Sunday, April 28, 2013

Charlie Shuffles: observation of a grumpy man

I love people!
I just do.
Why?  People are fascinating!
Young, old, tall, short...it doesn't really matter...I'm curious about their world.

Especially the elderly.
I LOVE 'em!
Sure, I like them if they're the sweet old ladies with the cute scrunchy faces.
I want to be one of them when I'm older!

But I REALLY love the grumpy old men. (Walter Matthau)
They crack me up!
Their grumpy scrunched up faces, angry at whatever is happening in the world around them.
Hehe...that's weird huh?
Yeah...I know.



Most days I enjoy watching people and get joy from their lives, but Charlie is different.
It's been years since I first saw him...about two and a half years.  I really only remember this because Murphy was just a trouble-making pup and we drove to the dog park everyday. 
No, really EVERY DAY. 
We would spend hours...no really, HOURS there playing and playing and playing. 
I was looking for joy because my world was upside-down,
and I needed to wear out a seemingly endless supply of Border Collie energy. 
It worked out well for both of us. 

I don't remember when I saw Charlie for the first time.
Oh, and I should tell you that I don't know Charlie's actual name...I just named him Charlie.
He looked like a Charlie to me.
Is that weird? 
Oh well, I am weird, and I wear my weirdo badge proudly! :)
If you think that's weird, than hold onto your figurative hat, I'm just beginning.

You see, Charlie is a grumpy old man and I see almost daily.
He walks (shuffles) through the city,
                hands stuffed into his pockets,
                              and a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
He shuffles...snow, rain, pounding rain, sunshine...it doesn't matter.
Charlie just shuffles along.
He shuffles through the morning,
shuffles through noon,
and shuffles through the afternoon.
Puff...puff...puff.
Sometimes he has a cup in his hand, sometimes he doesn't.
Shuffle.
I simply adore Charlie. (Grumpy Old Man)

Because he's there daily,
or because I'm a writing teacher,
or because I teach reading,
or just because I am a weirdo,
I have created a little story about Charlie.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Charlie Shuffles

About two years ago, Charlie's son took him to the doctor.
Charlie HATED going to the doctor and had been refusing for years!
Due to the family pressure, and the constant nagging from his son and daughters,
he gave in...reluctantly.
Charlie was NOT happy, but he went anyway.

"FINE!" Charlie grumbled to his son. "I'll go.  But I. DON'T. LIKE. IT!" He slumped into the passenger seat, face scrunched, and chin set. "Stupid, idiot doctors." Charlie grumbled low under his breath. His son sighed.

After a physical with the doctor, his son was called into the exam room.
"Sir, your father is refusing any additional services and advise. Would you come back with me?" the nurse pleaded with Charlie's son.

Arriving the room, his son knew what was in store.
"Stupid doctors! They don't know a THING!" Charlie argued hunched in the exam chair.
"Dad, come on...what's going on?"
"This doctor," Charlie gestured quotations around the word doctor. "This doctor is trying to change MY ENTIRE LIFE!"
"Dad, it can't be that bad..."

The doctor explained to the son that Charlie's tests weren't great, and that he would need to change a few things in his routine and lifestyle it lengthen his life.

"Hogwash!" announced Charlie.

The doctor and son spent the next few minutes trying to convince an extremely stubborn man. 
As they were giving up, Charlie looked up at them, jaw tightly held.

"FINE! Just shut up! Here's what I'll do...I'll walk everyday.  Exercise (as you call it.)" mumbled the tired, scrunchy Charlie. "But I ain't giving up my booze! And I ain't giving up my smokes!"  The son tried to jump in to say something, but Charlie wasn't done. "Shut your mouth! I'm not done! Fools.  That's it. No more of this crap! Take me home." Charlie shuffled out of the room. "Idiots."

The son shrugged at the doctor and mouthed "Thank you" as he hurried after his dad.

So, now Charlie shuffles through the city every single day.  His family thought that Charlie would only follow through with it for a couple days, but they forgot who they were dealing with.  Charlie.  He might be a little pissed off about having to go to the doctor, but he loved his family.  He doesn't show it outwardly, but his family knows that he does with every shuffle he takes.  They wish that he would curb the smoking and drinking, but they also know Charlie.  "That ain't happening!" 
They'll just take the little victories where they can get 'em...and they adore Charlie.

And Charlie adores them. So Charlie shuffles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I adore Charlie too, though he doesn't know it.
Keep on shuffling old chap and someday maybe...just maybe, we'll chat.
Just promise not to yell at me!                                                                Old Guys Rule

Friday, April 26, 2013

Doggie Dash 2013


Murphy and I are "dashing" again at the Doggie Dash for the Oregon Humane Society. We love this group for many reasons, but mostly because they saved his furry best friend, Miss IO from a sad end. Instead, she was brought to OHS through their Second Chance program and was adopted into OUR neighborhood! How lucky are we?! Very...very lucky. :)

I'm asking you to please make a donation to  help OHS find homes for 11,000 pets in need in 2013. OHS rescues, shelters and finds home for thousands of pets who have run out of chances elsewhere. Whatever you can give will help—it will go a long way toward the care and feeding of thousands of animals in need.

Please click the link above and you will go to my personal web page, where you can make your contribution online. Or we would love to see you there! Ok, I'll love it...Murphy will just want you to ignore him ;)

Thanks again for your support and helping dogs like Murphy and IO.

Hugs,
Lori and Murphy

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Our Top 10 Dog Products

I can be a bit picky about dog products, so can Murph. 
Some I like, some I don't. 
Murphy likes some of them, and he LOVES a few. 
Here is a simple list of the products that both Murphy and I love.

Number 10: Wham-O Frisbee
I know, I know...this isn't a official dog product, but it is by far the best Frisbee to use with your dog.  Murphy LOVES a Frisbee and I've gotten pretty good at throwing one, but this Frisbee makes throwing it well much easier.

#9: The Pet Lodge Crate
Crate training from an early age is crucial to raising a happy, secure dog.  Though it is comforting to have a dog snuggle with you in bed, but it's not a healthy sleeping arrangement for either you or your dog.  Dogs need a place that they feel is just theirs...a place that they can go to a feel safe.  Murphy loves his crate.  Sure he likes to snuggle, but when it's time for bed he snuggles into his own bed and we both sleep well.  I really like this crate because it have two doors and is big enough for Murphy to curl up, stand, and stretch.  Perfect.



Eight: Flying Duck Slingshot Dog Toy-Hyper Products
Bird?! Is that a bird?! Oh man, Murphy loves to chase birds...and with this toy he can chase and catch them without any real harm.  Plus, it's really durable!






http://www.castorpolluxpet.com/product/good-buddy-rawhide-bone


Number 7: Good Buddy Rawhide Bones
When Murphy deserves a treat (a BIG treat) this is what I pick up for him.  He doesn't get too excited over food, but he LOVES these.  Doesn't your pup deserve a treat?!



#6: FURminator: Medium Yellow Deshedding Tool
Right now my house is a fur magnet.  Every day I look around and find puffs of fluffy Murphy fur floating around, or clinging to something, or even landing right here on my computer keyboard.  At least with the FURminator I stand a chance against this Spring battle.


Number Five: Chuck-it
Junior LauncherThis one is really a no-brainer.  Every dog who loves to run and chase and catch, loves a ball.  The Chuck-it makes throwing a ball much easier for a none softball playing girl like myself.  Without it, I would never be able to throw a ball far enough to let  Murphy run full-out, but with it...well, I can set it sailing.
Glow-in-the-dark Ball



4: Roamer™ Leash from RuffWear

It's a hand-held, waist-worn, and bungee extending leash...perfect for an active pup and times when you need your hands free.  This is our newest product purchase from Paws on the Beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.  I was tired of the extend-a-leash and loved that this had a bungee-cord in the middle.




THREE: Thundershirt
You've seen 'em...or at least the advertising for this product.  But it really works!  Murphy gets really, REALLY nervous at loud noises, especially at the 4th of July.  This swaddling jacket is a lifesaver.  He doesn't really like it, but I know what's best.




#2- PureVida Dog Food-
Simply the BEST dog food I've found.  You may think, "What's the big deal about dog food?"  Well, there's a lot that is a BIG deal about dog food, and PureVida is miracle food.  Not only is it created here in the USA, but it's nutrient dense, which means that your dog will poop less.  LESS POOP!  If that's not something to be excited about then you are not picking up your dogs' poop.  (You really should be people...pick it up!)



NUMBER 1: Chase 'n Pull
The absolutely BEST, I mean BEST dog product ever created! When Murphy was a puppy, I used a fishing pole and feathers to make a toy like this.  He LOVED it, and I thought that it was going to be my million dollars idea!  Sadly, someone beat me to it.  But at least it's given me a way to wear out a very active Border Collie. 

Chase 'n Pull my life-saving dog toy.  Okay, it's not life-saving, but it does wear out my boy and some days, that saves my life...or at least my sanity.  I promise that if you have an active dog with a high prey-drive, this is the dog toy for you!  And order a couple replacement end tie-on's.  In three years I've had one pole and three tie-on's...I think that's a pretty good investment on daily fun with your pup!

Now, go out there and play people!
Have fun!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Measurable Joy With Lobo

Some people call it "immeasurable joy." 
By definition immeasurable means,
"Too large, extensive, or extreme to measure." 
Really too large?  Too extensive?  Extreme? 
Please...
Joy should be EXTREME!
Joy should sparkle out of you and spread to others.
Joy should be extensive and pour out of the pores!
In my world,  joy can always be measure...it's measured in jumps and leaps.
Measured in the length of a tongue hanging out of a mouth from running fast!
Joy springs out of paws bounding through newly fenced grass.

And joy can be felt through grateful kisses...
Lobo, an energetic, loving Fido showed
his appreciation in all of these ways.
And that was just in the morning!
COFFEE!
Lobo, I don't think you need coffee, but we do!
 
I think someone knows that today is a very special day, just for him.
 
All set up and ready to go.
Let the joyous work begin!
  Dog house is delivered...and look at Lobo's beautiful view!



Twist, twist, tie and tie...this is a job that I have down!
Okay, it's time...
The family puts Lobo's new doghouse in place and he is brought back.
 Ooooo....He's excited!!
And now...you've been waiting, and let me tell you that it was well worth the wait...Lobo is FREE!
 Whoa, whoa...what's this? 
 And then...
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzoooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

 Checking out the view...
"Look Mom! I'm running fast!"
One of the best parts of the build is watching the
family and their dog have fun in their new space.
I know there will be a lot of fun times for all of them here!
 
His tongue is hanging out, that's a fabulous sign!
 This just might be my favorite pic.
 
 ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZoooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
 He slows down just long enough to check in with his Mom.
Lobo is running free tonight because of a special family in California
that wants the love for their dog, to impact another. 
Lobo is very thankful!
New freedom for Lobo and his family...a smile is all the thanks we need.
 
Now, can you feel the joy?!  
See, joy..measured by your smile and your feelings.
May your joy always be EXTREME,
like ours is when we see dogs unchained.