Remembering

The heart always knows the seasons. I've been cranky, and today am teary, emotional.

Check the calendar. A year since I lost my wonderful WinWin.

We still miss you, baby.

I've been looking for another German Shepherd for Owain & the kitties & I, but so far, haven't found anyone.

There's some big, loving booties to fill.

WinWin, thanks for everything. You were a true champion of my heart and home.

A note from WinWin's Mom

We miss WinWin more than we can say. Owain is lonely for her.

WinWin's ashes, in a beautiful box in a velvet bag, sit on the floor next to my feet here at the computer.

I know she is with us always.

Owain and I are returning to the campaign trail.

Love,
WinWin's Mom, Owain Glendower, and her kitties

From WinWin's Mom: Heartfelt Thoughts and Thanks

As I write this, I have tears in my eyes. Yes, the tears of loss, but also, the tears of gain and the sharing of love among caring hearts that beat in both two-legged and four-legged bodies.

I truly don't know how to say "thank you" for the love, the notes, the bones, the gifts, the sharing of your stories, the reaching out. Bless you all.

Looking at all the bright, beautiful colors and designs on WinWin's page with those gifts, the notes, and feeling the physically invisible but very very palpable love that we "dog people" share, I suddenly realized: love is the greatest commodity of all.

They say that you can make a fortune in the commodities market. You can trade soybeans, oil, gas, wheat, corn, hog bellies, feeder cattle--and lots more.

You can trade in the now. You can trade in "futures." You can trade positively, or betting negatively that prices will go down.

You can trade in tin, nickel, or gold and silver. You can sit right at your computer or use your phone and move huge amounts of funds and commodities in markets without ever seeing or touching them.

The commodities market, it's big. Very big.

But I looked, and in a long long list, I didn't see this: love. True, loyal, dedicated, devoted, tail-waggin' happy love, the kind WinWin and all our doggies (and kitties, never mind the tail-waggin'!) bring to us.

I saw various versions of oil to be traded, but not versions of love. You know, that love for your furry friend that makes the sound of a cherished "woof" (or purr) the most wonderful sound in the world. The love that brings a smile to your face, joy to your heart, brightens up your day with the fun of tossing a toy or working together, that warmth of sharing hugs and kisses, and oh yes, the deepest love that is the commitment to care well for these wonderful creatures who are, on the whole, much better souls than many of the supposedly "advanced" species of humankind.

The commodities trading list also didn't have a category for another kind of love- love that prompts total strangers to reach out in caring, to say "I know of your loss, I've been there, you did well for your loved one, we are here" in this unbreakable bond of shared hearts.

Silly traders. All those millions and billions and gazillions of things and monies of all kinds and they missed the most essential commodity of all: love, sweet love.

Not only that, but it's free! No trader's start-up fees, no transations costs, no taxes! It's just free! You just send it on; and when you're in need, as I am, suddenly there's the sound of bells jingling (remember "It's a Wonderful Life?") and the love comes across the wires, through the air, from spirit to spirit, to and from the Rainbow Bridge, and from heart to heart.

And we realize: we're rich. We're rich for having our babies with us; we're rich for remembering them when they're gone, we're rich for having each other, a caring community.

Love: the commodity that powers life itself. Take some, pass it on. I know I will be passing it on, because this commodity grows when it's shared.

I wish there were some tangible way to say "thank you" (want to come over to my house for a picnic?) to each of you for the gifts of love you've given to WinWin, Owain Glendower, the kitties and I. I feel as though we've gained the knowledge of new friends that we hadn't yet met.

Hug your baby, and whisper: this is for WinWin. And when I hug Owain and the kitties, I'll whisper the same, and also "this is for all those friends out there who are experts in love's commodity market; millionaires all."

Bless you all.

Getting Ready for the Rainbow Bridge

My mom is helping me write this. She had to take me to the hospital today.

Something is wrong with my legs. Mom had been giving me good stuff for my hip dysplasia, and getting me shots, too. I kept getting worse.

Today I was coming inside and then something went wrong. Mom told the doctor that my head went to one side and I turned a couple of circles. And from then on my back legs and hips wouldn't work right.

I don't want to leave my Mom and Owain and my kitties, but I also don't want to not be able to walk. I know that Mom will do what's best. She promised me she wouldn't let me suffer.

I had a nice day with her today. She added another big quilt to my bed and rubbed my tummy, and sang to me, and talked to me. She loves me so much, and I love her so much.

Owain kept getting on my bed and snuggling beside me. He's come a long way since he came home to us.

I wish I didn't have to spend the night in the vet hospital, but they are trying more medicine on me.

If I have to go to the Rainbow Bridge, I bet I'll see Nellie Bly first thing, welcoming me. And Mom has told me that there are some other wonderful family members waiting for me, like Miss Murphy Brown (PWC), Sundance (GSD), Champion Jesse (GSD), and more.

I've been so happy since my Mom brought me home. I'm loved and I love back. I have kitties of my own, lots of cookies, and life here has been wonderful.

The only thing I can't do right now is help my Mom stop crying. She was really good while I was around: I heard her say she didn't want to upset me. So she was really strong.

I'm leaving Owain in charge and I know he'll help her with the crying.

I have no regrets, because my life with Mom has been wonderful, and oh so happy.

Love,
WinWin

Working on Owain's Campaign

We're really getting excited about Owain's campaign for President of the United States.

I'm in charge of security, of course.

We went for a walk yesterday. I walk on "inside heel" next to Mom, and Owain does "outside heel" next to me. That way I can keep an eye on both of them.

We're back to the "dog days" of summer. Mom says that we have i heat ndexes of up to 108 degrees, and maybe more coming. We really appreciate our air conditioning!

Hoppy, Senior Cat, is working on protocol for the new White House. With Owain as President, we'll be sure to greet guests with cookies.

And I plan to help out the military folks. Owain and I have been conferring on some ideas. I'm going to add a picture of one of our conferences.

Vote for Owain!

WinWin

April 12, 2007

We've been busy around here.

As you no doubt know, young Owain Glendower is running for President of the United States. He is keeping his Dogster page updated.

Mom was so proud of me the other day! She was sitting in her yard swing and there I was--I'd gotten a log off the woodpile and was trying to figure out how to carry it in for her. I knew we had some storms coming in, and I didn't want her to be without!

Because it really was too big for me--although I still say I could have dragged it in!--Mom carried it in, and we went straight to the fireplace. I love doing those special little things for Mom.

Mom keeps getting new toys for Owain and I. Now we have stuffed dogs that bark and pigs that oink. I like the pig! Mom laughs when I keep it oinking and oinking.

Hoppy got in a bit of a snit fit again recently over something. He and Mom had to have a bit of a discussion. Although I admire his desire for perfection in all things, sometimes I think he should lighten up.

WinWin p.s. Mom has had me on diet food. Send cookies, please. I'm not sure how "diet food" counts as food. Humans get crazy notions sometimes, and we just have to humor them. Some cookies would help.

March 10, 2007

I'm very proud to announce that young Owain Glendower, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, began his Dogster diary tonight.

And I'm also proud to announce that he is running for President of the United States! I think he'll make a good one.

When he's elected, I'll be Head of Security. I told Owain that I was proud to be the first Cabinet-level officer he's chosen.

Mom's been busy with community work. We're happy because the new roof finally got put on!

I stay busy with tending to everyone, of course. Owain and I love to play catch.

It's fun having a bright youngster around the house. Mom says that Owain has brought out my "inner puppy brat."

I like being called a puppy again!

WinWin

Blizzard! Dec. 6, 2006

Whew. We made it through a historic weather event, a blizzard that broke various records, and Mom says she is so proud of me!

We got snowed in. In fact, the screen door in front of our back door, which we four-leggeds use to go in and out to our back yard, got snowed shut! Mom had to hike to the garage, and get the shovel and dig it out. Whew! Mom wedged it open, and then she brought a shovel inside the house.

Later, while we (we? Hoppy, Senior Cat, is about to make an announcement) went out, Mom got busy and shovelled away fresh snow, working from the inside of the house. Well! That was a lot of work!

When I came back and saw her working so hard, I just got all bright-eyed, grinned, wagged my tail and dove in! I started digging from the other side.

Mom was so proud! "Dig, WinWin, dig! Good girl!" she said. And I dug. I dug out a whole section. Mom was so proud she applauded me.

I was so happy I ran around and did my victory dance, which always makes Mom laugh. But I also did something else important, which Mom noticed: I scouted for firewood. See, I like to find small branches and things that I can carry in to the fireplace for Mom.

First I ran up to the woodpile, but it was all frozen together! Then I ran and checked under the trees, but there wasn't anything new. Mom was so proud and appreciative!

When I came back, she said "Dig, WinWin!" and so I dug a little more, so we'd have a little more of a path outside the door!

Mom thinks I'm wonderful. I heard her telling friends that I just watched her with that shovel, and understood what she was doing and what she needed.

Well, of course. I'm a German Shepherd, and I love taking care of my Mom. I can figure out all kinds of things to do.

We were all snow bound for several days. And then young Freddie II, the youngest cat, got out and went missing! Oh, Mom was upset. She cried one day. We looked and looked.

Mom has lots of warm beds and food in the garage, and doghouses in the back yard, too, so the cats always have shelter and what they need if they're out when she goes to town. But Freddie wasn't in any of them!

Mom would send me out into the back yard and tell me to "find Freddie" but I never did find him. I tracked his scent to the backyard fence by the garge, but that was as far as I got. So we worried.

Then Monday, suddenly, Freddie cam home! He just strolled up the driveway like nothing had been going on! Mom was so happy! Me, too!

We have had exciting times.

November 9, 2006

Wow, do we have exciting stuff going on around here.

The first and most important thing is that Mom's back home. She took off for New Mexico, and without us. Can you imagine?

But she got us a house sitter. Derek is a cool guy, and we know him from the vet hospital. So that all worked out. (And Derek even let me have extra treats, but don't tell on him, OK?)

Mom had a great time. She was at a writer's conference. I'm glad she had a good time, but I'm also glad she came back home real soon. Mom was disappointed because she'd been invited to a Corgi party and wanted to go, but had to get on the plane and come back before the party started. She says maybe next time.

We're still having to step around the big suitcase, though. She's not real good at unpacking promptly, but that's OK.

Aunt LaVerne is busy with Mark, who's home sick. Cough, cough, that's what we hear in the background when Mom and Aunt LaVerne are on the phone. You know, they email all day long, and then they have to talk on the phone, too?

I guess hoomans really are pack animals, too. They're just really really picky about their packs.

Our friend Annette got elected to the tribal council. Mom says she is going to clean house, and she does not mean with a broom, either!

Speaking of elections, Mom's a Democrat and so she's all excited. We've been busy watching all the news and the election returns and stuff. Hey, if she's happy, I'm happy.

We all believe that. And we also believe that a sound political platform includes soft beds, good foods, good vets, loves of love 'n hugs 'n playing, and treats. Now, I didn't hear any of that mentioned in all the election stuff.

Hoppy, Senior Cat, and I have discussed that. We decided that as long as Mom keeps the treats flowing, then America is fiscally sound.

Sometimes, you just have to be a one-issue voter.

And, Mom keeps telling me that soon I'm going to have a new friend. She hugged me and petted me and told me that she knew I missed Nellie Bly, and her eyes got misty and my ears perked up at the sound of "Nellie," and so we cuddled. And then she told me that she's found a new friend for me and the cat boys.

I'm not sure she's told the cats yet, though. I think that maybe we better take our time in letting Hoppy, Senior Cat, evaluate this information, have his say, and then let the other cats know.

Hoppy is so big on correctness and protocol. I guess that comes with being Senior Cat.

And when my new friend gets here--then I'm Senior Dog. Hah. And the new friend is a boy, Mom tells me.

Did the folks in Texas tell him that he's coming to a feminist household? Oh, well, never mind--I'll clue him into that fast enough.

Mom says he's supposed to be really sweet and loves other dogs and cats and needs a good home with lots of love.

As long as he's not a Republican. But I'm sure Mom checked that out. We have standards, you know. (Sometimes, I think Hoppy, had he not been raised so well by Mom, might veer toward the Republican side of things, but luckily for him, Mom told him he could be aristocratic as long as he acted with impeccable manners and real class. Good thing, too, because well, just between us, Hoppy could be a Republican. But I'm keeping an eye on that.)

Now we're trying to figure out how the new guy, Taliesin, is going to get here from Texas. I hope he doesn't come with a Texas accent; like Hoppy, I believe in proper diction, thank you very kindly.

Mom says she's naming him for the Welsh poet, warrior, magician, guide, and bard. She says that in some stories, Taliesin is the Merlin, as in the Merlin in King Arthur's stories.

As many of you know, Corgis are enchanted, and they are fairy steeds. So Taliesin is a fine name.

So Mom's all happy. We went out and played in the leaves tonight.

I'll remind Mom that if she's going to bring someone new home, she'd better go shopping real fast for new cookies. And because I care, I'm going to make sure that I taste test every single bag to make sure they'll make the new guy smile.

Hoppy may be Senior Cat. But I have my duties, too.

WinWin, Senior Dog, Her Royal Highness, the Countess of It All

Sept. 18, 2006

Mom says that we are hot on the trail of maybe finding just the right Corgi to come home to us!

That would be so nice.

We had a really good weekend here. Mom's been spending more time having fun and being with friends, and just hanging out here at home, too (although she calls it "catching up on chores") than working and being glued to that computer. That's good. We're enjoying this little break before she goes back to it.

My new supplements are yummy! Mom worked really hard to pick out some good stuff, and she sure did. I can hardly wait to fall into my food bowl. And I'm feeling better, too--younger all the time! She can't do anything about me coming to her with awful-ritis or hip dis-pleaser, but she tells me she can do things to help. And boy, she sure is. And all of it tastes good!

Hoppy and Mom have been having some discussions. Hoppy thinks her computer chair is his chair. Now, I understand it when he helps me get her off the computer for her own good. But when he insists that she get up so he can have the chair just because, then he's gone a little white paw too far.

The other cats, they get up if they're in the chair and Mom comes into the office. But not Hoppy. Oh no. And sometimes he just aggravates her when he wants the chair and she's in it!

He's stubborn. Mom told me not to worry about it, because they've been quarreling every now and then for about 10 years now, and it's no big deal. But when she's working hard and he's really being pesty, sometimes I come over, and wag my tail and give kisses all around to see if maybe he will get a clue that he has to wait his turn.

Hoppy can be sweet, but he's got attitude. Boy, does he have attitude. And he doesn't listen to me about stuff like that. He says he's Senior Cat, and that's that.

I don't know about this Senior Cat stuff. He seems to think that we should say it like "Charles, Prince of Wales" or something. Mom just laughs at him.

One thing I know: Senior Cat or not, I'm not learning to curtsey. He can be Senior Cat, but I'm in charge of this house.

And whatever Mom says, goes.

WinWin, Senior Dog, Her Royal Highness, the Countess of It All