So Long, Falstaff (I can't say goodbye)

After a couple of months of advertising and postering and posting on the web, a mixed-breed rescue group out of Lake County (northeast of us) has room for Falstaff. I'm supposed to bring him to them tomorrow afternoon.

He's been so much better for the last month, even coming back to check in when we're on off-leash walks.

So now the second-guessing starts, the self-doubt. Was I really just not patient enough, didn't I have enough faith, was growing up all that was needed, am I just repeating some old losses (moving a lot, other wounds)? Am I incapable of crafting a long-lasting relationship? Do I have the right to set my own terms for a canine companion? People who know me and have seen me with him have laughed at the mismatch, yet the doubts continue....

Doggie news

First a really sad note: My sister's dog Cena, only two and a half, dropped dead while playing frisbee. Some thoughts and prayers for Korie and Kate would be much appreciated, as they grieve the huge empty spot in their lives.

On a mixed note: I've decided to find a new home for Falstaff. He's such a wonderful dog, he deserves an active family where his energy will be an asset rather than a irritant. He's listed on Yahoo! and craigslist and a place called nextdaypets.com. A couple from North Carolina was interested in him, but we both realized at the same time that shipping would prove a problem (airlines refuse to transport pets if the temperature at either end is over 85 degrees, not too much of a stretch for North Carolina). So the search continues. I know they're out there.

Another Sporadic Update

First day of summer yesterday, a little trip to the beach, too lazy to carry my shoes, hot sand, fairly severe burns on my soles and toes. Clinic appointment today. Just proves I don't get out enough.

Falstaff's listening more, but I'm still not sure he's the right dog for me. It's still REALLY hard to get him to listen with all the stuff out there -- birds other dogs, what Sturmz is doing, all those smells. Reminds me of the guy who hits the mule over the head with a 2x4 and says, "First, you gotta get his attention."

I'm still working too much, but the Hudsons (my weekend job employers) are headed for Maui at beginning of July for a month. Not a moment too soon for me to get weekends off. Yard sales! Church! Naps!

Sturmz, Frank's 11-year-old Shepherd/husky mix, and Falstaff, my great Dane/lab puppy, play whenever they have an audience....




Falstaff tries to hold his ears up, but they're just too heavy...

Despite his serious look here, Falstaff has quite the sense of humor, and a nearly constant joie-de-vivre.

Oh, no! I forgot to blog!!

I can't believe it's been over 2 months.

Biggest thing has been a problem with my hands -- 8 or 9 years ago I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness and pain in my hands) with moderate nerve damage from bad computer setups. I've been having a BIG flareup since I've been working at the Senior Center. Combination of bad computer setups (get a donated desk, slap a computer on it, call it a work station), stress (tight shoulders & eating too much of the wrong things), bad diet (too much dairy, chocolate etc) and Falstaff pulling on the leash. The food thing bugs me the most, because I know that some of the things I eat are bad for my body, but I eat them because I associate them with calming and relaxation, two things in short supply these days.

Frank and I are both working too much -- he's starting out in real estate, I've got too many commitments. One of mine -- respite care for Michael, twice a week after my Senior Center job -- will end in mid-December. Not a moment too soon for me. I really like Michael, but it's time to have a bit more time for myself.

Let's see if I can post a couple of photos.