Writer's Block

I know I haven't blogged in a long time. Didn't feel good. Now I'm feeling great, but I've discovered I have nothing to say, of any interest anyway. It might be "writer's block". If I was a true writer, I'm sure that's what I got.

I've been researching different subjects. For instance, I was going to explain all the differences of sweeteners, how each metabolize in the body and which one would be the most healthy. This was all going to make us wiser shoppers. After about two days of dedicated study and note taking; about the only bit of knowledge I gleaned was sucrose came from maple syrup, beets and sugar cane and frustose came from fruits, vegetables and honey.

Let's try something else.

I subscribe to several online medical news. One day I learned from a research study of over 120,000 people stretching over 25 years that potato chips can make you fat. The study didn't say it quite so bluntly, but the meaning was there. I'm going to pass on the details of the study. Why learn more about something we already know?

I could talk about my gallbladder surgery, but even I'm bored by it.

My dog, Lucy, had surgery also. Her left eye was removed and a prosthesis implanted. She is doing great, also.

I have the feeling some of our friends think we're nuts spending that kind of money on a mutt from the shelter. Yes, we are nuts, always have been. But, here's the thing. When we adopted Lucy, she became a member of our family - a valued member. If you're a dog person, you understand. If you're not a dog person; sorry, no amount of explaining could help you understand.

Now, who couldn't love a face like that?

The cloud has lifted!!

Hi everyone. Missed me? You haven't? Well, I'll tell you anyway.

Lucy (that's the pretty brown dog in the picture) and I have been on medical leave.

Me: gallbladder attack (have to get it out) and pneumonia. No biggie. Thousands a day.

Lucy: Glaucoma. This is so much more serious in dogs than us humans. We've been working with meds for the last 6 weeks. No go. Tomorrow, surgery to remove her left eye. When we adopted Lucy from the Shelter, we made the committment to be her best friend and take care of her. She is a VALUED member of our family and we will do everything to make her comfortable.

Wish us luck tomorrow and say a little prayer. Thanks.

Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt, Pet Psychic

Let me introduce you to a member of Ronfeldt family. Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt.

Cute, yes? Maybe. He could also be called Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt,  Psycho Psychic.

By the way, Cliff's middle name was given to him by granddaughter, Alex. (Another story)

The little monster has changed the Ronfeldt way of living ever since he arrived. We got him because Lucy (the good dog) needed a friend.

Lucy, the shelter dog, is everything you could ask for; patience, kindness, devotion. We wanted to make her happy: "Let's get her a playmate".

Wrong.

We didn't leave them for 2 years because we just couldn't subject anybody to Clifford. He was a handful.

But, I getting off the track. The little dog is psychic. Both Ron and I agree. We have tested him. He knows what I'm thinking.

When we go to the dog groomer for his bath (no matter what route I take) he whinces the whole time going. Whenever I think of dog walking; he's there, going crazy. I don't even have to go to the closet for the leases. I can be in the bathroom doing a number things; but if I'm thinking walk, he's all over me.

I could go on forever. I know this would be boring to you unless you live with dogs.

This little guy is creepy. I've would get rid of him (many have suggested) but no one else would have him. Besides, he mades me laugh, he needs me and I need him.

Clifford, you're here to stay.

CALLING ALL DOG LOVERS!!!!!

Don't we love our four legged companions and confidants? We lucky people that have looked into the eyes of this other species and felt a connection are privileged and graced.

Having said that; I want to tell you about one woman making a difference. My new friend, Cea, (one, like me, believe dogs have souls) told me about her friend, Starline Nunley. Starline's son was serving in Iraq and, of course, like all mothers ask what she could do to help him in his mission. He told her the government supplied him with everything to assure his safety, but apparently had forgotten about their most faithful soldiers. The temperatures are so hot in Iraq and the dogs have no protection from the heat. These wonderful dogs are the first line of defense in searching for IED (Improvised Explosive Devices).

Being a dog lover, Starline got to work. She started the http://www.supportmilitaryworkingdogs.org/.  This charity provides cooling vests, pads for their feet, water bowls and one toy for their "down time". Learn more about this organization at their website.

My dogs Clifford and Lucy.

This Miracle and Flash. Flash is the little one. She's my sister-in-law, Angie's dog. Miracle is Angie's partner, Mary's dog. They are the best of buddies.

"Dog People"

I wanted to tell everyone about the new and exciting product we are adding to our line; but since there is a thunder storm outside and I have a 35 pound quivering mass on my lap; it is very hard to concentrate. So.....let's talk dog.

We're dog people. There has been very few times in my life I have been without a dog. They are a part of what is me.

Then there are the no-dog people; never had one---never will. Two completely different types. We are both very nice; but do not understand each other. One of my best friends told me once she was appalled when learning my dog slept with me. "I don't even allow my children in my bed."

See what I mean.

We "dog people" feel sorry for them; and they question our sanity.

We currently have two in our household; Lucy and Clifford. Lucy is our dog from the shelter that everyone loves and she loves them back. Clifford is our rat terrier that is hard to love; but we do. The joy we receive from them is second only to our "human" family.

Though the years, my husband and I have had the privilege to share our lives with the most amazing dogs. When we had to say goodbye; I always swear I would never go through this most horrible pain again. But; I do.

Why?

I guess only other dog people would know. We know we are setting ourselves up for heartbreak. We know we will say "Never again." We know; we will again.

It's hard to break the addiction of love.