Her Gift to Me

Message from Subi's Mom, Lacy,


Some sadness today, as it's the one year anniversary since Subi's big sister Blossom went to Rainbow Bridge.

Blossom started out as my parents' dog. She was born to a litter of a dog belonging to a friend of my mother's. Mom wanted a dog just like Blossom's mother -- instead she got something far different. Where Peaches was docile and mannerly, Blossom was hyper and athletic. For most of her fourteen years she only had one setting...fast. I was in college when my parents brought her home, so I actually missed her puppy year and have only a few precious puppy pictures to treasure.

Through college, I kept complaining that I missed having a dog and told my parents that I wanted a basset hound when I graduated. I thought that would be an excellent graduation present. Since I had to move back home after school, I got instead what amounted to a "Basset Hound IOU". Also, I got the dream dog I never knew I always wanted.

I loved Blossom right away and even though she was thoroughly bonded with my parents, I decided that a takeover was in order. Having had a terrible and often tragic history with pets, I swore to be the best pet parent I could possibly be. Blossom got her vet check up twice a year and went to the doc at the first sign that something was amiss. To my mother's chagrin, she slept on the bed with me - her back to mine. We went for R-I-D-E-S every chance we got. She saw me through every little sadness, and I saw her through swallowing a Beanie Baby, Vestibular Disease, and the pyometriosis that nearly killed her. It was my duty, but it was also an honor.

When she turned fourteen I knew the inevitable was approaching. In the previous years she had begun to slow down due to spinal arthritis. So, while treasuring every day with her, I also prepared to do what had to be done when the time came. Sadly that time came a year ago today. I'm proud to say I didn't shirk my duty and I didn't run like a coward. I held her in my arms while she slipped from this world. I miss her every day. Every time I almost called Subi "BoobooHead".

Some ask how I could I be so willing to do it again -- to love and so inevitably lose. I tell them I can't imagine not wanting to. Sure, the ache in my chest was like a black hole and the tightness in my throat was like a vice, but the tears were cleansing and righteous and well-earned. When all was said and done I had given her as a good life as I was capable.

In return, she taught me how to give my love without reserve and without concern for what the future may bring. Blossom awakened something inside of me, a deep part of my soul that had slumbered in all the years before loving her. That part of me knows that I still have so much love to give.

For now, Subi is the sole beneficiary of that love, but I hope someday a golden in need may come into our life at just the right time. And when that happens, I will be ready and willing and full of love to share.

And that is Blossom's gift to me.

Sad Tidings

Our friend Sam lost his big sister, Cisco this weekend. Mama and I are very sad and it makes me remember the haiku Mama and I wrote when my big sister Blossom passed away.

Your bowl is empty
Leash on its hook -- abandoned
My heart is broken

If you would like, go visit Sam and offer him and his family your condolences.

Wordless Wednesday

This Week: 2 Years Ago

That's me!

Domo Arigato!

That's "Thank you very much!" in Japanese.

Just why, you may ask, am I saying "thanks" in Japanese? Well because just a few days after Christmas I received a package from Japan. I've never been there, but Mama tells me it's very far way. So far away I couldn't get there on a R-I-D-E. Now that's far!

As those of you who've been reading my blog may know, I have friends from Japan, which is why my full name is "Tsubomi-san", Japanese for Miss Flower Bud.

This year, my Japanese friends, Yuui (pronounced 'You-wee') and Toui (pronounced 'Toy') sent me this beautiful hat, which my mom thinks is adorable.


This gift is very special, because what Yuui and Toui didn't know is that it is the perfect accessory to go with one my new, pretty parti-collars. As you can see:

I am stunning! Am I not?

Domo arigato Yuui and Toui! I send you doggie kisses from America and hope you have a Happy New Year!

Unexpected Windfalls (of the Kitchen Variety)

Twas the night before Christmas

And all through our home
Wafted smells from oven
Which made my mouth foam

As I honed my begging skills my human Uncle D disappeared into the kitchen. Now, usually I follow into the kitchen, but as I said I was begging and couldn't abandon hope of receiving even the tiniest tidbit from Mama, or from HGM. Which is why I wasn't in the kitchen then disaster struck. Or should I say, disaster for Uncle D...

Glorious windfall for me.

He claims he was taking the apple pie out of the oven and was almost to the counter when the whole pie pan bent in half and escaped from his grasp; falling in all of its scrumptious glory to the floor. And as everyone knows, according to Universal Canine By-Laws (applicable to family pets only):

"If it's on the floor, it's fair game."

Mama was afraid all that pie would make me sick, so my family cleaned the bulk of it up, but just when I was about to lose hope...they called me into the kitchen and LET ME CLEAN THE FLOOR! Oh joy! Oh Rapture!

Making sure I get to all those hard-to-reach spots....

And that no crumb, no matter how small, gets missed...



Some of it even splattered onto the dishwasher...

Of course I was more than happy to clean that up...

I get the warm fuzzies just thinking about that night. Good times.

I love apple pie!

In closing, I would like to point out that Mama says that it's been a tough year all around and that we were luckier than many. So here's to hoping that 2010 is full of unexpected windfalls for all my friends far and wide.

Special Delivery from Mother Nature

Some of you may not believe this, but here in Katy, Texas (just west of Houston) it doesn't snow here very much...or ever. At least that's what Mama says, and she's lived here her whole life so she oughta know. Strange thing is that it's snowed here three times in the last five years! And this year was one of them.

Mama had been practically buzzing all week when the man on TV said it was going to snow on Friday -- and even better...it was a Friday when Mama didn't have to go to work. Those are my favorite days!

First thing that morning, Mama went through my wardrobe and picked out a shirt for me to wear (my favorite!) for extra warmth. Then, while Mama was away from the house, running errands, I could smell the wind kick up and then this cold, flaky stuff started falling from the sky.

So this was "snow".

After a while, Mama came home and took me outside to check it out.

Hmmm...what is this? It is cold and slightly wet.


When I get wet, I have to shake.

Very carefully...sniffing this stuff called snow. Ooh! See my new collar? It has jingle bells on it. I love jingle bells!


I have decided that this snow in my yard is unwelcome. It may make Mama happy, but I believe I'm happy that it doesn't "snow" here often.

Mama is now threatening to take me someplace where I can really enjoy snow. She says there are places were the snow on the ground is so thick you can't even see the grass anymore. No grass? Where shall I pee? This idea doesn't sound like one of Mama's best.

Although she said that it would involve a long R-I-D-E so it's not the worst idea she's ever had.

Hiding in Closets

It catches me by surprise every time! Just when I start to feel safe, the loud popping starts after dark. This time though, Mama made me a goose down nest in one of the closets and closed the door. I felt pretty safe in there and the loud-popping became just a muffled sound. In fact, I felt so safe in there I didn't want to come out when morning came -- but my bladder had other ideas!

Mama says there will be more popping in the nights to come. Since we live outside the city limits without laws against popping, there will be loud popping every night of the week -- just like on July 4. I do not like to hear this. For the next week I will have to make sure to take my last potty trip outside before the sun goes down. I don't know if you know this...but it's a long time from sunset to sunrise.

A long time!!

Happy New Year!

There's still so much to tell you about. I haven't even gotten to my Christmas gifts yet! But downloading and editing pictures is painstaking work -- especially when you don't have opposable thumbs.

I asked Santa to bring me opposable thumbs for Christmas this year but no dice!! I was a good girl this year, but I guess I wasn't that good!

See you tomorrow!!

Oh! One last thing to tell you. The other night Mama and I finally saw Disney/Pixar's "Up". It was great.

Here is my impression of Dug.

"Hi there!"

New Friends of All Shapes and Sizes

Rover Oaks Pet Resort invited me and Mama to a Holiday party so I could take my picture with a man named Santa. Now I didn't know who this Santa person was, but rumor had it that there was going to be treats at this party and so begged and wheedled and gave my best sad-puppy face until Mama broke down and said we could go.

One thing you should know about me is that I am terrible with names. Terrible! But I never forget a face or....uh...scent -- so it all evens out.

For example, I forgot this kid's name, but he said his favorite treat was butter pecan ice cream cone. It looks like he's ready for someone to bring him one.

I'm not sure but I think this guy was the boss -- at least he was old and cranky enough to be. He sure didn't want to play, but he would let Mama scratch him under the chin occasionally.


I overheard this youngster's mom telling my Mama that her bloodhound spent the first year of her life being neglected and mistreated. She was so skinny her ribs were poking out and there were scabs on her face that were still healing! Thank goodness she was rescued just in the nick of time. Her new mom says she's gonna have a great life from now on and I believe her.


Oooh! This handsome boy wanted to play and I wanted to play, but it was a "leash-only" party and boy did that make playing difficult. Mama says he's called a red-bone hound and that he's from someplace "where the red fern grows". Apparently that place where the red ferns grow sure does make their dogs nice and loud 'cause he barked and barked and he sounded like a old car horn. Isn't he shiny?


This poor thing seemed a little confused as she kept chasing her tail. Between you and me, TailChase is one of my favorite games 'cause it makes Mama laugh, but this Old English lady was doing it wrong. I just didn't have the heart to tell her she doesn't have a tail!

After quite a lot of introductions and a couple of play bows, and more treats than I'm usually allowed to eat (I love pumpkin muffins!!), it was time to meet the mysterious Santa. He seemed nice enough and the pictures went off without a hitch (although as a general rule I like to be wearing something sparkly when my picture is taken), but the best part of all is that the monies raised at the Christmas party will go to help Citizens for Animal Protection which is the best present my Mama and I know how to give.


If you feel it in your heart, please donate today. We did!

Long Lost ME!

It has been a busy month here, not just for my Mama but for me too. So much to see and do and so little time to do it in. But today I have time and lots of things to tell all my friends about. So I'm going to try to tell you everything, but to keep it all straight, I'm going to do separate posts.

So this post will start with the latest addition to blog "fashion show" I saw this one in the store and told Mama that I just had to have it. Unsurprisingly, Mama agreed.

Here's me...very proud to be wearing my new shirt.

Mama says some people think it's stupid to put clothes on dogs. I'm sure that's true for some other dogs and that's okay for them, but I like shirts just fine, thank you very much. Now, pants...that is a little ridiculous!

Here's the view of my new shirt from the back. I bet you can guess why I chose it!

That's all for the moment, but stayed tuned 'cause I'll be right back!

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, I don't know about you but I'm still ((blurp)) stuffed.

At first I was worried yesterday because it seemed like Mama spent more time than usual in the kitchen -- leaving her very little time for me. I should have known better though because no matter how busy she seemed she always found time to slip me a little something. At first I got wedges from an apple so big it just HAD to be grown in Texas. Later, Mama slipped me some large pieces of sweet potato, which were so good I had to rub my face on the carpet after eating them. My begging face also netted me a whole dinner roll, and I didn't even have to steal it!!

When it came time for dinner, my Uncle K slapped a whole spoonful of cheesy mush (mashed) potatoes on my Purina One. Delectable!

I hope all of you have as much to be thankful for this holiday as I do!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Golden Picnic!

This past Sunday was the Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion Picnic. Now, I'm not a rescue pup, but my mama volunteers for GBGRR and so I got an invitation anyway. At first I wasn't sure about the whole thing until I saw that the park was packed with golden retrievers, just like me!

I'm not sure how many were there, but I lost count somewhere around fifty and I think it was closer to 100.


First we did a lot of sniffing around -- greeted some old friends and even met some new ones. Then I noticed that there was a bunch of goldens congregating on a hilltop so I tugged Mama over there and saw that there a lake and whole mess of tennis balls. Now, I'm not one to run head long into a lake to chase after a silly ball, but I certainly got caught up in the atmosphere of fun.

After some cajoling and using my best mournful gaze, Mama finally worked up the nerve to let me off-leash and I worked up the nerve to wade into the lake.


I would run and romp and play and shake and then I would run back to Mama to make sure she was still where I left her (she was!) and then I would sit at her feet for a few seconds to show her how happy I was.

And then I would go do it all again...and again.


After a couple of hours I worked up the nerve to wade in even deeper. Maybe next time Mama brings me here I will be able to go in all the way like so many of other goldens.

After all that fun, I capped it all off with a great honkin' roll in the dirt. Normally my mama might try to stop me, but she had deemed the day "Let Dog Be Dog Day" so she just laughed and took pictures.

I had to ride home in the very back back of the car and when we got there I had to have a bath. So I think Mama had the last laugh.

A GReat HUGE THANKS to the GBGRR folks that planned the picnic and made it a reality. Can't wait for next year!

Let Me At 'Em...Let Me At 'Em

This morning, very early, many people just walked right into my backyard with a bunch of long metal things. I tried to let them know that their presence would not be tolerated with my loud "outside" voice. They did NOT listen. The nerve.

They talked to Grandma for a bit, so I thought everything might be okay. But then they did the strangest thing. They climbed up those long metal things and started STEALING our roof.

Can you believe that?

For the rest of the day there was banging so loud I had to go to my storm bunker. There's STILL banging right now. It just goes on and on. Thank goodness my Mama is here 'cause when she sits still she has nice safe legs to hide under.

It took some pictures of the goings-on in my backyard. Rumor has it that the same thing is happening at the front yard too. But I'm too scared to look.

Here's a picture of one of the roof bandits.


Here's a picture of a half naked roof!

I feel so violated....

Nemesis!

Someday you're mine, Nemesis!
I've got my eye on you.

Practicing

This weekend Mama bought me a new shirt to add to my collection. She called this one "seasonal", but I'm not sure what that means. All I know is...it has my favorite word on it.

I'll let you guess which one.

After some discussion though, Mama and I decided that black isn't best color for golden retrievers as it shows just how much I shed. How embarrassing!

Here's a picture of me practicing my "Trick or Treat" face.

Too obvious?

Here's my attempt at subtlety.

Looks like I wouldn't give a tick for those treats, right?

Well, just before I was about to decide I couldn't take it anymore, Mama gave in and said the magic word.

Victory, at last!

Wordless Wednesday

Subi Says...

Good canine Citizenship means always looking for ways to be helpful to all members of the family. Even if they're not my Mama.

One way I've found to help is by rounding up and keeping track of stray socks. I love socks! On rare occasions I wrangle stray underwear as well, but that wasn't necessary today.

Anyway...whenever I find a stray I bring it to my favorite place. That way when someone realizes they're missing, they know just where to come to look for it.

Love

In the Doghouse

Sorry I have not been able to blog. I have been grounded.

That's what Mama calls it -- even though all I know is it means "punished".

See..here's what happened. Couple of days ago Mama came home with a new toy, 'cept this toy was not for me. It was for her! She played and played with it, and she would not pay any attention to me. Of course, being the smart girl I am, I noticed that she plugged it into the wall each night with a cord, which she put into her purse in the mornings and took with her to work.

Well, one night after she came home, Mama was playing with her new toy and since she wasn't paying attention to me, I sneaked into her purse, pulled out the cord and chewed it all to bits.

Mama did not talk to me for the rest of the whole night, which was not the reaction I was hoping for!

I am happy to report that due to my cuteness I am back in Mama's good graces. She said she just needed to be mad at me for a while but now she is over it. She also said she got the point and then promised to pay more attention to me. And she got a new cord for her toy so all is good again.

Except when she comes home from work now she doesn't leave her purse on the floor next to her bed like she used to.

Hmmm......