He Said, She Said

Ease

2008-10-31T10:20:08Z

He Said: I am laying in bed, wondering. What would make me happier at this moment? I am laying next to my beautiful wife. She is snoring, softly, but enough to know that she sleeps well. My belly is full. I am tired. Too many times I am not. The warmth of my blanket keeping me so. My pets sleeping, soundly. The warmth of the drink in my blood. The sounds from my TV filling my head. It is a film that I have seen many times. I like familiar sounds while I attempt to sleep. I don't have to think, which is what often keeps me awake. I listen to the characters that I already know. The dialogue that I could recite on cue. It gives me peace. These things many others cannot begin to realize.

As I lay there wondering what things could make me happier... I cannot find any.

Peace, however we find it is...

Red Rocks and Invisible Spirals Part 3

2008-10-22T01:34:52Z

She Said: I approached my visit to Sedona with a completely open mind. Although I was raised Catholic, I don’t ascribe to one particular religious or spiritual philosophy. I take it all in and figure out what works for me, based on what feels right. I trust my intuition above all else, and it usually leads me in the right direction.

I attended every class, workshop and meditation I could squeeze in to my schedule. I noticed immediately that this resort was a place where people went to focus on things they want to manifest in their lives. There was a meditation room called the Crystal Grotto where morning and evening group meditations were held to start and end the day. It was open all day for anyone who wanted to meditate on their own time.

]]> The room was built without a floor. The ground was the same red dirt that was outside. At the entrance, there was a basket, a stack of small pieces of paper, and some pens. A sign instructed guests to write down their intentions for the day and place them in the basket. Then, they were to enter the round room barefoot and walk clockwise through the red dirt, around the fountain in the center, and take the farthest available seat from where they entered. Huge crystals were positioned in each of the four directions: north, south, east, and west. They are believed to magnify the energy in the surrounding environment, making this room an important spiritual place.

I set some intentions in this way while I was there. At this time in my life, my boyfriend of two years was moving in with me. This decision came after many months of contemplation. When we finally chose to cohabitate, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. There was a nagging feeling telling me something wasn't right. But, since we got along well and cared very much for each other, and since neither one of us was getting any younger, I settled for it. I thought I was happy, but my intuition began telling me otherwise. My intentions were all focused on this issue. I wanted to find a true partner, whether that was him or not. I wanted to find the right energy to match mine and bring balance to my life.

The most significant experience I had that week was an hour-long massage with a lovely woman named Kim. Prior to the massage, we discussed what I hoped to gain from it. I told her of some physical discomfort I hoped to address, but I also said, “I mainly just want to leave here feeling balanced.” We decided to do some energy work. Kim is trained in Quantum Touch Therapy, which she described as Reiki on steroids. I happen to be certified in Reiki, which is an ancient Japanese form of energy healing through touch. So naturally, I was interested in this type of therapy.

It was, in a word, amazing. Kim used only her gentle hands. There were moments when I felt buzzing and tingling through my body. Other times there was intense heat and mild prickling pain. At one point, I felt like I was free-falling. I had to open my eyes to make sure I wasn’t about to hit the ground. But I hadn’t moved from my prostrate position on the massage table. When she finished, I felt more relaxed than I knew I ever could. Kim looked at me with her clear blue eyes and said, “You’re cool. You have such strong energy. You are really in the present. You have something very special.” I thanked her and told her she was cool, too. I appreciated what she said, but I didn’t realize its significance at the time. I walked away knowing something about me had changed.

When I returned home, I knew I needed to hold on to the feelings I discovered in Sedona. I developed a sense of inner peace and happiness while there. I was afraid it would go away as I got back into my stressful work and school schedule. I still continue the yoga practice I started there as a way to reconnect with myself and my experiences in that magical place.

My return from vacation coincided with the arrival of a new employee at my workplace. I did not meet him right away, but I did notice his presence. Although I was attracted to him, I ignored those feelings because I was in a committed relationship. The day I shook his hand, I fell in love. My hand buzzed in his, the way my body did on Kim’s massage table. I had just met my husband.

As soon as I realized this, my relationship began to fall apart. I tried to push aside my feelings and remain committed to the man living in my house. However, all the little issues we had started to become big ones. I realized I was settling for less than what I truly needed in my life. My intuition was guiding me in a different direction than the path I had been on. I had to follow my heart, and we broke up after living together for only three months.

As difficult as that breakup was, I still have the sense of calm I found in Sedona. The intentions I set there began to manifest immediately. It wasn't the outcome I expected, but I have been quite pleasantly surprised. I guess sometimes life gives you what you need instead of what you think you want.

Red Rocks and Invisible Spirals Part 2

2008-10-18T21:40:44Z

She Said: Sedona's red cliffs are the result of 500 years of uplifts, down faulting, wind erosion and volcanic activity. When dinosaurs roamed the earth, Sedona was under the sea. Horizontal lines in the rocks demarcate where the ocean once existed.

]]> Sedona is more than just a pretty face. It has been a sacred site to Native Americans and others for hundreds of years. The Hopi believed the rocks held memories of their ancestors. The red rocks have a high silica content, the material of which microchips are made. If silica can be used as memory for computers, perhaps the Hopi were onto something. The striking rock formations each have legends attached. Some of these stories are based on the native peoples’ interpretation of the rocks’ shapes. Others are just plain eerie. For instance, there is a cluster of formations that look like wondrous structures in other parts of the world. The Parthenon, the Great Pyramids, and the Taj Mahal are all represented in spectacular detail in the rocks. Paula, a tour guide at the resort, told our group that the rock formations were around long before those buildings and pyramids were constructed. There is a theory that energy from the rocks traveled through the air like radio waves, and influenced people thousands of miles away to build these structures.

Part of Sedona’s mystique is the vortexes, or vortices, that draw people there. (I know the plural of “vortex” is “vortices,” but everyone I encountered in Sedona used the word “vortexes.”) Some people believe there are places in the world where the veil between the dimensions is thinner than everywhere else. Boynton Canyon, where Enchantment Resort is located, is one of those. There are five recognized vortexes in the Sedona area. Two are considered “male,” two are “female,” and one is referred to as “balanced.” It is believed that energy spirals invisibly upward from the earth in these special sites.

I attended a vortex talk at the resort, led by a man named Bruce O’Connor. Bruce has studied metaphysics for 30 years. He is an astrologer and hypnotherapist. His home is located within one of the female vortexes. He told us the terms “male” and “female” are really arbitrary, but that they indicate important differences in the vortexes. The female vortexes are centers of calming, introspective energy, whereas the energy of a male vortex is more arousing. The balanced vortex is exactly that: balanced.

Red Rocks and Invisible Spirals Part 1

2008-10-16T20:26:48Z

She Said: Years ago, I decided I would never turn down an opportunity to travel. So, when my grandmother asked me if I would like to go to Sedona, Arizona with her, I immediately said yes. I didn't know anything about the place, but I knew I'd have a good time. I didn't know it would change my life.

Sedona is a place of mystical desert beauty. Located approximately 120 miles north of Phoenix, it is nestled among Arizona's famed red rocks. After driving about two hours from the Phoenix airport, I approached our suite at Enchantment Resort. I was accompanied by my grandmother, aunt, cousin and two family friends, Debbie and Ardemis.

I looked out the driver's side window of our rented silver Ford Freestyle and realized I was completely surrounded in terracotta. Until then, I had only ever seen that color in small quantities--a planter in my garden, a pot on my desk--but the entire landscape of this place was nearly monochromatic. The muted green of trees and cacti was the only contrast.

We pulled up to our three-bedroom "casita" and exited our air-conditioned vehicle. As we removed our suitcases from the back of the minivan in the dry, 98-degree heat, I stopped and stared, mesmerized by the red cliffs that rose thousands of feet into the air. I felt as though I had driven to Mars.

The end of the line?

2008-09-30T17:17:07Z

She Said: These are uncertain times. There are no leaders in the U.S. government in which to have any faith. The economy is in the toilet, and we're going deeper and deeper into debt. For a long time, I viewed the nation's politics and economic unraveling from a distance, thinking that here, in my own little world, I could remain unaffected. But I can no longer ignore how the current situation is impacting me and mine right here at home.

]]> We have a house on the market, with no offer in sight. As the cost of living has increased without a concurrent increase in income, we have adjusted our home budget to take care of necessities and still maintain some level of comfort. We have delayed having children until a time when we are more financially stable.

But recent events on Wall Street and in Washington are leaving me to wonder about having those kids at all. I was already concerned about the environment, political climate, overpopulation and debt we are leaving to future generations. But as the dream of becoming a parent nears reality, I have to stop and ask myself if I am being selfish in my desire for children. Not only can we simply not afford them now, but even if we could, it seems unfair to bring innocent people into the world when the future looks so bleak. I'm not sure if I can justify burdening them with these problems.

The couple that eats together, well...

2008-08-27T15:43:19Z

She Said: When Tony and I started dating, we were each in the best shape of our lives. I had spent a very dedicated few months losing approximately 40 lbs. I was eating well and exercising regularly, and I felt fantastic...so fantastic, I attracted myself a husband. Tony was also working out and eating well...and it showed! :) This was a common point of interest for us. At the beginning of our relationship, our desks were next to each other at the office. Our department was participating in a team-oriented healthy habits competition. Tony and I had fun supporting each other in the game and encouraging each other to exercise and eat healthy foods.

]]> As our relationship developed, food remained, and still remains, an important part of our lives. Not only is eating together a bonding ritual in many cultures, we both love food. Not just food for food's sake, but good food. Tony's dad owns a restaurant and is, according to Tony, the best chef in the known world. I come from a long line of wonderfully talented home-kitchen cooks: meat-and-potatoes American fare on one side (don't forget the apple pie), succulent Carribean cuisine on the other (fried pork and all).

However, when we began seeing each other, I was highly motivated to maintain my slim body and healthy routine. When we went out to eat, I made a point of ordering South-Beach-Diet-compliant foods and he, for the most part, ate healthily as well. (Perhaps he was trying to impress me. Hmm.) But then came our honeymoon, and nothing's been the same since. We absolutely let loose for one week and somehow haven't been able to get completely back on track. I try. I'll be good for days, sometimes weeks. Then some delicious little treat will tempt me while, simultaneously, some stressor drops into my life and disrupts my routine. I'm realistic; I know this happens to people. But I've had it. I'm at my limit. It's not that we're anywhere near obese, but we're both wearing our fat pants which, for two people with sports injuries and bad joints, is not a good thing.

We're approaching our first anniversary, and I've gained back much of the weight I had lost. If I achieved my weight loss goals before, I know I can do it again. And if my hubby joins me, we can be successful in becoming healthier together.

Happy Hound (with photos)

2008-08-15T00:42:29Z

She Said: Casey's pack arrived a little over a week ago, and we've used it nearly every day since. He loves it! We get all the benefits I described in earlier posts, and the saddlebags keep him balanced. He gets excited when he sees it, and cooperates beautifully while I put it on him. That may be because the sight of it usually means an outing is imminent, but whatever gets him motivated is fine with me.

Here are a couple of photos of my happy working dog.

It's not a minivan.

2008-08-04T19:22:19Z

She Said: We've been car shopping since that fateful day in May when an uninsured driver slammed into our truck while it was parked in front of our house, sent it into the back of the car in front of it, and totaled it. We finally bought a new car Saturday. Well, it's new to us anyway. It's a little nerve-wracking buying a used car, because you never really know what problems you're inheriting. But we feel we got a good car for the money we spent.

It's a silver 2000 Volvo V40 wagon.

]]> When we tell our friends what we bought, we consistently get a similar response. It's something along the lines of, "Are you guys having kids soon?" or "Why not just get a minivan?" followed by snickers. One friend of mine giggled and said, "My mom used to have a Volvo."

Why is it that a practical, four door station wagon is seen as stodgy? It's anything but. It's a small, solid, turbo-charged car with a good reputation for safety and performance. And when it was new, it was expensive. It's almost a luxury vehicle. It's a far cry from a minivan.

That said, yes, we are thinking of having children relatively soon. Of course, we took that into consideration when shopping for a vehicle to replace our truck. But we also considered our large dog, who fits comfortably in the back of the wagon. I have a small SUV, and I love its versatility. I can put Casey in the back, or I can fold the seats down and give him more room. Either way, he stays off the seats and has a comfy place to ride. The wagon gives us that same versatility and convenience in a sporty little wagon. Let's just hope we didn't buy a lemon.

Dog Tired

2008-08-04T18:21:55Z

She Said: Casey will have his own backpack sooner than I thought. My dad, who lives in the Bay Area, called me Saturday from PetSmart to ask if it would be OK with me if he bought him one. They had one in his size, and he wondered if maroon would be a good color for his canine friend. I told him I thought Casey would look very handsome in maroon, thanked him, and proceeded to tell Casey he'd be getting a gift from Grandpa.

]]> In stark contrast to last week's encounter with the ignoramus at the grocery store, Casey and I had some very positive experiences on our walk Saturday. I put the backpack on him and we headed to the pet store to buy cat food. After just a few blocks, we met a nice man and woman on the street. The woman inquired about the backpack, and was truly curious about it. She has also considered buying a doggie pack for her dog, but didn't know if it was worth the cost. Her companion commented on how comfortable Casey looked with the pack on. We talked for quite a while about the benefits of using packs to work dogs, and she thanked me for answering her questions. We all walked away feeling good.

Casey and I continued on, walking confidently and with focus. He was doing better on the leash than he ever has before. We passed a young couple working on their landscape. The man smiled at us and said, "You're working that dog."

"That's right," I replied, and we continued on with our heads held high.

At the pet store, Casey got water, treats, affection and praise from the staff. I bought a 5 lb. bag of cat food and told the cashier that I thought it would be sweet justice if the dog carried the cat food home. She said, "He'd probably love to." Now there's someone who understands!

I got home with a very tired pooch, which is exactly what I wanted. Honestly, he listens better when he's tired. It's like he doesn't have the energy to be stubborn, so he just does as he's told. If that's the result of walking him with a backpack, I will do it regularly.

Casey at Work

2008-07-31T18:23:39Z

She Said: There's always someone who wants to tell you how to parent your kid. In our case, our kid is our dog.

I've written before about the wisdom of Cesar Millan, a.k.a the Dog Whisperer. Tony and I try very hard to incorporate his methods into our dog "parenting" style. It takes a lot of work, particularly with our literally and figuratively hard-headed Am Staff. He has a lot of energy and a strong will. OK, I'm being kind; he's downright stubborn. He's four years old and although there's been improvement since starting the Dog Whisperer techniques, I still have trouble controlling him on a leash. He is easily distracted by skateboards, cats and especially other dogs.

]]> One of the things Cesar suggests for Casey's type of energy is to walk with a doggie backpack. The packs sell for about $50, and are essentially saddlebags that strap to the dog around his chest and torso. Dogs were made to walk, and they love to work. They also like to feel like they're helping you. Putting a pack on the dog gives him a sense of purpose. If you weigh it down, he gets even more energy out, making a 30-minute walk seem more like an hour to him. This is a good thing. A tired dog is a happy dog (and a happy dog parent).

With today's gas and food prices, I have started making a habit of walking with Casey to the natural food store daily after work. I use less gas, we both get some exercise, and I end up spending less on groceries because I don't want to carry a whole bunch of stuff home. The other day, I got the idea to let Casey carry some of the groceries. We haven't tried the doggie pack yet, but I found a way for him to comfortably wear a human backpack. I let him carry my cloth grocery bags and his water dish. It worked great! He walked confidently beside me, and paid much less attention to distractions than normal. I secured him outside the store, gave him his water and went inside while he waited patiently.

Upon my return, I packed the following items into his backpack:
1 tomato
1 apple
1 banana
1 small bottle of vinegar
1 lb. ground beef
1 package hamburger buns

Now, that's not a lot to expect my beefy 70-lb. dog to muscle around. But, he's not used to the backpack and when he went to stand up, he laid right back down. I'm sure it felt quite strange.

This woman piped up, "Oh, it's too heavy for him!"

"Believe me, it's not. He can pull me around if he wants to," I replied, smiling.

She walked away as I adjusted the balance of the backpack's contents. Casey got up and began walking, a little precariously at first, but then resumed his proud cadence. The woman had been watching us and as we were leaving, said, "I mean, are you disabled or something? That just doesn't seem right."

I stopped and, again, smiled. "Do you have dogs?"

"Yes."

"Big dogs?"

"Yes."

"Did you know it's a good idea to exercise them and give them something to do to help get out some of their energy?"

"That just doesn't seem right to me."

"You should read up on it. Cesar Millan recommends putting packs on dogs..." She had turned her back on me before I had a chance to finish.

I could have just told her it was none of her damn business, but I like to take advantage of opportunities to share with people the things I have learned about dogs. There's a lot of ignorance out there, and if I can do anything to help someone better understand dogs as a species or, in my case, Pit Bulls as a breed, I will try.

Casey proved to me that he's the perfect candidate for a doggie pack, and I will soon buy him one of his very own.

The perfect date

2008-07-21T18:08:33Z

She Said: I love weddings. They're fun and festive, a time to get together and celebrate a love so strong, two people are willing to endure the stress of planning a wedding just to share their commitment to each other in front of those most important to them. As my husband said to me, "You've really got to love each other to go through all that crap just to get married. If you can get through that, you'll be just fine."

]]> Saturday, we had the honor of attending the wedding of my friend Melody to a super nice guy named Damien. I don't know Damien all that well, but he makes Melody happier than I've ever seen her. That's evidence enough for me to figure he's pretty great.

The ceremony was in a lovely little church, very traditional but fun and upbeat with some of the tunes they chose. Mel looked absolutely gorgeous, like the princess every girl wants to be on her wedding day. Tony and I sat holding hands as we watched the first wedding ceremony we've attended since our own last fall. It was moving, not only because of the bride and groom's love and happiness, but because it reminded us of our own vows and the decision we made to share our lives together.

At the reception, we shared the dance floor with the couple, bought them a round of drinks, and celebrated the joy of marriage. Congratulations, Melody and Damien, and thank you for inviting us. It's always nice to believe that sometimes fairy tales do come true.

Alone Time - with update

2008-04-29T00:42:09Z

She Said: Several months ago, I posed the question: How does a couple strike a balance between getting enough alone time to maintain sanity, and spending enough time together to nurture the relationship? Folks, I have the answer. First of all, don't work together. Second, work opposite schedules. We used to see each other all day every day for months, both at home and at work. (It's a wonder neither of us resorted to murder just for a little solitude.) You won't hear either of us whining anymore about not having enough time to ourselves. We've got loads of it now.

]]> My job keeps me really busy, and it's not always a 9 to 5 schedule. Tony is enjoying his new job, and I think it's perfect for him...the kind of person he is, the things he enjoys, the experience he has...I think he's found his niche. But his schedule varies too, and we've gone from spending every waking moment together to not knowing when we'll have dinner together next. I'd like to find a happy medium, but I'm not complaining. After all, it's about quality not quantity; we're developing a deeper appreciation for the time we do get to spend together.

What if you could bottle sunshine?

2008-04-28T18:31:02Z

She Said: Forget Prozac and all those other happy pills--just give me sunshine. Seriously, it's no wonder the suicide rate is so high in the Pacific Northwest. We spend half the year under a thick cover of damp gray. Sure, it's the reason this region is lush, green and beautiful, but from November to May I can barely bring myself to leave the house to see any of that botanical beauty. But when the sun comes out, it's bliss.

]]> This weekend was amazing. I awoke Saturday morning to sunny skies and opened every curtain in the house. All the plants in our garden turned toward the glowing, life-giving orb, rejoicing in its warmth and energy. That was enough to make me smile, but our plans for the day made me positively giddy. Saturday was Eureka's 42nd annual Rhododendron Parade and, as if that weren't enough, opening day of the Arcata Farmers Market. Oh happy day!

We drove to Henderson Center to watch some of the parade. I must admit, I've never been to a parade in my life and I don't watch them on TV. They've never really interested me. But we were both invested in this one; Tony, because he helped decorate his company's float and me, because I was on the planning committee. The Rhody Parade is a huge deal in Eureka, especially this year because it almost didn't happen and the community came together to pull it off. It was fun to watch for a while, but Farmers Market was calling, so we didn't stay to see all 70 entries. (For more on the Rhody parade, click here, here, or visit times-standard.com.)

I love Arcata in the spring and summertime. Farmers Market every Saturday, happy people on the Plaza and sun, glorious sun! (And starting in June, Crabs baseball games!) We meandered from stand to stand in our warm-weather wear, buying seeds, starter plants and organic veggies. We stopped in for a beer at Sidelines and a cheerful fellow said to me, "Your bag has a leek." :)

We returned home and ate lunch in the backyard, surrounded by beautiful blooming rhododendrons, camellias, rock rose, lavender and hibiscus. Uncertain how long the sunny weather would last, I eagerly planted cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, spinach, basil, tomatoes and a mixed basket of mystery seeds. The mystery isn't so much what the seeds are, it's what will grow. There was a stand at the Market selling strawberry baskets filled with a variety of things: garlic, a budding potato, sunflower, pumpkin and a mish-mash of other little seeds. The vendor instructed us to dig a hole in the ground about the size of the basket, dump it all in there and see what happens. "Don't put the basket in there, though," he said. Really? Because I thought it would be a great idea to plant a plastic strawberry basket in my organic vegetable garden. Maybe it would grow plastic strawberries.

To give the perfect day a perfect ending, we had a backyard campout. We pitched the tent, lit the tiki torches, cooked dinner on the propane stove and let Casey sleep outside with us. I felt like a kid again. One of these days we'll do that with our kids and they'll think their parents are really fun. And if they're anything like I was as a child, they'll never want to sleep inside again.

A Stranger In A Strange Land

2008-04-18T23:53:03Z

He Said: Here I am a Dodger fan in the land of Giants. When my cousin, who has been living and working in Europe for three years, called me to say that his company was sending him to the city for meetings, we both had the same thought. "Are the Giants in town?" They were. So we began planning a day at the Park. He had never even been to SF, let alone AT&T Park. I've been to the city plenty, but never for a game. He scored some great seats from stubhub.com and we sat like kids waiting for Xmas to get to the game. Having lived here for two years and on the other side of the Rockies in Colorado for 9 years, it's not as easy to get to Major League games.

]]> Growing up in the Los Angeles area, baseball was aplenty. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times I was able to watch Dodger and Angels games from inside the park. I feel fortunate that I have been able to say "Yeah, I've seen him play" about the likes of Garvey, Cey Lopes and Russell to name a few. I remember the season that four guys hit over 30 home runs each...EACH. That just doesn't happen, especially in and beyond the steroids era. Not just the boys in Dodger Blue, I saw guys like Jackson and Winfield. I feel like I was a part of baseball history... Mr October jacks one out... Herschiser on his magnificent scoreless innings streak... Gibson going a yard against the A's in the Series... Getting my first foul ball from Fred McGriff's attempt at a Chan Ho Park fastball.

The last game I went to was a Rockies game. I was there with the same guy with whom I was about to see the Giants take on St Louis at a park neither of us had been to. At that Rockies game (I can't remember who they played), I wore my team's cap. An official Dodger baseball hat. All my life I've owned one. I was even wearing one when I met Richard Nixon. I have the photo to prove it. So here we were in Coors Field and from outta nowhere a big purple hand reached from behind me and yanked off my cap. It was Rockie the Mascot and he was running up the stairs with my cap in his furry clothed hand. I chased and he relinquished my hat. The crowd loved it and so did I.

So I knew right away that at this game, I'd be wearing the same hat the my boyhood idols wore as they played our favorite sport. A bright blue hat with the hated interlocked LA emblazoned on the front stands out quite well in a sea of orange and black. Of course I was well aware of the rivalry from a SoCal-er's state of mind. Over the last couple years living in this area I have gotten to see it from the the other side. There I was, walking past Willie Mays' statue, sporting the hat of the team that gave him fits. Willie was one of the greatest ever. I tipped my cap to the Say Hey Kid with relish.

Entering the park was spectacular. The smell of hot dogs hit my nose and I knew where I was and where I wanted to be for the rest of my life: at the game. I did always like a good field. I grew up wanting to call Dodger Stadium my office and work for the greatest game of all. I was good, but not that good.

The weather was fantastic, and as we made our way to our front row seat of the greatest show on earth, we were kids again. I heard some jeers like, "nice hat," dripping with sarcasm. I once again tipped my cap. I was in the Giants' house and since they were playing the Cards, I said I would be rooting for the home team. And I did.

Lincecum was brilliant and threw 11Ks. The rookie Bowker was great and extended his newly born career with more production. We had a great time in park by the bay. I once again tip my cap to not just the players, but to the crew and the fans. Thanks for a light-hearted ribbing and I will see you again. I will be at the Rivalry Series in August and be just as grateful.

By the way, we've had 5 championships since we both moved here 50 years ago. How many do you guys have? That dig is for Tom and Ted and the rest of Giants nation. See you at the park.

No Excuse for Dogs on the Loose

2008-04-09T18:46:22Z

She Said: I've heard all kinds of horror stories about Pit Bulls at large, indiscriminately attacking children and other dogs in their paths. When I was a little girl, my neighbor on the corner was walking her Pomeranian when a Pit Bull came out of nowhere and basically ate the tiny dog's head on the spot.

But I also have many years experience in animal rescue and veterinary work, and have taken a liking to this particular breed which, when treated properly, is one of the sweetest and most loyal of them all. I feel the breed has earned a bad rap, which is understandable given the number and severity of attacks one hears about in the news. But if it weren't the Pit Bull, it would be the Doberman or the German Shepherd, or some other such strong, energetic breed that requires discipline, consistency, stability, positive reinforcement and leadership. (Hmm, kind of sounds like parenting...but children run amok is a topic for another day.)

]]> I love these dogs so much that when I decided to adopt a canine friend for myself, I looked specifically for a Pit Bull. And boy, I found a great one. Sure, he's big and tough, but he's also gentle and affectionate. As much as I love him, though, I don't delude myself about the potential damage he could inflict on a person or another animal. So I work with him on behavior issues and always, ALWAYS keep him on a leash when in public.

To those of you who let your dogs run rampant in parks and neighborhoods: What are you thinking? Your dogs need your trust, but to assume they will be perfect angels all the time is to ignore the very nature of the beast and, frankly, downright irresponsible.

Tony walked Casey in our neighborhood the other evening, as he often does. Upon returning home, he told me Casey had been in a scrape. Apparently, an agressive Pit Bull came running up, unleashed and intent on attacking them. Casey responded appropriately, becoming defensive and protecting his leader. Tony immediately commanded Casey to sit behind him, and kept control of the leash as he kicked the assailing dog away. A young man appeared and grabbed the dog by the scruff, holding on to it as Tony attempted to determine whether this was the person culpable for having a raving animal on the loose. (He said that was not his dog.)

At first glance, everyone was OK. Casey seemed tired and Tony had a couple of scratches, but nothing major. About an hour later, I noticed the area above Casey's right eye was quite swollen, much like the egg I developed on my forehead a few weeks ago. His conjunctiva (the white parts of his eye) were bloodshot and his eye was partially closed. Thankfully, he is responding well to treatment with ice and aspirin. But his injuries (and Tony's) could have been much worse, as previous stories illustrate. The fact that this dog was running around unrestrained and unsupervised is absolutely inexcusable.