Saturday, September 6, 2008

olympics, hurricanes, turning 40 - oh my!

Mr. Cash has been quite the trooper this month.......................not getting much sleep (like the rest of us) during the olympics, even less sleep watching the weather channel, checking NOAA.gov and weather.com to track Gustav and dealing with me turning 40 right in the middle of it all.

All in all fall 2008 has been eventful so far. Let's see what is next...................Ike I think.

Why do we all watch the weather channel to track a storm?....................I suppose it is like a train wreck - you can't help but look. Ok, so Pensacola is in the buckle of the storm belt (not unlike the bible belt) - but Gustav was going to our neighbors to the West.......we thought and secretly hoped......I stayed here during Ivan. It is also like "where's waldo" but with Jim Cantore. Wherever Jim C. is, that is where the storm is going.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

The mental connection - thinking outside the human mind

I just finished reading an article in National Geographic magazine in regards to the "animal mind" and how researchers are proving that animals are not just robots in flesh that do not have the ability to have intuitive thinking.
I believe that our furry, hairy (and I don't mean your husband and his hairy back), feathered friends do have the ability to think, learn and make decisions based on cognitive experimentation.

Mr. Cash has his way of letting me know what he wants, needs and desires - I of course then respond.....which leads to the "who is really trained" here!? Is it the same mental connection that lets us know someone is coming or not to cross the street when a car is coming or until the light changes.........how is that since dogs can't distinguish red from green.............guide dogs do it. Connectivity with their master, others and nature. Yes, animals are much more in tune than we are.

We all seem to expect that dolphins and primates have the ability to think on a level that seems to most mirror our intelligence (whatever most of think that is worth). There is a connection that goes beyond man and dog - it truly is a level that I know has the same subconscious synapse that causes a husband and wife to finish each others sentences or sisters and best friends to know exactly what the other one would really like for their birthday.

Could the lack of connectivity be a reason for most people to withdraw? do they lack the connection to nature or their own intelligence?

I challenge you to read the article and tell me what you think - click on this link >

Monday, July 21, 2008

city dog vs country dog

appearance
city dog - shiny coat from organic shampoo and conditioner
country dog - what is a bath? and don't come near me with that brush

dental hygiene
city dog - strong white teeth from dental bones and chewing on Kong toy
country dog - strong white teeth from chewing on venison bones, tires and other camp treats left

apparel
city dog - a bandanna or at least a collar that reflects personality with shaped name tag (bone, heart, house, etc.)
country dog - what is a collar?

arrival
city dog - on a leash or at least waits patiently in the back seat of car
country dog - we don't need no stink'n leashes

health
city dog - up to date on all vaccines, heart worm, flea control and additional doggie multivitamins and what not to ensure that nothing harmful gets into the dogs system while at the country camp.
country dog - suck it up and learn to deal with a tick or too. We are decedents of wild animals.

exercise
city dog - taken on a daily 30 minute walk or jog as well as playing fetch, etc.....
country dog - free range! The world is my doggie park.

the result
city dog - jumps out of the car and in 5 minutes enters the stinky Louisiana bayou, runs through the marsh ruining said bandanna, plays tug of war with coco the country puppy for the venison bone - which will give him horrible gas - and wears him self out in about 20 minutes........so much for thinking my dog was in good shape.

moral of the story - it doesn't matter where you come from, we can all get along - just like our dogs. Just get out there and have some fun and don't worry about everything!
But it is funny and heart warming to see my "city" dog come running back to me every 5 minutes....just to make sure I haven't left him "in the country" - ha!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

People you meet when walking mr. cash - north hill

most mornings at 5:30 a.m. you don't see too many people while walking/running mr. cash..........mostly because I have sleep still caked in my eyes and it is a bit too early to catch the gentleman of the 6 at 6 am running group (yes, ladies - I highly recommend if you are single and in shape to join this running group).
However this morning was a lesson in listening and appreciating the stories that an older generation can share. An older black gentleman was slowly but stongly walking down the road with a small grocery bag headed to an unknown destination with purpose. He was curious about mr. cash and stopped me to inquire about him.........mostly because of his size. He told me he used to have a black dog with a white star on his chest for many years and how he came to have it. He also shared with me this question - "how old do you think I am? and I will give you 3 guesses." I am not good at this game at all and guessed 78. He was actually 86 and I might add in good shape for man his age. He grew up in pensacola in this very neighborhood and worked on cervantes street when it was just a sand pile.
I think mr. cash was interested in the story as well since he decided to laydown in middle of the road we were standing and conversing in.
The gentleman then let me know that his good physical condition is from lots of walking, eating right and his years as a welter weight boxer - he had the crooked nose to prove it. He ran and did lots of road work - no weights, "makes you bulky and slow." His fighting name was "speedy". I have not looked this up as of yet.
Time did fly and I knew I had to get back to the house to get ready for work - but I thanked him for sharing his stories with me and hoped to see him again soon. He agreed we would meet again here or upstairs.

If you are a boxing buff and can help me find out more about "speedy" please share.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

national "take your dog to work day"

Friday, June 20th was national "take your dog to work" day and oh yes, It was Mr. Cash Friday! All 108 lbs of black lab under my desk with his head on my feet all day or following me like the secret service behind the President - even to the bathroom. Does anyone truly realize the release of tension and anxiety?(especially in this economy).........it has been scientifically proven and I am sure we all have seen some type of Good Morning America or 60 minutes segment touting the benefits of having your pets in the workplace. Invitation was open to all and well..........I took that opportunity to shake things up a bit. Only issue all day was having to meet with a client in the conference room.........heard the boo hoo from upstairs - quite embarrassing. I am sure you all have been there.

I know - Caesar Milan would be upset with me.........humanizing the animal and I know my husband has said many times that I have ruined his hunting dog. This bothers me how?
If I were a man I would be "mas punto!, but once again this bothers me how?

I heard a joke a while back and I thought truly personifies the "man's best friend" theory.
Take your dog and your wife (or husband in this case) and put them in the trunk of your car. come back a few hours later - who is happy to see you?

I don't live in an extremely dog friendly city.........we do have new dog parks (as of 2 years ago), a dog owners association who are working very hard and a dog beach on bayou texar. Hey, check the poo report and you will see that they don't want YOU swimming in bayou texar for fear of toxic sludge, poo and run off from champion, solutia, etc........but let your dog swim in there.......I suppose it's a start since you can't actually take your dog (legally) to the beach. I highly suggest worming your dog after swimming in Bayou Texar.

everyone at my office was very happy to have mr. cash visiting! There are those that say "but mr. cash is too big, you can't take him to the office." people take their bad kids to the office- at least mine is not a picky eater and doesn't talk back or draw on the walls.
That is correct - no kids for me (I don't drink the water here).

While mr. cash does have his "the black dog" collar and a few cool bandannas and his puppy hiking pack...............he does not get sissified with any type of clothing. Hey, here is a clue - dogs like being naked and aren't that vain as to need a matching hoodie and painted toe nails. If you own a labra-doodle, please don't do it, even if it is part poodle. I beg you never to do that to a big dog....or really any dog for that matter..................they will be embarrassed.

I also truly believe a dog is a reflection of its owner....................just pay attention the next time you see someone with their dog.

I will have to say - taking mr. cash to work helped me maintain my chi. I wish everyday was "take your dog to work day". I think I see a new office policy coming soon.