Catching up

I had lunch with a special friend yesterday, and she asked me if I had been writing in my blog. With a look of surprise, I told her I hadn't even thought about it! This has been an eventful summer, and it's past time that I make note of it.

First of all, sadness with gratitude. My beloved sister-in-law, Lana Lutringer, passed away July 30 from ovarian cancer. We had an incredibly close relationship over many years.  Often we would joke about how close we were and how we seemed to have our own language--after all, being married to one of the Lutringer men takes a special sort of understanding, right? We loved each other dearly, and her passing left such a big open space in my heart. I am thankful, however, for the closeness we shared. Gosh, I can't begin to count the times we shared laughter, tears, elation, sadness and every other emotion you can imagine. We kept each others secrets and always shared a tender affection. Thank you, Lana, for being a sister, friend, confidant and pal to me. You always had my back and supported me through the most painful and happy times of my life. I love you. Godspeed, dear one.

Then comes work...two positions were eliminated in the Dept of Theatre and Dance--mine and the Grad Program Coordinator. It was a complete shock to many of us, but there was no choice but to face it. Since ending my employment in July as originally planned by the chair of the dept would be only 6 months prior to my eligibility for full retirement, one of the assistant deans stepped in and offered the same position in her office through January. Therefore, as of February 1, I will be retired!  While I have been looking forward to eventual retirement, having my position eliminated due to budget cuts and reorganization seemed completely surreal. Now that I've had some time to process (along with 7 weeks off), I'm getting closer to actual joy and celebration. Since I'd been with the dept for over 17 years, I've had a lot of support, numerous lunch invitations, visits, and loving care from many friends and colleagues. Michael and Adam were right there for me the instant the news was out. They were angry at the treatment I received, supportive, loving and ready to fight for me. Wow, little did I know when I first met them as students in the mid-90's that they would be permanent presences in my life. Blessings tenfold! Also, Jen and Amanda understood my confusion and how I felt suddenly uprooted. They called me often, and Jen treated me to Harry Potter! Now I'm looking at this shift as an opportunity for me--I honestly believe that a door has been opened and it's up to me to bravely step through it. And I'll have lots of time to spend with my grandsons and work with the pups in various ways.

And speaking of grandsons...this is a snapshot of my youngest, Jonah Mark Hughes. He turned one year old in June! Special, yes? He is one very busy little boy! It is an understatement to say that Jonah has a terrific mom. As Michael mentioned one day, Amanda is an inspiration to many. She has built, step by step, a healthy life and cares for her amazing son with grace and determination. What a girl!

Caleb continues to thrive in the Divine Canine therapy work. Since I last wrote, we have made visits to Fort Hood (to visit with injured and PTSD soldiers). In fact, his photo was used in the intro of an article about Divine Canines' Fort Hood work in Haute Dog Magazine! We also made numerous visits to St. David's Rehab Hospital, the Children's Shelter and the Acute Unit at Austin State Hospital. It is heartwarming to witness the impact Caleb has on the patients and staff at these places. When his Divine Canine vest comes out in preparation for a visit, Caleb immediately shifts to a focused demeanor and posture. I'll get a newer photo up soon so you can see how beautiful he is at 123 pounds. He loves his work! I'm so grateful to God for Caleb Lee's presence in my life.

In addition to the fulfillment the Divine Canine work brings to Caleb and me, some wonderful, positive people have entered my life. Our friendships feel as if we've known each other for many years, and we are quite protective and affectionate toward one another's dogs. I've learned a lot from each of them, and I treasure the time we share. One of the more comical ones, Alice, stated that the adventures she and I share should be considered for a reality show! She's likely right on the mark with that one! We laugh and laugh and laugh--good medicine!

Iris is still the princess of the house--if you don't believe me, just ask her! She had some corrective surgery this summer, and it has helped immensely. She is no longer plagued by the recurring infections and seems to have even more energy to boss the boy dogs! They always give in to her, and it is comical to watch!

Asher and I are in two classes at this time. One of them is fieldwork which is about distance control and following commands while away and/or off leash from me. Last Saturday, we did air scenting. The trainer covered Asher's eyes while I hid in the woods, then she would send him to find me. To say he had fun would be an understatement! The pure joy in his face when he would locate me--so happy! The other class is a foundations class with focus on agility. We're having a good time in that one, too, and he is a favorite of the instructors. He's just so expressive that it's hard not to smile when he looks at you! Both classes offer the two of us an avenue for regular physical activity and terrific interactions with nice people. When Greg (my vet) told me I hit the jackpot with Asher, I wasn't sure what he meant. Now I know. That pup is like a fullback--solid muscle, endurance and determination. I've not had a Catahoula Leopard dog before, and it has been fascinating to learn about them. I'm, indeed, fortunate. The good Lord has blessed me with 3 very different pups that fill different needs in my life. How could I be so lucky?

Right now, I also have a foster girl, Moxie, staying with me. She is a Great Pyrenees mix that was dumped by her family. Neighbors had been seeing her around a neighborhood for a few weeks, and they were finally able to coax her in, and I was contacted because I'm known for working with pyrs. Happily, I went to get her and brought her in to our home. Poor girl is heartworm positive, hasn't been spayed and I'm pretty certain she has had a litter of pups. The vet estimates she's about a year and a half old. Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue is a strong advocate for pyrs, and they have agreed to let her into the group--I will foster her and TGPR will cover her medical bills. Once she is hale and hearty, she will be eligible for adoption--only to a very special, loving family!

Words of appreciation to someone special. One of my long-time friends has been an incredible help to me for a very long time now. Whether I was sad or happy, ill or well, this beautiful woman repeatedly reminded me that she was only a phone call away. During the initial shock of the UT changes, she propped me up, joined my anger and frustration and stayed in touch daily. She understood the trauma of losing such a large piece of my existence. Looking back over the years I realize that there is no way to measure what we've been to each other. I remember when Mark was having his very first biopsy, she found me in the Seton waiting room to bring a bag of healthy snacks for me to have during our Seton stay.  When I went into a fog after Mark's passing, she gave me my space but was never far away--never. She and I have laughed and cried over many events in our lives. This lovely person understands my dogs' roles in my life, and she rejoices in the happiness and laughter the pups provide. Like a number of my friends, she has a special fondness for Iris. For those of you reading this who know Iris, I'm sure you understand.  I'm fortunate that I don't have to imagine my life without this special friend. Thank you, Dana. I love you.

Well, I'll wrap up for now. There's always more to say, but then there's always tomorrow, right? Thanks for reading.  Be well.

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog.  - Gene Hill 

Some thoughts...

A special friend forwarded this to me. He said that many of the suggestions reminded him of me and my mindset. All I know is that this elderly lady has a lot of good things to say. I hope you enjoy.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Friends are the family that we choose.

Make it a wonderful life!

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Eliot

Spring is here...

After all of my good intentions, I fell behind again in my postings. The fact that I'm so busy is good, yet I really want to keep my friends up to date. It's hard to believe that Logan will be 4 years old tomorrow! He's such a wonderful human being, and I'm so blessed to have him in my life. This past Saturday, Kate and Joe had a birthday party for him at the park, and we all rode Sophie the Train! It was a lot of fun to watch Logan in his element--he is very interested in trains. And it was reassuring to see how much Spencer has grown lately. He is such a sweet little boy, and it was delightful watching him "dance" in the dried leaves! He was grinning and wiggling like it was the best thing in the world at that moment.

To backtrack a bit, I lost Zeke this past January. Perhaps that's why I delayed writing. His demeanor and physical characteristics pointed to some sort of neurological disorder or perhaps brain tumor. My wonderful friend/vet convinced me that I needed to let him go. Just a few days prior to that, Zeke and I had an incredibly terrific run through the agility courses out at the training center. I'll always be thankful that he had that opportunity to be joyful and run free. It was hard to let him go, and I've had lots of support from friends.

I did know that I was going to eventually look for a dog that would enjoy agility and physical activity such as hiking and camping. Well, on February 15 (Mark's birthday) a member of the rescue group who gave me Caleb called--he said that he had heard that I lost my agility partner and asked if I would consider just looking at a pup. I did meet the puppy, gave it a day's thought and then adopted him. His name is Asher, he is 1/2 Catahoula Leopard dog and 1/2 Australian Shepherd, and he is a joyful addition to our household. It seems as if he has springs in his legs and smiles in his heart. We're now in puppy basic training and will advance to field work. After field work, we will be able to get into agility! Asher certainly doesn't replace Zeke, yet having him in the family keeps me more physically and mentally active. Above is a photo of Logan and Asher taken a few weeks ago. They are already good buddies!

Caleb and I have continued our Divine Canine Therapy work. He is exceptionally good with the young ones at the Children's Shelter. The toddlers enjoy climbing on him, and he is gentle as ever. We've also continued some visits to a nursing home. It's sweet when we walk in the door--all of the residents know his name on site, but not mine! That's the way it should be. A new venue for him was a rehabilitation hospital where the patients' conditions varied from minor to lack of response. With each patient, he was quiet, calm and did his job. All of the nurses and doctors were taking photos of him so they could show their families about the big white dog they met! The best part is that we received many smiles and left there feeling that we had made a difference.

The weather has been beautiful and my flowers are all ablaze! A former student came to visit last Saturday, and he said that he didn't even need house numbers because he knew it was my house when he saw all of the flowers! Ultimate compliment, I'd say. There was a rain shower night before last but we need lots more rain. I believe the weatherman reported that our area is already 3 inches behind what would be a healthy level for this time of year. Rain dances, anyone?

Speaking of former students--I saw two of my most special ones last week. Michael met me for lunch on Friday just after landing in Austin, and the best part of this is that he will be here all week! Then, on Saturday, Shannon came to the house. I'd not seen Shannon in a long time--perhaps 9 years. We had lots to talk about and truly enjoyed catching up. I'm so thankful that he had the time to spend with me.

Our little Jonah will be here this weekend--haven't seen him since Christmas! It's a lot of fun to talk on the phone with Amanda because I can hear Jonah's squealing, laughing and talking! On Saturday, we're all going to converge on Kate's house for a family gathering. What photo ops having all 3 grandsons together on a spring day, right?

My sister, Ruth Creigh, and I have been in touch lately. How much fun it has been to laugh and talk about the happy memories. And, as many people know, our family had some extremely sad events over the years. Somehow knowing that we can at least be in contact and care about one another has been a big boost for me, and I honestly believe it has had the same effect on her. This morning she offered to send me some photographs that another sister had given her after our mother passed away. It will be terrific to see photos of my growing up no matter when the photos were taken. I only have a couple of myself when I was young, so this will be fun for me. Perhaps the girls will enjoy them, too.

I'll sign off for now, but with my renewed energy of late, don't be surprised if I write more often now!

Be well. 

People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.    ~Abraham Lincoln

Life's Happenings

Well, I have certainly fallen behind in my postings. Lots has happened since the end of June!

The biggest event for me is that Jenny moved back to Austin. It is wonderful having her minutes rather than hours away! She's teaching in an area school district and seems to be happy to be among family and old friends. We're more than delighted to have her near!

Zeke was extremely relieved to be back with me. We've had to work on some health issues regarding his skin and coat. With the help of my special vet/friend, we seem to be making good progress. Zeke is on a special diet (minimal ingredients, high protein, no grain) to help avoid allergy issues. He is behaving in especially positive ways, and we are enjoying our time together more than ever. Zeke is even content going to work with me and just resting on my office floor as I work. As long as he can see or hear me, all is well. I'm relieved and blessed to have him back in my home. After the first of the year, we will hit the agility courses again, and I can't wait!

This fall, he and I attended the Celtic Festival here in Austin. My Jen was so thoughtful to join us as was good friend Rox. It was a treat to watch Zeke's parents, grandparents, siblings participate in herding exercises. Joy Sebastian is an amazing herding specialist, and her dogs are beautiful to behold. Joy enjoyed seeing Zeke, and he had a chance to observe masters at work!

In August, Caleb and I completed the Divine Canine Therapy Dog training, and we are now a certified team.  The training, our classmates and instructor made this one of the most important activities I've ever completed.  As of now, we've put in about 14 hours volunteering at facilities, schools and events; and we've also participated in some walks. It has been a joy to meet numbers of people and their dogs. Our favorite activity has been Caleb's job as a Barking Book Buddy. Once per week, we go to a neighborhood school, and Caleb listens as two students read to him--each of them have their own half hour. Those students show some pretty special smiles when we walk them to and from their classrooms to the library! Clearly, Caleb outweighs both of them, but he is such a gentle giant that they are completely comfortable in his presence. It appears that they enjoy the attention they receive from their classmates because they have a giant Barking Book Buddy! And seeing the residents' eyes light up when we enter a facility is something that makes me smile all day.

My family and friends have been understanding and supportive through this process. Just look at this photo! Can you believe they all gave up a Saturday morning's sleep to be there for us? It was a very special day, and it meant the world to me to see my family and friends there cheering us on. My dear friend, Amarante, had already left when this photo was taken. I have to say that he has been indescribably supportive through this experience. He gave me a beautiful piece of pottery to mark the occasion. Such a caring friend.

Now that I'm writing, I realize how much I've missed this blog. Time just gets away from us, I suppose. I did have surgery on my right hand, and that cramped my style for a few weeks. Now that I'm on a minimal splint, I'm able to easily type again, and that's a relief. Caleb spent most of today at the vet's office. He and Iris were playing their usual game of morning chase, and he twisted, pulled or somehow injured his left hind leg. Thankfully, x-rays show no skeletal damage. He is on limited activities and medications for 7 days. As I write, Caleb is sitting and moaning at the back door because squirrels and cats are running around out back without his supervision! I'm certain that he would want you to know that it's especially difficult to be Caleb right now!

Tomorrow is what our girls always called Christmas Eve Eve. My dear friend, Pamela, is coming over during the day. She enjoys coming over to visit and spending time with the pups. I think she has an especially soft spot for Iris, and that's nice. Jen will be around here tomorrow, and Amanda, James and Jonah will be arriving tomorrow night. Our entire family will be together for Christmas Eve Day. This year, we will go to Kate and Joe's for our celebration. Spencer is doing so well, growing and advancing, but it is less complicated if we just let him stay in his own environment with all he needs. Logan adapts and just loves being with everyone! There is always next year to be back over at my house. I'm just happy we'll all be together.

One last thought before I close for the night. My precious sister-in-law, Lana, has been battling the return of ovarian cancer. I'll be honest--it has been a frightening journey. Today she received some good news. The numbers from the lab tests showed that the cancer cells were down rather than up. That's enough to make us all thankful. Lana has been a sister, good friend, and confidant over the years. I love her very much, and I hope you'll join me in praying and hoping for her health.

Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday is everything you want it to be and more!

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. 

                                                                                                                                - St. Francis of Assisi

Life has been busy...

Things are looking up for the Lutringer clan. Jonah Mark Hughes was born on Wednesday, June 16. He's a healthy boy! Everyone is well and they went home from the hospital on Friday, June 18. Amanda went into labor late Tuesday night. I was able to drive to Houston and made it for his birth. In fact, I was standing right beside my Amanda Grace and we saw him together. James was so proud...completely in awe, but so proud!

Amanda has handled this enormous change in her life with ease. It is a joy to see her so happy being a mom to little Jonah!

This photo says it all, don't you think?









Can you believe that I now have 3 grandsons? Just think how much fun it will be around here on holidays and at family gatherings! Blessings all around us, and we are ever thankful.

Spencer Thomas has been home for over a month now. He has had a checkup and all is well. Kate is one amazing mama the way she has looked after him and maintained balance with her family. I believe she told me that Spencer now weighs 9 1/2 pounds...go Spencer! And Logan is busy as always. He has grown tall and is looking less like a toddler by the day. He is taking swimming lessons this summer, and I'm going to observe Friday. Maybe I can get some good photos!

Another good turn of events has occurred. Jenny will be teaching in the Lake Travis Independent School District this coming year. Of course, that means that she'll be moving from Forth Worth back down to this area. Kate, Jen, Amanda and I are thrilled that it will be easier to have all of us together. And I'm excited for Jen to have a new opportunity in a different area, plus she will be in a beautiful part of Texas. Being the outdoors person she is, this will be a great spot for her.

Caleb and I completed Canine Good Citizen class a week ago, and we took part in the official CGC test yesterday. The instructors out at Lee Mannix Center are all helpful, kind and supportive. I'm sure Paul could tell I was more nervous than Caleb. He was right there reminding me what was needed, and Caleb was a superstar and passed with flying colors! Now we'll go on the therapy-specific training so that he can move into being an official therapy dog. Progress! And I know for a fact that Lee must be proud. He saw something special in Caleb and encouraged me along the way with his training. On top of that, Caleb will want to find Jyl to do his pyr dance with her. Long story, but Jyl knows what I mean. :)

Zeke has returned home to us. He spent 3 months with a loving family in Mobile, Alabama and was loved by 3 generations of that family. Bless his heart, Zeke just could not adapt to life away from home (me), and was declining physically and seemed depressed. His sweet foster mom and I drove to meet each other. Needless to say, Zeke was glad to see me. He greeted me and jumped over my shoulder to get in the front passenger seat of my 4Runner! That told us that we'd made the right decision. I appreciate all of the love the R family gave him during a time I was too busy to be there for him. Something good came from this because now I have some very special friends in Mobile, Alabama!

Zeke will begin a series of tutor days with the trainers at LMCCB and then we'll move on to classes and eventually back into agility. I loved working agility with him, and, now that things have settled down, I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

I'll be off work this week. Tuesday is my birthday, and it looks like I'll be able to spend some time with Jen, Kate, Spencer and Logan. No big plans other than to rest and catch up with home projects. Time to kick back and take it easy. With these new changes in our family, I'm guessing I'll find it easy to sleep well. Mark must be proud, don't you think?

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.   ~Mahatma Ghandi

Time to catch up...

It doesn't seem possible that it has been over a month since I last wrote. Funny how time seems to fly when one is busy. First of all, I must share some wonderful news. Spencer Thomas Brown left the hospital and went home with his family on Tuesday, May 4, 2010! He is well over 6 pounds and visibly growing each day. Here is the link to a short video Kate placed on Facebook. What a handsome boy, yes?  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=387823166450

On April 13, Logan turned 3! He is a big boy, and he had a great birthday party. We enjoy our time together when he stays over here. In particular, he likes the livestock tanks I have in the back yard. He likes to feed the goldfish and play in the water with his boats. Oh, and he has his own set of garden tools, and he loves to dig holes for me...such a good helper!

Here's a shot of me with my first-born daughter, Kate. How did I get so short?  I wonder if she has any idea how much I respect and admire her? The journey with Spencer has been such a challenge yet she kept going a step at a time, day by day.

And here is a picture of Kate, Joe and Logan at the birthday party. A happy family.





On April 27, I drove to Houston to attend a baby shower for our youngest daughter, Amanda Grace. She is healthy, happy and very pregnant! Jonah Mark is due in mid-June.  I'll  definitely be driving back to Houston for his arrival! It is such a joy to be around Amanda--she is happy and, best of all, she laughs all the time! She has a lovely in-law family who adore her and offer support. As a mom, that's a nice reassurance when your daughter is a couple of hours away. Here is a snapshot of Jenny, me, Amanda and James.

And here is a shot of the sisters, tired from the day's events but obviously enjoying each other. Kate couldn't be with us because Spencer was still in the hospital, and she needed to be with him. Just think of the good times we have waiting now that we're going to have 3 little boys running around!

Iris began her Tricks and Triumphs class last week. She has been an outstanding student--eager to learn, happy and energetic. Of course, once she gets in the car after class, she falls right to sleep. This class was created by 2 of the awesome trainers at the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior--Jyl and Inka. It was developed for dogs that are extremely shy, have social issues, physical handicaps or have been mistreated earlier in their lives.

Most of you know my little Iris came to me in December 2008 from a puppy mill where she had apparently never been out of a cage. Her nails were grown in circles, she had very little hair, she could not stand on her own and she was terrified! That little girl was 10 months old and had never known happiness. Well, over time, that has all changed. Iris is a happy girl and rejoices in life. She still lacks confidence in new situations, thus the class. After only 2 classes, she now runs through tunnels, jumps through a hoop, walks a maze, walks a raised dog walk, walks over a horizontal ladder and sits at others' commands rather than just mine. This may seem silly to some, but if you had seen this little baby a year and a half ago and then saw her now, you wouldn't know she is the same dog. This is why I am active in rescue. To bring happiness to a little creature is beyond rewarding...it's life changing.

Caleb was a rescue as well, and he has blossomed. He was sick when I adopted him at 8 weeks of age and 26 pounds. He is now 9 months old and 96 pounds. No doubt in my mind, Caleb is the happiest dog in the world. Everyone is his friend...everyone! On May 16 we will begin his Canine Good Citizen class which will then lead to Therapy Dog certification. After that, we will visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and anywhere we're needed. I've wanted to do that ever since I lost Mark.  It seems  that if we can bring smiles to faces and help people forget they are in pain, then we can make a tiny bit  of a difference. 

Watching Iris and Caleb together is quite entertaining. Iris loves to instigate a game of chase because, after all, she can take short cuts and go places Caleb cannot. They are best  buddies, and the neighbors love it when we go for walks because they are quite a sight with such enormous size differences. Here is a recent photo of them together on the deck.

 On a sad note, the world lost a very special person on May 2, 2010--Lee Mannix, the Dogfather, mentor to many, a genius at understanding dogs and an incredibly kind, loving man. I first met him early in 2009. He taught me how to read my dogs' behaviors. And, before I realized it, we were friends.

I remember one day in particular after we had finished the first session of an agility class with Zeke, he asked me to sit and talk awhile.  Lee had piercing blue eyes and there was no way to avoid his gaze. He said that he would "sure as hell like to know who or what broke my heart." My eyes immediately filled with tears, and I realized that he could truly read me. I told him about the love I shared with Mark, how we began so young and on to losing him at the age of 54. He told me about a book that he wanted me to read, and then went on to talk to me about working with dogs. Lee assured me, actually promised me, that I would find profound healing if I would really throw myself into working with dogs.

That fall, he gave me a scholarship to attend his annual 3-day dog camp always held around Halloween at a Wimberley resort ranch. That weekend was the beginning of an enormous change in me. Caleb was only 3 months old, yet he was awarded the overall award for Best Parlor Tricks because we had learned so much at camp!  Lee was adamant that Caleb is an old soul who has come back to teach us something--if he said it once, he said it a dozen times.  He really believed that, and, now, so do I. Another profound experience--one day, when I was out at the center with Iris, Lee sat beside me on the couch there in the office. Iris, who had been afraid of all men, left my lap and crawled into Lee's. He began singing to her and stroking her fur. Iris clearly felt safe with Lee--almost unbelievable. I'll always remember that day.

I know I've written about much of this before, but it matters so much to me that I pay tribute to this larger-than-life man, Lee Mannix. I will always be grateful that I was given the opportunity to know and learn from him. Rather than remaining sad at Lee's death, I will be thankful for his friendship and lessons. He will live on in my mind and heart, and I will continue to support his center and the gifted trainers that intend to carry on his legacy. Godspeed, Lee.

My garden is bursting with flowers--poppies, roses, rudbeckia, coneflowers, yarrow, larkspur, day lilies, and, my favorite, irises. Butterflies are aplenty out there, and it is a comforting exercise at the beginning and end of the day to just go out and browse, touch and smell the flowers. Those few minutes can offer a great deal of perspective.

God is good in so many ways.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.  ~Kahlil Gibran

Happy Easter!

God is good. Many of us already knew that, but it's always nice for reassurance. Spencer is thriving...growing and gaining strength by the day. He is now in a fancy, crib with a musical mobile, an attached toy that shows moving animals, projects light and plays music, and an assortment of other things. It is apparent that he is receiving optimal care and is likely the favorite for quite a few of the nurses! When you couple all of that the devotion of his loving parents...well, no wonder he is doing so well! Yesterday, his weight was 4 lb 14 oz.  More than double his birth weight. Go, Spencer!

Last night, Kate and I went to the hospital together. After she had held him for awhile, she stood up and handed him over to me! What an experience! I felt blessed to be entrusted to hold that tiny person. He was opening his eyes off and on, stretching, making noises...Spencer is precious and eager to live.

And it felt like such a privilege to spend an extended bit of quiet time in the NICU with Kate and Spencer. Oh, sure, I've been up there often as I can, yet this was different. Maybe the Saturday night quietness, Spencer's improvement, Kate's calmness all contributed. The fact that she was willing to open her heart and share him with me in that way meant more than I can ever say.

I have been so proud of her as I watch her walk this journey with her baby. The calm yet determined focus she has maintained is impressive. I was able to get this sweet shot of her talking to her son.

Here is one more shot that will show just how healthy Spencer has become. As I said, God is good! Many thanks to all of you offering prayers, support, prayer chains, etc. You've been a positive presence and have helped tremendously. Hopefully, Spencer will continue to grow and thrive until his projected release in mid May. I'll definitely continue the updates because there is a lot more work for this little guy! My love to each of you.

Now, on to other things...
Zeke is gradually becoming settled in his new home. He and his new person, Titus, have bonded. Zeke has been taught to shake with left and right paws, find hidden treats among a group of inverted cups, loose leash walk, sleep in bed with Titus, and the list goes on! Zeke lives with a loving, gentle, soft-spoken family with three generations to love him. They said that he regularly goes in the car with Titus, they jog each day, he accompanies Titus to social gatherings and has even unearthed a possum living under a set of steps. I know he is going through adjustments because I have been as well, I missed him so much at first that I continually doubted my decision. Now, I am certain that all will be well. As my special friend, Jyl, told me--Zeke  has someone solely devoted to him. And we all know that is really what a Border Collie needs and, more importantly, deserves!  Connie, his new mom, has been quite gracious about staying in touch about Zeke's progress. Another thing that Jyl told me is that once Zeke realizes that he is no longer waiting for me, it will kick in that he is in his permanent new home and life is good. From the progress Titus has made in the first 3 weeks with Zeke, I'm more than impressed with his dedication and devotion to that pup. I'll always miss my Zeke, but I feel better knowing that he has Titus.

Last weekend, I took Caleb, my 8-month old Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd pup, to a rescue fund raiser.  It was a lot of fun with lots of nice people and dogs. In fact, Laurie, who adopted my very first foster dog about 5 years ago, was there with her two dogs, and we had a chance to visit and let the dogs socialize. Since the event was the weekend  before Easter and lots of families were expected, there was an Easter bunny there to interact with the children, take photos with dogs, and to add to the happy atmosphere. He/she approached us to greet Caleb.  When I told him to sit, he did...after he took two steps back and sat behind me! A couple of times, he stretched his neck around the side of my legs, but it was clear that he wanted no part of that bunny! A group of people were observing and chuckling at the fact that a 90-pound pup was afraid of an Easter bunny. The interaction with lots of people, children and other dogs was good for him. He and I begin Canine Good Citizen class in mid May. I'm looking forward to the work and watching him develop special skills. He is the sweetest dog and always seems to have a muppet smile on his face.

Iris. Well, the little princess is really gaining trust. This photo was taken after a long walk. It appears that she has claimed my red leather chair as her throne! When she, Caleb and I were on that walk in the neighborhood this evening, we stopped to chat with some other rescue neighbors. Iris actually let the gentleman bend over and pet her, and she showed no cowering or fear. I praised her lavishly! What a huge step for her...especially to let an unknown man touch her. She is accustomed to the wonderful staff in our office at UT. Mando is especially tender to her, and frequently talks to her and bends down to her level to show affection, and the lovely and gentle Maia does the same. Their work has contributed to Iris' growth, and I appreciate it!

On April 28, Iris and I will begin Tricks and Triumphs class out at the Mannix Center. This course  was developed for handicapped, abused, and/or wallflower dogs. As hard as it is to imagine, Iris was the recipient of abuse and neglect the first ten months of her life--then she was brought to me--that was December of '08, and I can't even describe the progress she has made. And I have learned so much from her. I've always been a large dog person, but Iris and I were definitely meant to be together, and she has as much love and spunk as the largest of creatures. My friends call her my velcro dog because she always wants to be near me. Anyway, this class will provide the ideal environment for her to build more trust and confidence. My hope is that Iris will be interested and willing to participate in small dog agility later on. Zeke and I had fun with agility, and I love the exercise and general environment. Time will tell, I suppose, but I have faith in Iris.

A busy week awaits me. My garden is thriving and loaded with blooms--I'll include some photos with my next posting. Thanks for reading...have a good week.

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet.  ~Edith Wharton