So Much Anticipation

I guess it all started when we brought Meg home.  Everyone said that they loved her color and her ears.  When people would come over to see the dogs or to pick up their pup from another one of my girls, I would hear "remember to call or email when Meg has pups, we would like to have one". 

This is Meg's second litter.  Her first, Clancy was the father because Shepp was too young and the pups were Black & White.  Well Shepp has grow quite a bit and he has matured somewhat, but he is still "unproven".  But the fact still remains, there is a lot of interest and so much anticipation with this litter.  I will tell you, It has made me an old man.  She stays in the house most of the time and I will check on her often, rubbing her belly and saying, "I know girl" which I really don't, but she likes to hear it.  Meg is a sweetheart.  Every day when she is outside, I look for her just to make sure she is OK and not having the litter somewhere.  Dutchess did that once, she went in the garage and had the first three in the cat bed.  We scooped them up and went to the whelping box and everything was fine. 

This has made me ponder some thoughts on anticipation.  There is no doubt, I have a type "A" personality.

What Some Experts Say
Since researchers started studying Type A personality over 50 years ago, it’s become a household term. Most people now know that Type A personality characteristics have something to do with being competitive and work-obsessed, and can bring an increased risk of health problems, but it’s not always understood exactly what traits constitute “Type A Behavior”, or exactly how these traits impact health and wellbeing.


While the term “Type A” is thrown around often, it’s not always fully known what specific characteristics make up “Type A” personality, even among experts. For example, some people, the term applies to rude and impatient people. Others see workaholics as “Type A”. Many see competitiveness as the main characteristic.

Actually, when I Googled it, it kinda scared me because it fit.

It's hard for me to be patient.  When I do things, I want them done now.  Many people will wait for months for a pup, I don't think I could do that, I want things NOW!  Even though I am retired, I get up at the crack of dawn and start moving.  I would love to sleep in.  The only place I can find total relaxition is on a Cruise.  I will take a nap and relax.  It's probably because I am trapped and can't do anything else,  I do relax there and it's enjoyable.  I could never play golf.  I would be thinking what to do when I got home.  It's actually a curse.

Meg's due date is this Tuesday, so just a few more days and we'll know if Clancy climbed over the fence...He likes his girls......

Maddie Update

I do get emails wanting to know how Maddie Grace is doing.  My son and his wife, Angie, came up today and they spent some time with us.  Maddie is 5 months old today and she has learned to make razzberries.  She really lit up when she saw her Pap-Paw.

This blanket that "Maddie Bear" is laying on, was made by my Mother who made it for my son, who is Maddie's father, she was a quilter. 

I'll let you know if Clancy climbed the fence....

Poor Poor Meg

Meggie,  our little Angel is so sweet and such a pleasure to be around.  She would not hurt a fly and wants to be near you, and will get right under your feet.  We are giving her some special attention because she is "with pups" and she seems to want to stay near us.  Two nights ago, we had planned to let her stay in and eat popcorn and watch TV with us along with Molly, it was her turn.  We let her out for one last bathroon break and after just a few minutes of running and playing with her BFF Abbie, it was time to come in.   She was just in the door, when I looked at Elaine and Elaine looked at me and we both said "did you do that"  No and then No, was our answer.  Then we looked at Meg.  And she said yes....  Somebody had rolled in POO.  To the city folks reading this, If you have never had a dog roll in poo, you've missed out.  It's something dogs will do sometime,  and who knows why. 

From the Experts.

Owners dislike it when their dog rolls in something smelly. Although dogs may sometimes roll in the grass because it feels good, rolling on the carcass of a dead animal, feces or something else smelly has instinctive roots, perhaps going back to wolves. There are several theories on why a dog will roll in something smelly. Although there is a temptation to scold your dog, it is best to realize it is natural behavior and make sure your pet doesn't have the opportunity to roll in smelly stuff.

Meg was so proud of herself and she walked around the house, just prancing around and strutting her stuff.  Well needless, she went out the door to her bed and in came Abbie to take her place.  Sorry Meg.  Elaine tried to wipe it off the next day with a wet rag.  We had somebody coming over to see her about a pup and she didn't want them to smell it.  When Elaine and Meg came into the room, I instantly knew what she tried to do.  In a very nice way I explained to Elaine, "You don't want to wipe that, it only makes it worse if you get it wet"  and it did.  Well Meg's off to her room again and a bath.  Poor Meg, she just wanted to smell good for us. 

This is Meg, if you notice she is smiling because she is happy.  Clancy and Shepp are keeping their distance.

A Loyal Dog

Elaine and I are users of Netflix. We are on the two movies at a time plan and do see some great movies with no hassles. On this week's agenda, we watched "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" When the dogs master, dies, a loyal pooch named Hachiko keeps a regular vigil -- for more than a decade.  It's a wonderful movie and I would recommend it to everyone. I will tell you to keep a box of Kleenex handy, you'll need it. What I like about the movie is, it is based on a real story. (for the people who want to look up the real story here are the facts)

In 1924, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo took in Hachikō as a pet. During his owner's life Hachikō greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return.

The point of this, is there were a few events that occurred this week. One being, I went to town this week and as I was going to the car, Clancy followed me and stood by the door. I opened it and he jumped in and made a circle and sat on the seat and off we went. Later that night, We were sitting in our recliners and Elaine asked me about it, saying "Why do you think Clancy wanted to go with you"  I really didn't know but the obvious answer came to me, and I said "Because he wanted to be with me" That statement made me think and it was nice thoughts about the relationship people can have with dogs. After we got back from town, I got a call from a lady who was put in touch with us about a dog she had. It was a Border Collie that was nine months old. It was given to her a month ago and because of the circumstances at her house, the dog was on a rope in the back yard. The reason she wanted to get rid of the dog was because it jumped on everyone, and they didn't have time or energy to train the dog. Long story made short, We got the dog in a new home and even have a backup plan. I did tell her that the jumping is easily fixed and the dog is starving for affection and the dog wants to give everyone love.

Each dog has an abundance of love for everyone, you just have to accept it. You can scold them, yell at them and some people will whip them, and all you have to do is to clap your hands and smile, and as fast as they can run, they will be in your arms showering you with dog kisses. I wish I had that kind of forgiveness.

I look back and reflect on our dogs. I have never thought about it before, but the reason I love them so much is that they love me with unconditional love. You will only get out of something what you put in, whether it's dogs, relationships, love or God, it's there, you just have to accept it. Some people are very unhappy with things, but they don't do much about it. Life is really about what we do and not what someone does for us.

I look at my dogs and I am now more aware of the things they do. Every time I write at my computer they are around my feet,  or licking my hand.  Even while writing this story, Molly was licking my right hand and putting her nose under my hand wanting to be petted. I would type with one hand and pet her with the other. Every time I walk around the farm or house, they are near me, sitting when I stop. Every time I sit in my recliner, they want to be in my lap, and they are.  They just want to be with us.

Each of our dogs will show their love different, whether it is kisses, licks, protection or snuggling. I remember when we first got Abbie, I was laying down and she jumped on the bed and got next to my body as close as she could. She then pushed with her back feet inching up trying to get even closer and then gave a big sigh as if she was saying, "I'm safe and content, thank you for making me happy".

It breaks my heart to hear stories about the dog that was on the rope because she wanted to jump and I know this is so mild compared to the abuse they sometimes receive. When I look into the faces of mine and they look back with those eyes so intense and hanging on every work I say, they cock their head to one side as if saying "I understand".
A wonderful quote from "Marley & Me" is so true. This quote came when Marley was at the end of his life and was being put to sleep and it was said by his master.

A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?

I did a Google search on "Most Loyal Dog Breed".  There were many answers, some with a lot of thought in them.  "Entirely Pets" said that the Number 1 Loyal dog is the Border Collie or "The Rough Collie, it also stated it is a herding breed that originated in Scotland. These friendly dogs are intelligent, active, and good with children and other animals. Rough collies are loyal and protective of their owners, making them an excellent family dog", but we knew this.   Another good answer, and one that I like best was to the question of the most loyal dog, it was "All of Them"

In my heart, if a dog could talk, I believe the first thing they would say, would be "I Love You" and then "wanna play?"  Give your dog a hug today...Ken

Guess What I Can Do

Shepherd James is a Dog, not a puppy anymore, he is a man dog.  He be "DA-MAN"...  My little boy has entered the responsibilities of being a dog father.  Light the candles and put on the soft music (really not needed) he made the plunge this week.  A little friend came to visit for a week to be his companion for fun, fellowship and ultimately a family.  Her name is Peyton.  She is a very beautiful young lady with the charms to stop a 1000 ships.  She took right to Shepp and to our home and became part of our family for a week.  She stayed in the house most of the time and slept in our bed.  She was a pleasure to be with.  As ours are, she loves to play fetch, and like Dutchess, will go and find a ball and drop it at my feet.

Good Luck Peyton, we miss you and will see you in about 63 days to see your new little family. 

Both Clancy and Shepp provided "service" this month.  Clancy was bred with a beautiful young lady from Kentucky.  Her name is Windy.  She was a little shy at first but soon became part of our family, laying in our lap as we watched TV and running with the pack.   Windy reminds me a great deal of our Molly.  She has the same temperament and both have curly hair, which is beautiful.  When Windy left, Elaine and I looked at each other and at the same time said 'Wonder what Windy is doing?"  We laughed and knew she was fine, also knowing we will see her again in about 63 days.  Good Luck Windy Girl, see you soon.....

Before I had dogs, I thought the breeding process was just a quick lustful thing that happened on the spur of the moment.  To my surprise, it is a very well planned and orchestrated process that can take up to 3 weeks.  They will court each other, clean each other's face, ears and even paw each other in a playful way and prance around.  It is always the female that will allow and initiate the act.  As I have said before, it is a wonderful world to be involved in. and it is much much more complicated than one might imagine.

It's Never Too Cold To Swim

It was just a few days ago that the lake thawed out.  With the few days of warmer weather, we now have water and not ice.  Well as usual, dogs being dogs, they wanted to play ball and Frisbee.  After just a few throws, in the water they went and they didn't seem to mind.

Well, It might be a little Cold

Everybody got in the picture and jumped in the water, not to cool down, but just because it was there.  Everyone had fun.

They seemed so quick to get in, I guess it's because they wanted to catch up on the "lake jumpin" they missed.



 I did not throw toward the water, they just did it on their own, and kept going back.  I will tell you when they shake, and it's next to you, it's cold.

This is Peyton, she is staying a few days with us



An update on the Dog Bath.  It works Great.  It is built very well and it is larger than I thought.  It is well worth the money.

Guess who is NOT coming in tonight...

From February 13, 2010
What to do with a dirty Border Collie.  Today it got above freezing for the first time in a long time.  I like it better when it is dry, or the ground is frozen, and I'm sure you know why.  The is nothing worse than a dirty dog.  With all the running they do, they kick up mud on themself and whoever is behind them, as they run.  Not only do they get muddy, they dig a rut in the dirt around the farm you could plant corn in. 

Meg is just as dirty, you just can't see it because of her color.  She and Abbie will run neck and neck and it looks like they are a chocolate blur.

Last week I cleaned out the utility room in the basement and because I have water and a drain there, it would be a good place to give them a bath.  If I only had an old bathtub to use.  When I worked at the Vet's office, the groomer had one, and it worked great.  Now I'm on a quest to find one, so Craig's list, here I come.  Well I did find one, but for $150.00, NO WAY.  I was thinking in the area of $20.00, and who would use an old bathtub that a stranger had their old smelly butt in, for their actual bathtub.  Well needless to say, that idea was out, and I remembered God created "GOOGLE" I use it for everything.  I just type in a question and "boom" here is the answer.  I even use it for a dictionary.  Just open a tab and spell the word.  I will try it and it will even suggest; DID you MEAN XXXXXX,  Well yea, that's what I meant. 

Back to the story, I typed in "Dog Bathtub"  They ranged from $149.00 to $2200.00 for the deluxe stainless steel one.  Of course, I clicked on the $149.99 one, and to my surprise it looked great, When you shop with Google, it will give you the same product and every Internet site that has it.  It went from $149.00 to $500.00 or so, same product, just differant businesses.  I ordered the $149.99 (you think) with free shipping and no tax, and beside, all the reviews were great from customers, how could I pass this up.

This should be a piece of cake and I'll let you know how it works.  I'm excited....

Reflections and a few Wrap-Ups

This has been a very different week.  All the dogs are fine, I did see a drop of blood on the driveway and I'm sure someone has cut their pad, which happens more often than not, nothing major.  Pups might be on the way....More Later

As most of you know from a past post, we have a Hot-Tub.  I do enjoy it and will use it at least 4 or 5 times a week.  It's good for a number of ailments and also a good place to sit and talk with the little lady.  Today about 2 PM, I decided to sit and relax for a few minutes and chill out.  The dogs were sitting over on the side porch, so things were calm.  This has been a bad weather week, except today.  Most of the country had ice and snow and more ice and snow is due to come in this weekend.  It was a very sunny day today and while I was sitting, I noticed a Robin sitting in the crab-apple tree eating berry's.  It came to me, that as hard of a winter we have had, spring is just around the cornor.  I started thinking of things that I need to do as soon as the weather brakes and I'm excited.  I have planed my garden out and landscape projects are on paper.  It was just nice to see things in the sun again and see the robins...

My oldest son left for one of his Alma maters today, he will give a speech tonight and then fly over to London, England for a week of speeches there.  It just seems like yesterday we were playing Army in the sandbox in the backyard, I guess I now know why he was the General.  We both have traveled a lot of roads, some bumpy, some hilly and while his has been mostly straight, mine have been a little more bumpy and hilly.  God speed, Brad, your in my prayers.  Daddo


Dr. Michael B. Shuck




Brad and Maddie Grace


This is a bad time of year for the dogs.  They want to be outside soooo bad and then they want to come in.  Well when they run, they sling mud on each other and all over their legs.  Even if you wash them, they will be as muddy the next day, it's never ending.


I guess she was the 2nd dog on the team.

 To the relief of many people, I got a hair cut. I had let it grow for about 14 months. I went to bed and it was fine and when I got up, my first thought was, I'm going to the barber today, so it's all gone, just thought you might want to know.

Everyone said "you look so much better"  I didn't know I looked so bad.  Why didn't someone tell me........