Keep it Simple

Simply put, i have an amazing dog. Actually, I have two amazing dogs, but they cause amazement for very different reasons. As complicated as life can be at times; refi's, redo's, relationships...to slash and scoop or to drive and dish? How much should I train, for what purpose? Who and what should I invest in? How we spend our days, is how we spend our lives. Ah yes, all of this and more is why sometimes, it's so nice to stick to what we know for sure - Eddy is a sheppard/chow genius and Merckx is pointer/lab instinctual hunter and prolific runner.

Eddy knows what she wants, how to get it, and makes everyone fall for her in the process. She likes affection, her way on her time. A scratch here or there, but no cuddling. She loves swimming in the surf, herding anything on the move (cars, bikes, dogs, cattle), and of course her greatest pleasure (also one of mine) - eating. She is kind, caring, very much in touch with all human energy and extremely patient and tolerant.

Merckx, um, er, not so much. He is more anxious and demanding than she is calm and enduring. He's kinda dumb. He is bred for a singular purpose; to flush game (birds and small mammals) in the field for hunters. He is a true field dog; tireless, unbridled and knowing no distraction when on course. He won't come when called, he won't tire when run, and he won't stop whining until he is turned loose to be the dog that he is. He can clean a 6 foot high fence like a low hurdle or a 12 foot wide ravine as though it were a stepping stone. He'll scale any slope and occasionally slams his face into the ground while descending hills and misjudging the dips in the terrain. But this does not stop him. A shake of the head to regather, and off he dogs.

Eddy is an Alpha, she will let you (other dogs mostly) know that she thinks she should be in charge. If you disagree, prove it! I lost a lot of blood one time, breaking up a true dog fight (as opposed to a loud barking and dancing match) between her and a ripped pit bull. I had to save the pit from the jugular hold it was under. The great thing about dogs (and most people don't know this) is their language is deep and complex. Full of statures, smells, glands, pheromones, postures, poses, and showing of ass or teeth, their communication speaks volumes to one another. Most humans don't recognize this and feel the need to intervene. But neither dog wants trouble - the alpha doesn't want to risk injury or loss of status and so signals to others - I am the one, you are at least two or 4 in the hierarchy. The others signal, belly open, or head or tail down - "ok, agreed." It is only when there is a disagreement, rarely, that things must be worked out. And even then, a shouting match is about all it takes before the dance settles into play.

Merckx and I will partake in one of our favorite pastimes for lunch hour - Mt Biking. He'll do 20 miles and I'll do about 10 on the same route. The only thing he enjoys more is a wide open beach full of birds and the only thing I enjoy more is, well, not part of this post. We are keeping it simple, remember. As a rescue project last summer, he has come a long way. Extremely demanding and far from ideal, it is time to accept him for who he is, all his wonders and all his shortcomings. I am learning to appreciate both, and it feels good. He will never be able to calmly stroll about on voice command, unleashed and focused on me. He will never be secretive about where he drops his doggy bombs, nor will he leave the room to pass gas. He will simply be himself and the truth about that is, he brings lots of laughs, companionship and smiles to anyone who experiences him just being himself.

Eddy is due for some surgery, soon. The queen has a torn cruciate ligament. She has had a hard time with the lack of mobility and lack of opportunities to herd Merckx. She knows she's hurt, but doesn't care, would rather just run till she can't anymore and limp there after. I struggle with doling out $3000 for a canine, when so many of my own species are struggling to eat, breath, survive. What would that Burmese family I stayed with say if they knew I was going to spend that much money (more than they make in a year!) on my dog's knee? They would have me committed.

Probably not a bad idea.