Catching up

Mom hasn't been helping me with my diary or reading my pals' diaries to me for quite awhile. Now that her haunch is fixed, she is busy doing too many things. We even have a garden now. Mom has been fixing up her van so we can start making trips and visiting our friends again.

Today was agility day. Wahoo! We got there early. Mom ran me through 3 times. She had me get a drink, then whoosh, I was down in the grooming shed and up on the table. Mom is doing all my grooming now. She got done with just one foot when Lovey's mom brought her down to learn how to trim her feet. Lovey is an Aussie, too, only a regular sized one. Mom calls her "Love Bug" because she is.

I got off the table and watched while Mom and Nancy worked on Lovey. Lovey squirmed a lot. I told her if she held still, it wouldn't take as long and she could go run agility some more.

It took Mom an hour and a half or so to get me all trimmed even though I stand still. She cleans up the "raggedy stuff" and leaves me looking "natural". I don't know. I think I'm natural anyway. When she is working on me I can tell she loves me, so I kiss her on the nose.

Mom wanted me extra special pretty for tomorrow. We are doing an obedience demo for a dog event. Next Saturday, we are going to do both obedience AND agility demos. It will be the first time I do agility to entertain others. I bet I can move so fast nobody will even know Mom spent and hour and a half grooming me.

Hard At Work, Mom Resting, My Award

I haven't written in my diary for so long because I have been busy taking care of Mom.

She had to go to the hospital to get one of her haunches replaced. I had to take care of her because the anesthesia and her regular meds made her leave the planet for awhile. Auntie Kim was with us and took me home the first night. That's when Mom got in really bad shape. After that, I spent every night with her to chase the invisible boogie men away. I stayed with her all day except for exercise and food breaks. She brought an antler for me to chew on, so I was happy lying next to her. I helped her sleep.

Some of our friends came to visit: Gracie came for a little while and Jolanda came to spend a whole night. Sophie's and Lina's humans came to visit, too, but Sophie and Lina weren't there.

When we got home, Mom had a four legged gizmo she leaned on and pushed around to help her balance when she walked. Now she is walking with a cane.

Sophie's mom had brought us home. Dakota's mom came a couple of times to do things around the house that mom can't do like vacuum up Belle's and my hair. Gracie came to visit one day. And last, night, Becker visited and brought his baby human.

Mom showed me how to bring my ball up on the retaining wall beside our house so she could throw it for me. She can't lean over although I keep forgetting that. Even though we aren't going any place, I get to chase my ball. And like always, I have kitty patrol.

LOTS of different people have been coming to help Mom--a nurse, a physical therapist and even a lady who gave her the kind of bath Mom gives me (except that Mom did all the soap and stuff).

We have left the house only once. JoAnn came to pick us up so I could go play with Breeze. On the way to Breeze's house, the humans stopped at the post office where JoAnn went in and got Mom's mail. Guess what was in there? A very special award for ME! I am a "Goodwill Ambassador" which means I am a role model for my service to humanity. The mini Aussie club honored me at Nationals last year, but the plaque just arrived on Friday.

Mom said it was good timing because of all the special work I have been doing for her. She said I was such a good example of service dogs because of how I took care of her at the hospital. She said, at first, they weren't going to let me help her, but they learned really fast that I'm supposed to be with Mom all the time. It's the law! Plus, how can I be an ambassador if I'm not allowed in places to spread good will?

Something Big Afoot

Mom has been scattered and anxious all week. Monday, she talked to someone on the phone about having me in the hospital when she goes to get her hip fixed. Talking on the phone, Mom got really upset, shook and cried. She said the hospital was breaking some laws that have to do with me. Mom called a friend who knows all about those laws and she got some other people to help.

In the meantime, I had to go to the vet. Mom had to take some of my poop in, too. I got my blood tested and things stuck here and there. Mom had to pay $125 to get a piece of paper that said I'm healthy. Darn right!

The next day, we went to see that lady Mom talks to. They made some plans for how Mom is going to handle some of the scarier stuff in the hospital. Mom was worried about the times I won't be with ehr. Plus, Mom sometimes freaks out when strangers touch her. In the hospital, they are going to have to do a lot of that.

Then we went to the hospital for a Full Joint Replacement Class. I slept through a lot of it, but I heard that Mom can't do things like bend over--how is she going to throw my ball? I guess I'll have to start dropping it in her lap. They gave her this plastic gismo that she is supposed to take her breath through when she gets out of surgery. It makes a funny clicking noise.

We left the class and went to the office of the lady who had been so mean to Mom on the phone. She seemed okay when we were there, but still she was making Mom give her the paper that said I'm healthy which is evidently against the law. The lady said my SD friends like Gracie can come by, but can't hang out in the room with us unless they get health certificates, too. The lady also said I could be with Mom before her operation, but not after. Mom didn't argue. She just wanted to get out of there and not worry any more.

As it turns out, the friends who said they would help did a lot for Mom. It took a few days and some talks with attorneys, but guess what happened? That mean lady called this morning and told Mom I could be with her right after her operation too. What a relief for Mom and me. I don't want her to have a problem when I can't be there to help her.

Today, Mom has loved me up a lot. She says she is so happy I'm with her. I don't know what getting a hip fixed or being in a hospital is going to be like, but when I work, I'm all there for it. Whatever needs to be done, I'll do it! Plus, it sounds like quite an adventure.

It's a good thing all that is going on, because otherwise, I would be bored. It has been raining and snowing, so no park, no ball chasing and no running with Breeze. Mom promised I'll get to go play soon. Tomorrow? MAYBE? PUHHLLLEEEEEZE?

A Party, Snow and Icky Tummy day

Yesterday was exciting. We went on a long drive and wound up at Mr Taco where we dogs hang out and our humans eat and yack. There is usually yarn, beads and chocolate cake involved. I don't know what they have to do with each other, but it makes sense to the humans. Mom said it was a "hippy party" because she is getting rid of her messed up hip soon. For the humans, that idea involved tie dye and beads, flowers and bright colors all over Gracie's rump. Everyone laughed at Gracie and her human because they were so dressed up.

After awhile, Auntie Kim came in! I was happy, but couldn't tell her that because I was working. It was pouring rain outside. Mom and Auntie Kim went to her car to get some things--a weird chair for the bathtub, a stick with a handle on one end and tongs on the other, a LOOOONNNNNGGGG shoe horn and a funny shaped pillow for Mom to sit on. Hmmm...this is going to be interesting. At least Mom took my vest off so I could tell Auntie Kim how happy I was to see her.

Later, we went to Walmart because Mom needed a few more things for her surgery. She got a robe to wear in bed that has peace symbols and Mr. and Mrs. Potato head on it. It says "piece out" which the humans thought was pretty funny.

On the way home the traffic got really bad. Mom called Julie to let Belle out and found out it was snowing really hard at our house. Uh oh! Mom freaked. She started talking to me about staying overnight someplace except that she didn't have my food or her medicines. We stopped, she got some chains for our van and we went on home. There was snow. But we made it!

This morning when I got up, my tummy wasn't quite right. I didn't eat breakfast. Mom gets upset when this happens. She is afraid that I'm sick. Yep I had an icky tummy, but it's okay now. I proved it by eating my whole dinner. Dog, was I hungry. I hope my tummy is okay later.

Away From Home

This morning, Mom packed our van with a bunch of stuff, like we were going to the laundromat, but also food and my overnight bag. Then a man drove up in his van. Belle barked at him. She is good at warning Mom that somebody is coming to our house.

He came in and started tearing the bathroom apart. That was weird. Belle didn't like the noise, but I told her it was no big deal. Mom smeared some peanut butter inside a bone so Belle could snuggle up in her favorite bed for a chew. Belle forgot all about the guy knocking out walls. Julie came over and the humans talked about mold, sheet rock, paint and all that. The man kept coming out of the bathroom carrying stuff he ripped off the wall. Blecch.

We left and drove into town (not far), over to the house where Mom works in the studio. It's a giant house that used to be the hospital in Grass Valley where we live. Mom's friends Howard and Peggy own it.

Peggy took us through a gate and up a flight of stairs into a little apartment. It smells like an old house and kitties. I sniffed it thoroughly and told Mom it is okay. Then we went out to the big yard where Mom throws my ball when she comes over to do art work. You won't believe this but I got to play ball chase THREE different times today.

Mom is trying to get used to this little place. It gets really cold, then hot. It doesn't seem to have a middle temperature. Every once in awhile, I hear a door shut or people out on the street. Peggy goes in and out a lot because this is a B&B plus she is always doing something.

Mom says this place is like a museum because of all the artwork that Howard and Peggy have. Check it out.
We Are Here


Tomorrow, Mom said we are going to spend the day in the studio. That can either be boring or fun depending on whether the kitties slip in the door and don't know that I'm there...tee hee.

Snow and a New Friend

Mom has not helped me with my diary for a long time. Time to catch up.

We got a lot of snow. It's still all over my yard. It freezes overnight and gets crunchy. Belle's paws go through but mine don't unless I step in one of the holes she leaves. I like the snow when it's falling and soft. It's fun to run around and bury my ball in it. Mom says that is exercise. Who cares about that? I just want to play.

One night, our house got really cold. Mom pulled me close which kept me warm. When we got up, it was COLD in our house, the snow was deep and still falling. Mom couldn't go anywhere or cook or make coffee. She sat and worried.

Mom got her radio and listened to it for several hours. She put on so many clothes that I could hardly tell where she was inside. The radio said it could take "days" before the power came back on. Mom covered the windows with blankets which made everything all dark. When the snow stopped, we all went outside (except for Kermit). It wasn't that much colder. Mom and Julie, our next door neighbor, shoveled snow while I played and Belle stood in the sun.

On another subject, I have a new friend named Sophie. She is a big girl and very gentle. Mostly, I give big dogs space. But Sophie is so sweet, we were fast friends. Sophie has started school with us. Her human sometimes doesn't feel well, so Mom helps train her. Sophie bounces when she is heeling and working. She likes it. Yesterday, she did great. I got jealous with Mom praising and having fun with another dog. I was relieved when Sophie's mom took over and I got mine back. Sophie told me she likes the job she is learning to do. I told her we are lucky to be working dogs because you get to go everywhere and have lots of adventures. She isn't sure what that means, but I told her it's fun, I promise.

Today it's sunny. I'm hoping Mom will take me to the park. It will probably be covered with snow. If there is a ball involved, I don't mind.

Don't Mess With ME!

Wow, it's been a long time since I wrote in my diary or caught up with friends. Mom has been keeping me busy, going places including the park. YIPPPEEEE!

Okay, several things have happened. Mom decided she needed to give her hip some help and lose weight. She has been eating at home a lot so we haven't gone to our favorite coffee place in over a week.

On Monday, we went to her pdoc. He likes me, I can tell. Mom told him about her hip and trying to lose weight. He said maybe it is time for her to come off one of the meds that made her gain weight along with other things. They talked about me and how I am helping mom stay stable. That means I'm really doing my job. Mom was SO happy when we left his office. She told me I'm da bomb.

After that, we went to meet some friends at a coffee place. I just slept through the yacking. One lady brought some tiny pet dogs that came up to me immediately. Mom had a hard time convincing the lady that the dogs should not be playing with me while I'm working. Darn!

On Saturdays, we have been playing games and having classes outside. Lisa's puppy Zeus has grown HUGE. He is a goof ball and wants to jump on and bite every dog. Well, not me. He came running at me and I got up in his face and barked, "Don't even think about it buddy!" He backed right off and everybody laughed, then said, Way to go Rethy, you tell him. They were all surprised because I have let puppies, including Breeze, get away with that nonsense. Not Zeus. Uh uh, no way.

Yesterday evening before class, Zeus, Breeze and I got to run together. The humans all say "run, run, run" trying to wear us out before class. Zeus wanted to bite Breeze and roll her over like she used to do with me. At first I thought, hey, pay back is a bitch (so-to-speak). But I know how it feels to get beaten up by a bigger puppy, so I rushed in barking at Zeus to separate them. I chased them making sure I herded Zeus away from Breeze when he started to go for her. They have longer legs, especially Zeus, so I had to work to keep up with them. I don't get to practice herding skills very often, so that was fun. Zeus is clumsy and easy to head off. Sometimes his legs go out from under him and he lands on his snout. The humans all laugh at us, and continue to encourage me. Mom is proud of me for growing into a mature, bold dog. I'm not going to let any snot-snouted kid mess with my good friend. I have herding skills and a tough bark so back off buster!

New Vacuum, Mom's Hip and Ball Sharing

A couple of days ago, Mom tried to vacuum up Belle's and my extra hair. The vacuum froze up. We took it to a little shop that smelled like machines, including brand new ones. Tanner, a sweet young man, said it would cost a bazillion dollars to fix our vacuum. He told Mom about a new one. Mom listened politely and said she couldn't afford that. She noticed a vacuum that looked EXACTLY like ours. It works though. Tanner said he would service it and sell it for a good price. Whew. That means today Mom will clean house.

Yesterday, we went to a little house where several ladies sat in a circle in chairs. I wanted to go see everyone but knew to lie still on my mat. One lady talked, then said the topic is "I remember..." and everyone started writing. She then rang a bell and everybody stopped. Everyone read what they wrote. Some women wrote fun stories. Mom? Not so much. Every once in awhile, she reached down to pet me. Now I know how important it is to stay on the job when we go there.

Mom's hip hurts a lot. She limps. Belle's hips hurt, too, so that must be part of getting old. I don't get to go on long walks, but still get to go chase my ball. Wahoooo! Before school, Breeze and I take turns chasing my ball. We started out both chasing it, but Breeze is bigger and faster. I don't like to compete or argue, so I just let her have it. Eventually, JoAnn put Breeze on her leash so I could chase and get it every time. Then Breeze got her turn. That worked well.

Lately, in classes, Mom has been bringing me out for the circle exercise. I don't need a leash. Last night and the night before, I heeled around all the dogs (including some goofy ones) off-leash, then Mom put me in a stay and heeled Breeze around (on-leash). People looked at me and said "wow" because I decide on my own to do things right. I make Mom proud. After a difficult day for her, that's the least I can do. OH, and snuggle with her every chance I get.

Dog Show and Related Adventures

Mom has been keeping me so busy. First, she had to get me ready to go to the dog show which meant a bath :p and grooming. JoAnn does most of my grooming, but she is trying to teach Mom. At one point, Mom says, "let's give her a tail." They giggled and JoAnn picked up some of the coat on my butt, snip, snipped. Humans are so silly. Now when I wag my little stump, the fur they cut in a tail shape wags, too.

With my new tail and the van full of stuff, we took off for SF. We went to the marina and walked around for a little while. You know what they have there? Little ground squirrels! I couldn't resist chasing. They are smart and disappear in rocks. While I was watching for them, guess who arrived? Jolanda and Josephine! We went on a long sniffing walk.

At Jojo and Jolanda's house, dogs get to sit on the couch. It was fun to sit with the humans. I felt special.

The next day, we went to the dog show. There are so many people there! All day, people were asking Mom, "What kind of dog is that?" (As if I'm a "that"!) Mom would tell them and they would say, "She is so beautiful." All I could figure is my new tail trim caught their eye.

On Sunday, we spent the whole day at the dog show. First, I hung out with Iris. Then Mom went to watch the obedience trials in the arena with Jojo. Aside from taking me out for a little walk and to go potty, we spent the whole day watching dogs. I slept on my mat or sat on Mom's lap to watch. It seemed like a long day, but Mom was really happy, so that makes me happy.

At night, we slept in our van. Mom stuffs me in her sleeping bag and wraps her arms around me to keep me warm. The first two nights were good. Then for some reason it got really cold the 3rd night. Mom was restless and kept me awake. We could have gone into Jolanda and Jojo's house any time we wanted to. Mom is just hard-headed and decided to "tough it out". Did I say humans are silly?

Anyway, we had fun. Mom has been tired since we got back. She has been sleeping a lot. Tonight we went to school and I got to play with Breeze before class. I guess things are back to normal.

Catching up

The weather has been great. We have been SO busy Mom hasn't had time to read my pals' diaries or tell you what I've been up to.

Classes started again. Breeze is now the demo dog. That's okay with me. I have a job and it's good to give the kid one, too.

Saturday we went to school and a bunch of my friends were there. After we heeled around a bit, the humans took us off leash to play games. Art had made a grid on the lawn. They put us one at a time on the grid, some of us in sits, some of us in downs. That didn't make sense because usually when we are in stays we are all in sits or downs together. The humans laughed a lot. Then we played hide and go seek. That's where two humans at a time would put their dogs on stays, then go hide behind trees or cars. When they called us we had to go find them. It was an easy game because I always know where Mom is.

Sunday, I met a new friend. Her name is Sophie. She is big, but very polite and welcoming to me. She let me sniff all around her house. I smelled Polar and a kitty, but couldn't find either one of them. We took a walk and Mom showed Sophie's Mom some stuff. Mostly, the humans yacked while Sophie and I hung out on the edge of a hiking trail and watched people and dogs pass by. There was a huge field across the street. Mom didn't take me over there to throw my ball. What's up with that? Maybe she forgot.

Yesterday, we went to see Mom's doctor. Mom had to get on the table and lie down while her doctor moved Mom's leg around in different positions and asked, "does that hurt?" Couldn't she just look at Mom's face and see that it hurt?

When we left there, we went over to the hospital where Mom put on a gown--backwards. We went into a big room with a machine hanging from the ceiling. I lay there and watched as Mom had to do a down/stay on a table while trying to cover herself up (remember the backwards gown?) This morning, Mom's doctor's office called. She has "severe arthritis" in her hip. I could have told them that, but little dogs are never asked. Mom is bummed out because she knows what that means. I don't. I'm sure I'll find out.

I hope you dogs are enjoying good weather, too. I'll woof at you later, Rethy