Feel Like Complaining

I sat for Smokey recently, an 8 y/o Keeshond. I've never met the breed before so that was cool plus they live very close to me; another bonus. He's got lots of energy for an 8 year old and loves to go on walks. She said I didn't have to walk him but he really needs it. He's not the best walker though; weaving and bursts of pulling so I really had to stay on my toes so he didn't pull me over. Also, he barks at other dogs and I just couldn't find a route without them. I would never have a dog with long fur like that because it collects everything . Her yard is very weedy so he brings it all in the house. There was so much stuff stuck in his fur just after one day and when I tried to brush him, he ran away. She's one dedicated mom for sure to be able to deal with that. Her house is old and small and that's fine; I'm not a snob. But the lack of cleanliness really turns my gears. She's a 30 something woman which I assume could at least clean a bit bef...

Sometimes we really shouldn't look back because it causes so much sadness but when a birthday comes around, it can't be stopped. My mom's birthday was July 6; and the day we had her service last year. I still have her FB messages from the first of November of '21, two months after she fell. I deleted everything prior to that, not sure why. There were so many funny things we sent each other but also frustrations about doctors, meds, and the owner/staff at the nursing home after she left her house. I always kept my responses very happy and pleased to get her anything she needed; but damn, it was hard. Our last message was after dinner on Valentine's Day, the same day she had signed her own hospice papers. She told me she had only eaten 5 small meatballs for dinner to make the aide happy. I sent her a heart emoji. That was her surge day, she was dying and I didn't even know it. Debbie (my SIL) put her to bed and stayed with her that night as well as the next.  I ju...

 Since I stayed with Luka, we've sat all regulars whether at home or away.  Dixie stayed with us for 5 nights. She's one that we could go either way, depending on our availability. I finally suggested to her owner that she talk to her vet about Proin, which may help her incontinence. We cover chairs with towels but her bed always gets the worst of it. She does have diapers for nighttime but always wiggles out of them; I don't blame her.  After she left, Charlie and Angel came the next day to spend the 4th with us. Angel is now 15 and still nervous and shaky when she's here. They are always attached to the hip which is so cute. Since Charlie is younger, he's more willing to play with Abe. Angel is not shy about treats though, always the first in line. While Angel and Charlie were at home, I was at Steve's with Oli and Max. This is a very short trip for them, only 5 nights. They have long trips scheduled for Oct, Nov, and Dec. I will be at their house for almost t...

Nothing too exciting happened last week so I thought I'd do something different: Sitting outside early in the morning with my first cup of coffee. Mostly all is quiet so I can hear the birds chirp. Friday night popcorn for dinner. A habit of mine for over 30 years. It used to be Thursday but we switched to Friday many years ago. We use a whirly pop popper, coconut oil, and Flavacol so it tastes exactly like at the movies. Finishing a task I really dislike because the satisfaction is all the more sweeter. Sleeping in a cold bedroom. Pet sitting in a place where I enjoy the home and the animal. It's kind of rare that both happen at once. Creeks, rivers, lakes and oceans, but especially oceans. Walking anywhere in nature, but not hot nature. I prefer it cooler and even foggy. Spicy food. Going home to my own recliner and bed after a sitting job. Tiny Abe. Comfortable bra. Growing our own garden, especially tomatoes. The Coffee House station on Sirius radio. My family. Dodo video...

One recent week long stay was with this guy, Luka the 3 y/o Pomeranian. You'd think with as long as I've been sitting I would have spent time with a few, but nope he is my first. He's actually the first one I've ever met. His Mom works from home so he doesn't have a lot of interaction with other people, or left alone much. When I arrived for my stay, he directly ran upstairs and hid under her bed. I usually just let a dog be until they're ready to interact. She said he sleeps with her but I could have him just lay in his bed on the floor. He let me know from day one, that he wasn't going to sleep on the floor like a commoner!  I thought he would be a barker but he isn't really; only when he hears a car door slam or can see something out the window. He loves walks but I don't think he gets a lot because all of his harnesses were too small for him. Once when I went home I grabbed one of ours and it was perfect. I don't walk small dogs that often so...

Soon after Angel passed away, her Mom asked me if I knew anyone that had puppies. To me it would be too soon to get another dog, but they've always had dogs and really missed having one in the home. I told her I didn't, and then said that I don't watch any dogs under a year of age. Not long after, they did get a new boy and he was 11 months at the time. It made me laugh; they snuck in just under the wire to keep their pet sitter.  They needed me the first week of June and then later in August so I went to visit him about a week before. He's a pretty sweet boy and overall pretty well mannered.  He destroys toys like any dog and loves to scoot little ones or his bones under furniture and then have a royal fit until you fish them out. Walking is a must for him and I did a mile every morning; otherwise he gets real squirrely. He starts barking for dinner about 2:00. They key word here is barking, it's all day long. If he wants attention he will bork.....constantly. I ha...

Ian's last day was May 28th; he took some much needed time off to visit his son. He'll be back at some point to do some non-bathroom things for us, but I'm sure he's as glad as we are that it's finished. Abe is especially happy to have an expensive drinking fountain and hidey hole.  There are several jars/bottles my mom painted and rocks that I have done. Check out the new one of San Francisco. If it's not beach themed, it can't come in here! I love the tile but it was not easy because of the wonky walls, it doesn't look great close up but Ian did his best. I really love the flooring and wish I had another room to put it in.