Has it really been four years since I’ve updated Draco & Wicca’s adventures? To say we’ve been busy is an understatement. And I write today with news that isn’t pleasant to pass along. Draco has passed away from liver cancer. Two weeks ago Draco, Wicca, Joan and I were running & frolicking off leash on the Washington coast. A week ago, Draco stopped eating. Then, signs of lethargy. We went to our primary vet and she diagnosed pancreatitis but recommended that we have an ultrasound. We did and they found his liver mostly consumed by cancer and it had metastasiz

The very last things said at the very last Grateful Dead concert recently in Chicago by drummer, Mickey Hart “The feeling we have here — remember it, take it home and do some good with it. I’ll leave you with this: Please, be kind.” Thought it was a strong idea for our Family Forum.

OK, friends and family, I have to make a confession..... We have been far, far too busy. How busy, you may well ask. Glad you asked. We've been so busy, that for the first time ever, I came to the Forum, looked at the list of new items and just hit "Mark All As Read". I've since caught up on things, but have been remiss at really having/taking the time to marvel over the beautiful new pups and their deliriously and truly fine human additions to our family. ~~~~ Because of that general busy-ness, I really am going to try to keep this mostly photos!! Joan and I drove t

Admins, where is the "I really, really Like This" button?

In lieu of actually writing an update post about Draco & Wicca, I will just add something here.... These two have been a family favorites for a few generations now. Committment "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues fr

I print my own "business" cards. On the back I usually put: American Indian Dogs -- SongDog Kennel -- http://www.indiandogs.com/ Puppy Page -- http://www.indiandogs.com/pups1.html (My new cards will have this page. Thanks, Kim, Allison & all) ~~~~ Positive Training Soundbyte overview: Ian Dunbar's TED Talk at: http://www.ted.com/talks/ian_dunbar_on_dog_friendly_dog_training Practical Application: 3LostDogs at http://3lostdogs.com Advanced Philosophy: Michael Ellis at http://michaelellisschool.com/videos.htm ~~~~ I handed out my last two

Allison, I love this thread. NyteByker, well said... deeply felt Sherab, you move me....

I could sit and stare.... the sentience is transcendent and mesmerizing.

Yesterday was Wicca's 4th Birthday.... We had a great family day. Happy Birthday litter-mates where ever you are.. (A Draco & Wicca update coming soon.)

I don't remember hearing that phrase before. Excellent. Unlikely. Not quite the same as "a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs" but sort of.... Resonates with Tom Petty's new song "Power Drunk".... God, protect us from the thoughts in some men's minds God, protect us from the pain it leaves behind Now you see him against the sky Believe in his own lies .... Pin on a badge and a man begins to change Start believing that there's nothing out of his range You and I are left in the wind In the wake of a rich man's sin...."

I should have also said that this was one of only a few negative incidents at dog parks in the five years we've had Draco (Wicca for 4). There is so much beneficial about dog parks (in today's modern world) that I would encourage using them. (If you're traveling I-5, you must see the Bakersfield, CA dogpark in a resevoir.) Like driving, sleeping people seem to have more accidents than people who are awake!

Joan, Draco, Wicca & I were at our local dogpark last week (several times). A really nice Husky and a sweet spirited Pit Bull were running, just having fun. As collateral damage, they accidentally ran over a small, wire-haired something and knocked it, unharmed for a loop. But, it yelped, loudly and continually and both dogs turned on it. Little Dog was putting up a valiant effort snarling, scampering but finally rolling over. (If you remember reading "White Fang", one of the lessons in a dog fight is 'Never go down') The little dog went down and the prey instinct came

Draco is 5. Wicca is 4. I still feel what you are writing/revealing here. To me it is a profound and vital current of energy you are tuning into. And not to be taken too lightly. Nor, too heavily. ~~~~ The other day the crows started cawing. Joan, Draco, Wicca & I have learned to stop what we are doing and look up. The crows were chasing two bald eagles right overhead locked together in full flight mating ritual. Stunning. When it was over, Draco and Wicca looked at us as if to say, "Well. That happened. We went through that together." Feel it fully. Go a

Yes, it appears to be true that this is YOUR first dog entirely your own. Assuming that solitary responsibility is so very important to both of you. Someone once suggested to me, "Assume nothing except responsibility." So, while you are wholly responsible, your new Chief Pup-Pup also comes with all of US. And, I've looked around... there is no other breed, no other kennel, no other forum that comes with US . I've used the support of this forum and the many AI Dog elders a thousand times. Sometimes when it feels that we wouldn't have made it through without this forum.

Your couch story caused me to think..... (ouch) I think -- in many ways -- these creatures we've chosen to share our lives with are NOT just testing us to win -- they are testing us to develop understanding, relationship and integration. "OK, boss, what about this situation?" "OK, got it. You want this behavior in this situation." "OK, you really, really mean it." Once that learning occurs, these darn thinking dogs can frequently apply lessons learned to new situations. Oh, sure, it's frustrating & exhausting to go through, but the end result is, at minimum, wort