Dog Stories -

Always get a good looking dog because you always end up looking like them.

If you don't believe me take a good look the next time you are at the dog park.

Amby - November 08

The surf was pretty fun on Saturday. My wife had accompanied me to Bolsa and the water was warm, the sun was out and it was a full on summer day.

When we got home my girl Amby was showing signs that her congestive heart failure was worsening. A trip to the vet confirmed our suspicions and an Xray showed that her heart was enlarged and she had fluid built up in her lungs. We received a blood thinner and a diuretic. The same stuff that most of the older population is using to manage similar problems.

In this case it would be enough and she passed away a few hours later in our front yard.

She was a good girl, the smartest dog I have ever known and would do absolutely anything for cheese.

My wife and I are "animal people" so we don't have pets we have four legged furry family members.

Her passing has been hard for me and hard for everyone in our family. But we will grieve and move on as we all must do.

The mornings I write 23B she was always right here with me and I miss her terribly.

This will be my last post for a while, it's just too much for me to sit here alone.

***

I mentioned Amby in a post a while back so I'm re-posting those bits below.

I have given up the mindful walking practice in the house
One step one breath
Because the dog
A herding breed
Takes it as a stalking posture
An invitation to play
She freezes and stares me down
I crackup, unable to do move forward
Other than to laugh and receive the gift and instruction

Reminds me of the time
I was testing out my new meditation cushion
Sitting in my best position
Legs folded
Back straight
Head level
Counting my breaths
Hands carefully folded
In the Cosmic Mudra
all the classic bull shit

The dog took one look
And placed her nose
Deeply into the hollow of my oh so solemnly folded palms
“stop this foolishness and scratch me behind my ears!”

Chop wood, carry water, pet the dog!