Wow! Big day, I just uploaded and posted my first you-tube video. Mercifully, it's private (except for you of course) so the whole bloody world doesn't have to sit through all 29 seconds of it. I figured you've already signed up for the ride so how bad can it hurt to watch my beloved pooch trudge through the new fallen snow? We had a long, beautiful, exhilarating walk and we both loved every second of it.
Okay, I'm not even going to apologize for how obsessed I've become with my buddy Scout - it's scary how much I love her. There have just been too many studies done on the positive effect pets have on people in need. Dogs are the one animal that I've known to be officially allowed in to hospitals to visit the patients (that's not to mention all the varieties that have been smuggled in). In long-term care facilities, I've witnessed, residents respond to pets in ways rarely seen in their human interactions so, no, I'm not going to try to defend myself. I just don't want to be labeled as "one of those" old ladies...., well you know what I mean. I guess it could be worse, I could be a hoarder with 11 cats. I'm not far off - a messy house with one spoiled puppy that can pretty much do what she wants - there....sigh...ok, I guess I am one of those.
I've made a deal with Scout though, she does have to learn how to behave just enough so that she is welcome to be around children and is safe, but I won't make her learn useless tricks or wear funny outfits for my entertainment. She has a couple of sweaters and one heck of a fancy coat for warmth and...well, I confess I made her try on Mikey's Christmas hat, but just for a second. I laughed until I nearly fell over - she wasn't too happy about it either. Sorry baby... lol, still laughing.
As you can see I'm in better spirits. That's just how it is these days - you've got to enjoy them when they come. You'd think the bitter cold and snow would have me isolated and on my knees - nope. I can't explain it but I was motivated to go out truckin' around the ice & snow in the jeep, playing in the back yard with Scout and taking long, brisk treks along the winter landscape. We were even the first ones to discover a downed power line and called it in. I waited with my hazard lights blinking and the policeman nearly patted me on the head when he showed up.
I've managed to get some school work done, the Christmas decorations put away, and a few odd chores caught up. I even paid some bills earlier than necessary. It may sound ridiculous, but these are small things that make me feel calmer inside - a little more settled. I have to take full advantage when the urge strikes. Maybe it's about control. If I can contain my surroundings in small ways it helps me cope better with so much of which I have no command - like, say, the weather. Yes my first week's schedule at the hospital with my brand new group of students has been totally trashed, but we are warm, cozy, and safe, dates have been adjusted, and the students got extra study time before their first big exam.
I have a few more projects to tackle before the week-end is out, but I took time today to indulge my furry bestie once more. Today is Scout's birthday - well as close as I can guess. Most of you may remember that I rescued her in July on what would have been my 38th wedding anniversary. As near as my vet could calculate, she was pronounced to be 6 months old. Never too proud to use a worthy cliche -"my how time flies!" Since that made January the one year mark and since Scout's previous owner was deceased leaving no information about her, I figured that among that individual, Apu, and my mother, who's birthday would have been today - Scout was chosen especially for me and January 20th would be a fine day for her birthday.
She loves me in a tail waggin', face lickin' (and I mean the whole face, nostrils and all - I know, yuck!) sleeping on my bed in the crook of my knee, neck nuzzlin' kind of way. It's complete and unconditional and I love her right back because, well she's helped to patch one little corner of a great big hole in my heart. I read a saying recently which, I am sure, is as commercial as they come, but I kinda like it...because it's true - "I want to be the kind of person that my dog thinks I am". I have a way to go, but I'm working on it~
Thank you to Betsy, Piper & Nate for helping celebrate Scout's 1st Birthday!
A-h-h BSM, thanks for your comment!!! Love 'em. I alway knew you had criminal tendencies!
Posted by: Patti's Grace Notes | January 21, 2012 at 02:35 PM
(My first post, but I am faithful reader). Well done P!I think even Spielberg would be impressed with your action shots.I proudly admit that I was a "dog smuggler" for patients when it was not as acceptable as it is now! Animals=LOVE. xxoo
Posted by: BeckSaltMonster | January 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Patti: "Puppie parties"!--"Seattle Snow"--Little Scout's a doll!...Let's not think too much...we might be happier?Look at our Political Candidates? ... LOL!....Scout for President!! Happy 2012!--Blessings---Pat-E
Posted by: Pat-E | January 21, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Thanks for "getting" me gang. xxx
Posted by: Patti's Grace Notes | January 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Omg, Patti.....this is the best.....especially Scout blowing out his candle. As a fellow dog nut, I completely undeRstand everything you are saying. Xoxo, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Chaffee | January 21, 2012 at 08:38 AM
I was wondering how you were coping with all that snow! Now I know :)
Dogs are so faithful...and love so freely...something we can all aspire to. Scout couldn't have found a better friend. Thanks for sharing your romp in the snow!
Posted by: Jim | January 21, 2012 at 04:34 AM
Fun to read this - that hat picture is hilarious. Perfect birthday for Scout :)
Posted by: Nathalie Hardy | January 20, 2012 at 11:11 PM