dog love

Have Arms, Will Snuggle. Gidget the Love Dog.

Posted by Barbara Techel

cam and gidgetCameron and Gidget

There are many things I’m enjoying and loving about Gidget. I’m also relishing in her sweetness and go with the flow attitude. One thing I especially love about her is how she easily adapts to new people around her.

Last Sunday we had friends, Karin, Ron and 9-year old, Cameron visiting from Illinois and staying at a local resort. We had them over to watch the Packers/Bears game. Yes, I admit it, we let Bears fans in our home…. but after all, they are friends, even if they do love those Bears.

I first met them after Cameron, a lover of dachshunds, discovered my first children’s book about Frankie that a local gift shop carries and sells for me.

My friend, Victoria, was the manager at the time and spied Cameron walking around holding a copy of Frankie’s book.  She said, “I happen to know the author of that book and the real Frankie. I just might be able to arrange for you to meet them.”

That was almost five years ago. Since then we’ve gotten together just about every year when they visit our little village of 947 people.  Cameron still working on talking his Dad into a Dachshund, has gotten his dose of doxie love from Frankie, then Joie, and now Gidget.

Karin, Cameron’s mom, took the photo above of Cam and Gidget getting to know each other. Gidget made herself right at home snuggling her little head into Cam’s hands for a good dose of petting. Cam, being the young gentlemen, didn’t say a word about the fact she was wearing a Aaron Rodgers Packer jersey!

It seems no matter who comes over, or no matter where I take Lil’ G she easily finds her way into the laps of those wanting to pet and snuggle with her.  Yesterday she was happy and content to be in our dear friend, Cassy’s arms, as we spent some time at her apartment and she made dinner for us.

Not only was it a treat to have Cassy cook a delicious dinner of taco’s for us, but to see how happy, content and comfortable Gidget is wherever we seem to go, really does my heart good. She is really getting to be quite the love dog. But I suspect she always was.

cass and gidgete

 

The Urge to Squuueeeeze!

Posted by Barbara Techel

on chair with john sepia eIt happens often.

The urge.

The urge to squeeze.

Squeeze Joie tight.

It’s the feeling of love bubbling up from my toes, whirling through my heart, exploding into spasms of adoring and complete awe of how precious dog’s are.

How precious life is.

How incredibly lucky I am to have the love of a dog.

The urge.

To squeeze.

It makes my heart feel so happy to be alive.

To love. To learn. To walk beside one of God’s greatest creatures.

Kylie a Therapy Dog After All?

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie and cas 1 1200When John and I set out in 2005 to bring another Lab into our life after our chocolate Lab Cassie passed away, it was my hope my new Lab, Kylie, would become a therapy dog. As it would turn out, as many of you know, Frankie became my therapy dog instead. Kylie wasn’t meant to be one… or so I thought until recently.

I’d often think that if people would just come to our home, Kylie would offer love to those who need it. She does not like getting in the car. She does not like to be outside of her territory as it makes her anxious. Though she has gotten somewhat better at this when we have to make trips to the vet. She can also be a bit skittish if approached too quickly or if she senses someone is afraid of dog’s. Kylie also seems to be quite the homebody and loves her own home and space.

Early last week I shared that we took in my friend, Cassy who is going through a big transition right now. Years ago we fixed up our lower level which is about 1,100 square feet.  It was our family room for many years as well as another room that served as my craft/workout/catch-all room. There is also a bathroom with a whirlpool tub. Plans were to also add a bar, in a small area small we laid down linoleum. That that never happened.  We also have not really used the lower level for quite a few years.

With Cassy needing a place to stay as she moves through her transition it felt like the right thing to do to offer her part of our home. As she moved in, we added a small bar sink and some cabinets, (which we  tend to have handy since John is a carpenter), and now the lower level is complete with a small kitchenette. The craft room became her bedroom and the family room became her living room/art studio.

While the living space is a wonderful place for a young woman to bloom, it is nurturing and love that helps one’s petals to start to feel secure in unfolding. This is where Kylie has taken it upon herself to be there for Cassy in her own, unique way. I can’t tell you how this makes my heart stir with joy.

Cassy didn’t grow up with a dog so she has had to get used to Kylie, as well as, Joie. But something beautiful seems to be happening between Cassy and Kylie. There is this connection that only the two of them can know. Cassy is learning how to be around dog’s and Kylie is finding her way in being a therapy dog in the way that works best for her.

Watching Kylie step up to the plate, offering her support unconditionally to Cassy, has this “dog mama” so proud of her. As Cassy grows in new ways finding her full, authentic self, so does Kylie. A friendship that no doubt will leave a lasting impact on both their heart’s… as well as mine.

I never imagined all the blessing’s that would come our way having Cassy live with us. To know she has given Kylie a “job” she really seems to be enjoying, as well as a friendship that continues to deepen, is just another blessing that I feel so honored to watch unfold. Ok, I must sign off now and go hug that big ol’ bear of mine, Kylie!