Apropos of Nothing v.10

Pixy, I am so glad that your furrys are becoming a family again! How wonderful to have found a solution that doesn't involve making a choice between the two kitties!

Summer, good for you to make an attempt to make a difference. You can only hope that such an act of kindness may lodge in her memory and influence a choice she makes down the road.

Lynn, Cougars are very territorial and have a large territory (something like 15-20 square miles) so you probably share ours. Our sightings are very intermittant... we may see him/sign several times in a two or so week period and then not again for up to a year or more. If you are still seeing him on a regular basis, you need to do something about it. When I heard the comment about bells, I remember one of my favorite hiking jokes.... How can you tell bear poop? It has cans of pepper spray and tiny bells in it....... You really really really really really need a dog to at least forwarn you if he is close.

I second the "really really need a dog!" Lynn. If you can possibly talk Joey into your saftey, be sure you research out the breed you will want. My dobies got all torn up chasing a cougar and I was told that the cat turned on them because they were in silent pursuit rather than loud and barking. Not the right breed to deal with a cougar. Sofer, do you have any input along those lines? I really think we are getting close to helping Lynn justify dog ownership. (I hope!)

Golden Retrievers are all around good rough and tumble dogs, as are labs. I'd really want dogs that were big enough that the Cougar would think twice about attacking and that wouldn't so much chase after them as scare them off from the homestead.

In Philomath, Oregon, less than a mile from my brother's house, in a pretty residential area, a Cougar had one small dog and its companion, a Chihuahua, I think, actually made the Cougar drop the little dog and take off. Clearly that Cougar was out of his area, though, and had other things to worry about.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2403805

http://caninebreeds.bulldoginformation.com/flock-livestock-guard-dogs.html

Obviously, having a coat is maintenance, but coat is a big help against getting cut up either from the environment (sticks, rocks) and other creatures (even raccoons can do pretty good damage to a dog).

Ask Kate and Mike about Rhodesian Ridgebacks - they are willful, but if you and they are trained correctly, that might be the right dog. They are big and they are bred to hunt and keep lions at bay, so they're pretty darned courageous. Don't know what their reputation is with kids, though.

Of course Kate's dog, Ruby, is a sweet heart. It's hard to believe Kate's stories of raising and training her and how headstrong she was.

I'm kind of in favor of mutts -- they're scrappy & have something to prove.

As though anyone should have to justify having a dog! Humph! double Humph! Just my humble opinion, ,but I think Lynn is too 'nice' to have a rhodesian ridgeback. That's a lot of dog. I don't know if Lynn is quite ready to be the alpha dog...Lynn? Better chime in here.
What about a hound of some kind. They bark up a storm. Maybe they bark too much?

I just adore Hunter, my dobie/coon hound mix. He is an awesome watch dog, and big and aggressive enough to hold his own, but has the hound call rather than the dobie silent chase. I love to listen to him bay at night Twhen something is in the yard....

The down side of a pure hound is just like Kathy said about her sight hounds.... they get very intent in the chase, and as a result, you have to worry about them getting hurt by traffic, etc., or just as bad.... following something so intently that they get so far away from home that they can't find their way back. In an unfenced yard, a hound mixed with a more "homebody" breed would be the ticket.

Yeah, Julie, I've never understood fixating on a particular breed. Give me a coon hound/corgi mix anytime.

My dogs have always been identified by color rather than breed. I currently have a brown dog (boxer/shephard). Previous was a yellow dog (boxer/lab). Mutts are best in my book as well.

No Dog will survive or protect against a cougar. They rule in all animals for clean quiet kills. Nobody knows they are present but dogs. But barking is all that would help and we are so used to it we would just ignore the sound. Cats like this are just looking for residential prey and I would just keep me and my kids in the house from dusk until after dawn. Cougs are nocturnal and rarely travel in the day.
Yes Lynn needs a dog and I would recommend a low shedding type so Joey doesn't get involved with the mess they can make. I personally like Poodles X Pugs they are tough, stubborn, opinionated, and stand up to the challenges of having an owner like Lynn who would rule. LOL
Or this one.

You guys are so funny. We all know who would be the Alpha, and it wouldn't be me.
You are right, we have only seen the cat at dusk.

I hope nobody thinks I'm downplaying mixes. I just think you need to look at the breeds their mixed with to identify their tendencies. Most dogs get turned into shelters because people don't like what their natural inclinations are and they don't fit the owner's personalities or lifestyle.

Go into dog ownership with your eyes open and educated and you're likely to be much happier than if you adopt a cute dog that drives you crazy.

You could always get a motion sensor device that turns on a sprinkler, lights, etc. Heavy metal tunes worked for a friend of mine several years ago. Her neighbours weren't pleased, but at least the problem was solved.
Regarding size of dog: all the dogs that were killed nearby via the cougar were large Labs & Goldens. And the cougar I saw was at 4 pm last summer - crossing the road in broad daylight. One can never be too ho hum about these things.
You might want a dog that has natural guarding instinct - like Mastiffs/Malinois/Shepherds/Ridgebacks, etc. But these type dogs are a lot to handle. What about a fence, Lynn? Is that do-able?

Ohhhh, I like dog breeds - I am just besotted with Wire Fox Terriers, I love the way they look, walk, play (smooth coats have the same movements, but they lack the whiskers! Ya gotta have the whiskers) They have a trot that is so distinctive you can actually spot their movement from a goodly distance. And they have a real, characteristic, Fox Terrierness in their interactions. I can understand why people get hooked on particular breeds, I am sure they see breed features in their beloveds.

I am crazy in love with several dogs - most of our team here bring their dogs to work: two retrievers, a patterson/border terrier cross, and a chihuaha/jack russell cross - but its Fox Terriers that absolutely get my little doggie heart ticking quick. I like pure breeds. I like that people find it significant to retain those characteristics.

Laurie I am convinced that people choose the breed based on their own personality or look. Or perceived personality so I would look in a video of you walking from behind to see if you have that Fox Terrier hop. I think that is why I love Jack Russell Terriers. They are small dogs that are good looking, intelligent, playful, and most importantly kick a... on any dog they meet. Just like me. (Or my perception) L:O)L

Hmmm. So what does that say about me, who is averse to small dogs (even tho the neighbor Jack Russell I call 'rat boy' thinks otherwise). Randy Newman, 'Short People'. I'll have to give that some thought.

And I love sighthounds - extremely athletic, run like the wind, and then find a nice schmooshy comfortable place to nap cuddled up next to a human.

Yes, but then there's Ruby who needs a blankie whenever it dips below 60° in the house. She's not a cuddler like Amber (Lab). These 2 each have aspects of my personality, which can be a slap upside the head, at times.

And I love our Aussies! Give me a well-bred Australian shepherd any time! (although I must say the photo of those terriers at play is just adorable). Not to say I don't love the mutts because I pretty much just love dogs in general, but I do love the Aussie temperament.

Yea team! Love the Jack Russell attack!

And my Costa Rican puppy was so sick she probably would have died had I not gathered her up from the side of the road & then moved heaven & earth (plus credit cards) to get her into the country. So she speaks of my "rescue" tendencies.

Her chow bit makes Osita a tad sassy & the Australian shepherd part makes her fiercely loyal to me yet able to take care of herself in ways most dogs can't (here in Oregon she stays with Lisa when I travel but back in Kankakee she baby-sat herself under the supervision of a next-door neighbor).

I'll represent on all those fronts!

Dogs, schmogs. Don't see the attraction, personally. :p Gimme a house full of cats any day. (Yes I *am* a crazy cat lady, thankyouverymuch) I am mildly allergic to dogs anyway, so I guess it works out that I'm not crazy about them.

What an amazingly beautiful day today! I've done some puttering in the garden, and I'm having to really force myself to keep it at the puttery level. But as fragile as my back has been lately, I need to be very careful.

I'm getting bloodwork done sometime this coming week, getting my vitamin levels checked etc. so I'll know how much of what I need. The Tryptophan seems to be lifting my gloom, which is awesome, but I'm still very tired all the time. I'm getting my thyroid checked too, as I've had wonky levels with it before. So we shall see.

How's everybody doing? Enjoying the sunshine?

Are you taking iron, Her Poniness?
Also, is there a solution to your back problem?

I had a happy surprise today. My ex SIL from the sixties and seventies was over here from Montana and came out with her two friends for lunch at the clubhouse and my daughter came out also to see her aunt. Great unexpected day. They all loved the greenshed too.

Summer- no, I'm not taking an iron suppliment. But I usually don't have any shortage of iron, due to the amount of iron-rich foods I eat. But that will probably be tested too, so I'll know for sure soon.

My back might benefit from an epidural, but I haven't had the guts to try that yet. The only other option would be spinal fusion... nuh-uh... not going there. It can just make things worse later on down the road anyway.

I kind of forgot to keep it at the putter level... oops. But I caught a glimpse of a fish in the giant tub of muck that was my pond, so I bailed the entire thing out with a bucket and rescued the six fish that were miraculously still alive in there. They're in a clear tote in the rec room now. I'm going to try the fishing line trick over the pond, so the water needed to be bailed out anyway to get rid of all the muck the raccoons dragged into it. Ugh. Stupid vermin. So yeah. Ow. *sigh*

Looks like there's a storm blowing in now... I shoulda kept my mouth shut about what a glorious day it was. :-/

If it's any consolation, our sunny & 70s out here turned into drizzly & chilly wind. Why is your back in such shape? Was there an injury?

Willow, company from Montana is ALWAYS good.

Could have started with the nasty car wreck I was in 24 years ago, or it could just be random. The lowest disc in my spine is completely gone so I've got bone on bone action. Whee! Degenerative disc disease, they call it.

I really should ask for an epidural. I hear they work wonders for this condition, but that they're extremely painful at the time of injection. But geez, if I can sit still for hours while someone grinds ink into my skin, I should be able to handle this, right...? Yeah- I'll inquire when I go in for my vampire session.

Pony, it's the gazillionth-bazillionth century -- there MUST be something modern medicine can do for you. It's tough to live with pain -- wears a person out. No wonder you've been in a funk.

LOL @ gazillionth-bazillionth century. :D

Well, like I said... there's spinal fusion, but it can have bad effects in the long-term scheme of things. Disc replacement is being done now, but it's still experimental and they have no idea what the long-term effects are. Maybe they'll have it figured out before I get too old to bother.

I try not to let the pain get me down too much. It is frustrating, but you kinda just learn to live with it, ya know? I need to stop being a wuss and try the epidural. It would be so lovely if it helped- it would be well worth the pain of the (gritted teeth)needle in the SPINE(/gritted teeth).

But hey, overdoing it today got me out of cooking dinner- we ordered pizza! :D

That greenshed is going to be a place of joy and companionship. Look what it is generating already. And more to come.

Pony, I'm sorry to hear you have been suffering emotionally the past few months, but glad the tryptophan is helping somewhat. I hear you with the back trouble, having had personal experience with that myself. It is misery, and I think the incapacitation can cause depression especially for a person who prefers to be physically active and busy with projects in the garden. Very specific exercises helped me recover, and I am eternally grateful to the physical therapists who helped me. I have heard of artificial discs being inserted, but that may be very experimental. I don't know if you want to go there.



This message was edited Mar 20, 2010 8:19 PM

This message was edited Mar 20, 2010 8:22 PM

Sorry Pony for the bad back. Mine is kind of sore for the last 5 days I have been stacking and hauling rock for a retainer wall, stairwell, and plant moving for changes in the garden. I wore through 3 pair of gloves. Shoveled 8 yards of dirt and now am almost done. This is just a small piece of it.
Off to Spokane to see my MSU Sartans play basketball on my way to Seattle to work. Go Spartans!

Oh it was a lovely day today in Seattle. The clouds are settled in now, and it's supposed to rain tomorrow - but hey, if it never rained my house would never ever get cleaned.

I picked up a bale of Alfalfa hay to mulch my veggie beds with, and they are all such a lovely pale green now. Should have done this for St. Patties Day!

Do you guys like this fragment? I'm not usually a fan of borrowing other people's writings like it's so profound to have something at the bottom of yer email or anything, but I found this sort of interesting when it came my way via email:

"... a garden is like the self. It has so many layers & winding paths, real or imagined, that it can never be known, completely, even by the most intimate of friends." (Anne Raver, American garden writer)

Ooh Steve- I have rock envy. I really need more rocks... and soon. Time's awastin'!

I do like that quote, Summer. It makes purty pikshurs in mah haid.

Anybody going to the U.P. Spring Flower Show and Plant Sale? It's May 1st and 2nd. May 2nd happens to be my birthday. Tracy got a very 'We're dooooomed' look on his face when I told him about it... hehehe.

Info here: http://www.thesubtimes.com/2010/03/10/2010-u-p-spring-flower-show-and-plant-sale/#more-14030

Pony, if you ever come out this way you can load up with ALL THE ROCKS you want. My little river releases many from the riverbank every winter (which makes me fall in on occasion).

I'll bring a few as big as I can lift to Willow's.

More rocks for Pony--these are free on Craig's list.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/grd/1651792029.html

Summer, don't bust any gaskets on my account, but I wouldn't say no to gifts of the rocky persuasion. ;)

Holly, I need to try to find some closer to home, but thanks. I do watch Craigslist for them.

Gah- that reminds me... I need to get new tires on my truck asap, no way am I driving to Union with the ones I have now. Argh.

I suppose it is not all that good for your back to be lifting all these rocks, but it is good for the soul to be planning and creating in your garden.

I am all nettle stung and thorn scratched after pruning my gooseberry bush today. The nettles somehow manage to sprout up within the shrub, and it becomes difficult to get them out reaching in between the thorny branches. I am just about ready to yank this one out altogether and try one of the new varieties that are said to be thornless.

Could a physical therapist help? I'm just thinking that, even if the bones themselves have problems, strengthening the muscles around them would help spread the load. My left kneecap slid out of place a long time ago because of my running, but a few bouts of rehab (and subsequent diligent weight training) made everything around it so strong that the kneecap no longer has anywhere to go.

Were we talking about dogs? My heart caught in my throat just now -- Osita jumped off the bed to go out & came by the living room to give me a kiss ... and she's so stiff for some reason. She's only 7. She's the only dog I've ever had & she's always angling for a biscuit & I was thinking the other day, "Stop being such a treat hound!!!!"

But once she's gone, omigosh, will I ever think, "Dangit, I gave her too many treats."