Anasazi Dog Legend

The earth trembled and a great rift appeared, separating the first man and woman from the rest of the animal kingdom. As the chasm grew deeper and wider, all the other creatures, afraid for their lives, returned to the forest -- except for the dog, who after much consideration leapt the perilous rift to stay with the humans on the other side. His love for humanity was greater than his bond to other creatures, he explained, and he willingly forfeited his place in paradise to prove it……Native American folktale...an Ojibway tale

Legend has it that soon after Creation, the earth was torn in two. Man was on one side of the chasm, all the animals on the other. Only the dog tried to find a way across to join the man. He tried to jump the huge abyss but only his forepaws reached the far edge. Man reached down and pulled him to safety, saying, "You shall be my companion forever."…..Indian legend

The Humane Society of the United States - eBay Giving Works

The Humane Society of the United States - eBay Giving Works

The Nuns of Tsoknyi Gechak Ling — Pema Chodron Foundation

The Nuns of Tsoknyi Gechak Ling — Pema Chodron Foundation:

'via Blog this'

A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones really shows how no matter what other ties exist, really the ties of blood over-ride, whether for good or ill.

Moving along

Well - I did finally get out on my bike.  My mountain bike that is on the rail trail....what a sissy pants!  It was a pretty warm day and I could have ridden the road bike but my collar bone and neck muscles have been killing me since 12/1.  I either hurt myself scrubbing the bathtub or doing a workout again (had been over a month), or both.
It was pretty nice as usual on the Blackstone Riverway.  I didn't see the egret but did see some swans, ducks and geese.  The last time I was there I did see some different water birds that I was unable to identify.
Since 11/27, I have run every third day and some of it with the Lu.  Yesterday I took her for over 5 miles on the same rail trail and we ran most of it.  Turned out to be 13 minute mile average.  A blue jay flew across our path to say hello.
We've (the Lu and me) been walking a lot as well.  Prior to this week it wasn't every day but at least 2 miles each time.  This week we have put in over 10 miles walking.  I've also run over 8 and biked almost 12 (was really slow due to the 15+ MPH winds at the river).

A difficult couple of weeks

The weather has been great - except for the very strong cold winds the last two days - but it has been a difficult couple of weeks since Willow stopped being able to get up and use her back legs on Veteran's Day, 11/12/12.  I've been making sure she gets turned on other side every four hours latest, so being unemployed has been a blessing for this.  Getting up at 3 AM every morning to turn her over is no problem, but I have been so tired I just couldn't get up the energy to ride my bike.

We've had some really beautiful days together - these two weeks have been exceptional weather-wise.  One day there was a perfectly blue sky through the stark limbs of the willow tree we were lying under.  All of a sudden, through the limbs there is this really short and perfect rainbow in a shape I'd never seen.  To me it was a sign from the Universe that Willow is a very loved and special dog, and that our time together was right.

I can't believe tomorrow is the day.  She seemed so tired when I brought her in two days ago - like it was just getting to be too much.  And then it didn't.  But tonight it was really hard for her to use her front legs - she is getting fatigued.  I am tired too, but I will go as long as it is right.

Local Bike ride

Went back to the road bike yesterday because of the terrible squealing the mtn bike does. For the first time ever got chased by dogs. First, a beagle of all things on the busiest road. Then, 2 dogs who at least had the sense to stay in their yard while chasing. I made a "easy boy" noise and they were fine. The crazy beagle though - didn't even see him/her, just thought I had dog barking in my ears and then on the left of me (in the road) here is this little one chasing right next to me.

Was really slow though...feel like I just started and haven't been riding regularly for a while...