Learning to stay

Some days are just easier than others, you know that. When you really want something, really, really want something it can seem like forever before you get it. The more you learn patience and how to let go the easier it gets. And so Elsie is learning about patience and waiting.

Elsie is still very underweight so she is very motivated by food. She learned to sit in a matter of minutes. Staying took a bit longer but she got it. I think she watched Flora, an old pro at this, for hints on what to do. I never asked her to look at me before I release her, but Flora does. Now, each time, Elsie gives me those eyes. I never make her wait very long because I know that she is so very hungry.

Elsie will eat just about anything. In the morning she loves to eat some fruit and lately that has been fresh mangoes. Being a mostly vegetarian dog gives Elsie a wide palate. She does eat raw eggs from our rescued hens and occasionally gets some cheese if it falls on the floor. One of her favorite things is seitan, or vital wheat gluten, or wheat meat. This meat alternative has over 3 times more protein ounce for ounce than muscle tissue from a cow, and it is cruelty free. I love animals, all animals. I cannot feed my pups a cruel meal. This is my path and obviously theirs since they chose to live here. This is not to say that Elsie hasn't been out hunting the ground squirrels and chipmunks that are now appearing, but that is part of her prey drive. She has yet to catch one.

Please enjoy a cruelty free meal at least once a week. The other animals will thank you for being compassionate. Namaste - Elsie

Post surgery

Elsie and I made the trek to Reno on Wednesday for her spay surgery. Everything went fine. She still has some mites so we are continuing on with her Cool the Blood herbs and baths (after some healing). As for being quiet and calm, well that just isn't on her agenda. A mild pain reliever has her feeling like she can go for hours and hours. Yesterday her brothers and sister went on a long walk with their dad. Elsie so wanted to go but they were going down a creek and then out towards Mono Lake. We didn't want Elsie to get an infection or to rip any stitches so she and I stayed home.

When you get surgery at Lakeside Animal Hospital they put a t-shirt on you. Elsie loves her doctor there Dr. Diana Drumm.

Here is Elsie in bed with her dad, Jim, and CV. Elsie and CV let us have part of the bed at night.









On a sad note Elsie's oldest brother, Ares, crossed over on early Monday morning. Elsie spent some time with Ares before and afterwards. I am sure she was telling him that she would try to be the best dog so that I wouldn't be sad. She is doing a good job so far, as is the rest of the pack.
I never believe that we ever "lose" someone. They just go back home from where we all came from. Pure Love. They are always here for us to talk to whenever we feel the need. They always respond but it is up to us to be open enough to hear them. It is the same way here in physical form, but sometimes there are too many distractions here, or we don't believe.
Be open, believe, have faith. Keep going, Ares would say to me, but don't forget to take a walk in the sunshine with your pals.
May your spring days be filled with sunshine and wonderful walks.
Namaste. Elsie