It’s almost 2012!

I can’t believe it’s the last week of 2011 and that 2012 is getting ever-closer to a reality. I have been consumed with finishing up work for my official launch of Delightful Doggies! So far I have gotten my trademark/registration complete, my logo in line (thanks to my friend Kristy!), my websites are developed, my business cards have arrived, I got certified in pet CPR/first aid through the American Red Cross, I have been registering on pet sitting sites and getting professional memberships in line, my forms and client contract templates are almost finalized and much more.

Delightful Doggies

I still have a few “to-dos” on my list but I also can’t ignore my schoolwork so I’m going to a coffee shop in a few (once I’m done blogging) to get caught up. If I’m home I sometimes get distracted, and my husband is here to be able to watch over the animals.

I also have my first meet and greet setup for Monday afternoon for a job at the end of February. This is the third inquiry I’ve received with minimal marketing happening. I am so curious to see what will happen once I actually start big marketing initiatives. It’s kind of hard to know what to do in terms of quitting my current job when I’m unsure of what to expect. My feelings are somewhat optimistic, that I can find a good client base and make it work.

Crunching numbers should help me better determine this; I know I can make much more gross income in a lot less time doing this that working the current job, but it will take some time to build it so that I am able to cover taxes and my overhead. Luckily, I don’t expect too much overhead. Most of my start-up costs were covered by the money I received from my gracious, loving in-laws for the holidays. They are so supportive of me and I am so lucky!

Speaking of the job, I also have my eggs in other baskets: I went on a job interview yesterday, lol! I had applied for a head receptionist/administrative assistant position with a veterinary practice a while back and got called in for a group interview. I’d never been in this large a group interview before and it was pretty interesting. We were asked questions and had to all give answers to the same questions. Being able to hear others’ answers and, in a sense, size them up kind of fed my narcissism, lol. I actually think I did pretty well, though I’m sure others did too. But I have to say, some people were definitely not so impressive, despite experience they have. I don’t know.

Apparently I will know in a day or two if I made the cut. I would then have to do a second round of interview with the staff there, then there will be one final interview with the head vet, who will make the ultimate decision. I have no idea what will come of this, if anything. My rationale was to go and get some practice with interviewing for such a job, and if I was offered the job I might take it for the sake of getting the experience, as well as the exposure of what happens in vet medicine before I start my vet assistant training. For all I know I may realize it is not for me and save money for other training I can pursue instead of using it on something that isn’t for me.

I have a lot going on in my head these days. But I should stop allowing my head to “ramble” and go concentrate on studying. For now, this is the update on my professional pursuits; I won’t even go into the more personal stuff. (Read: NOT ENOUGH TIME!)

Your Spunky One

Challenges

The last couple of weeks of my life have been challenging–lots of opportunities and insanity all rolled up!

My dear husband, Citrus, suffered a mild stroke two weeks ago tomorrow. It was late at night; we had both fallen asleep on the couch while watching television. He awoke me to go downstairs to the bedroom and then he was hitting my backside while we were in bed. “What is wrong with you?” I demanded to know. He mumbled something about it not being him, which was confusing, then I became frightened and jumped out of bed. He wasn’t speaking well; he was stumbling over his words and his right arm and hand were moving strangely. He told me it was like he wasn’t controlling it, like he was a puppet.

Hubby & I a la "The Outlaws"

We got him dressed and out the door to go to the hospital. We had called his mother as well. I don’t think I have ever been more scared or freaked out in my life. I was trying to not scare him but speeding was necessary!

We got to the hospital and they took a CAT scan which showed nothing. Because of this and the fact that he was improving rather than worsening, they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. The neurologist asked if he wanted to leave. I said I didn’t want to leave until we knew WTF happened! I wasn’t going to take him home to have something else freaky happen, or worse, so they admitted him.

The next day the bleeding in the back of his head was found via MRI. He had no sensation at all in his right arm and hand. He still has this and it somewhat comes and goes, getting worse and better at times. He still has some speech issues though it keeps improving. We finally got the okay to let him go home Thursday night, having spent two and a half days or so in the hospital.

We still aren’t sure what the cause was, though it could be a blood clot or a small hole in his heart. His blood pressure is high at times and is being monitored, and he takes a low-dose aspirin and a cholesterol medication now. Next week he will go for a follow up to see if he may need blood pressure medicine or anything else, in addition to a full checkup.

Friends of ours have been coming to our aid to donate money to cover medical expenses and give love, energy and time to us as needed…we GREATLY appreciate this and love all of you.

That was the largest event and it happened right after a great day of awesome news from a friend who is working with others to launch a new rescue, The Way of the Paw. I’m very excited for this new entity! It will be awesome to volunteer time with them and be part of hopefully a lot of growth to save lives.

But all the excitement of my husband having his health issues has kind of put a crazy spin on my life, and I’m a little anxious because I have fallen behind in my schooling too. Tomorrow I have to really buckle down and get some real headway on that tip. I did get some new tools to help train Jasper. I am so nervous right now about school, quite honestly. I feel a lot of worry that I will somehow not do well, those voices of self-doubt are in my head and making themselves known! So I just try to remember that this is ludicrous and that I will do great, I just have to do it.

I am very excited to be doing a new volunteer program at MaxFund starting Wednesday. I and perhaps a couple of other volunteers–not sure who all may be participating or not–will be working with a professional trainer to learn how to better handle the dogs and test temperaments of new dogs coming into the shelter. I am very excited to be doing this and helping out in a way that will really also help me to learn!

Delightful Doggies' new logo

Last but not least, I have been working on Delightful Doggies. Everything is on schedule for official launch in 2012. The website has a new look to match the new logo, designed by my WONDERFUL friend, Kristy Lee. I’m working on optimizing the sites I have set up, getting my business cards done and working on liability insurance. I am excited and a bit nervous…so much going on and I still have the dog daycare job, at which I have to be in a couple of hours, so I’m signing off for now.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving–I know I was especially thankful for my family this time around, given recent events. May all of you be grateful for what you have and remember, the best things in life aren’t things!

Much love,
Your Spunky One

Busy Bee

My Delightful Jasper

Lots going on these days…all pretty exciting!

My dog training has finally gone from the basics and theory portions to the practical application, so I’m working now with Jasper on basic obedience training. I’ve been anxious to get to this point and hope for patience on my part. I used to be a lot more impatient than I am these days, as I’ve matured through time, lol, but I do still have my moments of NOW! Dog training takes patience, persistence, consistency; I am better with the latter two than the first, but I continue to improve. Life is constant learning and if I can at least recognize my needed areas of improvement, I can work on them and evolve.

I realized I am so ready to start working for myself. While I have a lot of training left, I feel I’m ready to leap into a starting point with offering pet sitting and dog walking services by the start of 2012. This is my goal and my impatience–or shall we say zeal?–led me to set things in motion: between last week and this week, I brainstormed some business plan thoughts, bought my trade and domain names, set up social media presence, and built the web site for my next business venture, Delightful Doggies. I still have some work to do to set up shop properly but I’m happy that it’s rolling along.

My day job at the dog daycare is still going strong. I am really enjoying swimming with the dogs–I get to do it a couple times a week now–and I am becoming more comfortable there than I felt for the first several weeks. I’m learning a lot doing everything I have been over the last few months, which feels great. It will be interesting to see what transitions over the next few months as I launch Delightful Doggies while holding this job, how long it will take to get enough business of my own to be able to do it solely as a means of financial support.

Adding to the mix is a possibility of other work–if not paying professional work, other volunteer work that could be very meaningful to me in this path. My ultimate desire is to make a difference. One of my goals is to be able to work with shelters to help dogs (or any animals, really) get adopted–by helping to solve behavioral issues and provide care that will help them transition into permanent homes–and I feel like that is on my horizon. I am excited for the work of those friends I know who have similar desires, and to see how we can all work together, as we all piece it together and travel the road we’re on. This is a really awesome point in my life, I feel, and I’m excited to watch it unfold.

Thanks for reading and I wish you well,
Your Spunky One

November is adopt a senior pet month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet month!

I wanted to share the following information about senior dogs adoptable through MaxFund. If you are interested in adopting, visit the shelter to fill out an application. If you are not ready to adopt, consider being a foster. Thanks to Chelsea, who is a staff member and volunteer coordinator at MaxFund, for the information about the following senior pets at MaxFund!

Sepia

SEPIA – (11 year old, female, Heeler mix) Sepia was a MaxFund dog previously and recently returned for barking. It sounds to us like she spent a lot of time alone, outside. She is absolutely charming, sweet and loving, and loves the company of people. She is great with other dogs, cats and kids, and would do well in nearly any home except an apartment. She will love and talk with you all day; this sweet older gal would love to get out of the shelter into a foster home where she can be comfortable and we can learn more about her, or ideally, we would love for this sweet Pia to be adopted forever!

Seelie

SEELIE – (11 year old, female, Collie mix) – Seelie is a happy, delightful senior gal that would be happier in a calm, steady environment. Seelie is SUPER well behaved and ULTRA friendly. She is not bothered by other dogs, cats, or children and she enjoys her daily walks. She arrived at MaxFund with several lumps that have been removed by MaxFund vet staff. She has made a wonderful recovery and would be so happy in a loving home. Due to her age, she has some arthritis and is currently on a remedy of fish oil, glucosamine and Rimadyl.

Gulliver

GULLIVER- (10 year old, male, Chihuahua) – “Gulli” came to us as a lonely old stray and has been placed in a loving foster home where he is very comfortable until his forever home comes along. He is so easy to care for, loves to love, good with dogs and cats and would be fine with older children. Please contact his foster mom to meet him at 970-846-9823.

Chelsea

CHELSEA – (13 year old, female, Beagle/Shepherd) – Chelsea has been a resident at MaxFund since 2008 and has lived in a MaxFund foster home since then. She would love to be adopted forever and is certain to make someone very happy. She’s an easy going gal who currently lives with two other dogs. Chels has some arthritis but still gets around well and takes pain meds to manage the pain; her thyroid levels are also being maintained with daily medications. She takes them wonderfully and is never fussy. She would love to meet you and go home forever with a loving owner. Chelsea has been with MaxFund for many years and would love to find someone to keep her forever!

Samantha

SAMANTHA – (12 year old, female, Poodle) – This sweet, loving gal came to MaxFund when her owner had health issues and couldn’t care for her. Samantha is young at heart and ready to bring happiness to your home. She is a mature, well-trained and super-loving pup; great with dogs, cats and older children. To meet Samantha or get more information, please call 303-595-4917.

Patches

PATCHES – (8 year old, female, Pointer mix) – Patches’ previous owners were in the military and had to move, causing her to find a new home. Patches is extremely attentive and smart; she loves exercise! She is hilarious when you have a lazer pointer and she tries to chase it!! Patches likes cats, small dogs and kids; she would do best with a yard or an active owner to explore with her. Please come to the shelter to meet Patches!

Cleopatra

CLEOPATRA – (8 year old, female, Catahoula) – Cleo has become a favorite of many volunteers and staff; she is a super sweet, genuine loving and special gal. Super well-trained, affectionate, ready to hang at home or go for walks within her comfort zone. We have come to find out that Cleopatra is a fantastic mouse hunter!! (No wonder she doesn’t like cats!!) Cleo needs a home without kids and without other animals. Beware! Her “human peeves” are things with wheels – bikes, skateboards, grocery carts, etc)!

MR. MARLEY – (12 year old, male, Poodle) – Marley was a resident at MaxFund in 2007 and was adopted to an older couple, but came back this year because they couldn’t keep him (they were older too and couldn’t keep up with a dog anymore). Marley is low-key, friendly, and well-trained; it has been reported that he has siezures but we have not seen them since his return last month. He currently stays at the MaxFund Wellness Clinic for observation and a more calm environment.

Ashton

ASHTON – (7-10 year old, female, Spaniel mix) – Ashton came in with another dog. Their owner passed away and there was no one to care for the dogs. Since they arrived at MaxFund, Ashton’s friend has been adopted and Ashton is extremely depressed at the shelter. If you are interested in her, please contact MaxFund (303-595-4917) so you can get more details about her personality and care.

Susie & Buster

BUSTER & SUSIE ( 13 year old, male and female, Cocker Spaniels) – Well when they say, “Two is better than one,” the phrase holds true for these two wonderful loving dogs! What a pair – closely bonded and extremely well-behaved, Buster and Susie came in when their owner lost his home. This was a difficult transition but they have adapted with smiles and happy spirits. Buster and Susie have SO much love and youth to share; they are waiting for their forever home so if you would like to meet them please call their foster mom at 303-319-8622.

George

GEORGE – (8 year old, male, Shepherd/Rottie) – Georgie Boy is a special guy with sweet loving eyes and a true gentleman like demeanor. He arrived as a stray who was never claimed by his owner. It is clear that someone owned him at one time, he is full-figured, well-behaved and very sophisticated. He will be a great addition to any home and is currently with a foster family who is loving him up and preparing him to be adopted. For more information or to meet George, please call 720-936-5645 – he would LOVE to meet you!

Hank

HANK – (11 year old, male, Husky) – What a story this big handsome boy has! Hank came a long way from New Mexico where he was close to euthanasia at another shelter. He happily arrived at MaxFund but went through many vet exams for dentals, heartworm treatment, vaccines and x-rays. Hank is a miracle dog, and now ready to bring a miracle home to his adopted family. Hank is great with other dogs and kids – are you ready for him?!! To meet Hank, please call his adoring foster mom at 720-308-4431.

Seymour

SEYMOUR – (8 year old, male, Poodle mix) – Seymour will steal your heart! He is an ultra loving, connected, great dog. There is too much good to say about this sweet older man. He is waiting to share is love with his forever home and is great with other dogs, cats and kids. Seymour has soulful eyes and a perfect demeanor; pictures don’t do justice – so please set up a meeting to see him: 303-882-4486.

Thank you for reading and please share this post!
Your Spunky One

Jasper Hath Angered Me

Last night was the first time I ever really got seriously mad at my boy, Jasper.

Chris and I were inside watching a movie while Jasper was outside. He loves being outside in his yard and is there often when we are all home. We heard him barking but it persisted instead of stopped–and seemed to get crazier. I got off the couch and poked my head out the door to try and get him to stop. “Jasper!” I yelled. No recall from him, even after calling his name a few times.

All of a sudden, I heard more of a yelping noise, like there was another animal as well as him in the yard, around the corner of the house, out of my range of view. It was pretty dark, too. I immediately worried that it could be a coyote after him or something serious, so I bolted out the door, in my pajamas and no shoes at all (and it’s cold and there’s all kinds of stick-your-foot stuff out there right now), ready to do battle if needed.

At that precise moment, Jasper rounded the corner, up on the top of the hill of our yard, chasing the neighborhood feral cat. I’ve seen this cat for as many years as I’ve lived here–he’s a tough bastard, a big grey boy–and I never can catch him or persuade him to eat treats or food from me. Chris saw him get run over by a car once, but he has not used all his nine lives yet, apparently.

Jasper in less-crazy mode, with his cat sister, Buttons

I yelled at Jasper to stop chasing the cat, but he wouldn’t. They were making an awful racket and I was worried either/both of them could be hurt or hurting each other. All this angered me. I was angry Jasper wasn’t listening to me; I was angry Jasper may have been hurt by a cat who could be carrying any number of diseases; I was angry Jasper might be in a predatory drive mode and that is something I NEVER want him to do–hurt another creature! I was so very, very pissed.

Finally the cat ended up on the other side of our semi-fenced in garden, with Jasper actually in the garden (which he is never supposed to be in the garden, mind you)! Jasper finally stopped after I grabbed him by the hair of his butt and he went all sub on me. I got him to jump out of the garden and go inside. He was banished to the indoors for the entire night and he knew he had done wrong. I scolded him and took away his Kong. It appeared he was fine and healthy, no injuries. He tried to jump up onto the couch but his couch privileges were forfeited by this behavior, to say the least.

I went and got some food for the cat and took it outside. I was worried maybe it had been hurt. I also just wanted to feed the poor thing. He had made it into the garden and I came as close as I could, showing him the food. He let me know he didn’t want me anywhere near him, as he growled low and strong. I left the food and went back in. Hours later, I went out to see if he had eaten, but he had not. I’m sure he is an awesome hunter and can find more desirable fare than my upscale dry cat food.

I figure if one had been hurt, the other would be, too, and since Jasper didn’t have any signs, the cat should be okay, intact with all the lives it had upon entering our yard. I gave Jasper considerable cold shoulder for a couple of hours. He knew I was very upset with him. Later I allowed his apology in kisses and we made up. I still love him. Of course!

Happy Halloween, everyone! We are going to go have breakfast and go to the dog park so he can unleash his energy in a good way.

Boo!
Your Spunky One

The Crystal Ball of Learning

What does the future hold?

I catch glimpses of my future, its hopes and ideals, its fear and challenges. In the present, I am always concerned with whether what I am doing and where I am is RIGHT. I am always so concerned about what is right, it’s almost ridiculous. I hate to sound all Pollyanna, but it’s true. Worrying about what’s right causes me anxiety, at times.

So, I remind myself constantly–it’s all about learning. Where I am and what I am doing is all just a small part of the learning, the steps that will take me to where I ultimately hope to be–and where is that? Envisioning so many possibilities and desires, the hope to be able to support myself and my family, and do something that is right, to keep giving back and to see real results in the welfare of all life on our planet, and the planet itself. It’s all a big dream but I can see parts of it, I can see through where I am now the ways in which I can grow and do better. This is what it’s about, right?

Taking a new job recently after just getting really adjusted into the one I did have has really made me reflect on why I made the change and what I hope to get out of these experiences. While I think it was a good choice for me in many ways, I still find myself questioning what I have done. There are pros and cons everywhere, I remind myself. I do miss the relationships I did build and somewhat dislike starting over in that sense. Change takes so much energy and time. Change is inevitable and constant–where will I end up next?

I spent some time tonight looking around online at a lot of different things–looking up business names for my ultimate business, checking out who and what is out there so I can learn more about competition, trying to figure out how I can get started to be working for myself, thinking about the shorter-term and longer-term aspects. My head is spinning and the crystal ball is getting cloudy. I’m signing off, for now.

Goodnight my dears in cyberspace,
Your Spunky One

Whirlwind!

Life has been crazy lately. I haven’t had a lot of time to write. I am so tired! I got a new job last week so I have started training while still working the other job. My last day at the job I had is the 16th. I’m at a different dog daycare facility for the new job. It’s much closer (don’t have to hop on the highway anymore!) and I somewhat prefer the facility. Some day I shall speak more on this, but not now.

CHAMPS has been going great. I love Blakester a lot and he is making good progress, particularly in his temperament. He just seems more relaxed. He has been doing pretty well, though he does get distracted at times, at learning the other material, the markers and commands. I have been wanting to get to see him more by going to the shelter but because I have two jobs right now, it’s not been possible.

Puttin' on the Max: We are Colorado

Speaking of MaxFund-related stuff, the annual black-tie fundraiser, Puttin’ on the Max, is less than two weeks away! I will be assisting with the silent auction. It’s at the Brown Palace (ooh-la-la!) and it’s a great way to get all dressed up, have some fun and great food,  socialize, bid on great items at both the silent and live auctions, and contribute to an awesome organization, MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. You can register online here.

Lastly, my little sweet dog son, Jasper, turned 1 year old this Monday. I will write more on this later as well…he is the dearest dog to my heart of all the dogs I know and love!

I have to dash off now to get to CHAMPS – more later!

Love,
Your Spunky One

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is the American Humane Society’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Please consider adopting a wonderful dog from your local shelter.

Why adopt?

Adopt a Shelter Dog this October!

• You will have a grateful friend for life!
• You are SAVING a life. You are MAKING A DIFFERENCE. If you go to a no-kill shelter, you save two lives–the one you are adopting plus the one who takes her place.
• You can gain a quality exercise buddy who will keep you in better health.
• Your stress will lessen with the welcome home wags and kisses of your furry family member.
• You can train your dog to give pet therapy to those in need, volunteering your time and talents together, feeling good about what you’re doing.
• You won’t be supporting puppy mills or unethical breeders who charge lots of money for less-than-healthy animals who’ve not been treated well.
• Shelters focus on making the right kinds of matches–you will find a dog that fits your familybest and matches your activity level.
• Shelters also vaccinate and spay/neuter their animals, giving them the appropriate health care they need, as well as more often than not provide microchipping.
• If you care that much about money, know you’ll be saving money, since the animals at shelters do have their vaccinations and charge much less than puppy stores, breeders, etc.

There are a lot of myths about shelter dogs, that they are bad or somehow defective for being where they are, though it is no fault of their own. Many are relinquished by owners, particularly in these hard times, or abandoned. They had happy lives once and know how to successfully live in a home. Others are strays whose stories are not quite known, but whose gratefulness for being in a home and not having to fend for themselves on the streets, will prove to be an awesome companion for their humans.

If you are in the Denver area, I recommend adopting from MaxFund, the no-kill shelter for whom I volunteer. There are many great no-kill shelters throughout the U.S.–I advocate for no-kill–but truth is, there are plenty of shelters of all kinds out there and there is a great need for any of the dogs within them to be adopted, to finally have a home, to know what love and security are, who can be loyal to you and be a quality friend for life!

There are an estimated FOUR MILLION CATS AND DOGS euthanized EVERY YEAR in the U.S. due to overpopulation and our disposable nature. This has to end!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Don’t Shop – ADOPT!
Your Spunky One

Pet Club Mobile Adoption TODAY!

Today I will be out at the Pet Club Mobile Adoption event held in Littleton at 5150 E Arapahoe Rd, D#4, with MaxFund. You can see some of the awesome animals we have available for adoption so you can fall in love with your next furry family member!

We will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today so please come out and visit us in support of no-kill.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Your Spunky One

I found my CHAMP!

I went to MaxFund to walk some dogs and try to figure out which dog would be the right one for me for this session of CHAMPS. I was pretty drawn to Blakester‘s story so I decided to start with him. As soon as I got him out of his kennel, he lunged at the kennel of the dog next to him, on our way out. He is a strong guy and I know he was excited–they’re all pretty excited to get out on a walk, of course, and once I got him outside, he calmed a bit.

Blakester - available for adoption from MaxFund!

Camp Bow Wow employees were there evaluating dogs for possible boarding. It’s awesome that they board shelter dogs to give them a better environment and better chance of adoption! They were interested in Blakester but I didn’t know much about him to share. Blakester was interested in Bingo, the dog they had with them. Their short interaction seemed positive, which is good, since they’d need to be positive socially with other dogs before being allowed to go to Camp Bow Wow.

I told them I’d let them know what I thought after the walk, if they were still around when I got back. I was able to do this. On the walk, he was pretty strong and unable to walk in a “heel” kind of manner–he pulled a lot and would cross sides. However, when he was calm enough, he walked very well and it was really pleasant and awesome!

I walked him over to Sunken Gardens Park and tried to gauge what commands he knows–none. I realized this beautiful dog, while he may be appealing in looks, may not have a successful adoption if he didn’t have better grasp of how to interact with humans. I decided he really was worthy and in need of help, so I asked for his file when I went back to learn what I could.

Blakester is now thought to be about two years old. He was found by a good Samaritan, who brought him to MaxFund on March 28 after finding him on the streets. His back legs were injured and he wasn’t able to walk; he had to be carried in.  He had tags but no microchip, and attempts to contact his owner per the tags were unsuccessful. He recuperated in the MaxFund clinic and has only more recently joined the population within the shelter. I spoke with staff, who told me he does have some dog aggression issues (not uncommon for dogs who’ve had to fend for themselves on the streets) and marking issues.

I am glad to help Blakester, if I can. He would be an awesome dog for someone, just needs a bit of help to get the skills he needs to have it be able to transition to a home life. Wish us luck!

Your Spunky One