The BEST Surprises...

I love it when I get surprises. So the other day I was at the GSPCA National Specialty show and I get a photo of a GSP on my cell phone, I don't recognize the number or the dog (they all look alike to me), so I asked "Who this?". The response floored me...it was Tootsie!

Wow, Scott has been busy, this girl cleaned up NICE. I'm so happy and proud! She lived her life in a small crate, and now she's free to live the last part of her life anywhere she wants! Warms my soul, indeed.

Sometimes I wonder why LOOKS mean so much to us? Why do people choose one dog over the other based on looks? Why do people further break down their choice by the dog's credibility? You know what I'm talking about... I mean it's one thing to have a favorite, perhaps even a favorite color, or markings, but what if the dog is fat, what if the dog doesn't have pedigree papers, what if it's flat out ugly? What if the dog isn't precisely perfect according to AKC "Breed Standards"? Now you are taking PERFECTION to a whole new level. And when you move to that level, you are generally stepping on people to get there.

I wonder why that has to be part of the equasion? Ok, choosing a breed is one thing, I "get" that. If you choose to rescue a dog, you are certainly not into choosing perfection, even tho I must say, I've seen alot of PERFECT dogs zip thru rescue over the years. I think the SURPRISE in this is more then just the "save" or the "find" with a rescue dog. It's what the dog can BECOME. It totally goes back to what I say "the more you give, the more you shall receive". The surprise is in it all...you merely have to believe. Thank you Scott! Thank you for seeing a shiney girl under all the blubber, and dullness in her eyes. They are always in there, just waiting to surprise us. I just LOVE a good surprise!

Creatures of habit?

Yes indeed, those bright eyes, my every move, jerks her awake again, because, I believe dogs are creatures of habit, and she knows it's almost time for me to strap on my tennis shoes for our daily walk. And I say, "but it's not time Missy, go back to bed", and she loves to sleep, so that's ok too. They say dogs have no concept of time. Everyone has their own opinion of that, but I wonder if they are creatures of habit? Or better yet, creatures of our routines? If you pick up your car keys, is your dog front and center to "G-O"? Heck yes! They are smart enough to associate keys with ride aka GO! They are smart enough that when I start flipping power off at night, they know it's bed time and they are waiting at the bedroom door. Creatures of habit, indeed.

And they wait ever so patiently until it's time. And heaven forbid something should mess up the routine, it gets them all messed up as well! Like when I'm doggie sitting and I add a couple more to the walk, they might get "out of the gate" in good form, but doesn't take long for everyone to be all messed up, tripping me up, and heaven forbid there be a squirrel pass us, then I'm screaming WHOAH DOGGIES!

Kills my body regardless. But we are creatures of habit, we know it's good for us, mind and soul, so we continue to keep up the routine, even if you get one who wants to go backwards and the rest are forward bound. URGH! My poor old body!

And they all just stand there, looking at me for direction. And I'll direct them alright; the slacker gets a kick in the butt, and we 'HUP' move forward little doggies, or the trouble maker doesn't get to go again. They hate that, so they get in formation quickly. Shorthairs LIKE to be in the military; they like routine, they ARE creatures of habit. From the way they do things to the way things are done! They are tipped off by us, our movements, perhaps pulling those running shoes or hunting boots out, or the famous jiggly key thing... and especially at bed-time (well, mine are anyhow), they know the routine.

And even I am a creature of habit, or perhaps my passion. After my dogs were done with their routine yesterday, I drove to pick up another dog, who was pretty much calm about the ride, he found a sunny spot behind my seat to just snooze in, after he ate a handful of treats. He looked a little rough around the edges, but he will shine up nice. Yes indeed, I think we are all creatures of habit. I dunno if that's such a bad thing?