Buddha Bites

The great squash adventure...earlier this evening

2007-09-05T22:44:00.001-04:00

Funny story.......I had Ross cut up an acorn squash tonight to feed to my shelled friends. When I went out to pass out the goodies George (the tortoise) was taking his nightly stroll so I just put his down in the grass in front of him. Well, I also had two puppergirl assistants tonight, both of whom love George. It's like a special thing that they get to go there with me. They're funny that way. As I put the second piece down for George, I turned to open the pen lid to give some to the Russian tortoises.That's when she made her move, can you guess which pupper girl it was?
I assumed you would guess Marley, but this time, that pup is in the clear. The offending pup was none other than Marlo Louise. She grabbed a piece of George's squash and took off running. Marley didn't realize what had happened but knew Marlo had something she didn't, so the chase began.

I began chasing Marley chasing Marlo and kept calling for Marlo and she kept dodging me. Then when I finally caught her, she would not drop it or give it to me. I finally pryed it out of her mouth with both hands. Usually she's pretty good about giving it to me when I ask. Tonight she was being a bit difficult......

She's the one that will always claim innocence, but the quiet ones are the sneakiest. Marley never tries to hide anything, her motto is "just do it".

Tonight I saw the neighbor outside and realized we had not cut the tomato vines as far back as I thought we did. I asked the neighbor if he wouldn't mind pulling everything back through his side so that it was even more inaccessible.

Tonight was the great squash adventure....or, as one of my other friend's said, "You squashed the great squash adventure!"

When Ross came out to see what was going on, he told Marlo that she should give the squash back to me because we've all seen what other (now my words not his) goodies off a vine can do to her stomach and we don't want that to happen again.

Good News & Mindless Banter

2007-09-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

Marlo did very well last night. She had chicken and rice for dinner for her tummy (only registered low on her allergies, so should be ok, but wouldn't do it all the time) and again this morning. She had a little perk last night, still wiped out though. She did wag her tail before we went to bed though, so that was a VERY good sign.

In other big news, I received an envelope from the Secretary of State yesterday and "Little Buddies Pet Care" has officially been reserved/registered in my name. If things take off, then I'll go the LLC route eventually.

Then I had the bright idea to try and do my own nails last night. I usually go every three weeks (I have the fake acrylic nails that's the only reason they look so nice all the time), but I noticed that I did not have a nail appt on my schedule. I thought now might be a good time to make a clean brake and no longer spend that money (on something I desperately love to indulge in but don't need, necessarily that is) considering that in a few short weeks that's all going to CHANGE.

I bought a kit at the drug store and figured I've watched people do this for years so I could at least wing it. I didn't do a bad job but it wasn't great either, obviously I don't have a skill for this sort of thing. I went to bed last night and everything was fine. However, I wake up today and I itch, BAD, and it feels itchy inside underneath my nails. I think there's something in the product I used (substandard obviously) that I must be allergic to. Great. It's not like I can say, hey, "I'm going to be late because I have a nail issue", although I'd more than love to do that. So I'm going to a nail salon around the corner right by the Indian restaurant I LOVE to eat at today at 1:00 pm and taking a late lunch to have them removed and have a manicure. Only $25, I was happy about that part. My boss leaves at 11:30 am for the day today, that's why I can swing something like this today,and nobody will say anything.

Funny wife thing to share. I was out shopping a few weeks ago and decided he needed some new stuff. He didn't disagree. I bought some and brought it home, and is his usual practice with these things, he wears all the new stuff right out of the package which means he doesn't have to do laundry for that much longer (why I don't do that is a whole other conversation). I looked at him before we went to bed last night and I giggled and of course, he automatically got that, "what did I do, what did I forget to do, etc?" thought going.

I asked where his new stuff was and he just smirked and before he could answer, I said, "Wait, I know you wore it all right out of the package so you wouldn't have to do your laundry right away, and now you've run out of new stuff, so you're finishing off the reserves in your drawer", the next smirk confirmed my suspicions. It made me giggle because he's so predictable that way. Then he said something to the effect of he was waiting for me to do his laundry when I wasn't working any more (and yes, he was trying to be funny not an ass). To that I replied that I'd be happy to do so if I didn't have to get a p/ job and if he took care of things on my terms, but that his history preceded him and there's was no way he could do it for any significant length of time and that he would quickly slip back into his old ways even if I agreed to such an arrangement. I said that it would be better for both of us if he continued to survive on "doing a load on an as needed basis" and letting the dirty monster pile grow in the bottom of his closet, and me getting a p/t job eventually either way (that is if pet sitting doesn't take off right away). It was pretty funny.

The Champ Has Hung Up Her Gloves & Stepped Out of this Ring

2007-09-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 29, 2007......
The champ has hung up her boxing gloves and stepped out of this ring.....and onto the Rainbow Bridge - where once again she'll be back with her Greyhound big brother Pele, which is where she always loved being the most in the first place. I couldn't think of a more appropriate analogy than boxing gloves and a ring for this little girl as she's always been a trooper, and a fighter, no matter what life through at her. We were blessed with just under ten years of her quirky self being a part of our family, heart and home. I told her that I would fight right along side her just as long as she would and there's nothing I would not have done for her.

On her sister Marlo's 3rd birthday, and after another set of xrays, my worst suspicions were confirmed. I know that my gut was telling me that, but I also know that Shiloh knew before I did. Last night, my heart broke just a little bit more, I knew this was coming but that doesn't mean it makes it any easier, especially when this is the third time we've been facing this in less than four months time. Go home tonight, give your pups a hug, some extra treats, and light some candles along the way.

September 4, 2007..........
I'm not at work today. Marlo was up all night. It started out with diarrhea of the Linda Blair variety earlier in the evening and then she had two to three more episodes of that, then I had her in the spare bedroom to sleep with me because I've been sick (nasty sinus infection made for a nice weekend, NOT). She kept throwing up all night long, and it was awful, the poor thing is just worn out. In the middle of the night she went outside to eat grass and repeat and had the same diarrhea again.

I think I slept a total of 45 minutes last night. I just said screw it (big surprise) and called into work and left a message for my boss and said I didn't care what I needed to count it as (vacation, sick day, etc) that I just really needed this, and that is the truth. We think it may be because she was eating our neighbors green tomatoes that were growing through the fence (both her and Marley), so I had Ross cut all of those down on our side last night.

It all happened so very fast, that it still doesn't seem possible, even though I brought her home for good on Friday. Thankfully we got out of work early because I was getting ultra anxious being around people period. We got out at 2 pm and I went home and went straight to bed and couldn't move until I made myself get up to go to Barkpark on Saturday (see photo below of the three sisters sharing a cool drink), then I came home and crashed once again, minus a brief sojourn out on Sunday, it was in bed for me.

Monday I made myself, rather brutally forced myself to go out and indulge in some retail therapy. But the adrenaline rush wore off and the exhaustedness from the sinus infection just wore me out again. However, I couldn't bear the thought of sitting still, so I did yardwork, and subsequently we both broke out from bug bites (I always do, anytime I'm outside like that). The front yard now is back to civilization.

The culmination of less than four months, and facing euthanasia for a third time and having lost three tortoises and a turtle the week after Shygirl, it's just too much for any one human being to handle. This one hit hard, not that the others didn't, but again, I think it was the sum total in full blown effect, raw, uncensored, ugly and so utterly, heart wrenchingly painful. I can't put it into true words...

Then there's the other side of me that told myself that if it were Shiloh here and it was me gone, she would have said, screw that there's fun to be had and I'm not sitting around here waiting for you people. I truly believe that. There will most certainly NEVER be another like her.

Marlo got up and moved and is now in the computer room, and she's laying on the futon. She just drank some water and is doing ok so far, but just like me she feels (i'm sure) like she's had the very life sucked out of her. I took this silly photo of her last weekend, I love those ears!

Shiloh's Day at Work / Nasty Cancer Update

2007-08-02T13:21:00.000-04:00

Shiloh is here at work with me for the day. Our vet did her chest x-ray this morning. The last set of x-rays were taken on June 28, at which point the tumor had grown 20-30% from when we first found it in April about the size of a tennis ball. Today it is about the size of a grapefruit, which means that it has grown another 30% approximately.

Her lung capacity is at about 60% he said from looking at the x-ray. Her other lung lobes are clear. He listened to her as well and said it doesn't look like or sound like she's filling up with fluid in her chest/lungs at all which is a great thing.

He said to look at her, you would have no idea this is going on inside of her. I think he's as surprised as we are by how well she's doing all around considering this nasty bastard that's in her lung lobe and attached to her heart. We keep her out of the heat, keep her calm and only time and she will give us any direction.

I'm grateful for the time that we've had with her, and this is beyond anything I had hoped for at this point as with this condition most dogs are given 8 weeks with no treatment/surgery. We've been using all natural supplements and immunonutrition and homecooking anti-cancer diet.

She will turn 10 yrs. old on September 18, 2007. She came home to live with us after being brought into an animal shelter in Washington Court House, Ohio in Fayette County by the dog warden. She was 2 yrs. old at the time and already had quite a history behind her in that early point in her life. Knowing that and where we are now, it's just not fair that this is how things are happening for her, it's not fair at all.

As an extra treat, a Shiloh shorty (video clip) from this afternoon:

Re-creation: Bumper sticker I saw today

2007-07-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

At first glance I thought it should have read, "God is coming and she is pissed!"

Everyone has to start somewhere..or guess what I got in the mail the other day

2007-07-29T19:05:00.000-04:00

It was on sale and cheap, so I thought I would order both of them out of curiosity. Well, here you go. Upon further inspection, I've discovered that these are both tapes on learning Children's songs in Mandarin. I've got a long way to go, but I assure you that as with any feeble attempts I have had at singing in English, there will under NO circumstances for anyone to witness my attempts at any level of Mandarin, for fear that my lack of ability would render them speechless.

Kitty Katie takes over a new bed

2007-07-29T19:04:00.001-04:00

I found this at a thrift store and brought it home to use for displaying some of my nicer porcelain dolls. However, when I went out of town to visit my parents for the weekend, the cat had other ideas, and being a cat, she did just that and took over this as her new bed. Priceless.

Presenting the best birthday present ever from a friend who really knows the inner me.....

2007-07-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

This is a Buddha lamp that they sell at Walmart for $19.95, and I have known about it for quite some time. It was one of those things that I really had wanted to get as a gift and didn't want to go out and buy for myself (which I normally am not apt to do as I lack the patience to wait in that regard). However, from a friend who listens and knows me well, you know who you are, and you did listen - thus the best birthday present ever! It also helps that I'm easily amused. I was going to bring it home and keep it to myself, but I have decided to keep it here at work as you cannot look at this guy without smiling, and right now, I need that here.

Yes, I wear Crocs or Crocs with Socks

2007-07-26T11:45:00.000-04:00

Transferrable Skills & Jobs I've Had

2007-07-24T15:45:00.000-04:00

You can't explain to people sometime (when they're younger, ie teenager) about the inherent value of transferrable skills. However, as an adult, I've grown to appreciate these types of skills more and more as time goes on. It's only recently that I've begun to realize the power that lies within harnessing the skills and using them to your own advantage.

It made me think back to the list of jobs I've had throughout my life, and wanted to share that here for posterity's sake, in no particular order:

Babysitter
Bather/Brusher for a Dog Grooming Salon
Putt Putt where my former meat eating self worked w/icecream, brats/hotdogs & patrons
Nurses aide at a nursing home (that lasted less than a month)
TCBY (that lasted two weeks)
McDonald's (I quit 20 minutes before I was supposed to start)
Receptionist for a multi-agent insurance agency/broker
Data entry for a small family owned business that sold personal safety mace like stuff
Making Vending Machine packaged food (a few weeks one summer for extra money)
Data entry for CompuServe as a temp when I first moved here
Freelance writer for both a central ohio parenting and senior citizen magazines
Newspaper Reporter/Magazine Contributer/Theatre Critic while in College at BGSU
Internships at the Cleveland Metroparks and the BGSU Alumni Public Relations Office
Page Layout/Composition Coordinator for a central Ohio newspaper group
PR Coordinator for a state professional society
my current post as communications director for a state professional organization
MRDD County Respite Care Provider
MRDD State Certified Supported Living Care Provider

I think that about covers all of the paying and non-paying major things that I've done. My volunteer work spans working with animals in every capacity possible, hospice patient work, therapy dog work, etc. When I was growing up my mom was involved in community theatre and thus ultimately I ended up being a theatre minor in college and pledging for our honorary theatre fraternity Theta Alpha Phi. I was mostly into stage management and handling the behind the scenes nitty gritty anal details and making sure that everyone and everything was where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there.

In my first "real" interview out of college (and a job that I ended up getting and keeping for nine months before coming to current said position), my boss-to-be asked me what kind of management experience I had. I thought only for a brief moment and then related to him the stage management experience I had during and throughout college, and what that entailed. He then replied that he would take that hands-on, real, practical management experience over an MBA any day, and thus began my education into transferrable skills.

Somebody Read My Blog

2007-07-24T15:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm excited and not afraid to say so. Ok, that was exciting, and yes, I can be a dork that way. Wen may not remember this, but years ago, I met her when I was out visiting Liz & Andrea for Liz's 30th birthday. If I'm not mistaken, Wen was at Liz's birthday party. I'm horrible with remembering a face, but I almost never forget a name.

Where life takes you

2007-07-16T16:13:00.000-04:00

I read the phrase, "Life is not a destination, it's a journey" (or something to that effect), and it's amazing just how true those words can be. For the past five years, I've essentially been unsatisfied and unfulfilled in the job that I used to see as a career. For the past year, I've wanted out in a bad way, but I get stuck in that rut known as a comfort trap and I sidetrack myself in not so good ways. For the past eight months, I've been made a job out of working on getting the heck out of here, a here that I used to love.

I've had several interviews at some very high profile institutions in the central Ohio area. It's something to say that I've interviewed with some of these organizations. But alas, nothing has come of any of it. It's so bad that I took off work for a mental health day a few weeks back and have called off sick on days that I would have toughed it out and just worked through it in the past. My resolve is no longer as strong as it used to be. I don't like that about myself, but it's partially a mental survival mechanism any more.

About a month ago, I had an interview that I felt went very well and had a good feeling about when I walked out the door. It's a non-profit that I've donated to in the past, so it was nice to get to know them a little better. However, that night I went home and thought, "Oh my God, this could be it, this could really happen, oh shit!" Yeah, the "it" being the job that delivered me out of my current round of monotony. Thus started the circle of thinking and deep thinking issues about everything in my life.

It's funny how the smallest moment or situation can make you think that introspectively, but that's exactly what happened to me. The kind of what the heck am I still doing here questions? All I could think about this potential job offer is, is this what I really want to be doing with the rest of my life, for the same amount of money at a different place, and the bottom of my heart, search my soul answer was a resounding "NO". That was a scarey and freeing conclusion to come to all in the same breath.

If what I trained and studied for in school and planned on as a career isn't where I want to be, then where do I want to be and how do I get there exactly? I sat up for six hours that night and knew for certain that I didn't want to go after this job or something similar to it. I'm ready for the big kind of different the kind of different that I swore I would never be looking at, but find myself longing for yesterday.

Working with the Web on this Blog

2007-07-16T15:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I've added a few bells and whistles to this page for my own amusement more than anything else, as I know my readership at this point is ZERO. I'm hoping that at some point this may change and folks might think I have something interesting to say.

As a kid, I used to keep a diary, and I did this for many years. I still have these diaries locked away and to this day, not another soul's eyes have read those pages. Then as I got a little older, I began to write poetry and those are locked away with the diaries as well. That's why it's strange to me that I've come to actually be intrigued by this public format. However, everytime I think of starting a hand-written journal again, it falls by the wayside. I'm much quicker with a keyboard and have enough downtime in my currently monotonous daytime schedule to allow me to endulge in this endeavor.

It's killing me slowly....that thing called my job

2007-07-09T16:05:00.000-04:00

I have been at my current post for almost 11 years. My 11 year anniversary will take place at the end of August. I still can't believe it. I never thought I'd be old enough to be anywhere for 11 years, but that time has come. I'll also be married for 11 years on August 17. That is something I'm very proud of. However, I thought I'd be proud of that amount of time at a job as well.

I was raised with a much different work ethic than what I see today. You were dedicated, you worked hard, you kept your chin up and you stuck to it no matter what, and that's exactly what I've done here. I've never been a quitter but at the present moment I want to be one more than ever.

Don't get me wrong, I totally do not agree with promotions and pay raises, etc based strictly on the amount of time one has worked without the substance to back it up. I thought I was doing that here, but it seems I was mistaken.

I used to think seriously about using the word hate, because it is a very strong word, and in this situation, it really does apply. I hate my job and I hate being here.

I have never had heartburn in my life, yet every Sunday night like clockwork it starts all over again and the onslaught on my stomach/digestive system rears its head once again. At this rate, I'm going to be buying stock in Pepcid, Tums, etc. I've downed more of those pills in the last three months than I have in my entire lifetime. Let me tell you that it makes eating so enjoyable, as well as the enjoyment of a cold adult beverage. The latter of which I rarely do anymore because it eats me up like acid.

I have become a shell of my confident, outgoing self in a hostile, stifling environment. It's hard to believe you are what you know you are and can be when you've been made to feel the complete opposite for so long. This crunch down over time leads you to believe what you've been come to feel, and that's not a fun place to be.

For eight years I have had fairly glowing reviews and fair salary increases, well that all changed on January 18, 2007.

More later...I need to take a deep breath before my blood pressure skyrockets once again....I only have 17 more minutes left to get through for today.

In memory of those who are gone too soon

2007-07-06T15:25:00.000-04:00

For Lars Shygirlmike aka Shygirl - our Gummybear Princess written Fri., May 11

"I wish I could go to sleep and then wake up tomorrow and have this all be a dream, but the pain in the pieces of my broken heart and the raging storm inside my head quickly bring me back to reality, and devastatingly so. Candles light leaves a warm glow around the all too quiet house in central Ohio tonight. Wishing a swift and peaceful journey on my angel's way to get her wings at 7:15 pm tonight. To say the tears let loose a flood, would be referring to the Nile as a puddle, crocodile size tears have consumed my very being this evening. I didn't think I could bring myself to a keyboard tonight, but I'm wandering aimless at home tonight and it all seems so unreal. I needed to share, to do something, within a circle of understanding.

She graced our life with her presence, and commanded the attention of all that surrounded her. After she became toothless, she officially became the Gummybear Princess and fit the bill she did. The house is so quiet it's maddening, as this would have been the time of day she would have began yet another round of barking orders (literally) that would last a half hour or more on some occasions. Remember with me tonight, hug your hounds, light a candle, and do as I did each and every day, and as I held her in my arms for her final journey, and kiss all your hounds, and look them in the eye and repeat the following as I did to Shygirl, "I'll love you always." For me Shygirl, my sweet grey girl, my heart aches for you until we are together once again, fly free sweet angel, for "I have seen beauty but none to match your living grace". Her absence leaves me greyless for the first time in ten years..."

*A very dear friend's love, talent and eye for beauty came together to immortalize Shygirl . No one could have put as much love and tenderness into such a beautiful extension of my heart. Not a person in the entire universe could give to me what she did by putting her hand to canvas to capture my dear girl's life, love & spirit. Her sweet hands, gentle love & unending friendship will cradle Shygirl for all eternity.

A poem by Janice Comstock-Jones

My heart, it is a crystal thing, too hard to breach or break,

And I have worked to make it so

To shield myself from ache.

In times too dark to contemplate

My very soul was slashed

By things all vile and cruel and vast

That left me gored and gashed.

It's said that time will heal all wounds,

But I've seen different ways,

That healing leaves its toughened scars,

And guarded defense pays.

So slow to trust, so scarred and worn,

Yet there are those who mayslip in within my armored heart and not be turned away.

The soft of fur, the sparkling eyes

That glow with love unearned,

The silky ears that listen for the verbal love returned...
The eager face, the waggly tail express the purest thought

Without condition or restraint,

A love that can't be bought.
Not bought nor begged, but given, free,

And yet worth more than gold

The love a dog will give away

While keeping gentle hold.
He wraps it like a tangled leash

Around your mind and heart

And tugs it tight to keep you safe

When near or far apart.
He gives his true, unblemished love,

His life, his heart, his whole,

In selfless adorationof the one who shares his soul.

But, here, too, pain and loss dwell

For the little ones slip 'way,

When their dear but fragile bodies

Will not allow their stay.

Though their days are not so lengthy,

And they leave us fiercely quick,

Still they leave the tender mem'ries

Of the look, the touch, the lick,

And we carry them within us,

Even when the banshee sounds

And they guard us with the strength

Of a love that knows no bounds.

In a softer, quiet moment, Think of him,

remember whenyou walked the rocky roads together,

And always hold the love within.

For Princess Abbey written Tues., June 5

"Why can't it be good news from me for once.... It's not a good morning. After watching her at home this morning, it breaks my heart minute by minute, but I know that the Abbey we know and loved isn't there any more, and she deserves more dignity than she's able to live with right now. I was praying I would be spared having to make this ever heart wrenching decision but we both know it is what is best for her. I can't watch her go down hill any more. She's progressed much more so in this regard over the last month, and today was the day I know she was letting me know it is time. It's days and times like this that make being here at work mean nothing and feel like I'm wasting my time and myself away being here. I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow and I have my parents coming down for the day. I talked to my veterinarian early this morning and he's going to stay late for us tonight. It makes me even happier that I played hookey from work yesterday... To hit me in the gut even more, I came in this morning and my Big Lots only surviving parking lot fish was dead. I'm beginning to think that the next job I get will be as the grim reaper."

Abbey & Shygirl - Sept. 2006 - BarkPark

I Am Not There by Joyce Fossen
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds circled in flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Let's try this......once again

2007-07-06T15:10:00.000-04:00

When I first started doing this last year (and amittedly I've sucked at keeping up with this), it was a novel idea, then life and time took over and this fell way far to the wayside. However, as time progresses and I continue to read and keep up with the blogs you see listed to the right hand side, I "get" why people do this in more ways than one.

A blog I came across once said something to the effect that the writer might be the only one in the world reading it, but it was nice to know you had somewhere in the world to tuck those words away if you wanted to. I liked that concept. Given that I have not kept up with this, I doubt that a reader exists for this site, but on the other hand, I'm going to give it a shot and see if some interest can't be drummed up in something I might have to say. If not, I'll think of this as my "somewhere in the world to tuck those words away".

2006-08-30T22:31:00.000-04:00

Professionals United for Public Service Award presented as part of the 2006 Ohio's Outstanding Animals Awards

A select group of animals and professionals have been selected to be part of a very special inaugural award being given for the first time as part of the Ohio's Outstanding Animals Awards presentation. The Professionals United for Public Service Award honors and recognizes the human-animal bond on an elite level. The OVMA is pleased to announce the institution of this award to honor both humans and animals for their public service and dedication to this service in their community. The OVMA will recognize the recipients of the Professionals United for Public Service award during the 2006 Ohio's Outstanding Animals presentation on Saturday, August 12, 12:30 - 1:30 pm on the OVMA's Main Street Stage at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus.

Abbey (13.9 yr. old, Female, Shepherd Mix)

Capital Area Humane Society Animal Law Enforcement Rescue Case &

Retired Capital Canine Connection Therapy Dog

Melinda C. Capers, Grove City, OH

Rescuer(s): Chief Humane Agent Kerry Manion, Capital Area Humane Society Animal Law Enforcement, Hilliard, OH & Detective Brian Keefe, Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, OH

Veterinarian: Dr. Tod Beckett, VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital, Hilliard, OH

On Tuesday, October 22, 1996, after a neighbor alerted officials to the situation, six cats and a dog were removed from the house at 1583 Aberdeen Avenue in Columbus, OH. This house had been declared unfit for habitation by the city of Columbus Code Enforcement Department. A warrant had been signed by the Franklin County Environmental Court Judge allowing the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) Humane Agents to pick up the animals. On hand to assist the humane agents in removing the animals from the home was Officer Brian Keefe - Columbus Division of Police. This came after the CAHS Humane Agents had observed animals feces inside the home (including on table tops), windows left open and mail accumulating in the mail box. Chief Humane Agent Kerry Manion had previously left two notices asking the owner to contact CAHS regarding animal neglect. (read the news article http://www.ohiovma.org/pdf/AnimalAwards/sevenanimalsremovedfromhouse-wednesdayoctober231996articleonabbeyfromcolumbusdispatchmetrosection.pdf)

On November 23, 1996 the lone dog removed from the house became Melinda Capers' first CAHS foster dog. The four-year-old black and tan Shepherd Mix was named Abbey after the street from the house in which she had been removed. On February 26, 1997 Abbey's former owner faced one charge of Cruelty to Animals and was found guilty on one count. Subsequently, the judge relinquished custody of the animals to CAHS and Capers adopted Abbey the following day, February 27, 1997. At the sentencing on March 13, 1997 Abbey's former owner pled guilty to the original charge of Cruelty to Animals. Since that time, Capers has been an Animal Rescue Volunteer in the CAHS Animal Law Enforcement department.

Capers worked with Abbey to become a therapy dog visitation team with CAHS' Capital Canine Connection. "My interest was increasingly heightened to a mission because of the death of Kathy Lavigne's son Matthew (a family friend) in Connecticut from medullar blastoma at the age of seven," Capers wrote. "Although I did not know Matthew well, his life experience had a huge impact on me in many ways. To this day, I dedicate the work that Abbey and I have done with Children's Hospital in his memory."

On June 23, 1997, Abbey completed the skills and aptitude screening for the Delta Society Pet Partners Program (she retained certification for 4 years). She earned the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen designation. In September 1997, they made their first visit to Children's Hospital in Columbus. Abbey was one of the original participants in with at Children's Hospital.

Abbey sustained a break in her shoulder that never received medical attention. She has had osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease since the age of four, and the shoulder joint has fused itself together resulting in limited mobility in that leg. She also was diagnosed with having discoid lupus.

Abbey went on to win first place in the Medina County Gazette's Pet Story Contest on May 14, 2002. After the contest, Capers received a letter from Medina County Auditor, Michael E. Kovack, that said, "It is heartwarming to know that people take an active part in making the lives of pets better. To bring your dog from part of an animal cruelty case to being a Therapy Dog is wonderful. I commend you on all you have done. And I know that you have a best friend for life who will love you unconditionally."

In August 2004, she was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease aka hyperadrenocorticism and successfully treated with Lysodren (Mitotane), a chemotherapy drug. In June 2006, she experienced severe gastroenteritis which necessitated a hospital stay. The decision was made to ease Abbey into retirement. On June 21, she retired from active duty as a therapy dog for CAHS' Capital Canine Connection, during a farewell visit to Children's Hospital.

Abbey will be 14 yrs. old on November 23, 2006. In recalling what bringing Abbey into her life has meant, Capers stated, "The day that I bought Abbey home as a foster dog, she changed me and the direction of my life. She came to me and found her forever home in my heart. She changed my world just by being herself."

2006-08-30T21:45:00.000-04:00

In an efort to play catch up.....I meant to share this with all of you alot sooner than now. However, quite a bit of traveling has kept me away from being able to sit down and put this all into one message. So here it goes..... Marlo was all cleaned up that day and we even offered to go last since she was volunteering all day as the test dog anyhow. She did very well going through the motions to test other dogs That morning I found out that a few new elements were added to the test and in preparation for the test, I practiced those with Marlo throughout the day to get her used to it. One example is that they added a person posing as a mock patient wearing a mask which is something they are very likely to encounter in a hospital or nursing home facility. One other was the applying of pressure on the webbing between the toes on their paws and saying "pinch" really loud although it's not really pinching them. I was VERY concerned with this particular portion of the test because Marlo is a screamer, moaner whiner just to get her nails cut. So throughout the day I had the son of the woman administering the test and another volunteer practicing this on Marlo, and she did great. Before it was our turn to test, I told the test administrator (who trains dogs, works with humane societies and calls herself an animal behaviorist, and breeds Rottweilers and shows them) that Marlo was not going to do the down command and would have a problem with her paws being touched like that. Marlo did fantastic, she did sit and STAY, I was blown away.

However, when it came to the "pinch" portion of the test things went wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy south fast She started with one paw and Marlo screamed the few times she did it So she started with another paw and the same thing happened. Hind sight being what it is, I should have stopped the test there However, before I knew it, the lady was reaching for a back foot and I didn't know if she was going to try the pinch test back there or not, however, Marlo promptly put the lady's hand in her mouth, but DID NOT bite her or growl or break skin. It all happened so fast that before I know it the lady turns and puts her hand around Marlo's muzzle and tells her "you don't put your mouth on me" Marlo did it (I'm sure) to prevent herself from further fear and discomfort, not to be aggressive, I'm just very sorry it happened because Marlo was VERY distraught the rest of the day. I know that Marlo was taken aback by her own actions because she knows she's not supposed to do stuff like that and was shaken up severely by the fact that she did do it.

I let Marlo finish out the test, etc, and at the end of the test the woman looks at me and says "You know I can't pass her at all because she put her mouth on me" then proceeds to talk about another dog that didn't like it, but that dog didn't touch her. This is the same dog I heard her tell the owner to have a thyroid test done on because it did that. She also told me that this pinch test is a part of a national temperament test. She told me that I could retest in September, and I told her I don't think so..... I have not liked her since she was involved in this program personality wise.

That's why I cooled my jets before I went to the top at the humane society to discuss this with them because I didn't want it perceived as if I were seeking out speciaL treatment for my dog. I spoke with the a humane officer to ask about this pinch test and if it is part of the temperament test this officer is certified to administer, and the officer said yes, but portions of this test are NOT meant to be singled out but done in a specific order so as to increase the dogs possibility of agitation or reaction.

I may go test with the first group she flunked with in May. They have another test in October but they don't go to Children's hospital. The tester also said to me that she says that she knows that I want to go to children's hospital and thAT something happening like this there is very likely told her that in my ten years at Children's nothing like that has EVER happened with a child and that was with TWO of my dogs going there twice a month I was more upset that day because Marlo was so upset. All I kept saying after the test as this woman kept talking to me is that I respected her background and training but did not agree with that portion of the test.

The week after the test, I went to talk to a higher up at the humane society and told this person everything that happened that day and how things went. I also asked if the humane society had approved the re-structured content of the test and was told no. I asked this person to obtain an outline of the current test and also compare it to the SAFER temperament test that they do on the shelter dogs as it is my understanding that it is to be done as a whole unit and that there is a definitive structure to it and in light of that it didn't seem like it was done correctly in using that "pinch" test the way it was done, nor was it correct that she did it to two feet and then then went to touch a back foot. This person told me that the tester supposedly went through a SAFER training that the humane society hosted.

This person is going to look into it and get back to me. I also asked this person to obtain a copy of my test records/notes for that day and to review exactly what it said and that I didn't need to see it, but thought that given the fact that this falls under the CAHS liability insurance that CAHS should have copies on record of any and all paperwork involved with this program. I also made sure it was very clear that I was not looking for special favors and was not doing this because I was pissed that my dog didn't pass and I was whining. I said that I shouldn't have allowed her to escalate Marlo to that point and should have ended it sooner, but I most certainly don't want anyone else to go through what she did for that portion of the test. I also told them that while I don't like this woman personally, I respected her background/training, and didn't see her mishandle any other dogs (the only other thing I forgot to mention was that I heard them tell some woman that her dog needed to have a thyroid test because it also screamed during that portion of the test, although the tester was sure to point out to me when talking to me afterwords that Marlo put her mouth on her hand and this dog did not).

I added that I would like to offer the chance for them to review the test, and aside from the down command, if this incident is the only other negative notation on the test that I would like to have the opportunity for them to pick a qualified CAHS staff member to administer either just the pinch test or the entire SAFER test to Marlo and if they then tell me that they think she shouldn't do this, or isn't ready, then we're done with it, but I'd like to have that chance. I also told this person how I had the tester's son and one other volunteer touching Marlo's paws in that exact spot between her toes because I knew it would make her scream and Marlo didn't make a peep for either one of them. This person also told me that she thinks the SAFER test is also constructed to deal with pre-existing phobias in alternate methods of administration. Meaning that if they don't like their toes touched,there are other suggested areas to use as alternates. I told her that I had made it very clear before the tester did that portion of the test that I knew that this was going to make Marlo scream and that she was quite a drama queen in that regard, or as my vet puts it, she has princess syndrome. I think I handled myself very well and I'm curious to see where it all ends up at.

2006-07-06T11:25:00.000-04:00

"The trouble is that not enough have come together with the firm determination to live the things which they say they believe."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Never Argue with a Woman
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.

Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"

"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading."

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."

"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."

"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.

2006-07-05T11:24:00.000-04:00

"Be a good human being, a warmhearted, affectionate person. This is my fundamental belief."
Insights from the Dalai Lama - July 3

"Nonviolence does not mean that we remain indifferent about problems - we must fully engage."
Insights from the Dalai Lama - July 4

"I believe deeply that we must find, all of us together, a new spirituality."
Insights from the Dalai Lama - July 5

Bonus quote for today:
"If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just."
Anita Roddick, businesswoman and social reformer

Slow Day

2006-07-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

In family news, I'm back from a sojourn to Kentucky for a wedding on my husband's side of the family. An afternoon of napping, and utter lazyness and now I have cabin fever......

In perusing the Web site for the Capital Area Humane Society, I noticed that Katie's photo was no longer listed. Knowing the people that I know, I decided to make a few phone calls, and have happily found out that Katie has been adopted!

"True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems."
taken from Insight From The Dalai Lama

Marley's Roo-to-Be

2006-06-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

Ross just called me at work. After NINE LONG days without air conditioning, the part has FINALLY arrived and it has been fixed. The repair guy received quite the serenade today by several bootiful basset girls. However, we apparently had a one time,roo-almost-to-be performance take place just minutes ago. Ross said they keep singing at the guy as he walks back and forth from his van to the back yard and he heard a little voice he didn't recognize, and realized it was Marley trying to ROOO!!!!! I can't believe I wasn't there to hear that! He said it's not quite there, or polished, but the girl has made a ROO breakthrough solo performance for the morning!

2006-06-30T15:44:00.000-04:00

I might start using these to add some relevant comment here. Months ago I purchased a flip-type desktop calendar entitled, "Insight From The Dalai Lama". It's actually very interesting. I'll try to start posting these here daily.

Friday, June 30
"The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes."
taken from Insight From The Dalai Lama

Thursday, June 29
"It is said that if you want to know what you were doing in the past, look at your body now, if you want to know what will happen to you in the future, look at what your mind is doing now."
taken from Insight From The Dalai Lama

...it's Monday

2006-06-26T11:53:00.001-04:00

Our air conditioning went out last week on Thursday, and for those that know me that is NOT good news (chronic allergic rhinitis and sinusitis). My personality and overall demeanor are akin to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyder with air conditioning vs. no air conditioning. Either way, I'm not at all pleasant to be around. Found out this morning that although we're in luck and the air compressor is still under warranty (yeah, that saves at least $1,000) but for the parts and labor to get the new one to work it's going to be $762.00!!! Gee, I feel lucky.....either way, it will be done on Wednesday, but I don't know what hurts more the cost of that or spending a few days in the heat.......

Help Katie Find a Home

2006-06-25T23:51:00.000-04:00

My name is Katie. I'm Looking for love, home & a family
Would you be mine and adopt me?

Her name is Katie. She is an 11 yr. old, spayed female, 39 lbs. She appears to be mostly Australian Shepherd, although she is listed as a Mixed Breed. When she was originally posted on the Capital Area Humane Society's (CAHS) (Hilliard, Ohio) Web site, it said that Katie was brought to the humane society because her owner was very ill and could no longer care for Katie.

Katie's updated bio on the CAHS Web site says: "Katie is gentle, well behaved, affectionate & loves people! She is a dream to walk & seems to be housebroken. Katie also knows several commands. If you are looking for a loyal companion who has much love to give, then come see sweet Katie." Katie's ID number at CAHS is: D06-150104. Katie's adoption fee is: $65

CAHS Adoption Process Info:
www.cahs-pets.org/adoption/adoption_process.htm
CAHS Contact Info:
www.cahs-pets.org/about_CAHS/contact_cahs.htm
CAHS Hours & Location Info:
www.cahs-pets.org/about_CAHS/hours_and_location.htm

I'm trying to spread the word on Katie's behalf, and hope to draw more attention to her in the process. We're crossing our paws in the hopes that her person-to-be is out there just waiting to be found! (please note that Katie is not in any danger).

I have been a CAHS volunteer since 1995. I have always been an advocate of senior animal adoption and have done so myself on occasions too numerous to count. Kudos to CAHS for allowing dogs like Katie a second chance at a new leash on life! Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone!