One tired monkey...

Today marks a week since young Chap has arrived and life around here has been something more than normal. This site to observe is a playful pair, while openly their bonds grow stronger and stronger. Their differences it seems are of minor concern, as they compete for a single stuffed doll. The monkey you see is more than a treat, it's the object of their combined affections.

It's wonderful to see that our Sweet Pea has found herself in a new form. The transformation it seems is all but a dream of her past of concrete and doggies treated as something for money. I'm happy to report that Chap has opened the gate to her discovery and life as a dog.

The mountain calls...

My week, though only end of day Tuesday, has seemed like Friday as the hours and demands have taken their toll on me. My desire was only to get away to the mountains where the trails and streams of water might provide comfort so I loaded the crew for a hike on Kennesaw Mountain. This mountain is a place of tranquility that at one point in American history a fierce battle between the North and the South had been waged. The battlefields have been preserved and memorials have been erected to honor the fallen soldiers. As one hikes the trails and lay in the fields they can imagine the pain and suffering that these proud representatives have sacrificed. This is a place of solitude, my refuge and place to find myself when lost.

Pea and Chap were eager to get on the trails and Pea especially wanted to take the alpha dog lead. She jumped into high gear right out of the gates leaving Chap and I in tow on retractable leads. I was amazed that Chap allowed her this position as he is such a younger and stronger lad. You might think that he would compete for the top spot but at this time he would stay a three foot lengths behind. I allowed Pea to lead for most of the trail but pulled her back to equal at times to remind her of my role on this team. Within the first mile I was feeling the pace, as my tired old body had not recently trained for a foot race with scrappy young hounds. To my pleasure, we settled to a field midway up the mountain as the crew immediately began a zig zag pattern of sniffing the trails of what might have been rabbits or other vermin scents. Pea's hip hopping about and frolicking was fun to watch and even Chap seemed to enjoy the view.

As we continued our journey we traversed a few streams, the first was quite wide with rocks strewn about. It reminds me of a miniature version of the braided rivers in Alaska, seperating one set of mountains from another. There is a rope bridge with wooden slats that provides a wiggly wobbly vibration as you traverse its path. Sweet Pea is cautious and lay behind as young Chap forges on. The pair enjoyed moving about the water and cooling themselves off. One of the streams was deep in a valley but ran through a bed of large rocks. It was a laughable site to see Chap sliding down the rocks as he slipped on the moss as its slippery texture provided no footing for his balance. None the less, he continued to retrace his steps and slide again and again down the slippery waterslide.

Along the way we encountered riders on horseback all dressed in their English riding attire. My mind wandered, as I viewed the little Russell terriers look up as they walk beside the steeds, as to what it might be for them on a hunt with a pack of Fox Hounds and Russell's in search of the elusive fox. They were not intimidated but instead seemed at home and wanted to continue with the passers by.

We had such a wonderful time on the trails and we met so many people with doggies; Pea and Chap were both engaging and friendly; at one time they spent with two very little children, Chap licking their faces, arms and legs. The two fell to sleep within a couple of seconds while on our ride back home; twenty minutes later upon arrival the master was ready for yet another round.

Students can be teachers too...

Yesterday was a hectic day for me but not related to the family; my work is demanding at times and leaves me with frustration and stress at the end of the day.

Upon my arrival at the homestead my thoughts turned to the young master and Sweet Pea which could easily have been another point of stress but to my joy, they both were quite anxious to relieve me of the days anxiety. Sweet Pea has this little trick that I taught her, to jump up and down in front of me without touching me, like on a pogo stick but to say hi and request herself be held in my arms for petting. The young master found himself competing for the same space but hasn't developed her ability to jump quite as high but none the less, jumped for joy and affection.

We embarked on our walk after our greetings and during the journey we came upon a couple of sweet doggies as a lady retrieved mail from her postal box along the roadside. Chap and Pea eagerly greeted the canines with wagging tails and facial licks; all four happily encountering each other. The lady gave special greeting to Chap and spoke of how handsome he was and that he looked like a show dog with his tail erected upright and his stance with his hind legs spread for stability. She said he seemed so natural at it and wanted to know if we intended to allow him to compete. I gave her my thanks for the acknowledgement and stated that I felt that he has been bread for the possibility though only his home and family in Edison would be the ones to make that call; it is our happiness to just to be part of his life.

After returning home from our walk, we went into the backyard to play. For Chap the world is something to smell and investigate with no one thing to keep his attention for any length of time. Sweet Pea unfortunately had spent three years in a concrete kennel with no room to play or enticing odors to investigate. Her understanding of the wonderful life that dogs should have and more so live, was stripped from her existence at birth leaving her life empty; though she never knew the difference. My sorrow for her has been just this and my desire has been to restore the void within her.

I began to throw a red ball to try to get young Chaps attention; I enjoy a good round of fetch. He was engaged and entertaining though he would drop the ball before returning as to encourage my exercise as well. Sweet Pea has learned a bit about fetch while in the house but has never shown interest outside. She seems to want to stand and watch as Chap enjoys the playful side of life. Bonita returned from her day of work and was eagerly greeted by both Pea and Chap until I began another round of play. But this time Sweet Pea decided to join in and chase the ball with Chap; each competing for the opportunity to give the ball to me. It was quite fun to see them play together taking the ball from each other. It was then it happened, the young master became the teacher and Pea became the student. Chap remembered the activities of the day before as the pack romped round the race track in a game of keep away. He began running all over the yard in circles and figure eights quickly dodging Peas attempts to snatch the ball from his jaws. It was delightful to see our sweet Pea become a dog and begin to enjoy playful romping with her new friend. Pea has this wonderful hop as if she were a bunny in a field of tall grass to vault. She ran hard and fast and hopping at peaks of her pleasure. You could see Chap smiling with the ball in his mouth and I could imaging his thoughts as he challenged Pea to catch him. Bonita and I laughed our heats content and we both acknowledged Chaps attentiveness to Peas education.

This young fellow is quite a remarkable individual. We are enjoying him so very much and he is everything and more than I could have hoped for. He has an incredible ability to learn and is very obedient, loving and willing to share his lessons from you and his home with others less fortunate. He's quite the man.

Can't we all just get along or does no really mean NO??

The young master spent his day in a crash course of socialization skills. He spent his early morning with Sweet Pea and I learning respect for ones space and he graduated with honors. I was quite surprised with Sweet Pea as she made her need for space quite clear. During this time I used a method of correction that I learned from Caesar on TV where you take you hand and nip at his side or neck like a dogs mouth and you hiss at him. It worked quite well! After a short period of time he was circling Sweet Pea but would not encroach on her space. Afterwards I took both of them for a long walk on their leads and kept them close to my side. During the walk he never tried to climb her backside. I kept the pace at a good tempo though a few times I allowed them to explore and even during these times they were mindful of each others space.
Later in the afternoon Jennifer and John brought over Taco, a six month old Basenji and Rocket, an 11 month old Westie; both males. This is where the fun really begins!! Chap growled through the little fence that I had placed in a doorway but never snapped. We brought the two through the kitchen and allowed them to meet with Chap on the lead. Chap minded his manners and greeted them each sniffing each other.
Once the greetings were over we carried them downstairs to my office and the romping began as Rocket grabbed a ball and began running in circles around a sofa and coffee table. I have a large area office where there's two sofas and the second half of the room is exercise equipment all of which was part of the race track. It was a hilarious site to see as all o the family was in tears laughing while Rocket, Taco and Chap chased each other around the track for what seemed like an hour. On the second round Sweet Pea jumped in when Rocket started squeaking the ball as he run which the sound is irresistible to Pea. The game afoot ended when Sweet Pea stopped to relieve herself in the middle of the track as the dogs dredged through it; chaos ensued.
During the timeouts I found it very interesting that Chap and Sweet Pea packed together and Taco and Rocket packed together separately; each to their own respective corner. At the end of the romp they all snuggled up with their masters; Chap found himself falling asleep on my chest laying beside Sweet Pea.
It's been quite a day for our sporty fellow. The young master has found a new set of friends and has quickly learned respect for other animals and I have learned how to tire him out..
Best regards,

The Masters Arrival...

Dear Bonnie,

I had constructed a wonderful email for you and the young master deleted it before I could send it!! It's my fault... I was trying to get him to pose for a quick picture to send you when he accidentally stepped on the ESC key. At this very moment Sweet Pea is giving the young master "no" training. It's very overcast here so please be patient for the pictures; I hope to take a few today if the sun will provide a few rays.

I am happy to report that young Master Chap Baxter of Edison arrived safely in his new suburban home in Georgia. He weathered the journey in good nature and was quite passionate and liberal with his kisses and very inquisitive in nature upon arrival; he sends his warmest regards. He fancies himself a ladies man though the cougar of the house Sweet Pea, has been attempting an early education of her version of "no"; the education continues as I write. She, on the other hand, has been accepting of him and has offered her friendship and at times they both get along well when he's not trying to mount her. She offered a special good night and sweet dreams last night as he was placed in his container at our bedside. He whimpered only a couple of minutes before falling asleep and stayed quiet all night. To his credit, he does his business on the grass and in the bushes yesterday and this morning. I hope that Sweet Pea will learn something from the young student in this regard. I have been working with him on a six foot lead and he is quickly learning "sit" and "no".

It is clear to me that he posses the characteristics of a rare champion as his relentless determination and huge and loving heart are dominantly displayed; he's quite a "looker" too. He has such a beautiful face and ears and the spots on his back are adorable. I love his long scruffy hair; he's a total package all wrapped up in one sweet doggie! At times you can see this look in his eyes that shows how wonderfully sweet and intelligent he is. We are so very thankful that you have chosen us to be his new family; thank you so very much. And thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Bonita was very taken with your thoughtfulness and told me of the wonderful meal that you had prepared and of your conversations.I will stay in touch and provide you with more of the masters ventures in Georgia. Rest assured that he will be watched over with care to insure he safety and happiness.

Respectfully yours,

My Best Friend... the dusk before the dawn.

It's difficult to put into words the void that I have had within, these past two years after my furry friend has passed over the rainbow bridge. He was a companion that completely understood me, both in my ups and downs and was always willing to share his heart with me for comfort.

His death, the result of a heart three times it normal size, the doctors gave him but a couple of weeks to live but his relentless determination and desire to live proved them off by a fourth more than two years. That heart of his was his treasure and mine, as it was made of something more pure than gold. His comfort to me and friendship will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

His final day was one to remember as I had meetings in Texas. It was rare that Major would wake with me much less walk me to my car to say goodbye at an early 5 AM. I recall having Bonita hold him back as I took my leave, I still can recall his tail. Hours later upon my arrival in Dallas, just after settling into the hotel, my phone rang and on the other end such sad news. My heart struck in grief as I rushed to schedule out another flight to come directly home to be by his side for his last moments but impossible was my task.

His departure mimicked his arrival as a pup, one remarkably of the story that life repeats itself. When a puppy, I took Major on a fishing trip with me. We had such a great time that day as he ran from stem to stern of the boat watching and chasing the large stripped bass as they swam along side. A young Bull Terrier's head and shoulders are much larger than his hind side and can easily create an imbalance. In a brief moment he'd fallen overboard as he stuck his head over the edge while watching the bass swim under the boat. He took the dive and took on water as he failed to close his jaws. I watched him struggle just under the surface trying helplessly to get some air. In a moment, I reached into the water and snatched him from his cool drink. For the rest of Major's life, he loved the water and the fishes within but chose not to swim unless prompted by an other's demand.

His final moments were spent with family on the dock behind our house. He loved to watch the fishes just underneath the water as they tapped the surface for food. The vet had been called and was on her way to expedite his final goodbye but minutes before her arrival, his heart stopped beating, his strong legs gave way and he bounced off the dock, splashed into the water, dead upon arrival. His resting place, just feet from the dock, lay under a quiet large tree, as was his favorite place in the "whole wide world" and beside his arch nemesis Stinky our cat.