A Basset? Seriously?

Wait until you hear what she has done now. My adoring student can make some downright stupid decisions for such an intelligent human. This time her heart has completely disregarded her head when she brought home a 3 1/2 month old puppy. A Basset Hound mix puppy no less! The animal in question is Jenny, a young puppy who has had a rough start in life. Her mother, a purebred Basset Hound wandered into someone's yard and gave birth to a litter of puppies. Two days later she and her littermates were taken to the local animal shelter. Shortly after that they went to their first foster home. Jenny's mother was not particularly interested in her puppies or caring for them which was too much for the foster home so off they went to their second foster home where they were to stay until they were old enough to go to suitable permanent homes. This poor pup had a pretty rough start, but was so desirable looking that she was quickly chosen by a family looking for their first dog. Despite the fact that Jenny was cowering and afraid, they chose her. By the second day after she had began growling at the family and friends and had a frightening episode at the vet they realized that she wasn't the puppy for them. Enter my student.... She was contacted to evaluate the puppy and Jenny came here and is here to stay, at least for a while. She is doing much better, but it still a very fragile and fearful little thing. Sensei is trying to be patient and compassionate, but puppies...ggrrrrrrrrr. She has a lot to learn about Sensei's space and boundaries! That will come with time and lessons from Sensei I suppose.

Lionlike

If you school yourself on the topic, which all of you should by the way, you will find that in China, the Lion is a symbol of greatness. 2000 years ago, the people of China had never seen a Lion, only heard about them from travelers. Through these reports and through their own experience seeing wolves, they began to depict the lion in what became known as Fu Lions which is basically a creature with both dog and lion features. The Fu Lion became a symbol for pride, strength and prosperity and statues of Fu Lions could be found outside of palaces, temples and tombs. It became realized that they could create dogs that looked like lions as well, so became the Fu Dog, the first Pekingese also called "little lion dogs of Peking". Pekingese were owned only by the wealthy and royalty. It was very prestigious to live with a Pekingese, or lion dog.

So, when my student decided to trim my gorgeous coat into a lion clip I wasn't at all offended. For I understand that she only wanted to help me to remember my ancestors and to remind people of what Sensei is, a little lion dog of Peking who represents strength, pride and prosperity.

Caliente

In general, Sensei tries not to "hate" it's bad Karma. That being said, I can't think of a word that better describes my feeling for the current weather conditions, hot hot hot! The dreaded heat. Too hot even to go out for a toilet break or to enjoy some fresh air. Too hot for Sensei indeed. I shall patiently wait for Fall to arrive which I will welcome with open paws.....

Farewell, my sweet Pearl

Pearl was adopted today. The poor old soul was dropped off at the animal shelter in a cardboard box, completely matted and unhealthy two months ago. Since coming her (via Muttville) she was groomed, spayed, had a dental and was put on medication to help her eyes and ears. Now, Pearl looks and feels wonderful, so much so that today she found her forever home and for that, Sensei is grateful.

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. I am grateful for my freedom and to those who have fought for it. Today Sensei will relax with my family, perhaps lie in the sun for a bit and enjoy some barbecue later on. I'm quite looking forward to it actually.

Pearls of Wisdom

"I am not responsible for the behavior of others. They are responsible for their actions, words and belief systems."

~Lisa Clifton Bumpass

Photography

I was photographed yesterday. I deplore being posed for photographs and believe me she does it quite often. As if the photo shoot wasn't enough I had to endure a horrendous car ride nearly 2 hours away for the "perfect location". It ended up raining, my student got us lost, it made for an awful morning. Oh, and to make matters so much worse, she groomed me prior to the shoot. I am sure the photographs will be stunning as I am quite photogenic, but really, I could have done without the rest.....