On your journey through life there will be times when you feel lost. All of us, at one time or another in our lives have felt lost, even Sensei. When you are lost, there is a way.
Before I came to live with my students, I too was lost. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but that matters not, the point is, I was lost. I was living on the streets with no one to rely on except for myself. Perhaps this is why I understand how important it is to have faith in oneself. For I had to have faith, those were dark times for Sensei. Living on the streets, with no food and no water, in 100 degree heat with my black coat. There were times when I was hungry. There were times when I was thirsty. And yes, there were times when I was afraid. I had been wandering for too long....all alone. Then, everything changed....
Sensei did not like wandering alone on the streets like some nomad, but you see, I had no choice. But, what would come next, while better perhaps, was not much better. I was picked up and taken to a prison. I had done nothing wrong, I deserved not to be in prison. But alas, I found myself there. Cold, gray, concrete floors. Large, loud barking dogs. I was very sick, probably from living on the streets. People coming in to look and then going back out again. My weepy eyes, my dreadful cough, my scarred eyeballs, my protruding ribs, I suppose I did not look my best. This may be why they thought I was old. I wasn't, I was just worn and tattered, but I was not old. Yes, those were quite dark times. Was I afraid? Perhaps, but I had faith. Time went by, but I waited and did not lose faith. Then again, everything changed....
My student came to see me. She saw how very thin I was. She let me out of the concrete prison and looked at my face closely. She could see I was not old. She could see I was very sick and I needed immediate care and attention. She knew I could not go on like that in there. She took me home and the light started to creep back in..... Back into my life, back into my eyes and back into my heart...
My students took good care of me. I needed some surgery but was too thin and too sick to risk it. They fed Sensei so that I could gain strength. They administered medication so that I could get well. They washed and brushed my coat which had been chopped off and was dirty and matted so I could look and feel beautiful again. With some time I grew stronger and my coat began to look shiny again. I stopped coughing and my eyes stopped weeping. I gained enough strength and weight to have my surgeries. In two months, I was myself again. I was again who I once was.
The original plan was that they would care for me until I was well and then find me new students to live with. However, as they took care of me and my health began to improve, we grew close. So close that we could not bear to part. They did so much for me that I did not want to leave. We realized that we belonged together and that I should remain. And so, I did.....
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness. "
~His Holiness the Dalai Lama
~His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Porcelain Prison
Recently, I spoke about Instruments of the Devil, the evil contraptions used to torture Sensei's beautiful coat. I did not reveal to you to the worst evil of all.....
Today, I was subjected to abuse when my student placed me inside the large, white, porcelain prison and then thoroughly assaulted me with an equally loathsome water hose. There are few things in this world that Sensei cannot tolerate and this is one of them.
The heinous water shooting at my coat, the wicked soap trying to find it's way into my sensitive eyes..... I cried out in horror.... I could hear the others yelling back to me from the other room.... It was a dreadful event that I wish not experience ever again! However, how lovely it felt to be towel dried in my students arms. She apologized over and over and hugged me and rubbed me with the towel. She dried and dried and kissed me and told me how brave Sensei was and how she adored me. Nearly groveling but enjoyable for Sensei just the same...
Then we went into the other room where I greeted the others who had been awaiting my return. Because of my cries they were worried for me and clamoring around to check on Sensei. I greeted them all and then rolled and rolled and rolled on the cool hardwood floor. I air dried for several hours (she knows better than to try and blow dry me, for that I would surely lose all composure). She carefully brushed out my clean coat later in the evening.
Sensei cannot think of anything more dreadful than being subjected to the porcelain prison, but the drying...... I quite like the drying. A bittersweet experience indeed.
Today, I was subjected to abuse when my student placed me inside the large, white, porcelain prison and then thoroughly assaulted me with an equally loathsome water hose. There are few things in this world that Sensei cannot tolerate and this is one of them.
The heinous water shooting at my coat, the wicked soap trying to find it's way into my sensitive eyes..... I cried out in horror.... I could hear the others yelling back to me from the other room.... It was a dreadful event that I wish not experience ever again! However, how lovely it felt to be towel dried in my students arms. She apologized over and over and hugged me and rubbed me with the towel. She dried and dried and kissed me and told me how brave Sensei was and how she adored me. Nearly groveling but enjoyable for Sensei just the same...
Then we went into the other room where I greeted the others who had been awaiting my return. Because of my cries they were worried for me and clamoring around to check on Sensei. I greeted them all and then rolled and rolled and rolled on the cool hardwood floor. I air dried for several hours (she knows better than to try and blow dry me, for that I would surely lose all composure). She carefully brushed out my clean coat later in the evening.
Sensei cannot think of anything more dreadful than being subjected to the porcelain prison, but the drying...... I quite like the drying. A bittersweet experience indeed.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
"Real self-mastery is the ability to stay fully present for whatever life brings because we trust who we are."
~Richard Moss
~Richard Moss
Friday, August 21, 2009
Fosters
Fosters. This is what my student calls the vagabonds that she brings here to stay while they are searching for new homes. Having once been a nomad myself, Sensei is sensitive to opening our home to others less fortunate. Yes, it is true, this honorable master was once living on the streets, wandering, learning and teaching. So you see, I have compassion for those lost souls, however, I see no reason to admit non-Pekingese on a regular basis.
I accept and at times even respect the others in my home, however, if we are to reach out and assist, I see no reason not to start with the lost Pekingese of the world. We welcome a seemingly endless string of others which I accept, however, I quite prefer the company of other Pekingese.
Clearly, my student agrees with Sensei, as Pekingese have top priority. This is not to say others are not welcome, only that, if Pekingese are needy, they shall first be taken. As it should be...
I accept and at times even respect the others in my home, however, if we are to reach out and assist, I see no reason not to start with the lost Pekingese of the world. We welcome a seemingly endless string of others which I accept, however, I quite prefer the company of other Pekingese.
Clearly, my student agrees with Sensei, as Pekingese have top priority. This is not to say others are not welcome, only that, if Pekingese are needy, they shall first be taken. As it should be...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."
~ Fran Lebowitz
~ Fran Lebowitz
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Cuisine
Sensei has decided he is not quite content with his cuisine. My students dine on something different every day. Roasted pork, spaghetti, stir fry made from fresh vegetables from the Farmer's Market or Vietnamese salad bowls with a wonderful grilled pork which I quite like. Something different every day. I have decided that I too would like to enjoy different things each day.
Why would my students assume that I would care to dine on the same food every day when they clearly enjoy a wide variety of fresh and delicious foods? I am not implying that the food they prepare for me isn't, for the most part, satisfying and healthy, however, it becomes monotonous eating the same thing every day. For that reason, I have decided to finish my own meals and then help myself to some of Bill's food when he is finished....or even if he isn't. Sensei does not wish to abuse his power, however I will exercise some of it to let Bill know that I would like some of his food. It takes nothing more than a watchful eye. Unfortunately, my student doesn't care for this arrangement and has indicated to me that I should not help myself to Bill's food, which I find a bit irritating. However, Sensei always wishes to keep the peace, so I shall respect that boundary.
My students will need to figure out a way, without upsetting Sensei's body of course, to offer me more of a variety of foods. Perhaps I will have them start adding some fresh cooked food to my meals, this would make Sensei happy and it certainly isn't too much to request considering what I offer them in life lessons.
Yes, I shall indicate that I want more fresh foods, and will let them know I am satisfied by not vocalizing for my meals or staring at Bill for bites of his.
Why would my students assume that I would care to dine on the same food every day when they clearly enjoy a wide variety of fresh and delicious foods? I am not implying that the food they prepare for me isn't, for the most part, satisfying and healthy, however, it becomes monotonous eating the same thing every day. For that reason, I have decided to finish my own meals and then help myself to some of Bill's food when he is finished....or even if he isn't. Sensei does not wish to abuse his power, however I will exercise some of it to let Bill know that I would like some of his food. It takes nothing more than a watchful eye. Unfortunately, my student doesn't care for this arrangement and has indicated to me that I should not help myself to Bill's food, which I find a bit irritating. However, Sensei always wishes to keep the peace, so I shall respect that boundary.
My students will need to figure out a way, without upsetting Sensei's body of course, to offer me more of a variety of foods. Perhaps I will have them start adding some fresh cooked food to my meals, this would make Sensei happy and it certainly isn't too much to request considering what I offer them in life lessons.
Yes, I shall indicate that I want more fresh foods, and will let them know I am satisfied by not vocalizing for my meals or staring at Bill for bites of his.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Ivy and the Birds
My student keeps an aviary in our garden. It is a fairly small and unintimidating structure and I quite enjoy the soothing coo from the doves and the pleasant cheeps from the finches. Not so for all of us.Ivy, the matriarch of Braveheart is quite flustered by the birds. She can't even walk by without stopping to stare or give the bottom portion of the aviary a few licks. Sometimes she will sit out there for hours just watching them. She is intrigued by the birds. She has very little self control in their presence.
Not only does she stare at the aviary and lick at it, she will also not allow the others to come near it. Not that anyone dares to challenge her. Getting into a physical battle with a Dachshund is rarely worth it. Particularly when it comes to their claim on birds or some other small game. Thankfully, everyone else seems happy to enjoy the birds from a distance which keeps things peaceful.
Try as I might, I cannot understand her fascination. Of course I am aware that these are her natural instincts and that she can't help herself, however, I can't imagine why she finds them so interesting. It's not just birds either, at one time there was a rabbit in a neighboring yard and she could not resist peeking through the holes in the old fence, staring at the rabbits, hoping that one might venture over a little too close... they never did. She has even gone so far as to leave the yard in search of the rabbit, or bird, or cat.... At one time, not long ago there was an old shed to the side of our home, Ivy destroyed the entire bottom of the shed allowing herself inside to hunt for....something. When the shed was finally torn down, rat droppings confirmed her suspicions.
It is no surprise that she finds the birds more interesting than Sensei. A Pekingese rarely worries oneself about such things, we are certainly not going to expend any physical energy on it, that would be a waste of time and effort. What I question is why the others don't share the same intensity towards these things as Ivy. The others here of similar heritage simply walk by the aviary completely ignoring the structure. Perhaps each one of them has their own level of interest and intensity for such things. Although clearly they are all interested in the squirrels, every one of them, except of course, myself.
In a way, Sensei admires their dedication and devotion to to their "work". On the other hand, I also feel as though their time and energy could be better spent on more worthwhile things. To each his own I suppose.
Not only does she stare at the aviary and lick at it, she will also not allow the others to come near it. Not that anyone dares to challenge her. Getting into a physical battle with a Dachshund is rarely worth it. Particularly when it comes to their claim on birds or some other small game. Thankfully, everyone else seems happy to enjoy the birds from a distance which keeps things peaceful.
Try as I might, I cannot understand her fascination. Of course I am aware that these are her natural instincts and that she can't help herself, however, I can't imagine why she finds them so interesting. It's not just birds either, at one time there was a rabbit in a neighboring yard and she could not resist peeking through the holes in the old fence, staring at the rabbits, hoping that one might venture over a little too close... they never did. She has even gone so far as to leave the yard in search of the rabbit, or bird, or cat.... At one time, not long ago there was an old shed to the side of our home, Ivy destroyed the entire bottom of the shed allowing herself inside to hunt for....something. When the shed was finally torn down, rat droppings confirmed her suspicions.
It is no surprise that she finds the birds more interesting than Sensei. A Pekingese rarely worries oneself about such things, we are certainly not going to expend any physical energy on it, that would be a waste of time and effort. What I question is why the others don't share the same intensity towards these things as Ivy. The others here of similar heritage simply walk by the aviary completely ignoring the structure. Perhaps each one of them has their own level of interest and intensity for such things. Although clearly they are all interested in the squirrels, every one of them, except of course, myself.
In a way, Sensei admires their dedication and devotion to to their "work". On the other hand, I also feel as though their time and energy could be better spent on more worthwhile things. To each his own I suppose.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."
~Gene Hill
~Gene Hill
Pekingese Gatherings
My student has arranged for me to host a "meetup" group so that I may interact and visit with others of my kind. She has invited other Pekingese, none as wise as Sensei, but Pekingese just the same to gather and visit with one another.
I quite enjoyed the outing. Sensei rarely experiences the feeling of excitement, but I believe I shall look forward to doing this again. The gathering consisted of several Pekingese aquaintances of mine, as well as a few others I had not yet met.
Mu Shu, the young enthusiastic and at times foolish Pekingese who studied under Sensei for 4 months while living in my home. Sensei taught Mu Shu all about self control and manners which are the lessons that ultimately got him adopted into his forever home. He quite enjoyed socializing and playing with the other Pekingese, or at least trying to get us to play...
Ming Ming, the shy, wallflower of a Pekingese who studied under Sensei over a year ago. Shy, quiet Ming Ming was so afraid when she came to Sensei, but she left here with a new found confidence that is growing all the time. It was quite nice to see her enjoying the visit with her new sense of self.
Yes, all the Pekingese seemed to enjoy the gathering, but perhaps it was the humans that enjoyed it most of all. All were there with the best of intentions of providing their beloved Pekingese with an opportunity to visit with their own. And indeed the Pekingese did appear to fancy their the visit, but Sensei believes that the humans also relished in visiting with others of THEIR own kind. Others who admire the same as themselves, others who admire the Pekingese.
Ah, it was nice to see these former students and to meet others. Yes, I shall look forward to this gathering next month...
I quite enjoyed the outing. Sensei rarely experiences the feeling of excitement, but I believe I shall look forward to doing this again. The gathering consisted of several Pekingese aquaintances of mine, as well as a few others I had not yet met.
Mu Shu, the young enthusiastic and at times foolish Pekingese who studied under Sensei for 4 months while living in my home. Sensei taught Mu Shu all about self control and manners which are the lessons that ultimately got him adopted into his forever home. He quite enjoyed socializing and playing with the other Pekingese, or at least trying to get us to play...
Ming Ming, the shy, wallflower of a Pekingese who studied under Sensei over a year ago. Shy, quiet Ming Ming was so afraid when she came to Sensei, but she left here with a new found confidence that is growing all the time. It was quite nice to see her enjoying the visit with her new sense of self.
Yes, all the Pekingese seemed to enjoy the gathering, but perhaps it was the humans that enjoyed it most of all. All were there with the best of intentions of providing their beloved Pekingese with an opportunity to visit with their own. And indeed the Pekingese did appear to fancy their the visit, but Sensei believes that the humans also relished in visiting with others of THEIR own kind. Others who admire the same as themselves, others who admire the Pekingese.
Ah, it was nice to see these former students and to meet others. Yes, I shall look forward to this gathering next month...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.
~His Holiness the Dalai Lama
~His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Instruments of the Devil
I possess a beautiful, thick, full, black and tan coat. Much to my dismay my lovely coat requires some care in order to stay so luxurious. One of my students is required to care for my coat which is a task I do not much care for. I enjoy being petted very much. I also enjoy having the very top of my head lightly brushed and I quite like having my ears gently combed. However, working on the back end of my body can be very concerning.
My student uses tools that Sensei calls "Instruments of the Devil" to care for my coat. As much as I know she tries to be gentle, some of these evil contraptions still cause me discomfort.
The worst is the flat, sharp and ever so uncomfortable "slicker brush". It pulls on my coat and scratches against my delicate skin. I have indicated that I do not wish to be brushed with the slicker brush by removing myself from her lap when she attempts to use it. Thankfully, she has agreed to find equipment that is more acceptable to me and more comfortable for my body.
This leads us to the "pin brush" which is a much kinder choice. The pin brush has long, wire pins made for combing through long hair such as my own. I will tolerate use of the pin brush on my body however, if there are any tangles on my rear quarters, I may not allow it forcing her to change strategies. You might say that if I have any tangles at all, she is not doing a very good job of caring for my coat and that there should be consequences for this and you are correct. The consequence is that she will need to be extremely convincing in order for me to allow her to comb them out. She will need to work carefully, slowly and exercise great patience to complete the task. On the other hand, it feels much better when I am all combed out so I will typically permit her to finish, provided she is gentle and careful.
Most of the time she spritzes my coat with a pleasant smelling spray as she combs and brushes me to ensure that she does not damage my coat or cause any breakage. I allow and even enjoy the spritzing provided she is careful not to spray near my large, luminous eyes, which she always is.
Usually, she finishes up my coat care with a comb. The comb is acceptable as long as there are few knots and as long as she combs slowly taking care not to pull on my coat in any way.
I believe we have come to an acceptable arrangement. I will allow her to brush and comb my coat provided she is gentle, careful and uses equipment that does not cause my body discomfort. I am awarded with a lovely, soft, plush coat that is comfortable to live in. What is she rewarded with? She gets to live with and gaze at a creature as lovely as I when my coat is in it's most wonderful condition. An acceptable arrangement indeed.
My student uses tools that Sensei calls "Instruments of the Devil" to care for my coat. As much as I know she tries to be gentle, some of these evil contraptions still cause me discomfort.
The worst is the flat, sharp and ever so uncomfortable "slicker brush". It pulls on my coat and scratches against my delicate skin. I have indicated that I do not wish to be brushed with the slicker brush by removing myself from her lap when she attempts to use it. Thankfully, she has agreed to find equipment that is more acceptable to me and more comfortable for my body.
This leads us to the "pin brush" which is a much kinder choice. The pin brush has long, wire pins made for combing through long hair such as my own. I will tolerate use of the pin brush on my body however, if there are any tangles on my rear quarters, I may not allow it forcing her to change strategies. You might say that if I have any tangles at all, she is not doing a very good job of caring for my coat and that there should be consequences for this and you are correct. The consequence is that she will need to be extremely convincing in order for me to allow her to comb them out. She will need to work carefully, slowly and exercise great patience to complete the task. On the other hand, it feels much better when I am all combed out so I will typically permit her to finish, provided she is gentle and careful.
Most of the time she spritzes my coat with a pleasant smelling spray as she combs and brushes me to ensure that she does not damage my coat or cause any breakage. I allow and even enjoy the spritzing provided she is careful not to spray near my large, luminous eyes, which she always is.
Usually, she finishes up my coat care with a comb. The comb is acceptable as long as there are few knots and as long as she combs slowly taking care not to pull on my coat in any way.
I believe we have come to an acceptable arrangement. I will allow her to brush and comb my coat provided she is gentle, careful and uses equipment that does not cause my body discomfort. I am awarded with a lovely, soft, plush coat that is comfortable to live in. What is she rewarded with? She gets to live with and gaze at a creature as lovely as I when my coat is in it's most wonderful condition. An acceptable arrangement indeed.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Perfection
All of us must live through ourselves and not through someone else. No one is perfect, we are all works in progress and we must not push others, humans or canines to be more than they are or punish them for being less than perfect. We are all perfect at being ourselves...
Sometimes is never quite enough
If you're flawless, then you'll win my love
Don't forget to win first place
Don't forget to keep that smile on your face
Be a good boy
Try a little harder
You've got to measure up
And make me prouder
How long before you screw it up
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up
With everything I do for you
The least you can do is keep quiet
Be a good girl
You've gotta try a little harder
That simply wasn't good enough
To make us proud
I'll live for you I'll make you what I never was
If you're the best, then maybe so am I
Compared to him compared to her
I'm doing this for your own damn good
You'll make up for what I blew
What's the problem ...... why are you crying
Be a good boy
Push a little farther now
That wasn't fast enough
To make us happy
We'll love you just the way you are... if you're perfect
~Alanis Morrisette
Sometimes is never quite enough
If you're flawless, then you'll win my love
Don't forget to win first place
Don't forget to keep that smile on your face
Be a good boy
Try a little harder
You've got to measure up
And make me prouder
How long before you screw it up
How many times do I have to tell you to hurry up
With everything I do for you
The least you can do is keep quiet
Be a good girl
You've gotta try a little harder
That simply wasn't good enough
To make us proud
I'll live for you I'll make you what I never was
If you're the best, then maybe so am I
Compared to him compared to her
I'm doing this for your own damn good
You'll make up for what I blew
What's the problem ...... why are you crying
Be a good boy
Push a little farther now
That wasn't fast enough
To make us happy
We'll love you just the way you are... if you're perfect
~Alanis Morrisette
Developing Self Control
I have many students, both human and canine. An early lesson that my students must learn is that to be successful and content in life, they must learn to have discipline and self control. All creatures, even an Old Master such as myself, must learn to accept frustration and exercise self control. We cannot control everything around us. We cannot control the actions and reactions of others. We cannot control the world, but we can control our responses to those things and learn to accept things as they come.
Young dogs will need to be taught that they must be able to exercise self control and have the patience to wait for things. They must be taught how to focus, think, refrain and be patient. Many dogs will have patient humans who will guide them through this process and help them understand that discipline can be a beautiful thing that leads to an abundance of rewarding surprises and experiences. Those dogs are blessed.
Humans must learn to have self control as they are teaching their dogs this process. They must learn to be patient and to think through their ideas and make themselves clear so that their dogs may have success. They must be reasonable and honest and understand that progress can take time and that their dogs need them to be clear, patient, understanding and thoughtful.
We must all learn to accept frustration and develop the discipline to exercise self control. Wise students will learn to enjoy the process and embrace the rewards of self control. Learning to have self control is the first step in learning to be a content and patient person.
Young dogs will need to be taught that they must be able to exercise self control and have the patience to wait for things. They must be taught how to focus, think, refrain and be patient. Many dogs will have patient humans who will guide them through this process and help them understand that discipline can be a beautiful thing that leads to an abundance of rewarding surprises and experiences. Those dogs are blessed.
Humans must learn to have self control as they are teaching their dogs this process. They must learn to be patient and to think through their ideas and make themselves clear so that their dogs may have success. They must be reasonable and honest and understand that progress can take time and that their dogs need them to be clear, patient, understanding and thoughtful.
We must all learn to accept frustration and develop the discipline to exercise self control. Wise students will learn to enjoy the process and embrace the rewards of self control. Learning to have self control is the first step in learning to be a content and patient person.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Pearls of Wisdom
"We can't sustain a change in behavior if it leaves us hungry, unhappy, angry or resentful."
~David A. Kessler, MD
~David A. Kessler, MD
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