It’s just a fabulous day here- 70 degrees with no humidity, the sun is up, the sky is blue, it’s beautiful and so are you there is a nice breeze and I am sitting on the back porch getting some work done. I have no desire to talk about politics and think I might go do some weeding and pruning and general maintenance on the garden.
I was thinking, though, as Lily sits beside me, that the categories the AKC has for animals is kind of insulting. They have the working dogs, and the toy dogs, and all the others, and that sort of implies the working dogs do something while the toy dogs don’t. I’ve come to grips with the fact that Lily is a chihuahua/terrier/something mix, and despite thinking my whole life I wanted a lab or a retriever or something like that, it turns out what I really wanted was a Lily. My brother got the wire-haired pointing griffon because he wanted a dog to train and to take to obedience school and to teach tricks and go with hikes, so he thought that “working dog” was best for him. It turns out that what I wanted was a Lily.
But for some reason, it irks me that she is not considered a working dog, because she has a harder job than Boghan or resident evil Rosie or any of the other dogs. They just have menial tasks, they do them, they get a treat. Lily, on the other hand, spends the entire day keenly observing my mood, always by my side, and always watching me to make sure I don’t need a dog in my lap or a lick to the face. When we walk, Rosie just lets her primal instincts go and spazzes all over the place. Lily walks by my side, constantly looking up to me for guidance and confirmation. It’s not easy sitting on my lap all day or under my feet or curled up next to me in bed yet never being in the way, but Lily does it. That is hard work, if you ask me.
I’m rambling. And yes I know we are co-dependent, but it is a nice day and I am in a good mood and just thought I would say how much I love my little dog. I’m so glad I found her.
debit
That’s really sweet, John. (I’m being sincere.)
fordpowers
That was super cute. I teared up a little bit.. you’re such a lover.
Brachiator
I’m not sure if this is incredibly sweet, or just a little weird.
No, it’s sweet. I’m glad you and Lily found each other. It is always a pleasure to read about your adventures together.
arguingwithsignposts
they say a picture is worth a thousand words. hint. hint.
moe99
I know exactly how you feel. But my guys are two miniature dachshunds and an aging black lab.
mistermix
I think you’re onto something. Now that I’m walking the neighbor’s beagle and our bichon regularly, it’s very clear that the beagle doesn’t give a shit about what I’m doing, and all that I am is an impediment standing between him and wherever his nose points. That dog almost never looks at me to take a cue about whether to stop, turn, etc. But our bichon is always looking at me while we’re walking, to figure out what we’re going to do next.
Ghanima Atreides
I think Lily is part shiba inu (small japanese dog of the woodlands), the nose, coat and tail are pure shiba. She looks like a shiba/chihuahua cross. The bug eyes are chihuahua.
shibas were bred to eat, and for companionship.
you have a working dog….Rosie.
but dont take her to the bulshytt AKC trials with carpet and skirts.
Take her here.
Svensker
You are such a mush head. Endearing.
I’m having one of those days I once described as Mercury retrograde — if it can go wrong, it will. And I’m getting blamed for it, too. I want to go buy myself a big fat ice cream cone but I’ll probably get hit by an eco-bikeist on the way or the ice cream will have salmonella, or something.
But our weather is 70 and dry and breezy, so there’s that.
Violet
This post is worthless without a picture.
Violet
@Svensker:
Oh, man, that was Wednesday for me. Everything went wrong. And then at the very end of the day, something went right. Lovely end to the day. It’s been okay since then. There’s hope.
Shinobi
John, I saw a dog that looked EXACTLY like Lily on the subway the other day. He was clearly some kind of service dog. I think he might have been doing seizure detection or something similar as the man she was assisting had no obvious disability. But he was so in tuned with his owner, and the bond they shared was so obvious. It was clear that that little dog was Important, and was doing a service.
Just because a dog isn’t bred to heard or pull sleds doesn’t mean they can’t do a job!
WereBear
Toy dogs actually were bred to do exactly what Lily does; to be attuned to the person, to love being a companion, and in the case of a Papillon, my favorite little dog, they are also court jesters.
Rosalita
How about a recent picture? You’ve been stingy with Lily pics. We could use it on a Friday afternoon.
Cliff in NH
Molly does the same emotional reading/patient sitting on my feet all day/night, she also tells me when I’m too emotional to be trading by firmly sticking her head in my lap and giving me The Look.
Maude
@Svensker:
Last week was like that for me. Today was okay.
Lily is a perfect match.
My friend’s rescue greyhound, Ellie, was in the parade Monday and she kept either sitting down, lying down or trying to go visit the people. Not much of a racer.
Trentrunner
I just started Dog Sense by John Bradshaw (not that one, this one’s a British scientist), and his thesis is interesting:
The domination thing that we’ve been sold the past decade or so (thanks, Cesar Milan) doesn’t actually apply to our domestic dogs–nor to actual wolves in nature, it turns out.
We got our false domination idea from watching wolves behave in captivity, where they were artificially aggressive. In the wild, wolf packs are stable and tend not to fight for dominance much at all.
So Bradshaw’s bottom line appears to be that positive-reinforcement will work best for MOST dog training, and that all the stuff we do to become the “pack leader” is ineffective, if usually harmless.
Interesting read, so far.
Johnny's Mom
Awwww, man, you made me cry. Seriously, there is nothing more endearing than a man who’s absolutely head over heels for his little girl (regardless of how many legs she has).
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I came here for the dog stories and I come back for the dog stories.
bemused
It’s all about the dog’s personality for our family.
One of our dogs had TPLO surgery a couple of days ago. The vet tech told us that as she was taking the catheter out, our sweetie was busy giving her kisses.
Ash Can
What a delightful post. Beats hell out of the one below that’s full of gloom and doom and troll piss.
Poopyman
Too often we ignore the simpler pleasures we already have around us. Nicely stated.
roshan
I’ve got a song for you, Cole : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhQOvvV45w
Enjoy!
justdale
As the owner of three huskies, the AKC’s “working breed” classes are silly. That, and the AKC reccomending against rescue dogs makes me wish they’d take their eugenics inspired conformance BS and go away.
Proper ear placement and tail carriage aren’t necessary for a good companion….
jnfr
Beautiful day here too, and I’ve been working in the yard. It’ll be hotter than hell soon enough so I enjoy these few days while I can (it was actually 92 yesterday, sheesh).
trollhattan
@ John Cole
Agreed. Every time I watch a doggie show it drives me nuts Dalmatians are lumped in “non-sporting” dogs, which indeed includes a lot of “sissy” dogs and a smattering of other breeds that aren’t sissies.
It’s an insult to a breed that was tasked with running under a horse-drawn coach all day and be ready to protect against threats. They’re endurance critters that can lope along all day. George Freaking Washington had Dalmatians, which he called “coach dogs.” I don’t know whether Paul Revere had any as he was, “sending those warning shots and ringing those bells.” Also, too.
Cermet
If that steams you, what about the requirements to cut off tails or cut the ears – talk about sick.
RobertB
Does that mean, “bred to do nothing but eat”? Because that fits my Shiba to a T.
justdale
Also, too
WaterGirl
I would say that I teared up, too, but once the tears start running down your face, I don’t think that’s quite accurate.
“Lily, on the other hand, spends the entire day keenly observing my mood, always by my side, and always watching me to make sure I don’t need a dog in my lap or a lick to the face.”
It’s a love story, plain and simple.
Shinobi
@Trentrunner: I can’t wait to read this book. I was just reading this interview with him on NPR.
Fave Quote:
Beauzeaux
All dogs are working dogs. We have two Cavaliers — one spends the day under my hubby’s desk. The other follows me around with this worshiping look that’s sort of unnerving but nice. So-called toy dogs are very attuned to their people, which is their job.
It reminds me of the old days when women who went out to work were considered working women and women who stayed at home were not. But all women are working women one way or another.
Shinobi
@justdale: OMG, what kind of vacuum do you have? My 1 husky keeps burning them out!
Chat Noir
What a lovely post! I remember when you adopted Lily a couple years ago and what a scared girl she was. So glad you both found each other because your stories about the goings-on at the House of Cole are such a welcome respite from the constant gloom that is our political discourse/world today.
I agree with Ash Can above. I try my best to be an informed person but it really wears on me.
And the Beatles FTW. Love that song.
Seanly
There are no pure breeds that beat a good old mutt. Fugg the AKC and their doggie version of the Victorian caste system.
justdale
@Shinobi: Dyson
Felinious Wench
@Beauzeaux:
Yep. My Lab/Beagle mix is clairvoyant in how she gets into my head. She sees everything and reflects myself back at me. She is just very in sync with me. There’s no domination thing, she’s my friend.
Unfortunately, she still thinks she’s a 50-lb lap dog. We’re working on that.
WaterGirl
@Trentrunner: @Shinobi:
I heard part of the interview with him on NPR in the car a couple of weeks ago. I really want to get the book as my first iBooks book on my new iPad, but it’s not clear to me how I find out if the book is available for that format. Any suggestions?
donnah
I think that a relationship like that is wonderful, and you are aware that it doesn’t happen with every pet we take in. We had a dog named Bogart when I was a teenager; he was a toy Manchester/poodle mix. That dog was a genius, really the smartest canine I ever knew. But he was also deeply in tune with my feelings and just as you described with Lily, he knew when I needed a hug or a head bump.
When it came to be his time, I had already been married a while and no longer lived at home. My younger brother called me, sobbing, and said that Bo wasn’t long for this world. I drove home, tears streaming down my face.
He lay on the floor, keening. Mom had held him in her arms all night and he never stopped making that horrible sound. I lay down next to him and said, “Hey, buddy, here I am. I love you! Good dog!”
and he stopped crying. He died shortly after that.
So love Lily and give her all the attention she deserves. She is special. You are special.
karen marie
I had a dog like Lily. His name was James. He was the most devoted, loving dog a person could ask for. When we walked, I could feel his nose on the side of my leg. He took great care of me for 14 years, and I miss him every day.
JPL
I grew up with terriers and have owned goldens and a shar pei but my Moxie is the first one that laid her head on my lap when I was hurt or sick.
trollhattan
@donnah:
Ah jeez, now you’ve done it. (Lovely story, nevertheless.)
Ghanima Atreides
@WereBear: yes, but interestingly asian breeds just tune to ONE person (chows, akitas, shibas, basenjis, etc). my veterinarian friend says this was because when the chowchow got turned into chow, only one person had to abstain the meal.
Butch
I mentioned on another post that we had just moved to the Upper Peninsula, and it’s been interesting watching the animals. It’s an old, 1900 or so farmhouse, so there are plenty of hidey holes for the kitties, which can be worrisome. Pancho, one of the yellow labs, is running for the first time in his life (he has tended previously to mosey wherever he went), Barley and Beauregard are doing OK if a little clingy, and Butkus is completely freaked – it’s an effort to coax him even down off the deck and onto the lawn.
Chat Noir
We moved to the West Loop in Chicago a couple months ago and we have a dog park two blocks north of our apartment. It is so much fun to watch the dogs run around and interact with each other and with the humans. There’s a large drinking bowl that refills constantly as well as a hose and several kiddie pools for swimming.
If the world has me in a foul mood, going to the dog park helps alleviate it somewhat.
Southern Beale
If you missed Sarah Palin completely mangling the story of Paul Revere, Digby has a transcript. Palin is officially a completely fucking idiot.
I’m sorry but I’ve just had enough. Seriously, if CNN gives this nincompoop any more airtime I’m gonna lose it. She’s a FUCKING MORON.
SiubhanDuinne
@Trentrunner:
Terri Gross did an absolutely fascinating interview with Bradshaw last week on “Fresh Air.” It inspired me to order the book, even though I don’t own a dog and have no plans* to get one any time soon.
*Okay, yeah, I know what they say about making plans….
ETA: And John, I agree with everyone who loves Lily stories and is thrilled with your love for her and hers for you. This was one of your most wonderful posts evah.
Just Some Fuckhead
John, you get this way every year halfway between the end of football season and the beginning of a new one, prolly your low ebb.
Ghanima Atreides
The American AKC is pure evil. They have ruined many breeds of dogs. They allow some degree of kinship mating in their registry, and breed for nonfunctional look.
Hip displasia in labs and congenital deafness in danes and dalmations are the direct result of AKC sanctioned inbreeding.
They are evil.
Its all about making money, not about the good of the breed.
JPL
Dick Morris’ focus group is calling again for a new survey..I love Sarah..right.. Last time I wasn’t put on hold though..
hmmm
bk
Best. Post. Ever!
Ghanima Atreides
Think about how easy it would be for the AKC to make registering puppy mill puppies illegal.
Required breeder inspections or no papers.
Fuckin’ evil.
Betty Cracker
I’m so glad you and Lily found each other too! And you’re right about the AKC being totally full of shit in their classifications. I have a pair of boxers, “working dogs,” and they are the laziest bitches on the planet. They should totally be classified as “napping dogs” or “farting dogs” or something. Certainly not “working dogs.”
Southern Beale
HA HA HA HA HA!!!!
And we wondered why they called themselves “Tea Baggers” at first! Headline from right-wing CNS News:
Tsulagi
Bet there’s a lot of progress on that fence.
fasteddie9318
Is Lily a little dog? She looks pretty medium to me.
Kewalo
You are such a sweety John and I’m so glad you “found” Lily, the perfect dog for you.
And it’s the perfect time for a dog thread. Last week I brought up the fact that our dog doesn’t like peanut butter and did anyone have any ideas what I could put in her kong. Someone, or maybe a couple of people brought up cheese. Well, she loves it and it’s turned out to be a success. So thank you all for pointing me in the right direction.
And it’s surprisingly tasty.
DFH no.6
@WaterGirl:
Yes, a love story. “A Boy and His Dog” as it were, very much like the great short story of that name by weird old Harlan Ellison (which he wrote, so he said, as a “love story” when someone criticized him for never writing that sort of tale. Pretty decent film adaption from back when with a young Don Johnson as the protagonist, too).
And with all the apocalyptic doom and gloom talk lately (of which I have been, I must say, a small contributor) perhaps more prescient than I’d like to believe.
My wife – a working-lifelong RN – says often anymore that she likes dogs more than people. And she had never had pets until we had been married a dozen years or so and the kids were old enough to lend a hand (and until we had that first family dog – still sorely missed these many years later – she never understood how people could love animals).
From her on-the-job stories – along with the fact we are surrounded by teabaggers on all sides, including many family members (mostly her side) – I can’t say I blame her for her misanthropy.
From her perspective, way too many people are ungrateful and greedy “takers”, while dogs (all dogs) just want us to love them (and I don’t buy any of that “junk” science or anthropocentric bullshit that it’s not “love”).
4jkb4ia
This fourth set is so absolutely, completely awesome.
Paul in KY
@RobertB: Errr, no. That quote did not exactly mean that.
bemused
@Southern Beale:
I couldn’t agree more. Idiot media talk, talk, talking about idiots. Useless creatures all.
Silver Owl
Lily can wear a backpack and help carry your garden tools. She may not qualify as working class dog, but that doesn’t mean she can’t get the title. lol
Joe
You’re a good man John Cole.
Rosalita
thanks for posting pics John. she’s a cutie.
Ghanima Atreides
@fasteddie9318: she is about the same size as Ginnie and Guesley, Cole’s parents JRTs.
BGinCHI
Great xkcd today, as usual:
http://xkcd.com/
JPL
@fasteddie9318: If I remember correctly she’s about 18 pounds same as my moxie..
4jkb4ia
Djokovic: 41-1 in 2011, folks. Not that anyone cared whatsoever.
ETA: I am scared to say this really is a lovely post. John will start looking frantically around for what he did wrong.
Darkrose
Awww. I remember when you first got her, how she was so skittish and you weren’t entirely sure about the dog thing. Watching you two has been awesome.
Also, too, TUNCH.
Jim
Actually, Lily’s always looked and in your descriptions sounded to me like a carolina dog. They’re a primitive breed and probably have genetics that ended up in working dogs; they can be scary smart sometimes.
…figures it’d take dog blogging to pull me out of lurking.
Gus
I’ve only had dogs for the last eight years, and I can’t believe how many years I missed out. On the other hand the day my dog dies is going to be among the worst of my life.
Sister Machine Gun of Quiet Harmony
@donnah:
Thanks. Now I’m openly weeping at work.
Mike E
@mistermix:
My daughter’s dog is a beagle/springer mix, so she’s got the “must chase squirrel” impulse to go with the hound’s nose. A handful at 45 lbs. Sweet little piglet tho!
HRA
@Southern Beale:
“He who warned the British… ??????
The question is does she do this on purpose to generate more press or is she being sincere.
Nice story, John. I understand exactly what you mean by Lily’s devotion to you. Sometimes I think Tiki is human or to get into that Bridey Murphy thing, who was he in another life?
arguingwithsignposts
@WaterGirl:
if you open ibooks, you should see a link in the top left corner that says “Store” – so you can click on the link and it will take you to iTunes. Do a search for the title and you should see whether it’s available.
bookcat
@donnah: Now I’m sobbing. My dog’s were all “what’s up?” when I came over and buried my face in their fur.
Brachiator
@WaterGirl:
Dog Sense is available on iBooks. Just go to “Store” and search for it. You can also download a free sample of the book.
But also note that you can install the Kindle and other book apps for free on your iPad and look for the best price.
asiangrrlMN
@donnah: Your story of Bo is beautiful and touching.
@karen marie: Aw, James is a sweet boy.
Cole, I adore the tenderness you have for Lily. You two were meant to be.
Now, TUNCHIE!
Geeno
John, you and Lily are so perfect for each other.
My own one great dog of my life was a pure-bred black lab female named Sam. She was unshowable, because she was just too damned big for the AKC’s standards for female labs (at the time 22″ at withers and 50 to 60 lbs). She was 25″ at the withers and 70 lbs in good trim — 83 lbs after a few months in my father’s care, but that’s another issue.
She was totally a people dog, she loved people and was extraordinary at anticipating what you wanted her to do – and not just for me, but for any owner approved visitor to the house. She was also a great “mom” to my various friends’ new puppies, and even the odd child that visited the house. She was natural nanny.
Anyway, now I’m ranting, but seeing your love for Lily always reminds me of my Sam (RIP).
Violet
John Cole, thanks for the photo of Lily. Looks like you two are having a glorious day. What a sweetie. I just love your posts about the two of you.
WaterGirl
@arguingwithsignposts: Thanks, arguing. The Bradshaw book isn’t there :-( but at least now I know how to find iBooks!
Edit: @Brachiator:
Just saw your post – I had carelessly assumed that if an author wasn’t in the alphabetical list, they didn’t have their books. Just found the book, now I just have to figure out how to get the sample. Thanks to both of you.
WaterGirl
@Brachiator: Go the free sample. So cool that I can get a sample of any book before buying!
ABL
@donnah: awwwwww!
is someone cutting onions in here?
AliceBlue
You’re a lucky man, John Cole.
donnah
That wonderful dog Bogart died thirty years ago and it seems like yesterday. Thanks to all for the kind comments. He was a good dog.
Brachiator
@WaterGirl:
Glad to help. Enjoy your iPad.
Cermet
@Ghanima Atreides: So true – and don’t forget that they support cutting off tails, and surgery/cutting of ears amoung other horrors they and owners inflict on these helpless dogs.
gogol's wife
Thanks for the beautiful post. And yeah, where’s Tunch?
Jebediah
I love this.
Anne Laurie
Kudos to you, Cole… and to Lily. You both make a lot of people you’ll never meet happy!
As for the AKC, it is what it is. Those of us who love our individual breeds get more frustrated with the organization than you outside observers could ever imagine. And yet, without an organizing body with a long history behind it, at least half the breeds in America would be known only by a handful of specialists (if they existed at all), and a lot of canine-related health research would never have been done. Not to mention sports like AKC obedience and agility, (without which I’d probably never have owned a dog). And the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification program, which is turning into a de facto registry for renters to combat anti-dog landlords & tenant regulations. In some ways, the AKC is like the modern American two-party political system — not what anyone would consciously choose as a sensible way to run a nation, but the strongest institution available for those of us who want to change the Way Things Are.
Maddie
aww. i love this. my pug/all pugs are like this. such a stressful/rewarding life for them.
metalgirl
This has been a short but stressful week so this thread was very welcome! Bogart sounds like a very special dog. My childhood pet, Purkins (at cat), died 2 days before my birthday after I had moved away from home. My parents called me on my birthday to wish me a happy day and then called me back the NEXT day to tell me about Purkins – they didn’t want to ruin my birthday :) These are also the same people who didn’t tell me my dad had cancer until after the surgery, which was a success. “We didn’t want to worry you.” Southerners!
cckids
@justdale:
This. Our vet believes our Pomeranian was probably dumped (we found him loose in the street) because he has several “nonconformities” & is far from a show-perfect Pom. But he has the sweetest, most loyal personality, always ready for fun or for snuggles. He is all about what his people want (unless we are late with lunch) Yet his first owner dropped him like last weeks garbage. Some people are real a-holes.
greenergood
Lily is obviously your great love; Rosie a hanger-on but you’re noble about her most of the time. Tunch is your overlord, who has garnered your respect and even sometimes admiration due to his exemplary takeover of whatever of your spaces he wants. You have lucky animal companions – but they probably think YOU’RE lucky. P.S. please don’t use the word ‘spazzy’ – it makes me flinch.
cckids
@Anne Laurie:
I remember an article in Nat Geo from several years back on dog breeds, that stated if we quit selective breeding, dogs would migrate back to essentially small, medium & large. And be healthier for it. But somewhat less interesting for the humans around them, I suppose.
thalarctos
@trollhattan:
Chows, too. “Non-sporting” makes them sound like they cheat at cards. I prefer the UK classification, “utility dogs”.
kc
Awww!
RedKitten
Aww…what a sweet post. When I think back to how terrified she was when you first got her! I think the two of you were meant for each other, Cole. You’re very lucky to have found each other — she’s a sweet girlie, and you’re a very doting and loving human. I hope that Lily lives a very, very long and happy and healthy life, and that you get many more years of joy with each other.
Brian
I’m glad, too.
Joy
Lily is wonderful.
This morning I’m loving my Great Dane Eowyn and my cat Arthur. Animals make life sweet.