October 2, 2023

Gracie sporting her new green collar!

October 6, 2023

October 15, 2023

Unlike when Gracie was a puppy, she no longer tries to engage in activity with every dog she encounters. She’s become much more selective of her canine pals. But Piper, arguably, has been – and continues to be – Gracie’s BFF (best friend forever). Piper is the same age as Gracie. She is a friendly, adorable labradoodle. Piper’s owners, John and Dee Dee, are a charming, elderly couple. Piper and family live within walking distance to Teegarden Park.

We frequently find Piper in the park on the weekends. When Gracie spots Piper, she’ll make a beeline across the field to play with her and greet John and/or Dee Dee. The dogs run and wrestle and romp until both flop on the ground, exhausted. After a few minutes, they’ll jump up and run and wrestle and romp some more. Today was no exception!

This morning, John, Dee Dee, and Piper needed to leave the park before Gracie and me. Gracie seemed sad to see them go. As they exited the park, Gracie sat in the field and watched them for many minutes until they disappeared from her sight. And then she remained there even longer. I think when she finally convinced herself they weren’t coming back, she turned and ran to me.

October 22, 2023

October 26, 2023

Frisbee fun!

October 29, 2023

When time allows, I like settling in a chair to read a good book. But almost inevitably, as I begin to get comfortable – and have read no more than a few paragraphs – Gracie will run up to me, drop a toy in my lap, sit down and stare directly at me. If I “pretend” not to see her and keep on reading, she will bark until I engage in play with her.

Needless to say, my reading time has been severely curtailed by my spoiled noodle!

September 5, 2023

Over the past Labor Day weekend, I took Gracie swimming. Each day we went to a different place. Saturday it was Valley Forge Park. Sunday was The Willows. On Monday, Labor Day, we went to Lloyd’s. It seemed like splashing in the cool waters at some of her favorite spots was good way for her to enjoy a hot, end-of-summer holiday.

In the picture sequence below: Valley Forge, The Willows, Lloyd parks.

September 10, 2023

Around this time of year, every year, it’s as if an invasive species creeps into the aisles of grocery stores across the planet – or at least in the US. I’m referring to the throngs of PUMPKIN SPICE merchandise that have spread across the retail shelves! What a preposterous plethora of seasonal products ranging from especially appealing (Birch Benders Pumpkin Spice Pancake and Waffle Mix) to distasteful (Test Kitchen PUMPKIN SPICE BEEF JERKY), and even ridiculous (Pumpkin spice “dude wipes”). Among some other curious store offerings of pumpkin period items include Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, Native Pumpkin Spice Deodorant, Pumpkin Spice Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Pumpkin spice garbage bags, Pumpkin Spice Poo~Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, and – even –
Pumpkin Spice Beard Oil! Quick to cash in on the trend, too, among fast food franchise selections are, for a limited time, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at Starbucks, a Pumpkin Spice Pancake Combo at IHOP, and coming on September 12, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty at Wendy’s.

What does all of this have to do with my Goldendoodle? Well, it might not be any surprise that companies catering to canines have ALSO jumped on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. In the picture below, Gracie is posed with some of the pumpkin spice goods for sale this fall. Numbered items are listed below.

Shown above (as numbered clockwise starting from the top left) are:

1. GREENIES Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, Pumpkin Spice Flavor

2. Pet House Pumpkin Spice Natural Plant-Based Mini Candle

3. Showseason Bath & Brush Therapies Pumpkin Spice Cologne

4. Showseason Pumpkin Spice Conditioner Gallon (Obviously for your pet’s fur conditioning needs all year round!)

5. Pumpkin Spice Pet Shampoo for Dogs

6. Frisco Pumpkin Spice Personalized Dog Bandana

7. Bootique Pumpkin Spice Plush Dog Toy

8. Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix & Frosting Dog Treat

9. One Fur All Pet House Pumpkin Spice Car Air Freshener

The bombardment of this seasonal seasoning craze definitely makes one wonder. “What will they think of next to exploit it??” For now, I’m trying not to think about it and simply “go with the flow” while I secretly munch on my Oreo Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies.

September 17, 2023

Gracie almost camouflaged…

September 19, 2023

I have a vague recollection of a dream I had last night about untying knots. Maybe it was a premonition. When I got home from work today, I encountered this at the top of the stairs:

While I was out this morning, Gracie was busy fraying the edge of the throw rug and then using the strands to tie up Mr. Gumby. I’m not sure what Gumby did to deserve this treatment!

September 30, 2023

Gracie enjoyed a brief visit with Mom recently. Gracie loves going to the Oaks where she gets LOTS of attention!

August 8, 2023

Welcome to the new format of the Gracie Update! I’ve consolidated the collection of daily Gracie Updates to a website, raisinggracieblog.com. Future updates will be generated from this site.

Please feel free to leave a comment!

Note your email always remains private. You can discontinue receiving daily updates anytime either by unsubscribing or sending me an email.

August 9, 2023

A special Haiku from Gracie…

In my neighborhood
Ripe, stinky, smelly odors
I LOVE garbage day!

August 13, 2023

Summer = Swimming + Sticks

When Gracie and I go to a stream, if there are no sticks handy for me to throw to have Gracie retrieve, she’ll scavenge the shallow areas of the water searching for one. She’ll often dip her whole face into the water, pull a stick out, bring it to shore and assess it for gnawing. Some sticks seem to have exceptional “chew ability” and will keep her occupied for a while – like this sizeable one she recently fished out of the Schuylkill River:

Yesterday, at the Willows, I threw sticks for Gracie to retrieve AND she foraged the stream for even more sticks. She carefully placed every stick she retrieved and scavenged onto a rocky bed in the middle of the stream as she assembled her own little “stick island.”

August 17, 2023

About 10 years ago, my financial advisor at the time asked me what my goals were for retirement. I looked him in the eye, and with assurance, I stated, “My plan for retirement is to get a dog, take it to the woods, and throw sticks for it.” He laughed. I was dead serious. (I didn’t mention a few other intentions I had for retirement such as vacationing in the Caribbean).

And here it is 10 years later – and I’m living my dream! (At least part of it…)

😊

August 21, 2023

Our doggie friend Rascal is getting up in age. Rascal, unfortunately, has always thoroughly disliked other dogs. He typically growls and barks- wildly and protectively – when he spots another canine. But last weekend, when Gracie inadvertently ventured into Rascal’s space, Rascal tentatively sniffed Gracie and then engaged in play with her. It was a breakthrough!

Who says “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”?

Rascal and Gracie…

August 26, 2023

Gracie Update – August 30, 2023

Because of expected rainy weather, I took Gracie to daycare yesterday. When I dropped her off, I perused and selected “Nail Trim” and “Anal Gland Expression” from the à la carte menu. “Expression” – such an elegant adjective. Like the gland is doing some sort of meaningful dance. I’m aware now of what an “expression” entails, and I know it’s not as delightful as it sounds.

Maybe it was due to my not getting much activity yesterday while Gracie was at daycare, but last night I had vivid dreams of exercising with friends. I dreamt we were in a tight group, and I was squeezing between people as I worked out. I woke up from all of my movement and found myself with my head at the foot of the bed, underneath the covers, bi-pap on, struggling to get out! Good grief! (Gracie slept through it all.)

Today I made sure both Gracie and I had plenty of time outside! I’m getting adequate activity while she sports her freshly expressed gland!

Below, Gracie with playmates at doggie daycare yesterday. It seems to me she’s asking, “You’re expressing WHAT???”

July 3, 2023

My golden noodle received her summer cut today! (Her dippity-doodle-noodle-do!). Before and after shots below….

July 6, 2023

While it seemed to go OK for Gracie last year, this year the fireworks from nearby Wilson Farm Park were an ordeal for her. She barked. She cowered. And, completely uncharacteristically, she didn’t even want to go outside after the fireworks concluded. Thankfully, they are over for another year.

Gracie needed a good day.

So, one of the nice things about being retired is having the option to wake up and make spontaneous plans. Yesterday was one of those days. Given Gracie’s ordeal from the fireworks the night before, I thought, “why not take Gracie to the New Jersey shore today and introduce her to the ocean?” And that’s what we did!

I had read online about a dog park and a dog beach in Wildwood, NJ. That’s where we went! It’s about a 2-hour drive. On arrival, we first visited the dog park, which I spotted immediately by the 25-foot fire hydrant at the park entrance. In the fenced-in park, Gracie romped through the sand, chased other dogs, and sniffed canine scents to her heart’s content. Then we went toward the water where dogs were permitted, on-leash. We walked along the shoreline and, after her initial apprehension of the water flowing toward and receding from the shore, Gracie was soon eagerly stepping through small waves.

I think she loved the ocean! An adventurous time it was!

In retrospect, I learned a few lessons along the way. These are some things I will do differently the next time I decide to venture to the shore with my dog. (Or these are some handy pieces of advice if you decide to do so with your dog. You’ll thank me later.)

1. Get an early start. If you wake up at 7am and make spontaneous plans for the day, don’t putz around for 3 hours before starting out on your single-day trip to one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast the day after a holiday weekend because traffic will be ridiculous, and all the road work being done will happen to be on your route. And, as you may surmise, a late start might force you to return home at rush hour.
2. Make sure your dog relieves itself prior to walking on the beach. It’s pretty difficult to hide when your dog does weewee along the shoreline where multitudes of people are congregated within easy watching distance. And even though dog urine quickly dissipates in the gentle ebb and flow of the waters, it’s a lot more difficult to manage a full BM, which had me whipping out a doggie bag and frantically chasing broken turds as they began rolling out to sea.
3. Check and recheck a map before heading home. Preferably a PAPER map. (If you are reading this and are under the age of 20, ask an elder what this is.) It is a known fact that you CANNOT always believe what your GPS tells you. This is because GPS apps are designed for plucky youngsters who have 20-20 vision and are born with cell phones in their hands. They are NOT designed for us sight-impaired seniors who cannot read 2-point type and will assume that the home destination (conveniently and automatically entered by artificial intelligence) will be the CORRECT address and not some remote location in the northern Pinelands causing your trek home not only to coincide with rush hour in New Jersey but to extend to 3.5 hours. (But do note, in New Jersey, to travel westward from Point A to Point B, your GPS will take you east first, then south, then north then east again, through multiple circles, then west.  This is, in the infinite wisdom of NJDOT, the most efficient route for the highway infrastructure. In this instance, your GPS is, surprisingly, correct.)
4. If your dog tries to climb out the car window on the way home, stop the vehicle immediately to let them relieve themselves even if you are in the middle the NJ Turnpike where I shouldn’t have been in the first place, but it was because of that blasted GPS. (Thankfully, the window was closed.)
5. Plan to get your car/clothing/house/everything you own cleaned after your fun-filled trip because your wet dog will roll around on the beach AFTER being in the ocean and your dog (and you) will carry copious amounts of sand everywhere for days.

You’re welcome.

July 9, 2023

New theory recognized:
Murphy’s first certainty principle of floors states that it is inevitable your dog will go outside and roll in something atrociously smelly immediately following getting your wall-to-wall carpets professionally shampooed.

July 15, 2023

Gracie and I got caught in a heavy downpour today at Lloyd Park. But not before she had a chance to retrieve tennis balls and frisbees from the water and race around the fields with doggie friends. We both came home thoroughly soaked!

July 20, 2023

July 25, 2023

One of the things I love about modern-day technology is being able to get a local hour-by-hour forecast. According to weather.com, today’s prediction was partially sunny skies until thunderstorms around 2-3pm. So, around 11 this morning, well before the rain would be rolling in, Gracie and I headed for Mount Joy in Valley Forge Park for a leisurely walk in the woods.

One of the things I hate about modern-day technology is that it is frequently WRONG. We had set out on the trail with sunny skies. But by the time we were about a quarter mile into the woods, heavy drops began falling. A few minutes later the sky opened up and we were caught in pouring rain. Must have been from that lone cloud over Valley Forge Park.

(You know, despite my many years working in the IT sector, you’d think I’d know better than to place so much trust in hi tech – especially a forecast. Mother Nature, I believe, will ALWAYS manage to evade mankind’s most advanced technical efforts. And while I’m on this mini rant regarding tech, I wonder – in today’s world of scientific marvels such as virtual reality, space stations, and robotic vacuum cleaners, why does it STILL take 3 hours slogging through multiple phone calls, a zillion phone trees, repeating my account number 50 times, and numerous attempts at translating foreign languages of customer service reps to resolve a $20 discrepancy on my Internet bill?)

I digress.

Gracie and I cut our walk short to Mount Joy. We turned around to come home. The trails had already turned to mud, and the rain continued to fall. We arrived home dirty and soaked. And to sunny skies.

(Below) Gracie on the trail today before the mud.

July 28, 2023

I had another condo board meeting last evening. This one was held on Zoom again, but Teresa joined me in my home because her computer wasn’t working. Gracie was beyond excited to have Teresa at our house. Gracie did manage be more subdued this time than last month’s meeting. (No disruptive grunting from Mr. Hippo.) She mostly sat with Teresa as Teresa showered her with pets. Until mid-meeting, during a Zoom conversation, Gracie let out an EXCEEDINGLY LOUD burp. I don’t remember that part of the board’s discussion at all because, following our pausing from the initial shock (“did that really happen??”), Teresa and I couldn’t stop howling with laughter. I’m sure the other board members didn’t believe us when we blamed the belch on the dog.

Photo below shows Gracie resting after the meeting.

July 31, 2023

Note to introverts: If find yourself at a party and you don’t know 90% of the people there and you are intimidated and feeling claustrophobic and you are stumped for conversation, ask the person next to you if they have any pets. If they say “Yes,” ask them if they have any pictures of their pet. I guarantee you they will immediately answer in the affirmative and whip out their cell phone to show you multiple photos of said pet. That stranger next to you will then engage in a prolonged explanation of each photo, pointing out each of the endearing traits of their pet. If other people around you also have pets, all those people will also pull out their cell phones and display their pet photos and a lively discussion will ensue with everyone exchanging their favorite pet stories.

If the person next to you does not have a pet, after your moment of trepidation, you can:

• Say to that person next to you, “The weather is nice today.”
• Ask that person next to you if they know where the bathroom is.
• Turn to the person on the other side of you and ask them if they have a pet.
• Go get a drink.

As an introvert, I discovered the pet angle is a great conversation starter. And now I’m one of those people whipping out their phones showing multiple pictures (in my case, thousands) of their pet. If no one has pets, well, I spend a lot of time in the bathroom.

June 3, 2023

Gracie had a grand time at Skunk Hollow Trail in the Willows today. She romped with a 7-month-old retriever, Oliver, in the creek. They splashed, swam, climbed on rocks. played tug-of-war and chased each other on the muddy banks. Later, as we left, a soaked Gracie blissfully rolled in the dirt.

At home we went DIRECTLY from the car to the shower stall for Gracie’s bath. But she ran out of the shower right after I took her in, shook, then tracked mud all over the bathroom floor. Later, I spent awhile cleaning the bathroom, including the walls, with a painstaking half hour scrubbing the grimy grout between the tiles with a toothbrush….

June 6, 2023

After running around with it in Teegarden Park today, I finally caught up with Gracie when she dropped this flip flop she had found. She was quite proud of herself. Nobody else was in the park to claim it but we left it there, intact, except for a few teeth marks and dog slobber.

June 12, 2023

For Gracie, not much can beat taking a swim, rolling in the mud, and then following it all up with a great frisbee chase! (As long as she’s in the lead with the frisbee…)

June 18, 2023

June 23, 2023

Some summertime fun in Valley Forge Park…

June 30, 2023

As a condo association board member, this week I hosted the monthly meeting. Three of us met in my home, the others attended via Zoom. Gracie thought my guests, Teresa (president) and Jim (secretary), were here for the sole purpose to visit her, of course. She enjoyed many pets and belly rubs from Teresa and Jim. Gracie is especially fond of Teresa, who loves dogs and knows Gracie well. Gracie dropped her “Mr. Elephant” toy in Teresa’s lap to engage her in play. All of the doggie activity left our Zoom attendees wondering why we were so delayed. When we finally resumed our meeting, loud grunts from “Mr. Elephant” kept intruding our discussion.

Jim, secretary, asked me if Gracie might take the minutes next time. No doubt he was thinking it would be a much more constructive use of her time. I explained unfortunately, Gracie has not yet mastered the art of typing, nor of penmanship. However, she HAS demonstrated a special talent for destroying documents. If we need something shredded, we’re covered.

Below, Gracie sleeping with Mr. Elephant. Mr. Elephant has replaced Mr. Hippo as Gracie’s favorite toy. Sadly, Mr. Hippo is faceless and noiseless. But he’s second-favorite.

May 14, 2023

May 16, 2023

After my return last week from a terrific trip first to Chicago, then to Albuquerque, I was anxious to be reunited with my little golden noodle. While I was away, Gracie was boarded at Paoli

Vetcare where, as reported by her keepers, she did great and she made LOTS of new four-footed friends. When I greeted her, I think? she was glad to see me. I was sure happy to see her.

Now, we’re getting back into our daily routines of doggie parks, trails in the woods, and swimming on the warmer days.

May 20, 2023

I was in the process of painting a tulip for my botanical watercolor class. I set it aside to finish later. Unfortunately, in the meantime, Gracie slyly intercepted it and added her own distinctive marks. Though it was no masterpiece by any stretch, I was none too pleased. I showed the destroyed art to Marylyn, my instructor. She laughed out loud and suggested I formerly write the title on it, “My Dog Ate My Homework,” and frame it. 

It might be my most creative work to come out of the class.

May 26, 2023

Gracie delighted in a day at Lucie’s Barkingham Palace yesterday. I caught this picture from the observation window of her playmates for the day….

May 29, 2023

Gracie and I have a frequent, favorite walk through the woods and fields by Valley Creek in Chesterbrook. As we go, I toss sticks into the stream for Gracie to retrieve. But I recently realized, the hard way, that route is teeming with poison ivy. I’ve been fighting itchy rashes from it lately on my arms and legs. 

So, Gracie and I have been visiting other dog-friendly areas this week. Today we went to Skunk Hollow Trail in Radnor’s Willow Park. It’s a nice, wide dirt track through the woods and leads to Little Darby Creek. (Any poison ivy is safely away from the path.) Gracie enjoyed wading in the water, chasing sticks and splashing with other dogs. 

Did I mention DIRT? Today’s outing was predictably followed by a much-needed bath for Gracie. The bath for Gracie was unavoidably followed by a much-needed bath for me.

April 5, 2023

Gracie’s OK about riding in the car. But she’s especially content when Aunt Tina will sit with her in the back seat. On our ride to NJ last weekend…

Thanks for the photo, Tina!

April 8, 2023

April 13, 2023

Today was a taste of summer! It was 85 degrees and sunny, so I took Gracie to the local swimming hole for a dip. She seemed thrilled to chase and retrieve sticks in the cool water.

When I was tired (not her), she got out of the stream and promptly rolled in the dirt. Then Gracie took the “taste of summer” idea too literally. She picked up something – I don’t know what – and pranced around the field like the day she had a deer leg in her mouth. I’m sure she had either a dead bird or mouse. I never found out because she refused to drop it and by the time I caught her, she had swallowed all parts of whatever it was. Yikes. With her sensitive digestive system, it could be a long night for both of us…

Hoping this initial “taste of summer” doesn’t come back to bite us!

April 16, 2023

Thankfully, we managed to get through our “taste of summer” day this past week without serious digestive consequences. Since then, Gracie has been enjoying more warm, fun days in Teegarden Park with her furry friends. Her very favorites include, serendipitously, another Gracie (pictured first below), Piper and Breeze. Marlo and Niro are also good pals.

Gracie and Gracie:

Gracie and Piper:

Gracie and Breeze:

Gracie and Marlo:

Gracie and Niro:

April 21, 2023

Gracie tears into her toys and they subsequently take a real beating.

Mr. Hippo, who long ago lost his “flatuosity,” is now also faceless.

Froggie, here, was supposed to be nearly indestructible. (He’s been trashed.)

A blue elephant that breaks wind has joined the menagerie. We’ll see how long it keeps it’s “flatuosity!”

April 27, 2023

The Pee Pad Project Epilog

Since last October, I have remained hopeful the EASY BUILD DIY BALCONY DOG POTTY AREA WITH REAL GRASS would be a success. But the remainder of the fall and all winter, it sat on my deck, entirely unused for its intended purpose. On multiple occasions I took Gracie out to try it. But every single time, all she did was dig holes in the sod. So, this past week, I finally faced defeat. It was time for the potty area to go.

I tore up all the dried sod and dumped it into lawn bags. I ripped out the peg board. I swept up all the decorative rock. I hauled it all down the steps and out to be collected with trash. With just the frame and plywood base remaining, Michael came to help. As we began to disassemble it, Gracie came out to investigate and SHE PROMPTLY PEED ON THE PLYWOOD BASE!

How’s that for irony???

I give up. The pee pad is now gone. I have my deck back. And I’m glad.

From now on, she must pee at ground level.

April 29, 2023

Gracie sure loves her toys, and they can never be too far away!

March 1, 2023

When I had cats, it was a major feat to get them to a vet appointment. (I would start strategizing 24 hours prior on how to get them in the carrier.) With Keiko, one of my cats, I would have to allow a good half-hour cushion of time just to catch her.

With Gracie, it’s the polar opposite. Gracie loves going to see Dr. Walker. She’ll happily jump in the car, then pull on her leash when we arrive at the office. In the office, the techs fawn over her (which she relishes) and frequently there is another dog there for her to greet. When Dr. Walker opens the door to the exam room, Gracie is beyond excited and races to him. The two of them will lavish each other with attention. Dr. Walker sits on the floor, hugs and pets Gracie and rubs her belly. Gracie, with her tail wagging her whole body, cuddles with him and licks his face.

Dr. Walker has this nifty exam table that sits low to the floor. He puts Gracie on top, presses a button, and Gracie gets a ride as the table slowly rises to a standard level. What fun! As the exam finishes up, Dr. Walker gives her several yummy treats.

Yesterday’s vet appointment was a follow-up after Gracie’s recent illness. Her white cell count is back to normal, and she received a clean bill of health!

And it was a jolly visit!

Gracie at vet….

March 4, 2023

Fred has graciously offered to do needed work on my car. He’s an awesome mechanic, and I have happily taken him up on his kind proposal. So, Gracie and I are enjoying this weekend at Uncle Fred’s house in Etters, PA. With 3 cats, new rooms to explore, a spacious basement workshop, and a large yard with an abundance of sticks, Fred’s home provides lots of entertainment for my golden noodle!

March 10, 2023

March 12, 2023

I thought Gracie and I would be on the road this past Thursday to central PA to visit Mom, Tom, and Jan for the weekend, but Gracie got “the trots” again. I didn’t want to start out with her in that condition. To nip it in the bud, I called the vet to start her on medication and a prescription diet again. She was better by later that day. But then on Friday, the forecast for Centre County predicted impending snow. So, we postponed the trip.

It appears many of my life decisions now seem to be dictated by my doggy’s digestive system!

With an empty slate for the next few days, I searched online for possible activities. I discovered a Pet Expo was being held in nearby Oaks this weekend! It was only a $13 entry fee and dogs were allowed on leash! Inexpensive entertainment for both of us! Yeah!

The Expo was packed with people and their dogs. If featured pigs, alpacas, a petting zoo, reptiles, cats, rabbits, a Brahman steer, and many more creatures. There was something for everyone – humans and canines. A highlight for Gracie was participating in the DOGLOVERSDAYS Lure Course where she could be the star as she ran, hopped over obstacles, and chased a decoy around a track. (I followed behind to film her and to keep her on course.) Here’s the video: https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dfJqsAGO9Keb37znJ2exkOsw.

With additional photo ops, the lure course, and other purchases, our “inexpensive” entertainment turned out to cost me about $70. Oh well. Still well worth it! It was a fun day! More pictures below.

Gracie on the lure course…

Alpacas! (I didn’t notice the sign until after I snapped the picture. Whoops.)

Doggie riding in remote car….I think Gracie wants to try it…

Can’t resist a fire hydrant! (Someone was brave to set this up indoors.)

Gracie gets a hug from a fan…

Gracie with the Easter Bunny!

March 16, 2023

Tuesdays are especially busy for me. I take Gracie to daycare, go to work in the morning (to support my dog), eat a packed lunch, then go directly to my botanical illustration class for the afternoon. The sessions are really enjoyable. They’re taught by Marylyn Waltzer, a renowned botanical artist. Marylyn is a lovely woman. And she employs and teaches a careful process for creating her art. 

But Marylyn sure is a stickler for using the RIGHT tools for the craft. Our class supplies list itemized highly specific materials we needed to obtain for our lessons. (A few examples from the list: Graphite pencils – 3 only – MUST be sizes 2H, HB, 2B; Watercolor round brushes – #1, #5, # 6 – Winsor & Newton Sceptre gold w/orange handles and must have plastic tubes over the hairs of brush; Strathmore series 400 drawing pad regular surface “medium” 9” x 12” or 14” x 17” only with the girl’s face on it). 

Marylyn is swift to spot an incorrect tool being applied, or to hastily adjust a student’s technique. This week, she walked around the classroom observing her apprentices as we worked. As she approached me, I knew I was drawing with the “wrong” pencil. Before she had a chance call me on it, I blurted, “I know this isn’t the right pencil to use, but my dog chewed up my 2B this morning.” She laughed and mumbled something like “uh-huh – sure – the proverbial ‘my dog ate my homework’ excuse.” I don’t think she believed me, but it’s the TRUTH. Before I left for doggie daycare that morning, I found my newly purchased 2B pencil in splinters beside my bag of art supplies. Gracie shredded it. Yup, Marylyn, my dog ate my homework.

March 20, 2023

March 24 , 2023

In the dog parks, from time to time, it’s the dog OWNERS who exhibit the more problematic behavior. 

MORE DOG PARK HAIKU

Teeth, biting my dog.

Your dog is NOT “just playing”!

Grrrr…STUPID human!

I know that guy is

Pretending he does not see

His dog is pooping.

Dog does number two.

Owner ignores steaming mess.

Grrrr…bad human, bad!

“Do this with your dog!”

Dog park people sometimes give

Way too much advice!

“My dog is the best!”

Dog park people often have

Inflated egos.

Surrounded, crazed dogs!

She shouted, “In my pocket,

“I have some bacon.”

She cried, “Stop jumping!”

Dumb, dumb, dumb. In a dog park 

Bacon always wins.

“Which dog’s yours?” I asked.

She said, “My dog’s the one who

Just peed on your dog!”

March 26, 2023

Gracie got a serious haircut yesterday. She was overdue for a trim, and had lots of matting, so the groomer (with my permission) sheared most of her fur to about half an inch. In doing so, most of Gracie’s remaining red color was shaved away, except for her ears and tail. My golden noodle is now “golden,” I guess. Evidently, getting lighter in color is a very typical occurrence with goldendoodles. According to the experts at www.loverdoodles.com, “Goldendoodles typically take after their Poodle lineage and get lighter as they age.”

I thought maybe the groomer was handing over a different dog to me! But I think she still looks adorable! (An unbiased opinion, of course!)

March 30, 2023

Gracie was a delighted doggie as we celebrated Tina’s birthday yesterday!

Pictures below show the golden noodle in some rare, subdued moments in the day…

February 1, 2023

I appreciate the many supportive responses I received regarding my unpleasant experience in Teegarden Dog Park two days ago. Since then, I’m glad to say I’ve had nothing but good encounters in the park.

I saw crazy, outspoken Diane and her dog Zeke in the park this afternoon. I recounted to Diane the regrettable incident that took place with the very irate man. Diane had a few choice words to say about that (gratefully, in my support) and relayed to me how she would have handled the situation. Suffice to say, it’s probably fortunate Diane wasn’t there that day! (I sure would want Diane to always be on my side of a battle!)

Picture below of the golden noodle snapped this morning…

February 3, 2023

We’re having a polar vortex, but Gracie would still rather be outside.

She’s staring out the window….

February 6, 2023

Gracie has another new friend in the park – a seven-month-old black shepherd-retriever mix. And her name is Gracie, too! Gracie and Gracie tumbled many hours together in Teegarden!

February 9, 2023

Gracie has on her happy face when she goes to Teegarden Park!

Picture below taken earlier today….

February 11, 2023

In Teegarden Park today, Gracie romped with another mini golden doodle, Bryce, who could have been her twin. They looked so much alike; it was hard to tell them apart! In the photos below, Gracie is the one with the stick!

February 12, 2023

This day, February 12, for multiple reasons, is a special day.

First, a very happy birthday to Auntie Marci who is celebrating her special day with friends and family (human and canine) in New Mexico!

This day also marks exactly one year since I brought my little 8-week-old puppy home with me. What a handful I adopted! According to researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the first year of a dog’s life is equivalent to 15 human years. That sounds about right to me. It feels like time was compressed during the year as Gracie tore (in every sense of the word) through doggie stages of toddlerhood to teenager. She’s turned my life upside down, but I have no regrets. It’s hard to imagine life without her. I love my Gracie-Grace, my Golden Noodle.

One year ago, today….

Today…

Oh yes, and it’s Super Bowl Sunday…

February 14, 2023

February 16, 2023

My little golden noodle has been under the weather. She had “the runs” for a few days, became very lethargic, and she stopped eating on Tuesday. Yesterday morning it was time to take some action.

“Does she ever get into anything she shouldn’t?” the vet tech asked when I arrived at the vet office with my sick Gracie in tow. I hesitated. Was she joking? Confused, I thought (but didn’t say), what dog DOESN’T get into things she shouldn’t? Like plastic bags? Garbage? Deer poop? Shoes? Dead things? Are you new here?

But her face was serious as she waited for my response. So, I asked, “What do you mean?” The tech said, “Has she eaten anything that you know of that she shouldn’t have in the past few days?” I told her it was quite likely, particularly because I take her to the dog park every day where she’s constantly picking up all kinds of questionable things. The tech nodded her head in understanding.

They put Gracie on IVs yesterday. She also had an x-ray – which fortunately came out fine. And she wasn’t running a fever. Labs were ordered and they showed a clean slate except for a very high white blood cell count. Dr. Walker was not sure of the cause of the unusually high count but said it could be a stress response. He put Gracie on antibiotics. By the end of the day, she was eating again. She stayed overnight at the vet last night and through most of the day today for observation.

3 take-home medications, a special prescription diet, and a $700 vet bill later, she’s home again!

And thankfully, looking MUCH, MUCH better!

And hopefully, NOT ingesting things she shouldn’t. (I can dream.)

February 18, 2023

I’m happy to report my golden noodle is on the upswing, now!

February 26, 2023