A Special Day for Army Ranger Bob and Sassy

Army Ranger Bob came over with a special package. He had a complete Meals Ready To Eat (MRE - also called Meals Rejected by Ethiopians). His friend at work got one, so he decided to demonstrate its use and share some Ranger stories.

Sassy demanded her usual round of treats - Milkebone first, then a few training treats, then some cinnamon crackers. Normally she tells off Bob for not feeding her enough and various other deficiencies. She also looks at him with her loving eyes and allows him to give her a tummy rub. Her end game is to stretch on the floor and listen to his stories.

This demonstration, complete with many stories about Army training, had a special meaning. Bob said as he was leaving, "I drove Mike's body to his grave, one year ago, today." He was feeling the loss all over.

He left home at 16 to give his mother one less mouth to feed and Army money to help her along. Since we moved here and got to know Bob, he lost his mother, his Army Ranger step-dad, and his brother. Mike was almost helpless at birth, but his family helped him become an able-bodied man who could work and earn a living of sorts. Mike was retarded but he could offer observations that were on target, very wise and considerate. He called Chris "Mama" and loved to talk to her. He believed in Jesus.

Mike and Bob did all the nursing care for their bed-ridden mother and step-dad, never sorry they had to do all that work. They were glad to, and certainly were models for others to follow. They loved the poverty food their mother fixed them, like wieners and beans with cornbread.

Our congregation helped pay for the funeral and burial. Bob found he could haul the casket himself (Arkansas law) and dig the grave down in their hometown cemetery - so he did.

He said, smiling recently, "There is one verse I really like from the Bible."

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

He lives it, himself.

Sassy Sue Sings Happy Birthday to a Veteran

When we drive by Pat and John's, we are expected to wave at them. Yesterday we had Sassy in the back seat, saw Pat's son - a veteran - and stopped to say hello. When we were done, John's car stopped and came forward. I said, "John, you had a recent birthday." He confessed that he did.

I began singing "Happy Birthday to John" and he motioned for me to stop. So I sang even louder out our car window. Sassy chimed in with her hilarious singing-howling-barking. We were all laughing at the end, John especially. He and Pat come out in the cold to say hello to her and get some kisses from her.

Later we were at the oncology group for some bloodwork and a pint of IV and potassium. A volunteer named George came by to ease the tedium of dripping saline. He delivered some drinks, too. We had a great conversation about all kinds of subjects, from Dr. Pepper to his combination of disorders and medical history. I said later to him, downstairs, "You were really an angel." It reminded me of what Ranger Bob said his favorite verse in the Bible was -

Hebrews 13:2 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

When he learned another vet, not John, had car troubles, Ranger Bob was over there in a second to repair the car and check out potential problems lurking under the hood. He only needs to hear "vet" and he is there, but he helps wherever he can. Every so often he orders another Chilton repair manual for the volunteer repairs he is doing.

"Professor, I do not need a computer to do my work."

"Bob, that is because you borrow mine all the time. I should charge you for bandwidth." He laughed.

I showed him the magic of the used book market, where almost-new books can be obtained for a dollar. We buy car parts from Rock Auto and discuss military history. "Here's a great book on Soviet ships. Only $600, almost new."

 Today is my name-day in Greek Orthodoxy. 

From January 1 - 2009. Sassy's Foster Parents Story

I stood on the curb at my house and watched my current foster dog, Moxie, drive away with her new family. Moxie watched me from the window of the car, looking confused. At that moment I felt waves of emotions wash over me. First, happiness, after all she had found her forever home. Next came the sadness, tears began to well up in my eyes. I was about to lose a part of my family. And finally, relief. I sighed deeply as I began to think about how me, my husband, and our dogs would spend a much appreciated break from the demanding work of fostering dogs.

I smiled as I headed back to the animal shelter where I work. But as I walked through the door at the shelter my smile faded. There she was: my new foster. I knew it from the moment I saw at her. She was on the floor, curled up in a fetal position, tail tucked completely under her, her eyes wide with fear. She was shaking and every now and again she would let out a little yelp. The man on the other end of the leash continued talking to my co-worker but his voice was just noise to me. I was completely focused on this scared, wonderful, little girl that needed my help. I began to wonder what her life had been like. Did she like children? Did she like other dogs? Did she like to camp or hike or swim? I knew that the answers to these questions would come soon enough, as I had already decided that she would come to stay with us. I quickly snap out of my daze when I noticed something wrong with her back right leg.

I manage to ask, “What’s wrong with her leg?”

“Oh she got kicked by a horse in April,” he replied.

“April? But this is August,” I muttered.

“I know, but we just couldn’t afford the medical care,” he replied.
Such a common answer in my field of work but for me heart wrenching to hear. I began to fear for this little dog’s well being and worry about what the future might hold for her. I scooped her up and took her to the shelter vet right away. The x-rays revealed a compound fracture that had been healing improperly for several months and the doctor informed me that the leg couldn’t be saved. I buried my face in this beautiful little dog’s fur and began to cry. Tears of joy? Tears of sadness? I’m not sure which it was but I suspect it was a little of both.

Sassy, at the very young age of a year old, had her leg amputated later that week and came home with us a couple of days later for a long road of recovery. She was amazing! She put all her trust in us and ran that long road to recovery in a very short amount of time. She quickly learned to walk using three legs, and then how to jump onto the couch using three legs, and then how to jump into the bed using three legs. She continued to amaze us when she chased the other dogs around the park, went on long walks with her foster doggie siblings, and went swimming at a local lake. But we knew that she would be just fine when she went hiking with us and literally had a tantrum when Mark tried to carry her up a very steep hill. She was going to do it by herself. That has pretty much been her attitude during the whole ordeal, it Sassy’s way or the highway.

Mark and I consider ourselves very lucky to have met Sassy and to be able to care for her. For all the things that we may have taught her during her stay with us, she has taught us just as many. Among her lessons: perseverance, trust, confidence, the ability to overcome, and the ability to smile when things aren’t so great. All lessons that each and every one of us should practice. I know that those waves of emotions will wash over me once again when Sassy finds her forever home, but that’s why I do it. Fostering can be the best and the worst feeling. But every time she looks up at me with those big brown eyes I know she is grateful for what I was able to do for her and I look forward to the day I stand on the curb, tears welling up in my eyes, watching her drive away with her new family, with that incredibly silly grin on her face.

Sassy Tales

Sassy enjoys company. She is a great guest and host.

Sassy had a sleep-over with Army Ranger Bob this week. They were back early (for him) on Monday morning. She must have enjoyed her stay, because she almost went back with him. Everyone loves Sassy, except Tiny, the ferocious Chihuahua who guards the Four Esses.

 Tiny has this reaction when Sassy warns him to stop being so cute with me. They made enough noise to wake the neighborhood.

We have had some cold mornings, but John and Patricia come out in the cold to see Sassy. The big question is whether Sassy will love up husband, wife, or neither. It is easy to see that Sassy is playing with them, so they laugh at her stubborn coldness. A burst of laughter prompts Sassy to bestow her gentle kisses, always listening for a reaction.

 German road-block. Sassy gets attention by filling the passageway with her stretched-out body. Kitchen? Why not stretch out in front of the fridge? Dominating the space is a win, all by itself.

Coffee is magical for Sassy. She has made pour-over coffee time her chance to request some Johnsonville brat slices. This began with my shocked look when she was in the kitchen before the sun was up. Now she quickly changes her expression from hopeful to big, self-satisfied, and smiley. If she is sleepy, the smile takes a few more dramatic gestures and backward hops.

Sassy understands that I want fresh, hot coffee before we walk. She has ways to motivate me and to show her impatience:

1. The paw against my leg - the lightest touch tells me she is present and ready to walk, at my convenience. She may murmur a little.
2. A gentle swap means it is time, but she will wait a bit.
3. The command-demand cycle begins with dragging a paw across my kneecap. (Once it was my fragile and sensitive stomach, and she laughed at the result.) People should consider a dog's ability to smile, laugh, scowl, pout - they are masters of management.
4. If the first kneecap scrape is ineffective, the next one is a double with more force and a definite, impatient scowl.
5. Christina was awake and watching when I said, "Wait for the triple scrape."
6. I closed my eyes and became still. Sassy delivered the final warning, DEFCON 1 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! - three forceful kneecap scrapes and a furious look. I burst out laughing, which only proved that I am malleable. Sassy and I left soon after for the walk.

Sassy the Visitor

On morning walks, Sassy visits Pat whenever she is out. Pat even comes out in the cold to see Sassy. Today, Pat's son was visiting from Tucson, so the three of us watched Sassy scour the yard for treats. She found a roast bone and settled down for a long session. Pat was pleased to have her son there and Sassy enjoying the bone.

That reminded me of the 50th reunion of the Moline High School class of 1966. We took Sassy along and had two goals - we would see Toby McGriff in the nursing home, first of all, and Guy Johnson when he had time.

Toby's nursing home welcomed dogs, and Sassy soaked up the love from everyone. In fact, so many wheelchairs gathered around Sassy that all traffic stopped and we had to break up the traffic jam.

At Toby's room we could see he was in bad shape. Our memories went back to junior high band, starting with John Deere and ending with MHS. The same people come together for band, even for summer marching band practice, so we had years to compare band directors, baton twirlers, and band trips. Toby loved seeing Sassy. The Moline High 66ers went to Augustana in a large group, so Christina felt very much at home with the Moliners at Augie and the overlapping friendships. It was very hard to leave Toby - we all felt the sadness, no time for chipper denials. Toby passed on to eternal life not long after.

 Toby and I had stories way back in time.

Our other goal was to see Guy Johnson, whom we met at Lago's for the 45th. Our friendship went back to Garfield Grade School (now a condo) and comic books. I bought all the Classics Illustrated, even ordering them from the publisher, and gathered DC comics by the pound.

We sat outside and below the motel, near the river, visiting with Guy. He brought his dog who came over to me for petting and compliments. Sassy felt left out and tried some sharing, only to be growled away. She stood back, hurt, for a time - until Guy fussed over her. Then both dogs beamed as we all talked.

 Guy Johnson - outside of Lagomarcino's. His group asked for suggestions for their reunion. The '66 imperial reunion committee considered suggestions lèse-majesté.

Sassy - The Expert in Adult Education

 Norma Boeckler took this photo at the dog park. Sassy gave me a special kiss on the cheek whenever I said, "Let's see the dog park."

Dogs were certainly created to be companions, and Sassy Sue is the epitome of man's best friend. She could have been shy, which is typical of Cattle Dogs, but she looks for friends everywhere. She is protective, smart, and easily trained - like German Shepherds - but also reverses roles and trains us.

When I tell people she is very special, they often respond with "My dog is very special too." I ask, "Does your dog have a blog?" That leaves them stammering.

I teach adult education most of the year, and I find Sassy a natural in her abilities to train others, especially me. Most dogs fall into natural habits, such as how they respond to certain activities, orders, food, and fun.

Sassy is unpredictably volatile. One night she will wiggle up to us on the bed for affection before going to sleep. That can include falling sideways into me and giving me kisses while being petted. But she can also turn her back to us and whimper about being neglected. Then we repeat the yanking drama.
"Come here for some love, Sassy."
Bark, bark.
"If you don't come here, I will have to yank you."
I touch Sassy and pretend to pull her 1/2 inch. Her eyes bulge.
"OK. Move! Move!"
She gets up and moves toward us one inch.
"Oh come on now, Sassy. You can do better than that."
She gets up close and collects on petting, compliments, laughter, and scritches. Animals are bad in spelling and grammar, so scritches are scratches on her forehead, chin, and ears.

This morning Patricia came out to see us at 7 AM. She loves to see us, and her yard is where Sassy looks for treats. When we leave, Pat is supposed to get some love. Sassy will be affectionate one day and indifferent another. This morning Sassy kissed both of Pat's hands and stayed for a third round of kisses, smiling shyly. We laughed at her change of heart. The last time, a few days ago, Sassy refused to show any response.

If we have guests, Sassy jumps into their bed and checks them over before letting them sleep. She has learned not to force herself on people, but she never forgets a friend. Anyone who loves Sassy can expect a morning hello, too.

Sassy's ears and eyes are very expressive, and she watches our expressions closely. The paw in the air is designed to make me laugh, because that is her mock sign of distress, to get attention. It could be used on the nearby metal shelf, but simply waving it in the air - at an angle - is enough to signal a priority request. Yes, I know dogs and pets lift a paw for "moar" - "moar food, moar pets." But this pawing of the air came out of her discovery that scratching the antique table - and then the replacement shelf - would get a fake reaction of horror. That startled and scared her at first, but when she realized I was having fun, it became her little signal with a mischievous smile.

Sometimes the evening quiet is disturbed by her broken-hearted barks. "What's wrong with Sassy?" Christina asks.

"Her staff has disappointed her. She is not angry, just disappointed. Did I forget something?" I ask as if I know nothing.

"Frosty Paws?" Sassy's eyes light up and her ears seem to grow in size and receptivity. Her reactions are varied:

1. More broken-hearted barking, because we forgot.
2. Expressions of delight and fun. 
3. Melting over the corner of the bed and looking toward the kitchen with great sadness and longing.

She is willing to go to sleep after one teaspoon of ice cream, but it is never truly bedtime for her until she gets that tidbit.

 Sassy is always ready for a ride somewhere.

Sassy, Gardening, and Ranger Bob

I wanted to write an email about coffee, but gmail went down hard on Sunday and has not returned.

We have an interesting connection, between Sassy, Ranger Bob, coffee, and gardening. Sassy loves to hear the knock on the door, followed by scratching that tells her Ranger Bob is there.

Sassy greets friends by barking loudly at them, and Bob gets a long, loud greeting. He usually walks in saying, "How about some of that great, fancy coffee!" I make some pour-over coffee in the kitchen, grinding the beans, using private label water (Sam's Club), and pouring the hot water over the grounds. A 20 ounce bottle is perfect for two mugs.

During the brief wait, Sassy always demands some Pupperoni from Bob. This friendship is great because she loves to stay with him when we have special events. Although he calls himself a cat person, 100%, he is devoted to Sassy. He has a 16 x 20 portrait of her from Penney's.

Bob enjoys telling stories from his impoverished childhood and his days in the Army. He was a tank driver but also learned to fly and repair smaller aircraft. We discovered a mutual fascination with battleships of WWII, so I found some great books used from Alibris.

He was a landscaper in Texas, so we have our battles about his highly toxic career and the way I garden without man-made chemicals.

 Bee balm is a mint attractive to humming birds, butterflies, and bees.

The rose garden is truly three-dimensional now. The tallest plants are:

1. Joe Pye - 20, after 3 years of planting
2. Mountain Mint - 2 plantations
3. Spirea bushes - 17
4. Bee Balm - countless
5. Clethra - 2 from a few years ago
6. Cat Mint - 2 plantations
7. Hostas - many purchased, many given by the Gardeners
8. Fever Few - two tall ones with hundreds of flowers, plus several new ones just starting to grow

 The most scented plant of all - Clethra.
Long after the flowers are gone, cinnamon fills the air.

They are taller than the roses, but not overwhelming. A gimlet eye will note that the serene seven+ list consists of delights for the pollinators, aka bees, butterflies, beneficial bugs, and hummingbirds.

They are the servants of the roses, the queen of all plants in the garden. No other plant is so ugly at first, so willing to shed the blood of the gardener, so prized in bloom.

The serene seven+ are the base for beneficial insects and the hyperactive hummingbird. Whenever people suggest a hummingbird feeder to me, I respond, "I do not buy them - I grow them." Hummingbirds love the plants listed, the hosta especially.

Soon the Shasta daisies will bloom and attract that one fly, the Tachinid, that lays waste to the aphids on roses. No, I do not kill aphids. I prize them. They are food for the beneficial bug babies. The parents lay their eggs on, near, or in pests so their infants have fresh food to grow on. The parents enjoy pollen and nectar, so a balanced garden develops both generations by leaving pests to be food for the little ones, plus plenty of food for the adults, who will do their duty when called upon.

The scientists will not admit this, but Creation Gardening is simply a matter of letting God's engineering and management prevail over man's foolish destruction of life. If we call the sprayer to fill the yard with a pesticide bomb, all the insects will die, but the bad ones will return quickly. Mr. Gardener learned that.

The beneficial insects and birds will swoop in and decimate a crop of pests. I saw that when cottony maple scale landed on our maple tree in Midland. Soon the entire tree was covered with lady bugs, who love scale insects.

Another benefit of the pollinator plan, besides helping the roses, is to enjoy the Garden of Eden effect on wildlife. When I work on plants, rabbits walks casually by me. Cats hang around for Cat Mint and potential meals. Sassy prowls the garden to friend the cats and check out the wild animal scents. Birds are all over garden and above.

When the butterfly plants (Joe Pye and Clethra) start blooming, the butterflies appear. I have tried for more milkweed but that has not worked out. However, some butterfly weed (a cousin) is growing well.

I have always enjoyed watching bees work over Cat Mint. Some is growing near the front porch.

 Cat mint is delightful to bees.