Cheshire in Black and White

A Helping Beak

April 2008

Winter In San Diego

Janka at 15 months

Yes indeed, this is how San Diegans celebrate the winter solstice. Green luscious fields for happy dogs to romp around in.

Just this past weekend, we took Janka to Ridgecrest, CA (4 hours north-east) for the Desert Trail Rally, hosted by NASA. We camped a night in the desert, and our initial reservations about having Janka in a tent with us were completely unfounded. She was extremely good the entire night, content to lean against me and snuggle with her pack. During the rally event, she was calm and well behaved. I was immensely proud of her. Despite all the noise, strange people and bustling activity, she took everything in stride and enjoyed herself thoroughly.

She is growing into her own, and developing her personality. I am still learning alongside Janka, not always smooth but doggedly trying. Our relationship has deepened recently, either due to my better understanding of her or her maturing. She minds me beautifully most of the time and it is such a joy to watch her grow.

I love her deeply, and I am just so very excited and eager for us to continue on our journey through Life. I can honestly say I cannot imagine life without her. And despite the sacrifices and occasional inconvenience, I will never, ever give this gift of love up for anything in the world.

Laidback Cockie

There are these that my little Shalom obsesses about. And these little Shalom trinkets can and will occupy a normally problematic ADD cockatoo for hours on end.

None of them include tantalizing, colourful, intricate, wood-licious, wallet-draining bird toys that would make any parrot tingle with thrill and anticipation. Unless one considers her cage - the only bird-related object of fancy - which she delights in taking apart, screw by screw.

All of these obsessive possessions happen to belong to me. Or my husband. Including this head band.

You could surprise her with a $50 wood-plastic-rope-leather rotating, jingling, hanging collection of eye-pining, beak-grinding, tail-wagging assemblage and she would totally ignore it for a good chew off my prized spider plant or an old, retired sock, or a phone book.

So to this, I will belt out the first line of this song, "The best things in life are free. But you can give it to the birds and bees ... "

A Shepherdess and her Dog

Herding with Janka in Escondido

Having Fun While Working

(photo credit: T. Spiker)

Extended Family

This here is Klaus and Sabrina of the Vogel family. And two of Janka's most favourite playmates.

Nothing gives her more joy than to visit these dogs and spend an afternoon of tumbling, chasing, snapping, barking, rolling and wrestling with wild puppy abandon. She recognizes the landmarks as we approach the Vogels' residence, and begins a pathetic incessant whine that starts about 10 minutes away from our destination. The moment each pup sees each other, it is instant pandemonium. They jump right into play without hesitation, like a pair of twins continuing a conversation that ended the last time they talked. No polite "Hello, how do you do?" between Janka and Klaus, they go right to business.

Klaus is Janka's littermate. We met him and his owner the day we picked up Janka. Since then, the two families have become good friends. While I am unsure whether Janka realizes that Klaus is her brother, both German Shepherds have developed a deep bond.

Despite sharing a strong genetic denomination, both puppies are as different as night and day, from coloration to personality. It is fun to compare the differences, and yet mutually agree that one individual complements the other perfectly. They are my little Ying and Yang.

I enjoy watching their interactions, and am eager to observe these two beautiful German Shepherds mature alongside each other. It will be a beautiful adventure, and I am thrilled to be able to share it with her brother.

Outdoor Adventurer

Three's a charm! I figure I would post photos of all three kids today. Here is Janka @ 12 months old on a hike today. She looks so grown up!

The Proctologist

Yes, I have a very talented cat.

He is a special boy, this shy little creature whom we found languishing at the animal shelter with quiet dignity. I am glad that nobody took the time and patience to find out what a remarkable little scamp Kennedy is, so we are able to discover this tarnished diamond in the rough.

But it does reflect how generic America is, that desperate need for instant gratification, acceptance and love. It takes time and effort to acquire the best treasures, which are intangible and elusive. However, the current mode in America is to be lazy and egotistical.

So let Kennedy stand for what is admired for and lost here. And if you have no idea what that means, I recommend that you strip your person bare and look within yourself to seek the truth.

Softly Candid

Bryan and Shalom spend some quality time together on a quiet evening. I love the mutual affection and friendship they have for each other, the poignancy of non-verbal displays breaking through the inter-species and language barrier.