Jack

Serious Thoughts

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Jack

Sometimes I wish I were different. I am by nature a sober and introverted dog. Perhaps because I never had much affection  in my early years, I do not expect much now.

I have been at Asherpark for over a year. During that time my manners have improved. I have learned to sit and wait for my meals, not to mark in the house, and to endure the indignities of a bath.

When Ash and Tess are loud and boisterous, I seek a quiet spot behind the couch. When visitors come to the house I greet them without barking.

I have come to expect a daily car ride. Each time the back door opens I race to the garage in hopes that we will go somewhere. I admit at times I am deliberately disobedient, forcing my way past people and dogs to be first in line at the car.

I can no longer spring into the car so someone always helps me. I put my front feet on the bumper and await my lift. How I envy Ash, who literally flies into the back of the wagon.

At first I was nervous and whined when we went for a drive. I know it was annoying, but I could not stop myself. Over time I became more comfortable and now drowse on the big dog bed with Ash.

On a few rare occasions I have invited Tess or Ash to play. This seems to delight the people, who encourage me to continue. But my frivolity is short lived and my sober countenance  quickly returns.

Only Ash has the gift of laughter. He among us three dogs is the only one who can make mom laugh. How I wish I could be more like him.

Ash has so many nicknames: clown prince, jester, Ashman, flyboy. His names reflect his joyful spirit. Ash is all things bright and wonderful. Ash is young, healthy, happy, confident, funny, and charming. I am old, dreary, worn out, tired. It’s a wonder that anyone wants me.

Yet everyday the people show me that they love me. They put drops in my eyes and ears and give me special food so I won’t scratch myself. Mom says beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Each night she leads me to my bed. She tells me I am beautiful and whispers that she loves me. Though I find it hard to believe, I will gladly take it as true. I am grateful for the gift of acceptance.

 

 

Uncategorized

Memories

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Jesse

He was born in 1978. He has been gone from this world since 1993. I know him only through the stories mom tells. He is the patriarch of our pack and I honor his memory.

Jesse was sent to teach mom important lessons. Along the way they had a lot of fun together. Because of Jess mom said she could never be without an Australian Shepherd.

Jess died in August. Two weeks later Codie came to mend a broken heart. Mom said she wasn’t ready for another dog yet, but Codie found her anyway.

Some dogs have a way of taking over your life. Australian Shepherds are notorious for stealing your heart. It didn’t take me long to swipe my mom’s heart.

Mom says once you’ve lost your best friend you never take the happy times for granted. That’s why I can usually talk mom into playing with me when she’s tired. Even when she’s mad at me she can’t stay mad for long.

When I’ve really done something bad and I deserve a good scolding, I give mom that special look and she kinda melts. Then I wash her face and do a stupid pet trick. Pretty soon she’s laughing and all is forgiven.

All these years mom has kept Jesse’s ashes. She said one day she would find a place for them. She was right. When her friend gave her a Spirit Weight to honor Codie, Mom knew she would do the same for Jesse.

Jesse’s Spirit Weight arrived last week. It has a black center. Us mutts were very respectful when mom unwrapped it. Such a beautiful object filled with years of memories. Mom put it where it would reflect the sunlight. It is beautiful and simple and powerful. That’s the magic of memories. Here, see for yourself.

Asher

Me and Gene

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Ash

Gene Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This isn’t the best shot of either me or Gene Kelly, but if you look close you can see we both have some serious hang time.

Maybe you don’t know much about Gene Kelly. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh and spent his freshman year at Penn State.

He learned to dance when he was a kid. After college he went to New York and got discovered by the movie business. That’s how come he made one of mom’s favorite movies, “Dancing in the Rain.”

Here’s some funny coincidences. Mom was born in Pittsburgh. Her dad went to Penn State and knew Gene Kelly. There’s definitely some Gene Kelly in our background. Then there’s me.

I never knew Gene Kelly but I like his dance moves. He was a jock and wanted to play professional baseball, but no team wanted him so he went into dancing.

Gene wasn’t some sissy kind of dancer. He was an athlete. Like me! He spent a lot of time in the air. Like me!

When you watch old Gene Kelly movies you wonder how he did his stuff. He was really strong and graceful. What makes it even more impressive is that he did a lot of his air dancing in a suit and tie. Unlike me.

You should see him tap dancing in roller skates. Now that’s a little more than I care to try.

So how does Gene Kelly relate to life at Asherpark? I’m learning to dance. Yeah, really. OK, so I’m not too good at it yet, but I’m learning. It’s part of my home schooling. While I practice heeling I’m also learning some dance steps. Right now mom leads. Maybe when I get good she’ll let me lead.

Anyway, I like dancing and Gene Kelly is my new role model. Me and Gene. I like that. Gotta dance!