Slobbery balls are like other people’s babies

Okay, now you think I’ve completely lost the plot!  Don’t worry, this blog remains G-rated.  It’s just that sometimes you need a break from being all philosophical and serious, and sometimes things just strike you in a funny way.  So, here goes: Yesterday as Gus and I headed towards the field, we ran into Tami [...]

Whose path is it anyways?

It’s one of the ongoing issues faced by every neighbourhood dog owner.  Dogs need space to run and walk every day, and many of the handiest places are public parks and pathways.  Finding the perfect balance between people and pets requires cooperation and compromise, and occasionally it generates a bit of tension. This morning Gus [...]

A few good pictures are worth a thousand crummy words

As you may have gathered, I’ve had a pretty exhausting few weeks.  I’ve done my best to keep blogging through everything, and I am so grateful for all the feedback and support I have received.  Your comments have made me feel that what I am doing is worthwhile, and that I should continue with what [...]

The power of touch

This is one of my all time favourite pictures.  It shows the strength of the bond that Gus and Sarah share, and it projects beautifully the warmth and easy comfort between them. There’s a joke in our family that our household productivity plummeted when Gus came into our lives.  None of us can walk by [...]

Give back

When we were in the throes of deciding to get Gus, we struggled with the pros and cons, and the balance sheet associated with becoming dog owners.  Many of our well-meaning friends and family members cautioned us, and sternly advised us to fully understand what we were getting into. The cost of the puppy himself [...]

Sunshine and a new puppy

Dogs need walking every day.  Every morning since Dad’s funeral,  I have dragged myself out the door, and Gus and I have spent our usual hour striding across the fields and through the neighbourhood together.  It has been good for me.  Using my body and breathing in the fresh air has helped me to feel [...]

Tribute

My father was a big man.  And he took up a lot of space.   Right now, we are all trying to come to terms with how we will ever cope with all of the empty space he has left behind, now that he is gone. His chair at the head of the table.  The corner spot [...]

Goodbye Dad

Mickey Cooper May 28, 1930 – September 14, 2009

Roll with it

Yesterday morning Gus and I made our way up to the fields behind Thornlea Secondary School.  We usually take that route because there are about seven different soccer and football fields interconnected in one enormous open space.  I love to let Gus off leash there every morning because he gets a good chance to really [...]

There’s nothing wrong with being alone

One of the hardest things for me to cope with since having Gus is leaving him home alone.  The sight of him in the front window, with his chin on the ledge, tugs painfully at my heartstrings as I back the car out of the driveway.  He looks so abandoned and forlorn, and I always [...]

A clean floor is highly overrated

Okay, I’ll admit it.  Right now the floor in my house is filthy.  No, I don’t just mean there’s a speck here or there.  I mean clumps of dog hair in the corners, pawprints up and down the hall, and big splotchy marks all over the kitchen tiles from I’m not sure what. . . [...]

Dear Bo

Hey!  So, my Mom just read me an article in the paper all about you, and I thought it was time I dropped you a line.  I was a little disappointed when the Obamas chose you instead of a Labradoodle, but it looks like you’re doing a great job over there!  Pretty cool that you [...]

Always carry a second plastic bag

After having Gus for three and a half years, I’m pretty good at getting organized with everything I think I need before we go out for our walks:  hat, sunglasses, ball, treats, water bottle, leash, and of course, a doggie poop bag.  Sometimes I feel like I’m back in the days of having toddlers again.  [...]

The thrill of the hunt

It happens all the time.  We’ll be out in the field or cruising along the sidewalk, and suddenly Gus will dive into a clump of bushes.  I’ve learned that, on these occasions, there’s nothing that will distract him or lure him from what he’s doing.  For several minutes he will frantically root around and dig [...]

There’s comfort in routine

Gus’s days are pretty predictable.  He wakes up with a big stretch and goes downstairs to look out the windows and check what’s doing around the house.  He then goes outside with Jeff for a short run through the park, where he takes care of his morning business.  After coming inside, it’s breakfast time and [...]

Simple words; serious power

Every day when Gus and I are out walking, I play a little game with myself.   When we come upon any other person, whether they are walking towards us, or we simply pass them on our route, I smile and say “good morning!”  The game is to see how big a change I can bring [...]