SOPHIA LOREN AND A MONK....HMMMM

Hello,

This is called free-association in my field. Dogs Du Jour....Sophia Loren, a 7 month old 60 pound gorgeous (like her name sake) Golden Retriever girl. Wow. The consummate female doggie. She just looks girlie and fun. Jumped into people's laps and just had a field day. A blondie, golden who probably will get to around 100 pounds, contrary to what her breeder from K-zoo said. The breeder lady, in advanced pregnancy herself, told the human of Sophia that Miss Sophie would only get to about 60 pounds. Since she is already at that weight at 7 months and has paws the size of Rhode Island...it is looking like a hundred pounder is among-us. Welcome Miss Sophia Loren with pantaloons like Otis the Golden and a smile on her face that made everyone around her smile. Her breeder (AKC) only has two litters of puppies, not herself, but her award winning show dogs, as a way to improve the breed and not to over breed. Too many dogs go unwanted.

The MONK. What is Sophia Loren doing with a MONK??? Actually, absolutely nothing, since they were a dp at different times. Monk, Aka: Monkey, Monkey Business is a Golden Newfy who looks Newf-ish and galumps around the park. He is a handsome boy with a sweet demeanor. Big, black and smiling: gotta love the dog smile. His human, Fern, got him off pet finders. He had been placed in a kill shelter in rural Iowa. How could anyone bring this dog to a kill shelter, or any dog to a kill shelter? But this special boy was seen by one of the Chicago Rescues that sent people out to Iowa to retrieve him from a dismal fate. Well, aren't we lucky to have him at dp. As you see, Sophia Loren would never be with a MONK! She is too sweet and though too beautiful for words, she is a modest girl.

Humans from Dog Park have gotten over: Das Booty Call. All is well and people are soaking up the summer days with the thirst of people about to embark on a desert trek. The dogs, ever blissfully impervious to weather, time and whatever, just enjoy it with great elan. It is such a pleasure to watch them. Often they are like watching a barrel of monkeys. Boy, I sure can't spell. Thankfully, the computer makes me aware of my surprising lack of this ability. I am forever surprised that words I have thought I had spelled correctly, were, in fact, not correct. Oh well, live and learn. What else can you do?

Chimmy stands for Chimichura (sp?) not Chimmichanga, as I have always mistakenly called her. Sweet Porty. She might have a future in the White House. Chim-meister, do forgive me.

Three gentlemen sitting on a bench...I don't think they are waiting for Godot. Or, may be they are. We just don't know. I made a 5 pm run to the dp, got the post work people and the park was filled with disconnected people and too many dogs.

I keep seeing people bringing their young ( 5 and under) children to the park. As Mochi's human said, "probably to get them used to dogs". Not the right choice.

I met someone today (not at dp) in my travels who, as a male of the human species told me proudly that not only did he have a dog, but chuauah..(sp). Then he further un-ingratiated himself by proudly telling me that he had proudly purchased his pup at a local pet store in Logan Square. I promptly launched into modified and polite polemic on the unwise nature of his purchase. I did not go into the questionable male-ness of a Chuauah. I figured that a simple go to a rescue was sufficient to bring him somewhat up to speed.

I met with someone recently who had gone to a networking thingy for social media. Everyone sat there texting other people. You remember that old fashioned thing called speaking to the people you are sitting with. They used to call it conversation.

Speaking of which, I liked the French composer, Francois Poulenc. He and George Gershwin were in Paris together as contemporaries. But, unlike Gershwin, when Francois Poulenc had nothing to say, he said it. So, since I have nothing more to add...

That's all she wrote. Roe

DAS BOOT VS. DING BAT DOES CITY

Hello,

Did I catch your curiosity and/or attention??? I thought so. Needless to say DAS BOOT, is not another German movie by Werner Herzog. DAS BOOT has more to do with mad meter maids and naughty hidden cameras. Doesn't even mean naughty films...just the city of Chicago taking every single dime it can squeeze from its humans. Thankfully, it is only the humans...this time. A human from dog park got "The BOOT". I don't mean the shoe boot, but a dog park visible tire boot. the innocent human had simply been photographed by one of the camera filled intersections. I have had that happen and I was surprised at how close the the second they hand out tickets for "supposedly" going through a red light...not district, simply, a red light. It can be hazardous to drive in the city...at least from the ticket point of view. I saw a man in a orange vest walking down the side walk the other day and he was wearing one of those meter maid machines. I asked if he were a meter maid...he replied "yes". I added, you must really get it...he nodded silently. All the pack agrees that it is unfair...but who said life is fair?

Onto Ding Bat Does City..some Ding Bat parked across from dog park going the wrong way. People thought it was off the charts with audacity. Actually, it was just a minor form of scoff-law-ism. You know such bad behavior...well, no one caught the Ding Bat. As far as, Das Boot vs. Ding Bat...Das Boot wins the award for undeserved, unwanted city attention. As for Dingy, he/she must slog on, since he/she got away with the "crime".

DOG DU JOUR: A pithy little pit pup named, I will say the name is "Too Cute for Words", because I was rendered speechless at this cutie. He is a 10 week old boy who is blue silver grey with an adorable grey spot on his white head...like I said, too cute for words. He won over the park immediately. He was purchased from a "breeder" north of the city. I don't think the human knew about "pit breeders" and what they spawn...not the dogs..but, the mis-use of these dogs, especially. How can people hurt these beautiful little creatures and turn them mean because they must fight for their lives. I wonder about people who have the capacity, much less the enjoyment, of watching animals hurt each other. They are from a less evolved species and clearly not worthy of our four legged friends. But, this particular pit boy has found a good and loving home. Live long and prosper.

Has anyone noticed that Mochi's human's hair is going down to the das booty??? I couldn't miss the opportunity to say that one more time. Das Booty.

I have found that many people at dp have volunteered at animal rescues, fostered dogs and, in general, do all that they can to help our friends. Just think of less rich our lives would be without our friends. ...Dogs, as well as, humans.

I send appreciation to the deeply devoted following of this blog. Tell your friends and neighbors and remember...Chicago is the fifth largest techno economy in the world. Trivia that you should know.

That's all she wrote. Roe

DOG DAD AFTERNOON

Hello,

I just spent one hour typing a blog here and it got deleted into cyberspace. I want to yell very naughty words and type them in BOLD type. But, I won't.

A number of Dog Dads were present this Dog Dad Afternoon. We shall start with the human to Mojo and Floyd. Before I go into this subject I must make an apologies to Floyd who I mis-identified as Flo. Not only that I stated that "Flo" was a dog ball hog. I am sooo sorry. Floyd was so distressed last night that he did not sleep but walked the floor all evening trying to erase the cloak of indignity that was laid on his chocolate coat. It was Aengus, Not Floyd who has been the dog ball hog. So sorry Floyd. As for Aengus, sorry to spill the beans.

So back to Dog Dads..today we are featuring three special human dog dads. One is the Dad of Floyd and Mojo Rising. He walked the floor all last night with Floyd to help him work through his Roe imposed neurosis. Thankfully, the human is a Jungian in dog therapy and was able to help Floyd process the trauma which had been inflicted. The human, aka, Gary, is a good dog dad because he takes wonderful care of these two labs. He gives them natural products and occasionally a full body cleanse. I have heard that these two dogs do not appreciate the full body cleanse, as does their human.

Moving along the Dog Dad Highway: John the Dog Dad to Chimmichanga "Chimmy" ( I know that I must have misspelled this name, but bear with me as no one else is writing this, but me).
John shows up almost daily to give Chimmy her dog pack-park time. In all kinds of inclement weather and in the sunshine, the human is a dutiful dog parent. These special four legged souls, are known to give all great pleasure and substance and sustenance. So, hats off to this human.

And our final Dog Dad Award goes to....the human to Lizzie and Mack. This human is tender and very sensitive to his animal companions and dogs of others too. He always tries to pay attention to all dogs, even ones that he doesn't really know. He is a sensitive and terrific human who deserves, not only great dogs, but great times and friends. Kindness and empathy are great gifts that are not given to all. But when a Dog Dad shares this gift...it is a blessing.

It's the economy, Stupid. Yup, I think I have heard that everyday for almost two years. So, for all of us that are hanging in there, keep the faith. This can't go on forever. As one dp theorist conjectured, we will have a big war to get us out of the economic doldrums...it always works.

Feel free to pass this on. I came here X many years ago to write the great American novel... I will settle for a fairly well read blog...(not Blago). This blog seems to be getting some mileage and today a human told me that yesterday's post was hilarious. I hope so. You will see numerous typos and grammatical errors since I do not re-read this stream of crap-ousness writing after I write it.

That's all she wrote. Roe

DELIGHTFUL DOGS DU JOUR

Hello to Dog Park Devotees,

Today was a peak day at dog park. Ran into some nice humans and saw SWELL DOGS DU JOUR.

Today I will feature two dogs du jour. Anya, is a friendly pretty girl who is a Border Collie pure breed, who used to be a regular at dog park. Her humans moved to the suburbs where Anya (A Jordan look alike), where Anya has a yard of her own to play in. This black and white beauty is about 2 years old and was rescued from....a rescue in or near Naperville. Her lucky humans say that she is the best and they adore her. We hope that Anya will come back and visit us at dp as often as she wishes.

The other dog du jour is Chloe. Chloe is a pretty Aussie Shepard and Great Pyranees mix of about one plus years. Her human who lives nearby but had never been to dp until today, said she plans to come to dp often. Chloe is all girl. She has the girl smile and a sweet disposition...like most of us girls... She is big and fluffy and white with brown tannish markings. She will be a great addition to the natural pack. Hope to see both of our dogs du jour soon again.

The humans who were clinging to the sunny side of the park were in rare form for the 3 PM crowd/crown. Mojo Rising was sitting there with his dabs of anti-wart stuff on his head. Despite this, he kept his dignity in tack. Pinky Floyd was there and hogging the rubber balls....of well. Their human was in rare form and was recruiting a new member for the Usual Suspects. Sara was there without her Ally who is a Saluky Collie mix. Can't wait to meet her. Since Gary was raised by the NUNS, he was telling us all the virtue of the repression that this engendered. It was a good laugh. Craigy was holding down the shady side of the park with his two little dog bunnies: Lizzie the sweet girl and Mack the Pack man. Craig the human was dispensing much philosophy and kindness to people in need. He is sweet. Be gentle with all, for they too, have their story.

I sniffed a hint of Autumn in the air. That is bitter sweet because I like Autumn and, yet, as we know, soon thereafter a very unpleasant thing happens. But, as someone pointed out to me recently, Chicago has been milder in the winters since the early '80's. This is true. I moved here in the '70's and thought I had moved to the South Pole. Not.

So, when is the dog park renovation going to start??? I understand that Chicago is still, well, Chicago but enough already. I read an interesting article in the NY Times the other day in the opinions called, "Obama's Chicago". Did you know that Chicago is considered the 5th most important city in the world for techno stuff? This is after NYC, London, Singapore and hmmm , I can't remember...so you look it up.

Speaking the other day to politicos of dp, we decided that we should all buy something decadent, so that when the revolution comes, we will all have something to throw away... me, I am going to throw out my Le CRuset.

Today, I was told that "The Dude Abides" bumper sticker adorning a beater car near dp is a a parody of a hymn called, "The Lord Abides". And, I attributed it to the Coen Bros and the "Big Lebowski". But, does that mean that the Dude is a God figure? Lit-crit was never my specialite... let me know if you have any thoughts on this subject. Feel free to comment at any time. I would like to put photos up , but being technically challenged, anyone who wants to assist will be appreciated.

Feel free to send this onto your friends. If we get enough following, we can make $$$ to contribute to the dp endowment.

That's all she wrote. Roe

DOG PARK GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE

Today at dog park, discussion evolved into a New Global World Order, conspiracy theory, who killed JFK and numerous other off shoots to these themes. It was intellectually interesting and left one wanting more good conversation.

Dog Du Jour is going to be part of this blog from now on. Today's featured dog is...drum roll, please, MILES. Miles is a spunky 7 month old Collie-Aussie mix. He is mostly brownish-red. He has a collie face shape and an Aussie disposition. He does not run, he bounces. He was rescued from a private rescue called, Pet Rescue Chicago. I guess a dog groomer does it from her shop. So, check it out online. Anyway, Miles is one of those special dogs.

I met Bear recently. Bear is a 3 year old Skipper-pom (Skipperke, Pomeranian mix) who was featured on the Oprah . She is a big ball of black fur and an in your face, I want your attention, now, kinda girl. I see why she was on TV. She has star quality. She is a grad of PAWS.

Thinking about today's blog title...dog park is our universe to some degree. I see mostly the same people day after day. It is a foundation of an urban life. Many people there come at the same time and mentally support each other through all sorts of things: unemployment, under-employment, relatives, learning languages, making business connections and the ever present comments on our economy. Sometimes I feel this is a modern day martinis of wrath. Better than grapes, methinks.

It is axiomatic that we all love dogs. We mostly agree that most dogs are better than most people we have met or have to deal with. This is true. In the 1890s or thereabouts in Glasgow, Scotland; a man befriended a stray dog who was starving. The dog became a loyal and noble companion to the gentleman. After a year or so of mutual friendship, the man died. The dog was bereft. On the day of the funeral, the dog followed the funeral procession to the cemetery. After the burial, the dog sat on the grave, guarding her loyal human who had gone to the great beyond. The dog again became a stray. But, for the next 9 years until the dog died, he went to his master's grave and sat on it watching and hoping to see his friend. There is a statute in Glasgow to commemorate this wonderful canine.
Such devotion.

They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. Well, our president should get a pack of dogs. Me thinks the female top dog (what do we call a female dog that breeds)??? You know, HELLARY is already running to throw Barak under the bus. The November mid-terms may well be a referendum of the Obama administration thus far. I worry about this. The country in some ways seems on the brink of civil war because it is sooo divided. I am not worried about it at the moment...but perhaps we should all learn how to use chop sticks and teach our dogs commands in Chinese.

That's all she wrote. Roe

VIEWS FROM THE BENCH

I just kind of liked that title...not particular reason for it. I met three swell sweeties today at dog park and several nice humans. There is a Pit Pup of about 6 months named, "Mustache". How did he get that name? His human, a male of the species with Irish, violet colored blue eyes, told me that Mustache was named in honor of his grandfather who has worn a mustache for more than 70 years. Every year at Christmas, he and his brothers and male cousins grown mustaches and have a photo taken with Grandpa to honor him...all wearing "staches". Cute story I thought. Mustache was rescued from a lady who could not keep him. Staches cousin, an Aussie Blue Heeler named Kailie, was smart and sweet too.

Then there was Sully (not as in Capt Sully Sullenberg of the Miracle on the Hudson plane landing), but just as in Sully. He is a mix of many sorts. His human, also, has blue eyes. But her blue eyes are like Carribean blue eyes. I can't spell. But Sully was having a good time.

Today there were three pups to be mentioned. Of course, Charlotte the Springer Spaniel was there and everyone was oooohing and ahhing over her. She was tumbling around with baby bull dog named Wally??? My memory at times fails me, so if his name is not Wally, apologies...

What else....here we are in what are called, "The Dog Days" of August. You know what that means...Autumn which is fine is a prelude to the W word. W here in Chicago can be challenging. I know that Bruiser's human goes into hibernation for self protection to the cold.

That about all for now. Tell a friend about this dog blog. I noticed that it is linked to a number of sites on the web. Go figure.

That's all she wrote.

Roe

WHAT I LEARNED AT DOG PARK TODAY !!!!

Hello,
I arrived late today at dog park...around 4:30 PM. The Usual Suspects were congregated on the shady grove part of the park. It was cool and perfectly sunny today. A great day at the dp. I was surprised about the debate that surfaced:

TO DUCK OR NOT TO DUCK, THAT IS THE QUESTION...

Well, I used a polite form of an Anglo-Saxon vulgarity. In Australia, they call it "boffing". I rather like that. In the 17th century it was called, in academic circles,
"Rogering" or to be "Rogered". You get the message and if you don't...you haven't been hanging around dog park long enough, or you are pre-pubescent.

Well, whatever you choose to call it, "it" came up in dp today. The philosophical debate about "dating" and dog park. Should you and a member of the opposite sex (human that is) drink too much one night and find the next morning that they are in the other human's bed....should they do the "dog walk of shame"? Or, should they just pretend that it never occurred and pretend that they had never met? Do you think it would be unduly uncomfortable? Do you think it would be worth it? Many see dp as their refuge...so, do you poop where you refuge? This is the question.

I suppose that they question is very personal. So, whatever you do, or do not do, keep it quiet at dog park. Someone said, why must I be discreet??? This could be a person who is either perfect or impervious to lack of discretion. Well, this conundrum will be dealt with in future blogs. Oh, I almost forgot...the fruit salad made by Rosie...ask Floyd. Do you prefer cantalope or honey dew love? Tootie, fruity Tootsies. Who says "Tootsies" anymore....I know someone who does.

I promised to mention two stellar dogs that I met Sunday. Rudy..a small sheperd-lab mix. They named this little guy (the runt of his litter).. Rudy because like the small guy Rudy who played at Notre Dame, this little guy was tough and he has heart. Bailey, a Bagel dog...Bassett Hound, Beagle...Bagel...I kind of like that. He was rescued from a shelter in California. But he is happy at dp and his California Dreaming days have been obscured by sniffs of Chicago dog urine and other wonders of the dog world and dog park.

Carolina was at dp today and was very well behaved. We decided that drama-rama is sooo yesterday. Sweet.

Just to remind you all who remember Vinnie and Paulie...they are still around, just not too friendly for dp. We miss them.

Well, after today's fruit salad...all of the unfilled visual parts of my brain short circuited with new, never before imagined, images.


That's all so wrote.

Roe

TWO BLOG DAZE..NOT TWO DOG DAYS...

Hello,

I just realized that I blogged early this morning. So, more than theoretically, this is a "Two Blog Daze". It was quiet today at dp when I was there...just post noon to one. Not much going on. Dog Walkers were tending to business, the weather was perfect...and all was well. Today is the kind of day that makes people actually stay living in Chicago, rather than run screaming to a sunny state somewhere. This is a great city in the summer...more so than most. This city just lights up and shines with festivals, music and just about anything else you can think of.

The park expansion....does it really exist? I am an impatient soul. Bill the liasion with Park District assures us that the expansion will occur. Currently, the architects are working with the Park District to make sure all t's are crossed and i's dotted. Beauracy....exists to make sure it continues to exist and support the people it pays. That sounds somewhat Tea Party-like, but much more like the French Revolutionary reasoning.

Dogs R US. The is an article in the Trib about dog parks...surprise..they say that Humans enjoy going there, as well as, dogs. Duh!!! Numerous humans I have met state that dp is their daily therapy. I know it works for me.

This week, I have been dog sitting in the burbs...today I rescued a yellow lab named Oliver who had, once again, escaped his yard. He is a 12 year old, 100 pounder with a mind of his own. I saw him crossing the street (small..little traffic, but still a street). He, actually, looked both ways. I had to chase him around and finally cornered him in the fenced yard of a home. I got his tags and went scouting the neighbor to find the address (they did not answer their phone). The humans were happy to see him and had not noticed that he was gone...again. But, while he has slowed down a little...he still suffers from the wanderlust. Anyway, it was nice to help a great dog continue to be great and with his family. In the burbs...they have grass, trees and everything. Wow.

I met an 11 year old boy with a little white curly haired dog which was part Maltese and part...Croton....several French words. I had never heard of the breed. Looked like a Malti-poo. The boy, started telling me about the breed and reassured me that he would never go to a pet shop. He had his parents drive him to a breeder in Indiana. He had researched the breed, whose name I cannot say or write. He seemed very aware of animal rights and abuses...great for an 11 year old. I guess society is evolving. The boy said he wanted to be a vet and that he had snakes, ferrets and a variety of other pets in the far north suburbs where he lives. His mother was down in the city for work, so he came with her and stayed at the park. Just never know who you will meet and greet.

Hey has anyone seen Izzy, the white terrier's teenage human named Joseph? I think he may be lost to dog park by the lure of young girls...but dogs never let you down! Live and learn.

Well, the stream of consciousness seems fairly dry tonight. Sometimes you got it and sometimes you don't.

That's all she wrote. Roe

INTERESTING DAZE....LIVING HISTORY

1Hello,

I am ever amazed at what I hear at dog park. Every dog and every human has its story to tell.
Met someone who came from a European country that is still bathed in guilt three generations post Holocaust. THe human stated, that thank God, his grandparents had not been Nazis, None the less, he seemed to carry the legacy of national guilt. His professional work (artisitic) focuses on the need for people to see and feel the personal death that all experience in participation in evil. This pertains, also, to people who participate in recent wars. That these warriors who actually made eye contact with the enemy whom they then killed, never got over the image for the rest of their lives. There will be an interesting photo exhibition in Chicago in mid October about his subject. More info to come. Got into a deep discussion regarding the banality of evil...like Hannah Arent wrote about...she went on to become the president of the U of C. She also, had as her lover, Heidiger (spelling?) a German philosopher who had endorsed the Fueher. While she condemned it on a societal basis, she was quite forgiving of it in her lover. The conundrum of the human psyche.

Dogs and, perhaps, doges, lead unconundrum type existences. Actually, only the dogs do...so the rest of we humans deal with the nature of ambivalence in the human experience. All these thoughts arose from an unexpected conservation on the shady bench on the south side of the park. I once knew someone who would sing the song, " On the sunnyside of the joint", but that was a long, long time ago.

I realized something that is true for dogs and humans...that is that, both are generational. Older dogs hang with older dogs. Older people hang with older people. But, there is a new old. They do not fit the profile of the old old people. It has nothing to do with age and all to do with world view. While we all seem to want to fight for animal rights, we don't so often have awareness of ageism, weight-ism and other less pointed out --isms. Isms ain't it.

Summer is flying by. Several blogs ago, I spoke about a springer spaniel who was not named. The question of naming him after another springer spaniel whom he, essentially, was replacing after the first dog met an unnecessary and tragic end. Anyway, the owner did name him the same name as the deceased springer. It seems to me to be denial and dishonors the memory of the deceased dog,...who was a lovely boy. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong...as they say.

This wandering, free floating, stream of consciousness, actually, all fits together. One thought runs to another and it is all sub conscious. I have heard that famous authors often said their work wrote itself in a stream of conscious state. I feel like that tonight.

Was about to go to dog park Wednesday when a down pour occured, so hopefully, today...another adventure in wonder land.

If you find this of value or interest, let your friends know about this blog. I noticed that we have one or two new followers. So welcome and feel free to commenet.

That's all she wrote.

MY, MY MYIAH, MIAH OR ANY DOG

Hello,



Myiah, or however her name is spelled is a sweet 13 year old Husky girl who is getting into her most senior of years. She is a charmer who know just sits and looks out at the park thinking of younger days. She was one of the first dogs to come to dog park about 13 or 14 years ago when it first opened. She has aged with the park, laughed, loved, sniffed, chased and been chased; all in her day. She now just sits in the shade and observes like a senior stateswoman with so much experience and love to watch the others. She no longer wishes to run with the pack, as she is tired and achey. But, she still enjoys the park-o-rama when she comes. She has both bad and good days and weeks and she still is enjoying life profoundly. Her human takes good care of her and treats her with the love and kindness one would, generally, reserve for a beloved, aging grandmother. We all love her and with her see the aging in our loving four legged friends and in ourselves. The passage of time reveals so much, and in some ways very little, as well. I think the dogs have wisdom all along and it is just instinctual. We are too soon old and too late wise.

But dearest little Myiah carries with her the wisdom of all the ages from wolves to our domesticated dog park friends.

An aside...I hear that there are various degreess of "connecting" going on in the park. Hmm...not quite Chelsea whats her name, but interesting nonetheless. Altough, to tell the truth, I think whats her name isn't all that interesting. Good thing they kept everything such a big secret.

Well, Entourage is on and ...

That's all she wrote. Roe