for the love of basset hounds..or not

I've always loved animals ever since I was a little kid. However, my first experience dealing with dogs wasn't exactly love at first sight.
My mother always liked dogs. Matter of fact when I was about five years old my mother took in one of my Auntie Tillie's puppies. I just loved having my own dog. I didn't even want to go to kindergarten. I just wanted to stay home to play with "Lassie.
However, I seriously do not remember having Lassie very long. I just remember one september morning finding Lassie sitting in what looked like a huge plate of spaghetti. I just remember my mother's horrified expression on her face when I informed her that spaghetti was coming out of Lassie's bum and it was moving.
We later had a basset hound puppy for a short time as well who had this nasty habit of dining on the cat turds in the litter-box. He would then unceremoniously barf it up all over the wall-to-wall carpeting.
When I was about ten years old, all of us fifth graders were sent home from school midday for lunch break. My mother would send me over to her friend's house for lunch. Out of respect for my mother's dear old deceased friend I will refer to her as "JP". JP was a nice lady but she was not a house-keeper.
I would've rather had lunch at my own house. My mother would always have grilled cheese sandwiches and soup or cream cheese and jelly sandwiches with a ring ding cupcake for dessert.It remains unclear why I was sent over there. The usual fare was limberger sandwiches. I still have no idea what limberger is. It tasted OK but looked a bit unappealing all thick and beige with a few stray dog hairs stuck in it.
But that wasn't the bad part.
It was the smell of the house.
The family had a basset hound named "Noel".
The basement was a massive mine field full of dog shit.
I think cleaning up after the dog was one of the kid's jobs. Of course, no one ended up doing in.
Believe me when I tell you it was a smell you never forget.
I felt sorry for the poor dog but I was afraid to go near him.
During one of my stays at the house I was running around with the youngest daughter leaping from bedroom to bedroom over the open stairwell. She warned me what ever I do, do not to jump on her brother's bed. Of course, being the little brat that I was I did just that and landed flat on top of his blanket.
There I lay there frozen, in utter horror.
His blanket was scratchy and hard with what looked like various "jewels" sparkling in the sunlight.
His blanket was covered and I do mean covered with hundreds of dried up boogers in various stages of decay.
I screamed...
Needless to say I never did that again.
Over the years, my cousin Kim, who lived in what I thought was "the country" had all kinds of animals from rabbits, turtles, a pony and dogs. I spent a great deal of time with her sharing her love for animals. We were probably the only little girls on the planet that loved catching frogs.
She had all kinds of dogs with all their own stories and adventures.
It is amazing where life brings you.

Blessings

Do you ever have those moments when you stop and say, "thank God".
Every night I say that and count my blessings when I just step out of a nice hot bath and get into my clean comfortable bed. I kiss my sweetie pie husband on the cheek and think,"how did I get so lucky?"
Life wasn't always like this. But it certainly wasn't half as bad as lot of people.
I think about how it must suck to be a woman living in Afghanistan or finding yourself under rubble after an earthquake or to be some poor forgotten soul stuck in the nursing home at the mercy of their caretakers.
Yesterday we got a weather alert about a "wind advisory". We get alot of those due to the fact that I live by the ocean. The wind was blowing SW then NE then flipped to SE. The wind shot from an "advisory" to a category 2 hurricane (wind speeds reaching close to 70MPH) in a matter of a few hours. I've been through hurricane Gloria and hurricane Bob. They were really nothing compared to this.
The lights began flickering and the house was shaking like mad. I was debating whether or not to grab all the birds and head for the basement. After a few hours, it seemed to calm down. I thought for sure my awning was ripped off and there would be trees all over the place in the yard.
I had no damage and I did not lose electricity.
I thought to myself, "thank God".
People around me weren't so lucky.
I would say about 60% of the houses on the beach lost part of their roofs, chunks of siding and most everyone lost their fences. As i write this most still do not have power.There was severe flooding to add to the mix as well.It was difficult getting around since most roads were closed due to flooding, trees down and downed wires. One house down the street had it's entire roof blown off and landed on it's car squishing it.
I had customers to care for that day since their owners were away on vacation. The temps had not dropped below freezing so at least that was a help.
One customer had three big trees fall on her driveway but thankfully no damage to her house. One customer had a relative come and get their dog so it would'nt have to stay in a cold house.
My phone was ringing off the hook with customers asking me if I had electricity and if they could bring their birds over since they had no power.
By the end of the day my entire kitchen and dining room was filled with bird cages.
I would have to then take my phone calls upstairs since all the birds were making racket bidding for my attention. It was getting rather comical every time the phone rang. "Yes we have power. Come on over. We are having a parrot party!"
The birds love it at my house. They get fresh dandelion greens as a treat and they love to watch "wheel of fortune".
This was another one of those "thank God' days....

*photo credit: "Mrs. Ballard's Parrots" by Arne Svenson
(the Vicar and his wife)

pigeons

My husband and I were having lunch at a outdoor cafe late October in Dover, NH. I noticed this pigeon walking around under the tables. I thought it was a bit odd that a pigeon would be this bold and unafraid of people to get almost right next to your feet pecking around for food. Then I noticed this pigeon had a leg band on it. I asked the waitress if she knew about this pigeon. She said that one of the other waiters picked the bird up, got the info on the leg band and left a message with the owner to come and get his bird. She said he has been there hanging around for at least a week. I shrugged, we paid our bill and left.
I kept thinking about this poor pigeon. It was obviously not a wild pigeon but a pet of some sort.
Two weeks later, we took a drive back to that area. It was about 11:00 am and the restaurant had not open yet.It was pouring rain. Over in the corner I spotted that poor pigeon huddled under a curb shivering in the rain. I couldn't stand it. I picked him up, wrapped him in a towel and took him home.
I set up a cage for him with food and a perch. I would periodically let him walk around in the kitchen for a little exercise. He did not have any interest in flying which I thought was a bit odd since his leg band showed he was a racing pigeon.
I, myself, traced his leg band through a search on the internet and tried through email and telephone calls trying to reach his owner. His owner never replied back to me. I called the Dover animal control officer as well on what to do. The animal control officer was very nice and also a bit annoyed that another pigeon had been found and not claimed by it's owner. She found another racing pigeon located not far from the restaurant with a broken leg. Apparently there had been a big pigeon race in Biddeford, Maine. These pigeons were the losers and never made it back home. These birds are deemed as duds and the owners do not want them back so these domesticated birds are left in the wild to fend for themselves.
I took him to my vet for a check up and everything at the time checked out OK. I named him "Dover" since we found him in the town of Dover. I did think it was odd that the bird had no interest in flying. His wings seemed OK though. I started doing a little research on pigeons although there really isn't a whole lot out there on general pigeon care. I had to search under specialty racing pigeons to get info. A place called "Foy's pet supplies" located in Pennsylvannia seemed to have the most info on pigeons that I could find.
Two weeks later, the pigeon started to gasp. Something was going on with his respiratory system. In the info I found relating to racing pigeons stated that if a pigeon decides not to fly something is going on systemically. Systemically, in this case, was respiratory. I took him to the vet as soon as possible . I was also afraid he may be carrying something that could infect all my other birds.The vet prescribed an antifungal as well as antibotic. I was hoping I was early enough to stomp out any bugs that this bird may have had.
This poor creature started to get worse and was vomiting profusely. I took him to the vet for the last time. The vet suspected a mycoplasma that was highly contagious and usually fatal.
She thought it was best that he would be put down.
I was so angry that "Dover" the pigeon had to go through this. Since he lost his way in the race he was unwanted and disregarded like a worthless lottery ticket.
I did find after lengthy research on this old and dying hobby of pigeon racing how interesting and fascinating it was. I've never heard of anyone involved in this. As much as I felt saddness for this sick lost bird I found the role pigeons play in our society by opening this one little door of knowledge a wonder.
* more later on pigeons

bird watching

One of my favorite pastimes is to go bird watching. After working long & hard trying to figure out to outsmart the squirrels I finally invested in a couple of high end feeders with pole extensions. The squirrels try like mad to get to the feeders but they end up falling off.
My mother likes to bird watch also from her back porch. She had bought a couple of squirrel-a-whirls to deter the squirrels. These devices are attached to the feeders. When the squirrel gets up to the feeder to grab a tasty snack the squirrel-a-whirl is activated by the weight of the squirrel and starts to rotate. The device twirls the squirrel off like a super fast merry-go-round. These little boogers will hold on for dear life and spin around for a couple of good whirls. I think she is more amused by the squirrels going for a ride rather than protecting her feeders for the birds. My mother's house is near a wooded area and she gets a good variety of birds.
I get a million goldfinches.
It is like goldfinch central.
I have to refill the feeders twice a day. They like the black oil sunflower seeds and thistle. I also get nuthatches, black capped chickadees, downy woodpeckers, titmice and a variety of sparrows. A few weeks ago I had a different kind of visitor. The bird looked like a goldfinch but it had bright orange on it's back. I scanned my books and would study this little stranger. I had to closely observe this bird by examining it's beak. His beak was different from the goldfinch because it was black.
It turned out this bird was a pine grosbeak. We have had a steady NW wind. It is apparent this bird was blown in from Canada due to the winds. I never get tired of looking at the birds going about their business. I like looking at all kinds of species of birds.
I even like watching pigeons.
If you have ever really noticed pigeons they are really quite beautiful as well as funny.
Woody Allen described them as "rats with wings" but this is coming from a perv who is bonking his adopted step daughter. This man truly needs a moral compass.
I can say this and judge his moral character because, after all, I am the patron saint of birds.
Anyways...
I really started to notice the pigeons when I took a trip out to San Francisco to see the wild parrots of Telegraph hill. The pigeons at Washington square were rather scrotty looking. I am amazed at their ability to survive . They will eat moldy old bread and drink from dirty puddles and yet, they manage to survive and have babies.
The pigeons at Salisbury beach are clean, well fed and colorful.
*more on this story on the next post

Guardian angels 2

Animals act as guardian angels. You have probably read somewhere about dogs that have sniffed out and detected cancer in their owners. Cats that meowed loudly to rouse their owners from a gas leak. Parrots squawking loudly alerting their owners of burglary. These are pretty heroic acts done by our companion pets. One would think guardian angels purpose is solely for these "life saving feats" but what about having guardian angels present just for our everyday ordinary comforts?

When I first started my pet sitting business I was just getting into knowing various animals.

One dog in particular named "Ruby".

Ruby, at the time, was a "bit of a challenge". She had this annoying habit of jumping on you and pulling on her leash. She had destroyed a pleather jacket and a rain coat because of her nails digging into me whenever she 'greeted" me. One day, I was feeling really sick. I wasn't sure I could even drive over to Plum Island nevermind to walk any dogs. I was sort of dreading having to deal with a dog that could potentially knock me down because of the weaken state that I was in.

When I opened the door, I could see Ruby's building excitement. I put my hand up and said calmly, "no Ruby, I feel really crappy today''. Her tail and rump were wiggling back and forth but she did not jump on me. I put her leash on and again, said calmly, "no pulling today, OK?". We went down the stairs and she stopped and turned around to check on me as if to say, "are we Ok? Ok?"

We had a nice slow walk. The fresh air did us both good. I was amazed at how insightful this dog was to know and understand that I was indeed sick and had to be handled gently. Was I imagining this?

I don't think so.

Ruby no longer jumps on me and when I have my "sick' days she still turns around to check on me. She is a pretty amazing dog.

My favorite cockatiel "Eddie" is the same way. When I say to her, "I feel crappy. Come and sit with me". She will snuggle up to neck and sleep. Just the mere presense of these amazing creatures is healing and soothing.

I find my birds help me decompress after a busy crazy day. I will have 3 to 5 birds perch on me while I have a cup of tea in the living room. It is such a simple pleasure to have them in my company. I can not imagine having a life without a pet.

Guardian angels part 1

The other day I was watching the Olympic women's skiing event. Lindsey Vonn was the American favorite. She is the epitome of American perfection. She is drop dead gorgeous, confident, a super sonic athlete and daring. As I was watching her ski down this icy obnxiously steep curvy run I was getting sick. She had to be flying down this windy shoot at least 90 MPH. If she hit a divot or her skis crossed she would end up like a bug that hit a windshield. My heart was pumping reminscing how petrified I am of fast speeds. She made it down skillfully with an a guardian angel on her shoulder and winning a gold medal.

Thirteen years ago I participated in a motorcycle ride that involved going on rte 95. I don't do highways on my motorcycle. I drive like "granny" on the side roads. Some how I was convinced by one of the participants of the event that the highway would be shut down just for the motorcycles only for this event. However, I couldn't imagine that the highway would be shut down in the middle of the summer for a few hours just for this event but I did it anyways.

I should have trusted my instincts...

Not only was the highway clogged with motorcycles but with impatient vacationers in their cars trying to pass and dodge the bikes. As you know you have to go at least 65 MPH to keep up with traffic. As my bike's speedometer reached 65MPH I could barely hold on. With the passing cars, the gusting wind and my bike vibrating like a jack hammer my 106 lb frame could barely hold on. I started getting that cold clammy feeling as if I was going to pass out. I had to pull over fast before I indeed passed out.

I pulled over to the shoulder of the highway shaking, frozen and nauseous. As I was trying to shake it off a group of big scary bikers pulled up behind me.

The first thing that went through my mind was, " oh shit"...

These guys were big and scary. One them was this huge black guy with a bald head. He made Mr. T look like a peanut. His pal looked like Hulk Hogan. Mr T asked me what was happening. I could barely speak. I told him I was frozen because of all the crazy (car) drivers and could not get back on my bike. He said, "no problem..those drivers are $%^&ing @$$holes. Don't worry, just get the *&^% back on your bike".

In which I did.

There was a team of six bikes. They formed a "V" formation on the highway with me in the middle protected from any cars. As long as I stayed straight in the middle at the speed of 65MPH I was OK. It was like a choreographed ballet with me as the star. I would've guessed it by seeing this in a aerial view it must have looked pretty cool. I made it back to Medford in one peice.

It turned out these big scary bikers were police officers of the "blue knights" bike club. They were pretty cool guys. That day, I had a guardian angel on my shoulder.

I will write more on guardian angels later.

why we love our pets

Do you ever think about why we really love our pets?

It's not like they remember your birthday by sending you flowers or pick you up when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Matter of fact the only presents they give you are the steaming kind left right smack in the middle of the rug.

So.....why do we love our pets?

The most common reply I heard from people is "that (pets) give you unconditional love".

Seriously, what the $%#& is "unconditional love"?

What the $%^& does that mean?

Come on, let's cut the crap, everything in life has some sort of "conditions".

I thought about it and realized as I sit here with no make-up on wearing a pair of stinky droopy sweatpants that animals just don't care. They just like being with you.

They do not judge you or criticize you. They just like being with you.

You just walked in the door in a foul mood after a $%^& day at work, your dog, cat, bird or whatever, doesn't say to you,"why are you so crabby today".

They are just glad you are home. My birds have never said to me,"boy, you're packing on the ol' weight" or "don't tell me you're eating another donut". Nor have they said to me,"OMG don't tell me you voted for.....!"

And I feel the same way. I just like being with them

Day One..why I am here

Everyone strives to be someone or something. Some of us achieve the title of doctor, captain or esquire and some ladies are satisfied with obtaining the the title of Mrs.
Some of us sort of struggle aimlessly with everyday stuff and then fall into our own identity purely by just being who we are and what we do.
I am Saint Atlantis, the patron saint of birds fish and reptiles (and all other critters as well)
Since the day I was born I've had a special affinity, respect and understanding of all creatures regardless of whether or not they are furry, scaly, cute or ugly.
I've started a pet care business about three years ago which has been fairly successful.
Sadly, during this three years I had to deal with some of customer's beloved pets passing away.
Some of these folks could barely talk because of the sadness they felt about their departed companions. Some expressed embarrassment and would start off excusing themselves by saying, "I know Fluffy was only a cat..." "I can't believe how attached I was to Peanut.." "I know this sounds silly but, Goldy the fish seemed to recognize me.."
My mother had a cocker spaniel that lived til he was about 18 years old. When "Tony" died, she was inconsolable. It was almost like she felt guilty or embarrassed that she felt so much saddness for losing Tony.I let her know it was OK to feel sad and that he was a family member. Oh poor old Tony but he was a very well cared for dog. He got the best food. He went to the groomer routinely as well as the vet. As he aged he had the worst gas issue on the planet but we tolerated the stink excusing it like you would an old gross guy.
All because these creatures are not human does not make them less of a being. They are nonjudgemental companions and family members. They are special in their own way.
However,I get annoyed when people say things like ,"Fido is just like a boy in a furry jacket", as if this is a compliment to the dog. A dog is a dog and there is nothing wrong with being a dog. I mean, dogs lick themselves and eat rabbit poop. I do not know of any human that does that. On the other flip of the coin, there are humans that kidnap and sexually molest children. There is no other animal on the planet that does that. That is way more nastier than eating rabbit poop.
The purpose of this blog is the celebrate animals in our lives. This includes all critters not just dogs and cats.