More Dogs Are Delaying Retirement Than Ever Before
As the largest generation of dogs in history is about to hit retirement age, a new study released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that more than ever, pups are putting off leaving the work force. ”The economic climate is such that many canines feel the have to work more years so that they can stretch pensions further once they do retire,” said Sandy Almonte, head of the BLS’ dog research division.
Via JPreisler.com.
Sofie whines. She is the whiniest, most talkative dog I have ever had. Louise is the strong, silent type, but because Sofie whines so much, lately she has started whining at me a little too. They remind me of the screaming foxes living all around the neighborhood.
Red Fox (by Insight Imaging: John A Ryan Photography)
Sofie whines sometimes like someone broke her leg. I have tried so many things to get her to stop the whining but nothing seems to get her to calm down. She complains about everything.
Mommy, Lulu is being silly!
Sofie whines when she wants something from me: “Mom, why are you at your desk again, get up and play with me! Play with me! PLAY WITH ME! NOW!” She whines when she wants whatever Louise has: “It’s mine, I want it, you should not have that toy, give it to me! give it to me! MOM SHE HAS SOMETHING I WANT!!” She really whines when I am making dinner “Why are the cats on the counter? Muffin is helping you make the dog food! Not fair, not fair, not fair. I want to be on the counter! I want to help make the food! Food FOod FOOd FOOD!!!”….. I am sure you get the idea.
Mommy, Louise has something I want!
Sometime I worry that she is going to have an anxiety attack because she gets so exited about things. Some dogs just have a lot to say I guess.
Just another dogdaz morning at our house ❤
Lulu in HER chair with a head rest
Louise likes to sit in her own chair in my office (yes we have blogged about this before). I know that many of you have complained that she does not look comfortable. I have offered her alternatives and she always seems to choose only her chair. So I put my piano bench next to it so she could spread out and now she looks equally as uncomfortable (she is fast asleep). No telling what a dog will like. Somehow she finds what looks like the most uncomfortable positions in the world to fall asleep in. What’s with that? She likes to have her head up on a pillow or something higher then her body. Very interesting, don’t you think? I never really know how I am going to find her.
She tried the bean bag chair but after a few naps decided it wasn't for her.
Well it is just another DogDaz morning at my house.
Here she is fast asleep in my office chair when I went for coffee. I did not have the heart to wake her. (See HER chair in the background.)
I can not find the author of this piece but it looks like so much fun that I wanted to share it. How different my life would be if I lived like someone left the gate open. My initial thought is, “Wow, that would be so cool!” To run wild and do what ever you want. But then the grown up responsible me steps in. ‘The reason I have the gates are to keep the animals safe. I don’t think it is safe to leave the gate open (I’m sure I am missing the point?). My job is to keep the dogs from the world of cars and foxes that could hurt or even kill them. Does the picture mean live your life with abandon? With no worries? I think dogs live their lives in the moment. Around here, that moment is almost always safe and secure. I love to watch Louise run laps around the property as fast as she can – Zoom zoom Zoom. When you have a fearful dog like Lulu, to see her fully engaged in something that gives her pure joy, like her running at full hound speed, is just such pleasure to watch. When I open the back door and release the dogs, zoom, they both run with such zeal across the yard to catch whatever squirrel made the mistake of being on the ground at that time. Maybe the quote should say “Live… like someone made sure the gate was closed.” Just another DogDay morning at my house. ❤
Sofie chasing butterflies near the gate
Lulu smiling after a run
To sit with a dog
To sit with a dog on a hillside
on a glorious afternoon
is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing is not boring –
it is peace.
– Milan Kundera (Czeck novelist & poet, c.1929)
My daughter made this piece for me. It is Louise, Squash, and me down by the river. Squash had his summer shaved coat. He had been blind for a long time by then (due to being an insulin dependent diabetic), but as long as he had me, he was comfortable going anywhere. Lulu had been with us about 2 months by then. The picture of Madison taking care of Lily the blind dog (that I posted this morning) made me think about Squash. When we got Lulu she was very attached to him. I think he liked her too, as much as an old dog likes a puppy. She would try to cuddle with him (like I watch Sofie try to do to her). But mostly, he would go to his usual spot (taking up the whole foyer by the front door) and Lulu would be with me in the office. He loved to be outside in the nice weather and sometimes sleep for hours under ‘his’ tree. I would send Louise out in the yard to find him and lead him back in and she would. She actually takes other dogs leashes and will bring them back to their owners if asked. I always joked that Lulu was Squash’s seeing-eye dog, well, now I know that could be so.
Squash & Lulu in the Snow
Louise watching over Squash
Sniffing together
Besties
I must be honest, not a day goes by that I do not think about big old Squashy. I actually have a large picture of him (with a tuft of his hair tucked in the frame) next to my bed. I have been blessed by many wonderful souls that have passed through my life. (Probably feeling nostalgic since tomorrow is the 11th anniversary of my Mom’s passing.) I am glad Louise was here to play with and help him for a little while (Squash E Bear went to the Big Meadow in the Sky last February). Just another DogDaz afternoon at our zoo. ❤
For my vegan daughter, if she looks at my blog. Well, I thought it was funny. – Mom
DogDaz Zoo 