response (beyond telling us to go to the Pasadena Humane Society — yah yah genius we got that) was that the picture on the flyer was distorted.  I wanted to tell him if he wanted to see distortion I could ball up the flyer and shove it up his ass.  Luckily Dee Dee was there, more in control than me, and instead of going off in handcuffs we just drove away.  That guy is an asshat.  He was probably unhappy he didn’t have the night, ice cream hooker eating shift.

Jack was the lieutenant grinding away behind the wheel for miles further than I dared even think to drive.

Giovanna was my go to gal.  Giovanna let’s put signs in front of the church because people will be going there in a few hours.  Giovanna let’s put signs in front of McDonald’s because people will be going there in a few hours.  Giovanna let’s put signs by the parks because people will be going there in a few hours.  Giovanna let’s put 5 more signs on that pole that already has 3 just to be safe.  Whatever I said her answer was, “LET’S DO IT.”  She never once told me I was insane.  Which I, obviously, was.

Martha was my voice of reason and stabilizer.   Martha is a very good friend of mine and lives in Philadelphia.  She just happened to be here for this huge crisis and I am so thankful she was.  I had a one track mind … FIND MILES … FIND MILES … FIND MILES.  Everyone tried to stop me to take care of myself and all I could think was FIND MILES.  I refused to come home when they asked me to and refused to think clearly when they asked me to until Martha showed up.  Martha’s voice could cut through my crazy.  Not totally.  But a little bit!  Enough to stabilize me.

At one point the sun was just starting to go down Giovanna, Dee Dee, and I were driving around putting up signs.  At that point I was told that I wasn’t allowed to drive and we were all getting beyond pooped.  It was the first time we were all together in one car and then Dee Dee said, “there he …” AND WE ALL SAW HIM.  Lightening.  Running like a crazy dog.  Giovanna and I jumped out of the car and tried to calmly call him until we couldn’t see him anymore (which took about 5 seconds) and then he was gone again.

It was on now!!!  There was NO WAY I was stopping this search.  We had been amazed that in the HOURS of searching we constantly crossed over each other but none of us had even seen the dog.  Now we had seen him.  We just needed him to stop running so we could coax him home.

Sweet as sugar and as fast as a bullet!

Sweet as sugar and as fast as a bullet!

During this search Miles mom’s friend had been looking as well.  I alerted everyone, Natalie, Miles Mom, Asscher’s Mom, etc that we had seen him.  We all then focused on that one area.  I walked around in circles dropping piles of food in the hopes of keeping him close.  I’m sure the neighborhood skunks enjoyed that later in the night.  Circles walked and walked and walked by all of us.  Then I got a text from Miles friend “I found him.”  At the time Dee Dee and I was heading back to my car to charge up my phone and had just waved to Martha so we were all there.  I started to type back but then looked up and THERE HE WAS … ON LEASH!!!!!!!!!  I almost fell to my knees.  I’d say I was happy but I think I was just deep in shock.  The friends dog, Lola had found Miles.  They are friends and Miles was happy to come talk to her!  I scooped him up, controlled myself from kissing the poor friend and her dog, and ran him to the nearest emergency vet.

20+ hour of running had taken their toll on Miles paws.  All four were blistered and in bad shape.  The vet was wonderful and held him for a few hours to fix him up.  I picked him up at 1:30 AM Sunday night/Monday morning and brought him home.  His front paws were wrapped for a day and then I took the bandages off to heal.  He is still walking a little funny but all in all is back to normal.  He is his happy, loving, wiggle butt self again.

Miles isn’t allowed on the bed or sofa.  I made him sleep by me for the rest of the night on Sunday, cuddle on the sofa during the day Monday and nap on the bed with me.  I wasn’t allowing that little guy out of my sight!  I totally ignored the no bed/sofa rule!

I really can’t explain how horrible that entire event was.  To have a dog lost is heart wrenching to be in charge of someone else’s dog and have him go missing is unthinkable.  I can’t even imagine if he was a human child that I was watching.  Although I have yet to see a toddler who could outrun me let alone a locomotive like darling Miles can.  I’m so happy he is safe and I love him to pieces.  That being said I’ll be happy to hand him over to his mom tomorrow!  He stressed me out!

A couple of notes on this whole ordeal:

As usual DogVacay is amazing.  I am so happy they are always so helpful and thoughtful when I need them.

Signs work.  I had my doubts but we only knew the general area Miles was in because of the 3 calls we got.  2 of the folks said they saw a black dog running 100 miles an hour down the street with a smile on his face …. .THAT’S MILES!

If Miles would have lived here I have a feeling putting his bed and food outside could have worked.  It is something I would not have thought of.

If this happens to you I hope you have a group of brilliant and supportive friends like I do to help you!

All my guest dogs now have another tag with my name and number on it.

I called Miles vet (old and new), where he was adopted from (their info is on his chip) and Miles mom reported him as missing on a dog site whose web address Miles has on a tag on his collar.  Natalie called every vet/shelter in the area and faxed over our “lost dog” flyer.  Although these things didn’t actually help get Miles home they didn’t hurt.  I actually got calls from Miles vet and adoption agency checking on him.