Tag Archives: dogs

Protein Help

29 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Thigh with the ball at a Bar Method class - source

Thigh with the ball at a Bar Method class – source

As you know I’m a fond supporter and student of Bar Method.  The absolute most horrific part of each class, the section you dread each time, is “thigh.”  I have yet to meet a single person who will tell you it isn’t the worse exercises of all time.  The goal of “thigh” is to thin down your thighs by building “long lean muscle.”  That is what you hear while sweat is dripping from your brow and you are cursing the gods in your head while you are doing it … “stay in it … you are building long lean muscle.”  At some point during your three (or four if the teacher is the devil) sets of thigh your legs will start to shake.  If you are me it is a uncontrollable, vibrating through my entire body, shake.  When this happens you will be encouraged, “good shaking!” or “way to get to your shaking zone!” or “Wendy go lower you aren’t shaking enough ….”

Let me walk you through the set up so you can see that I’m not over exaggerating.  Most “thigh” positions take place on your tippy toes.  You stand on your toes with a hand on your hip and the other hand on the barre.  Then you bend your legs and slide down to your lowest possible point.  Then for the next few minutes you go a tiny bit up and a tiny bit down fast, slow, over and over.  Sometimes you swivel your hips.  Sometimes you come down a couple counts.  I even had one teacher make us come down 10 counts once.  I wanted to punch her in the face.

I'M NOT ALONE! source

I’M NOT ALONE! source

In all the sections of Bar Method, like thigh, I tend to go through phases of it being super-duper hard or a little easier but still hard to barely bearable.  A lot of this has to do with how much I’m concentrating on my form and “giving it my all.”  Lately (as in the past 6 months) thigh has kicked my butt!  I seriously struggle with staying in every position and sometimes feel like I have to (and I do) reset and come out of the position.  It’s aggravating but I felt better when I read on a Facebook page, “Confession of a Bar Star” that others had the same problem.  A couple of people suggested eating protein before class.

First of all I can not eat before class.  I can’t even eat a few hours before class.  I usually go to the 5:15 PM class so will eat lunch at noon.  I will allow myself an apple or orange as an after lunch snack but any more than that and I spend all of Bar class feeling like I’m going to puke.  It seemed very possible to me that giving myself some fuel pre-class could help.  I decided to give protein bars a shot.

Dreaded "chair" - source

Dreaded “chair” – source

Yesterday I ate a bar an hour before class.  It really did seem to pep me up a bit!  I’m sad to say I still didn’t stay in thigh the entire time but that really isn’t my fault.  First of all it’s been 10 zillion degrees in LA this week and by the time we get to thigh in class I’m sweating so badly I look like I’ve jumped in a pool.  I’m surprised I don’t collapse into a pile of dehydrated ash.  Also we did “chair” which is the most evil of all thigh positions.  I have the best shot of staying in thigh for the entire set if it is the first position we do (which it wasn’t yesterday).  The last time this happened I literally could not stand up after.  I had to plop my bottom on the ground and then hoist myself up with the help of the barre.  Let me explain the position.  You stand facing the barre with your hands holding on wider than shoulder width.  At that point you pull back until your arms are straight.  Then you bend your knees until you look like you are sitting in an invisible chair.  Your knees should be over your ankles and your thighs should be parallel to the ground.  From there you go up a little, down a little, over and over until you die.  The only thing holding you up is your thighs (and your butt and core but mostly your thighs).  I do like one thing during this exercise and that is my arms look amazing.  I try to concentrate on that but often the overwhelming pain breaks that self admiration!

My (non pillow-y) upper thigh and Dragon during this mornings visit to the dog park.

My (non pillow-y) upper thigh and Dragon during this mornings visit to the dog park.

Even with stupid chair I do think the protein bar may be the hot ticket and I’m anxious to keep at it to see if it really does help me in conquering the dreaded thigh section of class.  I have to tell you whatever I’m doing it is working.  One thing that use to horrify me was that my upper thighs were spreading out.  You know what I mean right ladies?  That fleshy pillow-y part of your upper thigh that for some of us can get out of control.  Nightmare!  With all thigh work I do in class my thighs are all muscle!  No pillow-y part here!  Very much worth all the pain and suffering!

* Note I am in no way a nutritionist.  I dare say I’m about as far away from a nutritionist as you can get.  I chose power bars because I thought I could digest them easily enough before working out.  There is a ton of “natural” food that is high in protein that could work well.  Soy beans, lentil soup, greek yogurt (gross), cottage cheese (gross), sandwich meat, and eggs are all examples.  A quick Google search can find you others.

Los Angeles Dog Hikes

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Riggins look over the spine at Runyon

Riggins look over the spine at Runyon

Happy National Dog Day!  On such a wonderful holiday I thought I’d give you the lowdown on the different hikes the dogs and I enjoy in Los Angeles.

General Hiking Rules of the Road –

  • There is only one hike in the area that allows dogs off leash and that is Runyon.  In all others it is illegal to keep your dog off leash.  Do as I say not as I do.  You know my theory on off leash hiking.  To simplify my thoughts, “I like it.”  Generally dogs are better behaved off leash and can take their time sniffing and having fun.  I especially like it for Riggins since he can run from shady spot to shady spot and hang out there until I catch up.  Of course, if your dog isn’t use to hiking or doesn’t have a rattlesnake vaccination (during season). or is prone to foxtails (during season), or is aggressive to dogs/human on/or off leash then keep your puppers tethered to you.  If you want your dog to learn to be a better hiker than I suggest going with friends with dogs.  Dogs in packs tend to look out for each other and will help keep the novices in-line.
  • Hike with a friend.  This is especially true for any path that may not be that populated.
  • It may be the Girl Scout in me but I like hikes where the folks on it say “hi” or “good morning.”  Almost everyone I say “hi” to and smile at returns the gesture.  This is true for all hikes except Runyon.  Runyon is a Hollywood gathering and you can expect minimal hiking niceties.  A smile and kind words also tends to disarm folks that may be judging me for allowing Riggins off leash.
  • Just like in a car those going up hill have the right of way.
  • Always bring water.  Even if you are expecting a short hike that has water available.
Lousy and Lordy take a time out in the shade at Runyon

Lousy and Lordy take a time out in the shade at Runyon

#1 – Runyon Canyon.  This is every dogs favorite.  It has been described as Disneyland for dogs.  There are three main paths (although one is technically private property).  The paved road (in the middle), the stairs (to the east) and the spine (to the west).  Riggins and I tend to go down the paved road and up the spine.

Good things:

  • Legally your dog can be off leash in the marked areas.  That ends up being most of the paved road and the stairs.
  • Lots of people so you don’t need to bring a friend to remain safe.
  • Lots of dogs which is always fun.

    Snowbell runs down a hill at Runyon

    Snowbell runs down a hill at Runyon

  • Multiple path options allows you to make the hike hard, really hard, are crazy hard, depending on what kind of work out you are looking for.

Bad things:

  • Not the nicest fellow hikers.
  • Parking can suck.  Go early.
  • No bathrooms.  Admittedly I’ve ducked behind a bush more than once.

Dog friendly:  Super dog friendly since it is a dog park.  You will see a few dogs off leash on the private road and most dogs off leash on the spine even though both of these areas are technically on leash.

Lousy leaps for joy at Runyon

Lousy leaps for joy at Runyon

Keep alert if you buck the system as rangers do ticket here.

#2 – Elysian Park.  Despite what I wrote in my post about this area it has become one of my personal favorites.  Just stay on the “nice loop.”  It’s not difficult and is almost more of a “walk” than a “hike.” My suggestion is to park at the Grace E. Simmons Lodge parking area (there will be signs directing you there).  Once parked you will see a street that is blocked off above where you parked.  Take that to the trail head (or at least one of the trail heads).  Once on the trail just go left at any fork in the road.  You will end up down at the street you took to get to the Lodge.  From there it is a short walk on the road to your car.

Good Things:

  • Near the 1/2 point there is an oasis that includes water for the dogs.
  • Bathrooms can be found in the park at the beginning and end of your hike.
  • Lots of trash cans along the path so you don’t have to carry that dog poop long.
  • Great views of the Echo Park, Glendale, Burbank, etc.
  • There are a number of smaller paths that connect to the main path making it easy to cut your walk short if need be.

Bad Things:

  • Traffic.  During Dodger games or morning commute it will be a pain to get to the hike.

Dog friendly:  Very.  There are lots of dogs and most will be off leash.

#3 – Griffith Park.  There are lots of hikes in Griffith Park but my favorite is the one tha

Riggins, Bear, and Jax look out toward the Hollywood sign at the observatory

Riggins, Bear, and Jax look out toward the Hollywood sign at the observatory

t goes from Fern Dell to the observatory.  Park near the Trails cafe and walk past the kid’s playground.  There you will find two paths.  Take either.  They go the same place.  The one to the right is a tiny bit shorter and a tiny bit easier.

The Good:  

  • It’s just fun to end up at the Observatory!
  • There are bathrooms at the top and bottom.  You can also refill water for you/dogs at the top.
  • If you want to extend your hike just walk to the back of the parking lot and you have access to miles and miles of more trails.

    Shug makes her way up the path to the observatory in Griffith Park.

    Shug makes her way up the path to the observatory in Griffith Park.

  • If you want to take pretty pictures then pass up your car on the way back and take the little Fern Dell walk by the stream.

The Bad:

  • Be cautious if you allow your dog off leash.  I can admit those that it makes unhappy are technically in the right.  I put Riggins walking leash on that has a short “leash” attached to it so I can easily grab him if I come across a pack of kids or others that are fearful of dogs.
  • The observatory can get crowded during certain parts of the day.  I suggest going early before it opens to the public so you can wander around at the top with less trouble navigating around folks.

    Riggins and Kona pose in front of the Observatory.

    Riggins and Kona pose in front of the Observatory.

  • If you throw caution to the wind and let your dog off leash remember to put him/her back on before you get to the top and/or the bottom.  Both are very public areas and full of children and cars.
  • Depending on the time of day you will either have a good amount of shade from the surrounding mountains or none.  Be prepared for it to be sunny and hot.

#4 – Hahamonga Watershed Park – Sweet little park that, per it’s website, is the home

Asscher takes a breather near the soccer fields at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

Asscher takes a breather near the soccer fields at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

to 22 miles of hiking trials.  I’ve done *maybe* 6.  Pick a path and go.  I assume you can get to the Rose Bowl from here I just haven’t figured it out.

The Good:  

  • It’s kinda cool to walk past JPL.
  • Lots of open space and a number of trails.
  • Super easy and lots of parking.

The Bad:

  • There are horses here.  If your dog, like Riggins, think horses are the devils ride, then keep your eyes open.
  • This is a disc golf field.  There are lots of folks playing frisbee … very seriously.  I suggest
    Dexter and Riggins ham it up for the camera at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

    Dexter and Riggins ham it up for the camera at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

    keeping out of their way.

Dog friendly: Yes.  Although, like all the hikes, keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes.  Most dogs will be off leash.

#5 – (Beyond the) Rose Bowl Loop – I usually skip the Rose Bowl part of the Rose Bowl loop and instead take the dogs to the path that starts above the Bowl and goes around the golf course.  It’s not hard to find.  While most folks loop back around the Rose Bowl head the other way and you will come upon a more secluded path.

The Good:  

  • It’s an easy hike.

    Dragon and Riggins hang out on the trail beyond the Rose Bowl loop.

    Dragon and Riggins hang out on the trail beyond the Rose Bowl loop.

The Bad:

  • Heads up as it is possible that a stray golf ball will come flying towards you.

Dog friendly: Yes.  Some dogs will be off leash.  This is one that I actually keep Riggins on leash the entire time.

#6 – Echo Mountain – Park at the top of Lake (in Pasadena) and take the path up to the ruins of the Mount Lowe Railroad and Echo Mountain Resort.  If you want to go crazy you can continue on to Inspiration Point.

Riggins among the ruins on Echo Mountain.

Riggins among the ruins on Echo Mountain.

The Good:

  • The historical part of this hike is really fun.

The Bad:

  • Make no mistake you are hiking “up” a mountain.  It’s not a difficult path but it is up!

Dog friendly:  Yes.  Some dogs will be off leash.

#7 – Eaton Canyon.  A popular and fun hike that ends at a waterfall.  A bit of a surprise for the Southern Californian!  You can park at the

nature center area or skip some of the hike by driving up the street and parking near the second entrance.

Clover loves the waterfall at Eaton Canyon.

Clover loves the waterfall at Eaton Canyon.

The Good:

  • Water is always fun.  It also gives you a nice place to get your toes wet before heading back.  I also force the dogs to get wet so that the hike back isn’t so hot for them.

The Bad:

  • In summer expect lots of crowds.  This spot becomes a public wading pool.
  • The beginning/end is full of people and can be hot and sticky.
  • 1/2 the path zig zags back and forth over the stream.  It becomes a bit of a balancing act.  I am always more pooped than I think I should be
    Chloe dives in at Eaton Canyon.

    Chloe dives in at Eaton Canyon.

    after this walk.  I assume it is the extra core workout from trying to keep from falling into the water!

Dog friendly: Yes but keep in mind that there are a lot of people.  A few dogs will be off leash but not many.  I suggest going early to try to miss the crowds.  I tend to keep Riggins on leash until we get to the water and rocks and then let him free.  I have a much better chance of keeping up right if he isn’t pulling me along!

There you go!  The 411 on the paths near LA that we frequent.  If you see me say hi!

Hiking Elysian Park

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

photo (3)Like Griffith Park, I had not hiked Elysian Park until very recently.  It seems so silly that these places are so close to me and I’m just now figuring it out!  Elysian Park is the second largest park in Los Angeles (Griffith Park being first) and the oldest.  It is known to locals as the place you can have a picnic before heading to a Dodgers game.  Until a few weeks ago that is all I knew about it.  That and it was a good way to cut between downtown and Echo Park when traffic on the 110 is a disaster.  Turns out Elysian Park is very big and a fun place to check out.

Elysian Park has a long history but was renamed “Elysian Park” (Elysian is derived from the Greek work paradise) from Rock Quarry Hills when it was dedicated as a Public Park back in 1886.  Today the park includes numerous places to picnic along with a number of different playgrounds for children.  It is also home to the CHAVEZ RAVINE ARBORETUM and GRACE E. SIMONS LODGE both of which I have yet to find.  Although I think I was above the arboretum on Riggins and my last hike.  Finally you will find the Los Angeles Police Academy (I had friends that got married in the courtyard once and it was crazy beautiful) and the Barlow Respiratory Hospital (which specializes is respiratory diseases but creeps me out and would make the PERFECT background for an insane asylum in a movie … it actually probably has been used for that).

I had read about a “loop” hike that was 4ish miles long and last week Riggins and I decided to give it a try.  After failing to find the trail head we gave up and parked where there just happened to be a trail.  There are over 10 miles of trails in the park so it was quite possible we had not wandered onto the correct one.  Be that as it may, we eventually got to the original hike only to take a wrong turn and end up doing a mini-loop.  Driving around after our failed hike I found where the trail crossed one of the roads so Monday Riggins and I decided to start there (to be honest I got lost taking side streets to the park and ended up in some secluded section and started a hike there until I frightened myself and turned around hightailing it back to the car).  From this point we actually made it about 2 miles before where to go came into question.  We took the most obvious path that really had to be correct but turned out wrong.  Going around the side of the mountain like a billy-goat did make for some amazing views of Los Angeles and I only almost slipped once avoiding a tumble-down the side with my fancy footwork and screaming.  Of course we got lost and eventually had to take roads to get back to where we started.  I estimate we walked about 5.5 miles.  That may not seem like a lot to you but when it is hiking up and down and you aren’t sure where you are and you REALLY have to pee it is a very long distance.  Too long for Riggins who was pooping out on me for the last mile or so.

All in all I really liked the first 1/2 of our hike.  It isn’t at all difficult and is a very well maintained path.  There are lots of dogs (of course this is a public park and dogs should be on leash … no one had their dogs on leash) with very nice owners and a few joggers.  It wasn’t until I crossed the road to the other side that things got a little dicey.  Elysian Park isn’t among the nicest of neighborhoods and that side had a lot of trash and tagging happening (yes this is the same side the Los Angeles Police Department is on).  I was pretty confident Riggins was going to bring me back a human leg or something and we would be the headline of the next days newspapers about the dog and woman who found a long-lost dumped body.  At one point Riggins started gnawing on something that I decided looked like human beef jerky … this did not help me feel comfortable at all.

Even with the parts that would make a perfect location for a body dump Elysian Park is very pretty and worth checking out.  I suggest you bring a friend and/or a big black dog for protection!

Source sites on Elysian Park history:

Artsy Fartsy

19 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Martha Rich art on my walls (just a few examples).

Martha Rich art on my walls (just a few examples).

I’m lucky enough to have extremely talented friends. You’ve read about the film folks but there is another crew that are illustrators (at least I think that is the title they would be okay with). My connection to the “illustrators” is my friend Martha. Martha is an inspiration who quit her corporate job and went back to school graduating from the Art Center College of Design and went on to get her Masters at Philadelphia University (at least I think that is where she went … I’m sure she will correct me if I’m wrong. I was wrong. It was University of Pennsylvania. Which is what I originally wrote and thought it was incorrect). She is a ridiculously talented artist. I am so lucky to own a number of her original pieces and prints. I just adore every single one of them. It’s hard to say which of Martha’s pieces hanging on my many walls is my favorite. The two that come to mind is a corset that she had done for an invitation to some art something or other. It hangs in a “cluster” that includes the page from Rolling Stone that featured a drawing she did of Loretta Lynn. I also really love a colorful daisy. It is really pushing the bounds of “normal” Martha style but at the time she was doing a piece of art a day as a project, and the daisy was done specifically for me (since she knew I would love it) and has my birthday date next to her signature (I don’t think it is one of Martha’s favorites.). Of course I also love the men and women underwear pieces, the pictures of breakfast sandwiches and many more.

Super cool Esther Pearl Watson print.

Super cool Esther Pearl Watson print.

One of Martha’s good (and very talented friends) is Esther Pearl Watson. I own a few of Esther’s prints and I love each and every one. Esther and her equally talented husband, Mark invited me to their X-Mas party last year. It included a white elephant gift exchange of handmade items. It’s a little overwhelming to go to a “handmade” gift swap with actual artists! Needless to say my little necklaces that I had put together did not stack up to the creativity and awesomeness everyone else’s gifts showed. I was horrified (since I certainly didn’t deserve it) and ECSTATIC to walk away with a Gary Baseman original sketch. I’m in awe of the talent that covers my walls and I’m so happy to know such wonderfully talented people.

The last time Martha was in town (she still lives in Philly) I met her and some of her friends for dinner. I was the only “non-artist” and, of course, a small sketchbook was making its rounds (I think it belonged to Mark and Esther’s adorable daughter). Since I have little to talk about in the art world the conversation made its way around to Riggins (which is to be expected). The folks around the table (all of them very talented illustrators in their own individual right) sketched their interpretation of “Riggins.” They hadn’t seen a picture of him, the drawings were simply their interpretation of what they thought he looked like.

OF COURSE I framed them! I actually just got around to doing that this past weekendimage (1). Isn’t it amazing???? It’s so “super cool!” I gotta figure out where to hang it. There has got to be some empty wall somewhere in a premium spot!

Check out Martha and friends sites:

Hiking in Runyon Canyon – Guest Blog

05 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

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.

I’m Innocent — Honest! (Re-post)

02 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by in Riggins

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , ,

It’s Friday and that means I’m re-posting one of my older blog rants for you to enjoy!  Below’s post was originally published on Nov. 30, 2010.  I still heart NCIS and all the male characters! Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

I’m Innocent — Honest!

You know I heart NCIS.  It is the greatest show on TV.  I have to say that despite my love for them I was horrified at how the characters came to the conclusion that a victim/suspect was lying and most likely the killer in a recent episode.  (To be honest it may not have been a recent episode as I spent most of the TV summer hiatus watching re-runs.)  My boyfriend (aka Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo – but again to be honest all the male characters are my boyfriend.  Even Ducky.  Seriously.  I love them all.) concluded that a woman was lying since she said she slept alone when her bed was messed up on both sides (meaning no alibi).  It turns out she was indeed lying and was a mistress to some married man and didn’t want to get him in trouble — drama!  When Ziva (or some other logical woman character) suggested she didn’t make her bed everyday (again being fully honest here I don’t remember who said what exactly) he came back with the logical, “but you always sleep on the same side.”

Here is the zinger … I do sleep on both sides!  Not only am I a restless sleeper who can take out any number of blankets, pillows and a comforter within just a few hours I do sleep on both sides of the bed at one night and since I’m lazy, often don’t start with the bed being that put together in the first place.  Here is how my night goes:

Bed hogs! (Picture not part of original post)

Bed hogs! (Picture not part of original post)

I stand over the bed and analyze my strategy.  Then I grab, what may or may not be the corner of a sheet and comforter from the foot of the bed, or one side of the bed, or the floor.  I then toss it up haphazardly to give the illusion of a squared off blanket start to the night.  Then I crawl in on the side of my bed that has the nightlight since I almost always read before going to sleep.  During the reading time I’m wiggling and kicking and willing the covers to make it over my entire body.  This seems easier than just making the bed correctly from the beginning.  Then I set my book down, turn off the light, wiggle closer to the middle, and go to sleep.  At some point, as you know, Riggins decides he wants to come up and join me.  Since he is no dummy he doesn’t go around to the cold unused side.  Instead he stands by the side I’m mostly on and cries until I roll over to the cold unused side, lift up the blankets, pat the bed, and tell him to “up up up.”  (I sometimes have to stand up for him to get the gist and then immediately plop back down on my new side.)  Now I’ve got a few hours to mess up the other side of the bed!  I use my time wisely wrapping and then kicking off blankets and flipping around and around in a pattern that sometimes mirrors Riggins circle, circle, flop routine.

So you see Mr. Special Agent Hottie I DO SLEEP ON BOTH SIDES OF MY BED.  After a night of “sleep” I stand up and it looks like there was a crazy party in my bed the night before.  When in fact it was just me … Riggins and me!

 

Sweet Kona Girl

01 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

, , ,

photo (19)Kona has been on vacay with us for almost a week and I realized I have never introduced you to her.  Shame on me!  Kona is her daddy’s little girl and a pit mix.  I’ve taken care of pit/pit mixes before but did a little research on the breed for you this time.

(All the knowledge I’m about to drop on  you comes from a Google search.  You can do a search and read numerous articles on the subject.)  The label “pit bull” actually covers a large range of dog breeds although isn’t a breed itself.  It targets those with a large head and square jaw like the American Pit

Pit actor and sitter! Source

Pit actor and sitter! Source

Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.  The “Bull”dogs were originally used to control and bait bulls.  Crappy job but I guess someone had to do it.  The practice was banned in 1835, whew.  At that point some genius decided it would be good sport to put these dogs into pits with rats.  This practice was known as ratting and where the “pit” part of the name may have originated.  Side note – Riggins would LOVE to be in a pit with rats or possums

Helen Keller and her pit. Source.

Helen Keller and her pit. Source.

or squirrels or any other critter he could destroy.  As the dog moved into colonized America and Canada he/she where mixed with terrier breeds and used as farm and family dogs.  The Staffie Bull is known as “The Children’s Nursemaid” because of their protective and nurturing nature with children.  The breed, at their heart, is sweet, lovable and loyal.  It’s the assholes like Michael Vick that screwed it up for the poor sweet pits, destroying them physically and mentally by training them as fighting dogs.

Kona is a princess pit!  There is no doubt about that.  When she first came for a meet and greet her mom, dad, and 6 week old human sister came to check out her possible vacation home.  From the beginning Kona proved to be a team player immediately making herself at home with a pack that at the time, included Riggins, Bear, Jax & Dragon.  She happily hung out as Dragon tried to take her down by jumping over and over on her face!  Before the family left Kona’s new sister needed a diaper change.  I offered up my bed as a changing table and suggested Mom close the bedroom door.  She took me up on my offer and Kona sat guarding that door the entire time.  Loyal and protective of the new baby.

Kona is the first dog I’ve taken care of that sat by the door when she was dropped of and cried.  When she finally settled down she was happy to join us at the dog park to get her mind off of things!

image (26)Since she has been with us Kona has continued to be a sweetie.  She could also be described as needy and a scaredy cat!  Her first night I was in bed and one of the dogs heard something at the front door.  Dragon, Dexter, and Riggins took off to let the imaginary intruder know who was boss.  Kona, on the other hand, leapt into my bed on top of me and buried her face under my arm pit.  When I vacuum she shivers with fear in the corner (then pees on the newly vacuumed carpet).

Kona HAS to be with me 24/7.  Not just with me but on me.  Right now she is snoring next to my feet.  If I dared to stand up to get some water she would follow me to the kitchen, turn around and follow me back and plop down at my feet again!  She MUST sleep not just next to me but with some part of her body ON me.  If I have to leave her she cries and cries tugging at my heart-strings.

Kona, like all other pit breed mixes that have stayed with us, is incredibly cuddly and wants nothing but kisses and hugs.  I can’t imagine her biting a bull on the nose … unless the bull was a tiny stuffed toy!

Discovering LA’s Parks

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

image (19)Last week while taking the long way (aka I got lost) to the Hermon dog park I passed by the LA River Center and Gardens.  Since I was once an avid customer of the LA River bike path I had read about the center a number of times but never really knew where it was.  I was excited to return and check it out.

Monday Riggins, Dragon, and I set off on our adventure.   The park is located near the corner of Ave. 26 and San Fernando.  Unlike other locations in Los Angeles, it has a huge parking lot.  I assume this is to accommodate special events when they are happening but on a typical Monday it was a breeze finding a shady spot.  I was a little nervous walking in with two dogs.  I had my “the web site said dogs were allowed so f* off” speech all ready.  I never had to use it.  The only people we saw were those who were either working on the gardens or in the few nonprofit organizations that reside within the garden buildings (Friends of the Los Angeles River, Northeast Trees, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and the National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.  And yes, I did immediately return home and check their web sites for open positions I could apply for.).  The folks there didn’t seem super happy to have a crazy woman and her two dogs invade their little oasis but they left us alone.

Inside the buildings courtyard is pretty darn amazing.  Oddly enough it reminded me of the Leela Palace in Bangalore that I had visited while I was there.  Except it wasn’t as grand, you couldn’t get an amazingly americanized brunch, and Bangalore wasn’t just outside the gates.  It did share the fact that it is a lovely oasis in the middle of a city (and, if we were being honest, not the best area within the city) with beautiful plants and architecture that gave you a place to get away and just wander around.  The dogs and I did a couple of loops checking out all the nooks and crannies and looking for the perfect photo backgrounds.  Much to Dragon and Riggins dismay there were almost limitless pretty picture options!

photo (16)Just outside the courtyard you will find the bicycle staging area.  It has a drinking fountain, tire pump, and other facilities cyclists may need.  I had expected the center to back up right to the bike path but it doesn’t.  There is train tracks and the actual river between the end of the bike path and the center.  To get there on bike you would have to take some LA streets.  Not my favorite on my bike, but good to know it is there if I ever need it.

Just past the courtyard is the actual River Garden Park.  It’s kinda crappy.  I’m sure it’s amazing when it is clear of weirdos hanging out and the water element is on but that isn’t what we experienced.  It’s tiny and separated from the center so not really a positive or negative addition.

I have to say the courtyard would be an AMAZING location for a special event.  I’ve spent the last hour looking at photos of folks who have had their wedding there.  There is even a beautiful outdoor fireplace and a built-in bar.  It’s designed for a party.  Based on the reviews I read it is crazy expensive.  Still, it would make a wonderful location for my 40th birthday party.  I just need to win the lotto and make a crapload of more friends before next March!

We hadn’t done nearly enough walking to poop out the dogs so on our way home we stopped by another park, Rio De Los Angeles State Park.  What a friggin’ gem that is!  It is image (21)huge, very clean, and pretty.  They have some spectacular playground equipment complete with a water park!  It also has tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, and a walking trail.  The dogs and I took the walking trail.  It’s an easy loop that takes you down close to the railroad tracks (and therefore the river).  It has been restored to look like the wetlands the area once was, which makes it another time-out from the city just beyond the gates.  When we were there the majority of folks at the park were on the soccer field.  There were only 2 kids on the play equipment and only 1 very smart child having fun in the water.  I got close to take pictures and couldn’t help but laugh at his happy giggles.  He was having way too much fun.  I wanted to leave the dogs with his nanny (I’m assuming) and go have fun with him!  I honestly don’t know why everyone with kids isn’t there everyday!  My mom suggested perhaps it wasn’t a safe neighborhood.  Ok.  I’ll give you that.  Outside the gates is a bit of a crapshoot.  That area is mostly industrial.  The FedEx joint is next door and the Kia dealership is a bit further down the road.  When I had a crappy Kia that’s where I’d go for service and then walk across the street to this dive burger joint for THE BEST breakfast sandwich of all time.  I was the only woman customer there and the only person that would mark “white” when asked ethnicity on a form but I never felt unsafe.  It is technically on the edge of Glassell Park which isn’t known for its safe and gun free neighborhoods but come on … what neighborhood is really safe?  The park is clean, well-kept up, and oodles of fun.  Just hit the ground if you hear gunshots.

Trash the Retractable

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Riggins

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

pizap.com13746056976801I had an incident this morning that caused me to have to push the other topic I was planning to discuss today and write about it instead.  I was driving Riggins and Dragon to the Silver Lake reservoir to walk around it and spend some time in the dog park.  On a major street heading that way I eyed trouble about to happen on the sidewalk.  A woman (I’m horrible at ages but let’s say mid 50 ish) was walking her two small dogs with a skateboarder coming straight toward her.  This teenage jackass proceeded to skate almost in between the woman and her dogs sending both her dogs into a tizzy.  That caused the skateboarder to become off-balance adding to the chaos.  One dog, freaked out by both the skateboard and the skateboarder almost falling on him, ran for his life.  Ran for his life right into the street which he was able to do because he was on a retractable leash and had the freedom to do so.  To stop from hitting the dog I had to come to a very sudden stop sending poor Dragon, who was not in a seat belt (get your dog a seat belt), slamming against the back of my chair.  I stayed there for a good couple of beats before the dog walker managed to get over the shock of her near collision with the asshole skateboarder to even realize her dog was almost under my car.

Let’s pause for a second to think selfishly about me.  Do you realize how traumatized I would be if I hit a dog with my car?  It would be the end of my fragile mental state as we know it.

There was more than one person that caused this almost disaster.  First of all the skateboarder.  Dude, what are you thinking?  EVERYONE knows that dogs don’t like skateboards and usually anything with wheels.  Don’t act dumb.  Sure you may think it is the dog owners responsibility to train his/her dog not to overreact to you zipping by but 90% of us (including me) haven’t taken the time to do this.  So what are you thinking?  You vs. dog (any dog) you lose, so stop being so dense.  The youngins in my hood have had the snot scared out of them enough that they now pop up and off their board carrying it as they pass Riggins.  Smart kids.

Now for the dog walker.  I use to be nice, skating around the issue of retractable leashes.  I didn’t like them but if you wanted to use it so be it.  I’m done with those niceties.  DON’T USE A RETRACTABLE DOG LEASH.  There was an article recently on one of the dog blogs (if I wasn’t so lazy I’d look it up for you) talking about the rules of using a retractable dog leash so that it is safe.  This woman was going against two of these rules (as I remember them):

  1. She was walking more than one dog at a time.  Retractable leashes shouldn’t be used but they REALLY shouldn’t be used if you taking more than one dog on a walk.  It’s too hard to control the leash when you are dealing with multiple dogs.  Not to mention it adds a level of danger to the safety of the dogs and you as they get tangled up together.
  2. She wasn’t aware of her “leash circle.”  When using a retractable leash you need to be constantly aware of the area ALL AROUND you where the dog can go.  This is true of a non-retractable lead as well but at least it doesn’t have the choice of getting larger.

Now with all that said I’m still standing firm by my earlier exclamation.  Don’t use retractable dog leashes.

When I first got Riggins I knew little about dog training and dog ownership.  I quickly started reading and watching how-to videos/books.  Every single dog specialist said to get pizap.com13746081854961a non-retractable lead and a majority even call for leather.  When I’m doing something new I tend to look to those who are better than me for advice.   Seems sane right?  If they are better than me they must be doing something right so why don’t I take advantage of that knowledge.  Pre-research I was planning on getting a retractable leash (gasp).  It just seemed more convenient.  Some of you are shaking your head thinking how big Riggins is and some pro-retractables will say big dogs shouldn’t have them just the tiny ones.  Let me remind you as a puppy Riggins was tiny.  Super tiny.  I felt like his lead dwarfed him and was even questioning my decision at that point.  Once we went to puppy classes and anyone with a retractable leash had to go buy a lead that very second, I knew I had made the right decision.  The trainer wouldn’t even allow retractable leashes in his class.  That was good enough for me.

Now I know if you use a retractable leash you are going to say you can handle it and that you are fully aware of your surroundings.  I can guarantee the dog walker I saw this morning would have said the same thing.  That was until some moron came careening at her on a skateboard.  What I’m saying is that you can’t predict what is going to happen so I’m not buying this pro-retractable argument.

You are going to say that you are an expert at “locking” the leash and pulling it back.  I will say that I’m good at texting and driving.  It doesn’t make it safe.  Not buying that point either.

You are going to say that you have a small dog and have total control of him/her while on a walk.  Again I’m sure the woman I saw this morning would say the same thing.  Her dog almost got squashed.

pizap.com13746051413031In fact in that pro-retractable article I mentioned earlier (okay I’ll try to find it for you) I read a number of the reader comments and I didn’t buy a single one of the retractable arguments.  Those folks are putting a lot of faith in the outside world, a heaping of luck, and on their own mental sharpness.  I don’t know about you but my mind wonders while I’m walking the dogs.  I’m not on 24/7 alert for that entire hour to two-hour jaunt.  I can admit that why can’t they?

I’m not being nice about it any more.  Trash the retractable.  Head to your local pet store, or online store, and buy yourself a non-retractable lead.  It can be skinny if your dog is small.  It can be huge and fat if your dog is big.  I don’t care the size of your dog, what kind of retractable expert you are, how trained your dog is … TRASH THE RETRACTABLE.

Paws/LA

22 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

photo (14)One of the things that I would love to have in my new job is the feeling that I’m helping society.  You don’t get that feeling when you are in sales!  I remember years ago having a meeting at The Children’s Hospital.  It was so emotional to walk through those halls.  It seemed wrong to try to push my bullshit product on them, but I did.  That was my job.  I wowed them with my presentation and demo skills.  When I got back to my car I cried.  I knew I had sold them on the product and I knew it was a giant waste of their money that should be used for good not evil.  It was heartbreaking.

One afternoon a while back, I filled out a ton of volunteer applications.  Selfishly I thought if I did some volunteering with an animal group those organizations I’ve been applying to would take me more seriously as a candidate.  Oh yah … and I wanted to do some good too.  Only one organization got back to me.  Isn’t that a pisser?  Here I am ready and willing to help and only one out of a zillion decide to take me up on my offer.  Maybe I should write back those other organizations and suggest they hire me as their volunteer manager!

The one company was Paws/LA.  Saturday I went to their volunteer orientation.  It was just under an hour-long which is perfect!  The thing I hate worse than not being allowed to volunteer is the need to sit through an 8 hour orientation before I get to work!  I’ll be honest I didn’t know much about the organization when I filled out their application and didn’t do much research before showing up on Sat.  Turns out Paws/LA is pretty special as it isn’t just geared toward feeding and helping animals but also, and even more so, to helping their owners.

You can go to their website to read all the wonderful things they do but to give you a quick snapshot the main goal of the organization is to keep chronically ill (life threatening) clients and low-income senior clients with their companion animal.  Often these people would have to give up the animals that they love so much and in doing so loose the friend and loved one that gives them the support they need.  Paws/LA is supported by volunteers and donations that allow these animals to get the food and care that they need so they can continue to bring joy and happiness to their humans.

Wanna cry?  Take a look at this video about the organization – 

Now that I got you with that I bet you want to know how you can help too.

Volunteer – So far I’ve just signed up to deliver food to client houses in the area but I hope to get more involved in the future.  There are a number of volunteer opportunities so take a look and see if one or more is right for you.

Donate – Cash, food, other animal type items.

Ralphs – “PAWS/LA has joined the Ralps, Community Contribution Program. Which means, every time you use your Ralphs card, PAWS/LA will get a percentage of what you spend! What you will need to do is go to Ralps.com and register PAWS/LA on your Ralps card. Our Organization number is 94269. Ends August 31st” – straight from their Facebook page.

Facebook – Like them on Facebook to hear more about what they are doing and how you can support.

“The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude.”
– Robert Brault