As summer turns to fall—the so-called “quiet season”—there’s usually a gap period between major exhibitions. In Britain, many seem to close mid-September, new ones opening later in the month. Last week, on a two-day trip to London, I made the most of what was available, and there was still an abundance. When I lived in this city, as a student (late 70‘s - early 80‘s), many of these venues, exhibits, and activities didn’t exist (or weren’t open to the public)!  Wow! Nor, did the traffic…

Here are some of the high- (and low-) lights—and recommendations—from my whistle stop tour:

DAY ONE

• Tate Modern
No feature exhibit, but great to experience the building, ambiance, and other collections.  Would have liked to have taken the bridge connecting to the other side of the Thames, or the boat to the Tate Britain.  Maybe next time!

• Garden Museum, Lambeth
Quaint, but not as remarkable as anticipated from write-ups. Likely, nicer to coincide a visit with their events and lectures. Pleasant surprise: vegetarian restaurant’s pineapple and banana cake is yummy! Also, from here, I made a little detour towards and along the Thames, noticing newer attractions like the London Eye Ferris Wheel.

• Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
An absolute must-see!  Even for those not interested in war, the history, memorabilia and presentation are excellent. Lots to think about, marvel over, and learn from! Also, note the "green" lunch delivery service at an adjacent government building:-)

• Thames Circular Cruise
Disappointing. Supposed to be an hour, but little more than 40 minutes. And, with no commentary, it was hard to know what all the sites and details were. Would have been nice to hear some local tales and history. Too bad the driver was busy texting…and not always looking!  Maybe during off-season efforts wain?

• Big Ben
Always there. Ever powerful, from every angle.  Wonderfully restored and in its 150th anniversary year (1859 - 2009)!

• Trafalgar Square Exhibits
Anthony Gormely’s One and Other was unimpressive.  Participants are not as high off the ground as imagined, if you walk the perimeter of the square.  I arrived at a “changing of the guard.”  Travel to the North of England (Mersey River’s Crosby Beach) to see a much more remarkable work by Gormley, the Another Place Figures.

The London Design Festival’s Centrepiece Chess Board was drawing a healthy crowd.

• Noel Coward Theatre, Calendar Girls
Lovely theater and easy to buy a last-minute upper balcony ticket at the door, prior to performance, then have a seat upgrade to the stalls!  Poor attendance for what, to me, seemed to work better as a movie then a play. Jerry Hall being in the cast was a plus, but not enough to keep me from dozing off. Long day!

DAY TWO

• Natural History Museum and Darwin Centre
The new Darwin Centre is incredible. Next time, hope to make it into the Cocoon!  Just caught the end of the Butterfly Jungle exhibit. Love the architecture and design of the original historic buildings. Just seeing and being in them is a great experience in itself.  Same goes for the V and A (next paragraph, below).

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London Design Festival, Sackler Centre
A great collaboration. Two (or three) for the price of one—in fact, no price. Each were free (and easy)!  Please check the heart artifact I had the opportunity to make during a London Design Festival activity, the Shape of My Heart (close up image at the start of this post can be found on the official Heart site as well). The Sackler Centre is a wonderful addition and resource—helps bring the museum (and beyond) to life!  As an undergrad, I spent many hours in the V and A library. No Sackler Centre then!  Also managed to catch the Telling Tales exhibit!

• Saatchi Gallery
Being a Saatchi on-line Gallery artist, I was very curious to see this new beyond cyber space venue. What an accomplishment!  It’s also interesting to note the setting, close to Sloane Square:  a luxe and lovely part of town!  Then there’s the school playing field and track just in front of it, full of little people enjoying gym classes.

• Kensington Palace and Gardens… and The Last Debutantes
1958, the year focused on by the palace’s feature exhibit was a significant time for me. I was about to come into being, but not as a debutante:-)  An interesting era with a lot of attention to detail, etiquette, couture, and culture.  Precious and lacking today!  Lucky with the weather. A glorious season to be outside there:  the swans and geese were plump and abundant, preening in the glow of an autumn dusk.

• Hyde Park and Princess Diana Fountain
You can get lost here.  But on a beautiful autumn evening, and if you’ve got the time, that’s okay…  The signage isn’t evident everywhere.  To find the Diana Fountain, down by the Serpentine, far from the Diana Playground, wasn’t easy (at least for me). The Fountain, itself, I thought, was disappointing—looked to me like a series of drain outlets: some flowing well, others not.  No adornment and nothing remarkable. I could, of course, have been missing something?

Royal park dog poop bins were neat and official looking. Could do with similar around Toronto:-)

CITY TRANSPORTATION

Wondering how I got around?  Via the Oyster travel card.  Worth the investment, but please be advised to take the tube for speed, buses if you’ve got all the time in the world… The Number 10 bus (from Hyde Park to Euston) took 1 hour and 15 mins! Oxford Street is particularly slow and congested (especially at rush hour) and there are easier ways to cross it…  Missed my train!  Nice that Euston Station now has such an amazing selection of take-out eateries!  Prête à Manger won out for me. Delicious advocado wrap!

A beautiful visit, like a beautiful butterfly (from the Natural History Exhibit):  too short-lived but very memorable.

Earlier posts about London on this blog include:

• LONDON Landmarks Change (March 2, 2008)
• Green LONDON: from Pink Cabs to Green Attitude (February 27, 2008)
• Taxi, Taxi! LONDON’S Colorful Cabbies (February 25, 2008)
• Sentimental and Historical London—A Quick Guide (October 7, 2007)

We switched to PetCare Insurance in 2000, when seeking a provider that could cover claims in the US as well as Canada. But, is pet insurance really worth it?  Do you ever get back what you pay with ceilings on illness categories?  And, the older your dog, the higher the deductible, no matter his/her claim record!  Then there’s the "small print" and "exemptions" and "exceptions" as well as "specials." 

You need to be bold and ask in order to receive a "discount" because charges can vary.  When I questioned an increase in monthly premiums (for 2008) for each of my dogs, a customer care representative responded by offering a 15% reduction for us to stay with their program.  We became "eligible for discounts," it seemed, only when making a fuss, not automatically.

For Sage’s urogenital illness in February (08) the bill was $591.32, for which we received $381.39. The co-payment was $59.03 and the deductible $150!

A typical "Mastercare" (90% coverage) policy for a toy poodle (when we were enrolled) broke down like this:

Payplan fee:  $1.50 monthly
Premium: $49.35 monthly (including discount)
Taxes:  $3.95 monthly
Total: $54.80

Is insurance like this really worth it at the end of the day?  Perhaps creating a personal bank account, strictly kept as a monthly pet security fund, to be drawn from only for veterinary emergencies, is a better option. A growing number of pet owners prefer to do this—especially those who have encountered vets who don’t show extra care and attention in filling out clients’ claim forms. Let’s not forget that these professionals will get paid anyway, no matter the source for the funds.

Fall 2008, we terminated our PetCare policies. Unfortunately, as is often the case, we felt that "might over right" was wearing us out. Regardless of whether PetCare’s practices were questionable, there seemed little effective recourse, even after approaching the ombudsman and other insurance industry overseers. An earlier blog entry, Older Dogs’ Healthwatch, points to where some of our woes began. Vets, it seems, can perform multiple investigations/suggest alternative (potential) diagnoses when not sure what’s wrong, maximizing fee, procedure, and treatment possibilities. An insurance company, it seems, can easily deny all other (unrelated) charges, just by finding one that can attach to a condition category that’s not "covered."

Even though more than a year has gone by, we still have not forgotten the pain, anguish, and loss caused by our investment in PetCare policies. Bad enough to have a sick pet. Worse to be with an insurance company that, in our experience, seemed to help add stress (and expense), not take it away.

Lev and Sage are now nearly 13 and 10 years old, respectively—hopefully with many more good times ahead. Here’s a look back at some of our already blogged about adventures (photos included):

• It’s a Dog’s Life:  Editors in Chief and Studio Assistants, Lev and Sage, Took a Bit of Time Off, at the Cape, August Long Weekend (June 7, 2009)
• Yes, We Did—And We Made the News! (June 9, 2009)
• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

Two’s company, three may be a crowd (Lev and Sage with host, Archie)

Nothing like a lazy day on the deck… for weary travelers (Lev and Sage)

You never know when you’re going to meet a Maxi-Me (Sage and Archie)

The Cape is a fun place for dogs to be, especially after Labor Day!

Food for Thought

Without plan or intention, I realize I might be perceived as a bit of a FOODIE.  My food interests, as depicted in my artwork, are more general and junky (all-inclusive and whimsical).  But, in my recipe-making, they are more specific and health conscious (nutrition-oriented and exclusive). Then, there’s the book I wrote about eating disorders (More Than Just  A Meal: The Art of Eating Disorders). 

As we journey through life, our interactions and foci evolve, as do our relationships, including those with food.  FOOD is either central to your way of being and doing or not (for better and for worse).  Seldom are there any in betweens.  No matter what I’ve been doing, food interests always seem to manage to be a significant part of my life, in one way or another.

Growing up, I didn’t have any major food fads, and was lucky enough to have a mother who was (and still is) a great cook and kitchen mentor.  For work, I morphed into a profession where jobs were hard to come by (art therapy) and my best opportunity happened to be on an eating disorders unit.  There, I learned about food foibles and follies and how the healing power of art and wise psychotherapeutic intervention could mesh, resolve, explain, and soothe.

During the years when the bulk of my time was focused on seeing and/or studying and writing about patients, I stopped art-making.  There are only so many emotions to go around, and it’s hard to do everything well, all at the same time.  Something has to go.  My creative energy, connected to visual-arts making, felt stumped and drained.  An extended sabbatical at art school (School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) helped reheat the oven.

Once I was painting again, it wasn’t long before I fell into attaching myself to subject matter that was familiar and (could be) fun:  FOOD.  Exclusion from a landscape class caused me to devise my own scenes with interesting edibles.  Traditional still-life arrangements were never my forté.  But, just focusing on the food itself, no backgrounds or ornamentation necessary, was exciting and motivating.  I loved giving the food personality and making it appear more delicious and vibrant than in actuality. Viewers smiling at it were (and are) the best rewards, gave (and give) raison d’être. An earlier post about my Florence Biennale exhibit tells more, as does this YouTube video.

Next, on my food journey, I confronted personal health issues. Certain illnesses and conditions put us on diets that are appropriate for our health-needs, but not morale.  Fortunately, a little creativity and perseverance has enabled me to work around such restrictions.  My recipes, even if they appear a little odd, or don’t entice, definitely do the trick—or so I, and brave food-tester friends, have found. Others, whose food choices have been limited too may be equally able to relate and enjoy.  That said, I still hope everyone, food-restricted or not, might find something to their taste.  Nothing that I’ve come up with is difficult to make.  And, most ingredients can be found, eventually. 

Cliché as it sounds, “necessity” proves itself again as  “the mother of invention.” For those with a “sweet tooth,” you’ll see that there’s plenty of baking/snack food/meal replacement treats.  These are the hardest to find to buy when you’re out and about.  That’s why it’s all the more important to have your own supply, when  and where ever possible.

If you find my recipes hard to follow because of inconsistent formatting and instructions, I do apologize.  These sharings have emerged spontaneously, jotted down during or after creation.  This could lead to inaccuracy or explanations that mightn’t be entirely clear.  More seasoned chefs may be able to fill in the blanks, as well as those who like to tinker.  Should the need/opportunity arise to to put together a proper recipe book, I will then be able to take the time to get things absolutely right.  For now, a little understanding and flexibility will be much appreciated.  These recipes are just jumping off points that, hopefully, provide encouragement—let it be known that there can be ways to work around special diets and make them a tad more interesting. 

Happy experimenting and taste-testing! More recipes coming soon:-)

Thought for Food

RECIPES ALREADY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG

MAIN COURSES
• Rice Noodle Bake, with Eggs, Cheese and Veg. Can’t Make Mistakes with This Simple Recipe (May 17, 2009)
• Allergic to Wheat? Easy-Prep Meals for One: Freeze, Heat Up, and Enjoy! Rice Pasta and Leftovers, with Cooked Avocado (May 11, 2009)

SIDE-DISHES AND STARTERS
• Getting Creative, and Healthy, with Pretty Food—Wheat-Free Too! (April 13, 2009)
• Jazzing Up Traditional Recipes: Mixed Root Vegetable Latkes with Pineapple/Pear/Raspberry Compote and Crème Fraîche (January 24, 2009)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups (September22, 2008)  

BAKING AND MEAL REPLACEMENTS
• Healthy Baking:  Not-Quite-Oatmeal-Raisin-Cookies (Use Flax and Rice Flour, Cherries, and Carob) (April 5, 2009)
• Don’t Love Chocolate! What Happened to Carob? Carob Clusters Satisfy the Craving—and Help Keep You Regular! (April 3, 2009)
• Overnight Weather Changes: Snowed In and Cooking Up (Against) a Storm: Probiotic Banana Cherry Oat Muffins (February 22, 2009)
• New Year’s Scones: 30 Minutes to Homemade, From Idea to Tabletop (January 3, 2009)
• Comfort Food, Comfort Mood:   Self-Care and Cooking for One that’s Nutritious, Delicious, and Easy (December 15,2008)
• The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones (September 25, 2008)

DOGGY-DELIGHTS
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)

We have been on a "summer break" of sorts, but still working day and night. Please see Twitter (http://twitter.com/DocSusan) for current updates when the posts here are less frequent. A completely revised/new-look DocSusan website will be appearing mid-to-late fall. Thank you for your patience, and enjoy what’s left of summer, when and how ever you can.

p.s. A hint of some of what is to come is in this blueberry image (photo taken from the small bush in my garden).  Please check out Nancy O’Mallon’s new About Blueberries website to learn more about this wonder-fruit.

This is an interesting process for me.  Still evolving!

Since starting to tweet (about 6 weeks ago), I haven’t been making as many blog posts. While (my) blog posts take a while to compose, the tweets are (relatively) spontaneous and instantaneous. 

Addressing or commenting on immediate issues seems to have been made easy:  maybe one of the reasons Twitter has become so popular.  Also, in the "quick-fix society" in which we live, Tweeting seems to pull ahead by attracting all types of folk—writers and bloggers or not, and the famous, as well as the not-so.  Personal and technical resources needed are limited.  And, of course, it’s free!

What do my Tweets of the last few days reveal?

A quick look at my Tweets from the last few days is pasted below (as a list). If you add groups of them together, mini-stories and/or messages emerge. Others are one-off comments or responses to what others may have said—simply ways to connect back or respond. 

1.  A caution re. vets in Toronto and options:  who to see and who to avoid.
2.  A caution re. small dog illnesses and symptoms, like blocked anal glands.
3.  Thanks to those who have retweeted what I have had to say.
4.  Thanks to those who have recommended me/what I’ve had to say.
5.  Quotes and insights re. life and happenings.
6.  Responses to celebrities.

Actual Tweets

•  Thanks for the RT re. #Vets about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @Looking4God
   
•  Thanks Jilly for the rec and interesting info! about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  Not all #vets are pet-sensitive. #Toronto now has alternatives to VEC, also available 24 hours. Rec Downtown Vet Church Street for Sundays about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Small dogs need quick attention when something is wrong. Decline is fast. Don’t listen 2 vets you don’t trust. B safe. Go elsewhere + push about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Rough night with Sage post surgery. Toronto VEC vet intern had told us 2 c regular vet tomorrow. Thankfully we didn’t. Went to Downtown vet! about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Once may be a mistake. Twice, you’re not certain what’s happening. Three times is a pattern. Now you know with whom you’re dealing. Caution! about 10 hours ago from web
   
•  Sandals = Most innovative product at Woofstock sold by http://doggieq.com Don’t damage dog’s toenails and protect from hot sidewalks $15 about 11 hours ago from web
   
• @melissagrelo VEC (Vet Emergency) needs to b better represented+more dog friendly if they plan to be there. Interesting stories to tell! about 11 hours ago from web in reply to melissagrelo
   
•  The more expensive the brand the smaller the number sizes on the labels:-) about 11 hours ago from web in reply to @SherriEShepherd
   
•  Blue skies and a sunny day in Toronto—and it’s the weekend. Finally a hint of summer in the air! Seize the moment and enjoy:-) 7:20 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Hard work doesn’t always bring rewards externally, but feeling good inside is worth a whole lot more—knowing that your tried and never lied 7:16 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Growing ego may lead 2 shrinking heart. The quicker the fix, the greater the expectation—and disappointment:-) 7:08 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  And the more you put yourself out there, the more you have to be prepared for what might come back at you:-) 7:04 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  #Canada, shame on you for selling #asbestos to #developing countries, like #India. Thx #CBC for drawing attention to this today on the news 6:59 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  @hashsocial Thanks for sharing:-) 6:49 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @hashsocial
   
•  @DocSarah Thanks for sharing:-) 6:48 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah
   
•  #quote: Those who don’t have the courage to reply say more about themselves and their own inadequacies than they do about you and yours:-) 6:47 AM Jun 13th from web
   
• @aplusk Reading what others have to say is more important than saying what doesn’t need to be said:-) 4:42 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @aplusk
   
• #Facebook name: Susan.R.Makin 4:37 AM Jun 13th from web

• @DocSarah and acceptance that no matter how hard you try, others may pull ahead, without trying 4:35 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah

It’s never too late to get married! Lev and Sage, art studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan sites, helped set an example, Sunday June 7, 2009. They participated in a special high-tea happening at the Méridien King Edward Hotel to herald Woofstock, while helping raise funds for canine cancer research, via the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust. In the evening, following the cermeony, the happy couple’s TV news interviews appeared on City and Global. Also, additional video footage and photos, of them and the event, were posted by the Toronto Sun, the Torontoist, and the Globe and Mail.

Once the party was over, mother of both bride and groom (DocSusan), and bride (Lev) and groom (Sage) took a moment to relax. This photo, from a friend’s iphone, was the most relaxed of the day!

For more about Lev and Sage, and their wedding details,  please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

 
LEV to SAGE

Dearest Sage,

Fell for you at first sight
Though we did start with a little fight

Very soon the boss you knew I’d be
Ever since, complete harmony

Younger man, older woman

You let me win, think I’m cool
Toy boys rule!

All those emotions of mine you let ride
Always by my side

A shadow and a live spark
Great for a snuggle or run in the park

A flirt and attention seeker
But, no humans around, my best company-keeper

Even if there’s a difference in attitude and age
Who cares at this stage

You’re still my dog-love, I cherish you Sage!

SAGE to LEV

Dearest Lev,

I’m a tiny man
But, never without a plan

You’re a woman with special ways
Not for everyone, just perfect for me

To keep you happy
My ideas are very snappy

Your bark is worse than your bite
Even when we fight

Humans like me, dogs too
I make up for what you cannot do

Personable and bold, seldom shy
I’m your kind of a guy

As we age, more shared adventures we know
Through most things, together we comfort each other, and grow

The vet’s or the groomer’s, we’re side by side
No secrets to hide

Lev, you’re a spectacular bride!

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

Lev’s and Sage’s big day is finally here. Yes, they are getting married after 9.5 years of cohabitation!  And, here they are—the happy couple at their "dress rehearsal" on a sunnier day earlier this week.  Of course, it’s raining today—but they’ll have a great time anyway.

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

It’s never too late to get married!  Lev and Sage, studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan sites, are setting an example!  Younger man (9.5 years), older woman (12.5 years), and he lets her win every time:-)  Please celebrate this good news with us, as a prelude to Woofstock, and to help raise funds for canine cancer research (via the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust).  Your background cheers will help them win the "best costume" award!  Skinny Sage has just had his ensemble refitted, and Lev will be beautiful in ivory. Since they’ve been living together for a while, already, Lev decided against white, and that’s all we can tell you for now.  Just know they’ll look doglightful under their pet-friendly Chuppah, and we’re hoping for a few other surprises… The cameras will be rolling for those who can’t attend—lots of pictures and mementos to share with you, at Woofstock, as well as on-line, later.  Ceremony (with canine High Tea) at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel, Sunday June 7, 2009.

The Saugeen Shores (Bruce Peninsula)

Straight after Labor Day, the Bruce Peninsula is very peaceful.  Also, it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach—that’s if you don’t have a bicycle or dog. Reminders are everywhere:  Port Elgin, Southampton, Sauble Park.

At Sauble Park, this is the longest parking lot I’ve ever seen on a shoreline. Do all the cars that fill it, in season, do less damage than bicycles and dogs, out-of-season?

As summertime approaches, better not to make the drive with dog(s) or bicycle(s) unless you’re sure they’ll be welcome at the destination you’re visiting.  If traveling in Ontario, please realize that options may be limited if cycling and dogs are essential to your enjoyment for a day-trip or vacation.

Earlier blogs posts about Ontario/Toronto travel destinations (and limitations) include:

• Art Gallery of Ontario’s Short-Falls. Blaming Recession is Easy, Reaching Back to Local Artists Isn’t. “Massive Party” Might Not Help Solve Massive Problem (March 20, 2009)
• Green P Parking Peril: Have Your Car Vandalized in Downtown Toronto Then Pay to Exit the Lot! Bloor/Yorkville and Museum Goers Beware, City of Toronto Parking Authority Wants Your Money, Regardless! (February 28, 2009)
• What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 3 (January 31, 2009)
• Reacquainting with Toronto (September 17, 2008)
• Drinking Problems in Ontario, Canada: Ironies, Causes, and Comparisons (July 31, 2008)
• Summertime Can Divide Canadians (July 7, 2008)

For more fun (and positive) perspectives on Ontario/Toronto travel and Canada in general, please check out Lucy Izon’s Canada Cool website, or follow her links and commentaries on Twitter.

Today, I started my first Facebook Group, Susan Central.  March 8, an auspicious day, hopefully!  Not being a Facebook expert, it’s been another learning curve and adventure!

Susan Central Invitation

By chance, I seem to have been meeting a lot of interesting Susans lately, on- and off-line—nice people, and the reason I decided to start a "Susan group."  Whether you are a Susan, have a Susan in your life, or want to get to know one, please consider joining  "Susan Central."  This group will be a fun way to see where, and to whom, a simple name might lead.  Let’s embrace coincidence and serendipity and keep things positive!  Many thanks for your participation.
In anticipation,
Susan
p.s  Please feel free to forward this invitation to others.  The more the merrier!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=56222883703
http://profile.to/docsusan
http://www.docsusan.com/
http://docsusan.blogsome.com/

For more about Facebook, please see another recent blog post: Getting to Understand and Appreciate Facebook: in Toronto Tonight, Live and in Person, Not Cyberspace (Facebook Garage 5) February 24, 2009.

Bravo! The 2009 "Best In Show" Westminster Kennel Club trophy was awarded to "Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee," aka "Stump,"  a Sussex Spaniel.

Yes!  It’s thrilling that this handsome and calm old boy is the 133rd “Best in Show.”  What a great outcome (and encouragement) for everyone who loves, cherishes and lives with old and/or ailing dogs!

In 2004, Stump had a mystery illness that lasted 19 days and from which he nearly died.  Fortunately, he wasn’t given up on and able to rally, miraculously.  Four years later he’s still going strong, napping and lounging always acceptable—and now, especially.

Perhaps, it helps that Stump sleeps with a previous Westminster Kennel Club winner, JR (a white Bichon Frise).  In fact, JR accompanied Stump to NYC for this year’s competition (as moral support). Is it time for an important message to be put out there?  Please be more sensitive to and embrace older dogs.  They have a lot to offer.  Puppies are fun, but dogs in their golden years are extra special, and there are many out there to take care of and/or adopt.

Stump, already "retired," did no specific training for the competition.  He just rose to the occasion, literally, and seemed a "natural."  As a finale, he surprised and excited the crowd by standing on his hind legs after receiving the award.  Then, at the press conference, directly following his victory, he was a little tired.  But, anyone would have been—(wo)man or dog.  What a whirlwind experience he had had, and the night was still young.  His social calendar for the next 24 hours would be packed!

Best in Show judge, Sari Brewster Tietjen, said that Stump represents so much for a breed that’s hard to find.  She was clearly delighted to have been able to choose him.

Scott Sommer, Stump’s co-owner/handler suggested that Stump’s travel and event schedule during his year as champ would be significantly less than Uno’s (last year’s winner).  Stump would definitely try to do what he could, but within reason.  After all, age, geography, and logistics are significant factors to consider.

Amercan Kennel Club Details:

• Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee
• Breed: Spaniel (Sussex)
• Sex: Dog
• AKC: SN 61688903
• Date of Birth: December 01, 1998
• Breeder: Douglas Horn & Douglas Johnson & Dee Duffy
• Sire: Ch Three D Genghis Khan
• Dam: Ch Clussexx Sprinkled With Dew
• Owner: Cecilia Ruggles & Beth Dowd & Scott Sommer

Greetings from New York City, where I’m thrilled to be attending the Westminster Dog Show and related festivities.  Many more pictures and "wagging tails" to share in future blog posts.  But, for now, it’s a fond farewell to Uno, 2008’s  “Best in Show.”  His reign is nearly over…

Yesterday, David Frei hosted this champion’s last big press conference (image above) with owner Caroline Dowell (image below).  Uno’s stepping down is bitter sweet.  He has had a wonderful year and been a model example—participant with and spokesdog for many great and caring organizations, like Angel on a Leash. 

Afterwards, I the seized the opportunity to get to know Uno a little (image below).  This Beagle who loves bagels was winding down from all the excitement…and doughy human treats.

In Toronto, attire for dogs isn’t just ornamental.  It needs to be practical too. 

The best stay-on boots we’ve found were a no-name brand that came from DogFather about 4 years ago.  However, we’ve concluded that there really are no great boots to be had.  Even these caused pain to the paws after wearing.  Cut off balloons actually work better than anything else!

The best ski-jacket  came from the Rosedale Valley Road Gang.  Complete coverage and durability. These outfits are about 8 years-old, wash well, and are still going strong! 

On extreme days, the dogs stay home.  We’re luck to have a backyard!

Happy Birthday Lev!

Loving
Emotional
Vital

and lots lots more…

Photos of Lev from February 4th, VEC waiting room (with Sage), just prior to getting a clean bill of health after recent oral surgery. For more about Lev’s oral surgery, please see an earlier blog post:  “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009).

December - January, Sage got a penis infection (the preliminary diagnosis we were given).  I’m not sure that I noticed he was unwell right away… This new health challenge may have followed his grooming or coming off antibiotics.  It’s hard to be certain.  But, when I track back, it’s clear that Lev knew something was happening before I did, and alerted me. For more about the "second-dog advantage," please check out an earlier blog piece, Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008).

This time around, the two dogs adopted some cute positions together (hence the photos). Then, suddenly, they didn’t look cute anymore. Please see beneath Lev’s paw in the image below.

While I am open to homeopathy and alternatives, I still value conventional medicine, especially when time is of the essence.  In certain cases, antibiotics and other meds may need to be prescribed without delay, proper attention being given to potential side-effects. Also, a regular vet may not, always, be able to provide all the answers.  So, if the opportunity presents, don’t be afraid to ask a specialist (human) physician, like a urologist, (as I did).  Acess what’s feasible for another species…then proceed with caution.

Speaking with the urologist confirmed to me that dogs (male and female) can get yeast infections too, especially following treatment with antibiotics (not discussed on several investigatory vet visits). In addition,  Probiotic yogurt, which I’d thought to administer, just in case, might not have been a cure-all.  At the height of Sage’s discomfort, a combination of yeast infection and anti-inflammatory creams (in very small quantities) seemed to help a lot more than the advice to just lubricate…

Since Sage’s condition, ultimately diagnosed as paraphimosis, has been so concerning and prolonged, an information meeting with Dr. Craig Miller at VEC was recommended to discuss possible surgical options.  This occured yesterday. The main solutions he suggested weren’t too pleasant:  extenstion, reduction, or amputation!  Then, after paying another $173.25 (for a 15-minute consult, without examination), we weren’t inclined to ask for an estimate for how much such surgical procedures might cost…  Alternatively, there’s on-going "behavior management," which seems to be working for now: preventing licking (after lubrication and reinsertion) by keeping the area protected.

For more on-line details about canine paraphimosis, treatment options, and causes, PetPlace.com is a good place to start looking.

Earlier blog posts about Lev and Sage and canine health and safety concerns include:

•  “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• Dog WEIGHT LOSS and WELL-BEING (June 2, 2007)
• Animal Rescue: DOG-Neglect/SELF-Neglect (May 5, 2007)
• Rescue Dog, “Joey” (May 5, 2007)
• DOG FOOD that’s Safe and Delicious (March 20, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)

Usually, pictures say more than words.  And, in the age of digital photography, it’s hard to resist the urge to snap most everything in sight.  Here are even more of our favorite photographic memories from the year just gone by.

Bravest dog:  Sage in lampshade collar, post oral surgery

Sea of fleece:  Matching dog beds and outfit (by Susan), Lev modeling

Sunbathers:  Lev and Sage enjoying winter sun-time, from indoors

Best travel Companions:  Dogs (Lev and Sage) on the road, in car crate

Other favorite photographic memories from 2008 are included in: What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 1 (January 26, 2009), What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 2 and What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 3 (January 31, 2009).

Every moment with my dogs is special.  And, as they age, I realize, all the more, what a gift it is that they’ve had reasonably healthy lives, so far.   When they do get sick, which seems to be more frequently of late, it’s very distressing…  Old age and health challenges come to us all, no matter our species or status.  It’s all in how they’re handled:  our own attitude as well as that of those who stick around and how they help see us through.  Earlier blog posts about this include:  Hat-Tricks and Hospital Waiting Rooms (November 5, 2008), Sick Pets and Veterinary Waiting Rooms (November 6, 2008) Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008).

Not to outdo Sage and myself, Lev had emergency surgery yesterday.  I’d noticed “the sneeze” for a couple of weeks.  It was intermittent and not like Sage’s—more like a human’s (she’s a bigger dog). It came in series, usually earlier in the day or later at night.  Her playing, eating, barking, walking/running, and bossing were unchanged, but her eyelids, especially over the last few days, started to look swollen (patches of flesh evident between her hairs)…

Sage and I had taken attention away from Lev, over recent months, with our own surgeries, and she had been our “rock.”  This gave me a niggling fear that Lev might not be indestructible herself.  Sometimes you just know…  Once Sage and I were more alert and able to resume semi-normal activities, I observed Lev more closely, taking her straight to the operating theater.  Something wasn’t quite right! “The Sneeze” was the signal…

Please be aware that vets who aren’t certified in animal dentistry can’t always be sure where sneezing can come from.  But, that said, and after-the-fact, even as a lay person, I’ve come to find this hard to comprehend…  In Sage’s case, Dr. Mason jumped to do an elaborate (and expensive) battery of general tests that could have been avoided.  If he’d followed Dr. Kneebone’s referral note’s suggestion to do dental XRays, we could have been saved a lot of grief.  After all, Dr. Kneebone’s deduction came as a result of numerous visits to her office, and homeopathic remedies (again, all at a price—financially and emotionally).  In retrospect, I fear that the “dance” may have continued, had I not screamed for conventional emergency help…  

After an unnecessarily drawn out and frustrating experience like the one Sage endured, you do not forget easily.  We paid Dr. Mason (heftily), but Pet Care did not reimburse us.  This had something do with the way in which Dr. Mason filled out the insurance claim form. It also had something to do with Pet Care’s policies and practices. (There will be more about this in a future blog post.)  We canceled our pet insurance and we won’t go back to Dr. Mason…

This time around, because of the Sage-experience, I bypassed "referring vets" (and related expenses) and went straight to Dr. Sharon French.  She is as kind as she is professional and considerate.  She understands how vet bills can mount up, unnecessarily, delaying appropriate and expedient treatment, and only did the essential.  Once Lev had had the dental Xrays, confirmation was given of what was wrong.  And, when the surgery began, it was even clearer what needed to be done.  Six abscessed teeth were extracted!

 

Yesterday afternoon, I made another batch of home-made dog food in anticipation of Lev’s homecoming.  She wasn’t ready till nine last night, and a very sad and sore little girl…  Sage is still wearing his lampshade.  (His post-surgery health issue will be discussed in a later blog post.)  He  came with me to get her, wagging his tail, a mile a minute, after a very mellow day.  He greeted her lampshade to lampshade, but she wasn’t interested.

Lev’s nose bled and her tail was down. I held her in my arms and she couldn’t look at me.  Just whimpered.  The drive home, I had her on my lap, lifeless.  Only when we turned into our street did her head pop up and she started to cry.  I lifted her from the car and she walked into the house.  Remarkably, she made it to her favorite spot, climbing tentatively onto the kitchen table, from where she didn’t move.  And, as for the homemade dog food, she wasn’t even interested in that…. With difficulty, I let her be.  

Taking her to bed with me, I held and stroked her through the night.  Her breathing was congested and the snoring kept me up.  Finally, she managed to pee this morning.  And, when I shed a tear, she licked my face.  Sage has backed off in the attention-seeking department.  He’s stable, for now.  Lev needs all our love, and she’s going to get it!

Other blog posts about Lev and Sage, and the canine-human bond and health matters, include:

• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)

Under the weather and housebound can have pluses!  At the end of 2008, I gave myself permission to indulge and rediscover old (but not sufficiently explored hobbies, like cooking and sewing. Usually, with a rigorous work schedule there’d be no time…

Lev and Sage agreed to assist me with projects—new designs for their dog clothes and matching beds:

Getting going with sewing, I found out that Toronto is quite a hub for those looking to learn more about this craft.  There’s a bunch of facilities and teachers to suit all interests and budgets!  Here’s what I came across, more or less accidentally, not far from home:

• The Sewing Studio
• Sew Be It, Studio Workshop
• The Workroom
• Creative Sewing School (Barbara Hobbs, 416 483 6102, Avenue and Lawrence)

Denise, from the Sewing Studio, provided motivation with easy assignments, like the beds above!

Also, for supplies and equipment, I discovered a variety of options:

• For equipment and accessories, there’s the Sewing Centre (416 487 4438, 2144 Yonge Street).  Great customer service and lessons from Joe Murphy!

• For fabrics, Designer Fabrics on Queen is recommended by the trade, with the best prices, and most interesting offerings, off sale.

• For the best one-stop shop and discounts (with membership) Fabricland seems to dominate—though shopping there might be a fun experience.

• The Dollerama on Queen (close to Designer Fabrics) has some interesting accessories and tools.

As fate would have it, my little dog, Sage, (Editor in Chief of the DocSusan website) fell ill around the same time as I did. His fight for survival and bounce-back over the last few months was inspiring, when making sure I was well enough to take him to veterinary appointments became an interesting dance.  On the many days of bed rest between hospital procedures, we cuddled and snuggled and helped each other through.

Please check out my poetry about hospital waiting rooms and veterinary waiting rooms.  It shares experiences that most people will go through at one time or another—for which there is usually no preparation or easy way to cope.  Then there’s the waiting for the surgery to be over, and anticipation…

I am sincerely grateful to those who have been there for both Sage and myself through our challenging days, especially Lev (Editor in Chief of this blog)!  A happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to everyone. Look forward, not back!  Better times ahead…

Sick doggies may hide in safe places.  At first, I thought this image was cute.  Later, I realized it was a warning sign…

When illness strikes, the other dog often knows first.  Lev alerted me to Sage’s condition, once more, last weekend.  Thanks to her, I took quick action, and got him veterinary care without delay.  Due to Drs Dawne Martin’s and Sharon French’s prompt and careful treatment (at VEC), Sage was able to come home for the holidays, and recuperate. In a matter of days, he’s doing much better. A precious gift—and the only one I needed this holiday season!

Tuesday, surgery day, was a little stressful, as the following poem shows.   

Surgery Day:  Two Dogs, One Heart

She shivered and shook
A fear driven look
Tail down

At the veterinary office we were
Heavy care

Whites of eyes
Painful stare

Another procedure for Sage
Lev recognized every stage

And now, waiting for the call
The call that will let us know the procedure’s done
That the surgeon’s won

Waiting, not easy to do
Hoping, praying, distracting

A limbo land
A place that only those who’ve been there can understand.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday morning, Lev was taking care of Sage in bed.

Today, Christmas Day, both dogs have been basking together, in the sun, on an armchair.

Happy, HEALTHY holidays from Susan, Lev, and Sage!

For other blog posts related to canine health and wellbeing (and Sage’s history), please check out:  

• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)

THIS BLOG ENTRY IS A FOLLOW-UP TO 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly.Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images - November 10, 2008.) 

Synchronicity is interesting!  A Today Show segment, November 8, 08, discussed the healthiest food choices for dogs, and what to avoid.  The interviewee, pet expert, Andrea Arden raved about Wellness.  (Please check out an earlier blog entry of mine, Dog Food that’s Safe and Delicious, March 20, 2007.)

Wellness is likely one the best commercial brands on the market, for now, and Lev and Sage have been enjoying two of their more recent products, "Just For Puppy Treats" and" Small Breed Supermix 5."  Though both dogs are really out of the age range for these, they seem to thrive on them. The one packet of their "Just for Seniors" that we tried had a funny smell and texture.  After Lev and Sage struggled to finish it, I decided the product wasn’t for us.  Also, some of the canned (soft) food seemed to upset both dogs’ stomachs and give them bad breath…

Following Sage’s oral surgery, I had little choice but to try making dog food myself, something that would give the little chap essential nutrients for a speedy recovery and not have to be crunched.  As you’ll know from other blog entries, I don’t tend to record exact ingredients or instructions (The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 2: Cookies and Scones, September 25, 2008;  The Cooking Gene—No Exact Recipes, Wholesome Cuisine 1: Soups, September 22, 2008)  Here is what I used (roughly) for the dog food: 

Ingredients for Dog Food, with Chicken or Beef as Primary Protein
(all fresh, not frozen)

• 2 large heads of broccoli
• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 pack of baby carrots
• 1 pack of Lundberg Short Grain Brown Rice
• 2 cups of flaxmeal
• 4 packs of minced chicken
• 2 packs of minced beef
• Extra virgin olive oil (to cook the meat)
• A couple of cups of water, for cooking and blending ingredients

Cooking

Microwave all ingredients (separately) except the meat and poultry, which are cooked on the stove (also separately) in a large frying pan with a dash of olive oil.

Semi-Purée

All ingredients are blended except the rice, which remains whole and is added in last.  

Portioning

Two thirds of the vegetables and starches are mixed with the chicken and one third with the beef.  

32 (snack-food size) containers of freezable food are made in total—5 - 6 meal helpings in each, depending on the pet’s size and whether anything else is added at mealtime. There are 12 containers with beef and 20 with chicken.

I decided to start Sage off with the beef, since there’d be more iron with that (and he’d lost quite a bit of blood).

Food Toppers

To make the food more nutritious and interesting, I bought the following food toppers to sprinkle before serving:

• The Missing Link Canine Formula
• Liver Sprinkle
• Salmon Flakes

Preparation Time

Approximately two hours (+ shopping time).

Supply

Approximately 6 weeks’ worth of food (that freezes and defrosts well).

Please Note

I am not an expert in pet nutrition, but relied on common sense, enthusiasm and creativity for this project.  Even if these recipes aren’t perfect, likely they’re a lot better than most store-bought options.

Some Important Considerations for My Home-Cooking, Whether for Caninekind or Humans:

1.  Choose unprocessed ingredients.
2.  Prepare with love and care.
3.  Remember that what goes in must come out (hopefully, with good consistency and color, no stink).
4.  Be aware how breath smells after eating:  bad isn’t good.
5.  Note that less equals more.  A little can go a long way.
6.  Don’t forget the "yum" factor.  Food that’s eaten eagerly, must be tasty.

FOR OTHER BLOG ENTRIES RELATED TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING (and Sage’s history), please check out:  

• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)

• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)

• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)

• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007) 

Puppyhood gets hits!  The attention six Shibu Inu pups have brought Ustream has been impressive.  Overnight, a breed and website have created a buzz.  Cuteness and technology capture attention…and are good for business!

As discussed earlier in this blog, everyone seems to have time for a new puppy.  It’s also important to make a fuss of older dogs—recognize when they might be ailing and see to their every need. Checking they’re as comfortable as possible takes effort and requires greater responsiblity than some owners are prepared (or able to) assume.

Earlier blog entries (listed at the bottom of this entry), show that Sage’s health has been troubling for a while. And, this week, it was time for his big op.  We needed to make a spontaneous decision that will, hopefully, add many years to his precious little life.  He had 19 teeth removed!  

Beware! If your small dog is sneezing a lot and has stinky breath, no matter how well you supervise their  oral health, the problem may be beyond your control.  Size, genetic predisposition, and (previous) misdiagnosis, as well as insufficient attention to detail, can factor in and effect (appropriate) treatment options (and outcomes).  

When I picked Sage up from VEC, last Thursday night, he was still blood-stained and had a bleeding nose and low blood sugar.  He was a heap in my arms:  glazed eyes, tearful, whimpering, and a shadow of his regular self.  Dr. Sharon French’s surgery had been careful and kind (like her), but significant inconsistency among other employees at the clinic is obvious (perhaps why feedback forms are now offered at the counter).  The animal care attendant’s hand-over of a post-op animal felt abrupt and disconcerting—quite unlike the receptionist’s check-in pre-op. 

The photos included below tell the tale of 48 hours in the life a little dog, pre- and post-op.  

• The last bone (the night before surgery).

• Big Yawn (full set of teeth).

• Carried home, and nestled in a bag, tinged with pink (blood stained) and sleepy (the evening following the surgery).

•  A little walk and sniff on a nice autumn day (the day after the surgery), with a new outfit to stay warm (pink bandage from intravenous).

• First proper meal. Homemade dog food!  (Dog food recipes will follow in another blog entry.)

• Big sister Lev, finished her meal, oversees Sage.

• Lev ready to finish off Sage’s meal should he not pay attention.

• Homemade dog food, the first vat.

• Containers of homemade dog food for freezer.

Little animals, like young children, can get sick very quickly, unable to tell us till their conditions are critical  But, the good news is that they can also get better quickly, when cared for properly and expediently.  

For other blog entries relating to Pet Health and Well-being (and Sage’s history), please check out: 

• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Holistic Dental Hygiene: For Dogs and Their Humans (March 4, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)

Hospital waiting rooms and veterinary waiting rooms provoke interesting comparisons.  Perhaps it’s just me who notices this.  Or, maybe I’m wrong.  If you have a beloved pet—and have been to both—you‘ll understand.

Veterinary Waiting Rooms

Emotions are real and raw

It’s different…

Not one person waiting
Two or three

Eyes well with tears
Big fears

Old, young
Highly strung or placid

Details matter
Passion and care

It’s all in a glance
True love and circumstance

Humans make do
Animalkind can’t

Regardless of how we feel
Whatever we have going on personally
There’s a pause

Our pets matter more.

The poem (above) was written for Sage, today. He has been a very brave little man. (More about him in later entries.) Speedy recovery Editor in Chief of the DocSusan Website!

For a poem about (human) Hospital Waiting Rooms, please check out a blog entry from yesterday,  Hat-Tricks and Hospital Waiting Rooms, (November 5, 2008)

Photos in this blog entry are courtesy of Lev and Sage’s buddy, Lucy Izon, from CanadaCool.com

DocSusan’s Blog is two years’ old today.  Big thank you to all who have supported me in this endeavor!

There’s no better way to get to know your own city than by having visitors in town—a chance to do things you wouldn’t usually, and become more aware of what’s on offer. This past weekend was a good one, event- and weather-wise, to check out places and happenings I hadn’t before:

• The Beach Celtic Festival
Organizers made a point of stating this was a "Beach" activity (not a Toronto one), clarifying, to friends from New York and Boston how the Beaches are a distinct community (from Toronto) and proud to be one. There was a fun atmosphere and a variety of performers.  Fathers as well as daughters had a chance to display their community spirit and dance routines!  (Please see photo at the start of this blog entry.)

• Queen West Art Crawl
Knowing the amount of work and expense that goes into putting up individual displays, I’m not sure how participants might have felt or how the jurying and set-up processes went.  The overall impression/quality appeared mediocre and disappointing to those from other parts.

• Paws Way
This is a "pet discovery" center that appeals to all, non-pet-lovers included, with its animal heroism exhibits and themed lecture series.  The hours and information services are also user-friendly, especially for later on a rainy Saturday afternoon.  (Not clear who the creators/sponsors of this venture are, but the Purina logo is included.)

• The Drake Hotel
Yes, they do make the best afternoon tea scones in town (apart from my own), and the comfort food at the bar isn’t bad either.  Edamame followed by grilled cheese, with champagne, proved an interesting combination!

• Gladstone Hotel
Their Saturday night Karaoke is a lot of fun, for participants and listeners!

• Chippy’s on Queen
If you’ve not tasted the "real thing," these may be as good as it gets in the ‘hood. We didn’t like the cooks touching money and (?), and then the food, without washing their hands in between.  But, a line was building, and maybe they were short-staffed. Can’t really go wrong with chips when they’re home-cut. However, the batter on the fish was a tad crunchy/heavy…  That said, it’s a nice concept and there’s a good menu and price range. The $7.99 (cod) can be enough for two!

Last Friday evening, passing through Yorkville, I noticed a bunch of empty tables:  at Sassafraz, Café Nervosa, Dimmi, Remy’s, Lettieri—all the usual hangout corners.  At  6:30 - 7:00 pm you could take your pick.  So, spontaneously, I decided to stick around:  choose a restaurant where I’d not been before—Flow.  Since the dogs were with me, this worked out well. They could perch on the perimeter hedge of the patio in the comfort of their travel bag, with a view out onto the Hazleton Hotel and One.  The waiters were attentive and kind.  A large bowl of iced water was served to them, and a sliver of duck from a complimentary amuse gueule.  My own dinner of blackened cod and root fries, followed by meringue, was also nicely presented and delicious.  It’s very easy to (be made to) feel uncomfortable when dining solo. But, for some reason, I had the contrary experience here.  By 8ish the Ronnie Hawkins Band was heating up on the roof of an adjacent parking lot and the rain had started to come down.  The night was just beginning, and the opening weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival underway…

On Saturday, for sentimentality’s sake, I took a ferry across the Mersey.  The round trip is 50 minutes, and we hardly saw the time pass.  There were two main distractions:  

1. A Long Haired Miniature Dachshund puppy called Sam sat next to us.  He was doing a homework assignment for "puppy school":  taking a ride on public transportation.  Not only was he very relaxed, he enjoyed a lot of attention and strokes from everyone around, nestling in my lap for a good portion of the trip.  (No nervousness, unlike my older dog Lev who can shake terribly on boats, as in thunderstorms. Sage, my younger dog, on the other hand, is just as calm as Sam was.)  All dogs have their own ways, like humans.  Some things you can’t change, even with training.  We look forward to reading more about Sam’s progress on his blog: samlamb.wordpress.com

2. After pulling out of Seacombe dock and turning around, the river got choppy (The commercial ship that was adjacent to us shows this, inserted below.  Also, please note the Liverpool skyline in the background.) A big wave shot across the upper deck and we were drenched. Quite a surprise! Wet through to our undies, it took most of the rest of the day to dry out!

Apple raises the bar on customer service and satisfaction, encouraging repeat business and spontaneous purchases. Win-win for everyone!

With their Procare and One to One assistance, you can get Apple technical support (for 15 mins) and/or personal instruction (for one hour) weekly.  Annual fees are very reasonable, and trainers savvy, friendly, and versatile.  Also, depending on location, canine assistants have been known to enjoy participating too!  

Lev and Sage are always eager to learn, and happy to observe from their travel bag.

Lev (as editor in chief of this blog) is pensive. 

Sage (as editor in chief of the DocSusan website) takes his job seriously (sometimes).

p.s.  Please note that the Eaton Centre Apple Store will be "undergoing renovations" mid-August for 10 weeks, so their space and services will be reduced during that time.

Older dogs are like well-worn gloves. They fit perfectly, but shouldn’t be taken forgranted.   We don’t know when they’ll fall apart, or how. But, if we are careful with them, they can enjoy long happy and healthy lives.  

As shown throughout the DocSusan blog and website, Lev and Sage are my best friends, room-mates, editors, studio assistants, exercise coaches, and a whole lot more.  Most days, all is well with them. They know my quirks and I know theirs. But, as they’ve gotten older, I’ve become a little more cautious and concerned at the least sign of illness. Because of their size and age, I realize that things can happen very quickly, and signs and symptoms must be taken seriously and acted on without delay. On April 2nd 08, I posted a blog entry about this, Veterinary Emergencies. Three months later, I’m already reporting fresh developments…

From the end of May through June, Sage had had a strange sneeze. First it was every few days. Then it was a couple of times a day, and only coming from his left nostril. His eating and walking seemed normal, and he was sleeping well at night (not snoring, as others with congestion might). However, I was still anxious. Round one of trips to the vet led us to Children’s Benadryl.  Doctor Rachel Wolfson, a dedicated young vet at Rosedale Animal Hospital was very attentive.  As well as presribing this allergy medication, she also took bloodwork. We stayed in touch as Sage’s condition, despite clear bloodwork (and the Benadryl) didn’t seem to change. Doctor Cindy Kneebone at East York Animal Hospital added homeopathy to the mix, as well as giving Sage a head Xray, where nothing unusual was found. For three weeks after this, we carefully monitored developments. Then, finally, no improvement, and with more obvious discomfort shown by Sage—not being able to walk more than a few steps without sneezing—we sought specialist help.

Doctor Doug Mason at Toronto’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic gave us a same day appointment, and performed investigative surgery. After a Catscan and numerous other tests, an abscess (and related build-up) were removed from behind one of Sage’s teeth (which had to come out). A complete course of antibiotics and pain killers followed. Now, we are looking more closely at Sage’s entire mouth and gums, to determine if other teeth need to be extracted or not. Doctor Sharon French, a veterinary dental specialist who consults with Toronto Zoo (and is also at Toronto’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic) is now involved with Sage’s case, and has prescribed Maxiguard Oral Cleansing Gel.  So far, so good. We like her, and her approach!

Apparently, gum disease is not an uncommon problem with older small dogs, like Sage.  Unfortunately, undetected, it can be life-threatening.  I realize, because of the expediency and caring of a diverse group of of vets, and my constant vigilance and concern, Sage’s life has been saved.  I caution other pet owners not to overlook any of their pets’ symptoms, however fussy they may believe other people think they are. Our pets mean so much to us!

Unfortunately, veterinary interventions come at a price. Future blog articles will look at typical pet healthcare costs.  It is sad to know how many dogs are put to sleep, owners (understandably) unable to keep up with the bills for  treatment, or prepared to administer (complicated) medications.

p.s.  End of August update: Our claim through PetCare (all parts of it, including those not related to dental/mouth conditions) was denied.  There will be a lot more in future blog entries about this, as well as a closer look at veterinary practice, procedures, and accountablity, as well as insurance company savvy.

Summertime in Canada, (particularly Ontario), at first glance, seems to divide the population into two:  those who have cottages and those who don’t.  Those who have cottages enjoy miles of private shorelines.  Those who don’t can find it hard to gain access to a lot of areas—no parking allowed without resident permit and scant public facilities.  Even when a beach is public, regulations can be prohibitive—with limited hours, no pets, parking and entry charges, and more. A  Sunday afternoon trip to West Kirby, last month, prompted me to think about summertime phenomena and marvel at the old-world charm and simplicity of the setting—few obvious restrictions and daytrip fun for all without fees or memberships.  Please look below to glimpse (on-going) pleasures of British yesteryear:  families, dogs, adult kids, fisherman, and sailors welcome.

During Lev’s 11 years, and Sage’s 8, we’ve tested many different toys. The only one we’ve decided to replace several times has been a large floppy Duck, a member of the Duckworthy Family, produced by Multipet.  Even though it comes apart like most others (and we wonder about its safety and how environmentally friendly it is), it’s still the one chosen over and again by both dogs.  Also, recently, we came across a smaller version for Sage.

As you’ll see from the photos (above and below), Poopals, Lev and Sage, approve my new Animal Magic Collection.  And, they have their favorites!  To see more, please check out the Animal Magic/Artist Project Gallery.

…and mine is Lev. Please check out the silouhette in the bottom left hand corner of the image below.

I, also, have the responsiblity to watch over Lev, and Poodle pal, Sage.  This morning’s Today Show discussed the alarming rise in dognapping, giving lists of recommendations on how to protect our canine companions.  The information provided is worth checking out.  Its in the form of an article called, Pets as Prey:  Alarming rise in dognapping:  Smart advice on how you can protect your canine companions from theft. 

New puppies draw a lot of attention.  Dogs’ aging processes and illnesses don’t get enough. In the last month, I’ve experienced two veterinary emergencies with poopals, Lev (now 11) and Sage (now eight).  These have reminded me how quickly caninekind live their lives.  Anything that happens to them seems to come about almost instantaneously (far more speedily than with humans).  Sage got a blocked anal gland, with absess.  Lev had a third eyelid appear that I didn’t know exists.  Both dogs’ conditions were alarming.  Sage did a lot of licking and could barely walk.  Lev pointed her head in my direction, eye completely white (no eye ball showing). Thankfully, I noticed each dog’s symptoms promptly, and got emergency veterinary appointments and treatments.  I treasure every moment with such wonderful companions, and am thankful to have found appropriate, expedient, and convenient care for them.  Sometimes, there’s a tendency to wait and see what happens if we’re feeling poorly.  Animals don’t seem to have as much time as we do. Not only can they not explain to us how they’re feeling, they also tend to display greater bravery (suffer in silence).  If we have pets in our lives, it’s our responsibility to be alert to changes in their conditions, taking action right away if we are aware that something could be wrong.

Sage thanks East York Animal Clinic staff, and Dr. Kneebone.

Lev thanks Rosedale Animal Hospital staff, and Dr. Davidson.

Just as in Florence, at the Biennale, in Toronto, at Art Expo, children and caninekind seemed to gravitate to my artwork. (Please see this blog’s earlier entry:  Florence Biennale: Observations and Feedback, February 4, 2008)

Children, as well as adults, get excited about my candy paintings in particular!

How did this dog sneak into the Convention Centre for a show, and not get asked to leave? Perhaps when attendance wasn’t high, rules were overlooked…

On the coldest of winter days, Poodle pals, Lev and Sage, are very good at finding the sunniest spot in the house and luxuriate in its warmth.

Dental Hygiene is important, for caninkind as well as humans.  However, too often this gets overlooked, especially as dogs age and have greater health risks. The routine to change smoke detector alarms when the hour moves forward or back is a good one.  Special days have a way of triggering us to remember special routines.  This year, Valentine’s Day was all the more significant for me, and will be in the future—as "Poopals Appreciation Day."  Lev and Sage had a trip to the vet to get their teeth cleaned.  Anne, the technician at East York Animal Clinical did a wonderful job, and Dr. Cindy Kneebone prescribed a potion to facilitate tartar removal year-round. No brushing required!  Leba III is a totally natural spray in solution—for humans as well as dogs.  It’s too early to gage long-term results, but we’re hoping so far so good.  Take a look at Sage’s clean teeth in the slightly hard-to-see snapshot above!  (Sage wouldn’t keep still.)

p.s. Please note:  a November 08 Google Search, "complaints about Leba 111" led the searcher to this blog entry.  In view of Sage’s dental demise (around the same time) it’s now unclear how much this product actually helps.  Optimism is always good, but reality can be a greater teacher…

p.p.s. Please check out this newer blog entry:  48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images, November 10, 2008.

Everyone loves a new pup.  I love two older ones. LEV, the editor-in-chief of this blog, and my senior art studio assistant, is 11 years-old today!  (Poopal, Sage, was 8 in December.)  Still working and playing hard, Lev chose a nice new doggy bed and some chew bones from Prettie Yiji to mark her special day. She also let me buy the same for Sage. Dog-lovers, it’s really worth a visit to this one-of-a-kind Hazelton Lanes boutique. Not only did the owner offer a nice discount, he also added in an extra pack of treats for the birthday girl—and free delivery, on his way home after staying late.  Sometimes you can find better deals than at PetSmart and Pet Valu in the least likely places!  Special customer service and more unique merchandise are typical non-chain store advantages too!

Seeing the general public view my artwork was very gratifying.  "Buon Appetito!" as I’d hoped, had broad age-appeal. Young children, and their parents loved it!

So did caninekind!

Then there was what was written in my visitor book.  Certain entries in other languages—Italian?—could be figured out without translation, even with handwriting that was hard to read… Here are some examples:

• "Complimenti, fresco, colorato, diret, molto bello… can I eat it?!"
• "Your works taste good!  I love it!"
• "Colori, allegria e voglia di vivere!!"
• "SORRY  I’m on a diet…Very, very nice…"
• "From Canadian to Italian, you know how to communicate the contrast in what is real flavour and artificial flavour.  In Italy, little flavour need be enhanced.  Your paintings speak of the vitality in food here."
• "Une magie di colori, complimenti!"
• "Trionfs di colori.  Il motion artisco della quotidiannite.  Rapporto el publblico diretto basato su un patrimonio commune di sensezioni e percezioni.  Grazie!"
• "Thank you for the light!"

Feedback from other Biennale artists, viewing recent blog entries on this site, suggests the need for new Biennale recognition/prize categories: "artists’ choice" and "viewers’ choice" awards.  Perhaps "children’s" and "canine’s choices" wouldn’t be a bad idea too!  That way there might be more interesting (and fairer) outcomes.

Just a "housekeeping" notice.  DocSusan’s blog will remain with Blogsome for now. The DocSusan Blogger blog has just been removed.  Each provider has its benefits, but since this blog is already quite established on Blogsome, with many links to it here, it’s best that it stays put.  Apologies for any inconvenience or confusion caused by the attempt to change address.

Bostonians take their cycling seriously, and they have some serious cycle paths to enjoy—some of which I had the pleasure of riding this past weekend.  I recommend the Minuteman Bikeway, and the Needham/Dover/Sherburne loop, starting at Cutler Park.  In total, we clocked about 60 miles of trails—Lev and Sage along for the ride in their Pet Cruiser!  The extra weight over the handle bars made me work that little bit harder on the uphills.  But, it was worth it to see caninekind enjoy the breeze on the downhills…

Information on cycling in and around the Boston area is provided by The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition and bikemaps.com, as well as many others.

The well is dry—temporarily!  Yes, believe it or not, I’m almost wordless…and exhausted.  Put the finishing touches on the last of my 20 Florence Biennale paintings yesterday, and took them to the photographer’s.  Next week, the whole collection should be online, as well as on exhibit in Toronto.  This will be the first holiday weekend of the summer (Labor Day!), when I’ll, (hopefully) be able to take a day off and relax—ride my bike and give the dogs longer walks.  With a new dog bicycle basket attached (since the beginning of the summer, and unused), I’m anxious to enjoy the great outdoors.  Remember, not only have I been in my studio 24/7, Lev and Sage have too—super-loyal studio assistants.  A lot’s going to be happening over the next few months, and I look forward to keeping you posted more regularly.

Everyone’s thrilled to meet and greet a new puppy—like a new baby. But, what about older dogs? Do they still have the same allure? Lev and Sage have kept their great physiques and playful ways and noone suspects they’re 10 and seven years old—except till Lev hoists her chin to reaveal her little grey beard. Lev and Sage can still out-walk and out-bark me. And, better than that, they just seem to know what to do and when, without me having to tell them. Even the things that I didn’t train, they show they’ve picked up along the way (when they want to). They’re used to my irregular routine—that the day might start early and end late (or vice versa), even if they’re not happy about having to hang around the house. They also recognize head-aches and flus as no-walk days—when I need to retire to bed with a couple of live teddybears as nurse-maids. It’s me and them and them and me, special bonds that only get better every day.

Peek in my studio to see beginnings, middles, and endings.  This poem, however, is about more than my artwork—even if it might have caused the thoughts behind the words…

 
Beginnings are good
There’s hope, adventure, anticipation—all that interesting stuff

Some spend longer in each phase
Some are luckier in one phase than another
Some learn from experience
Some never will.

For those who’ve been following this blog’s saga of the 75 brass pots on Toronto’s Yonge Street, in Rosedale/Summerhill (installation and maintenance guesstimate, $1 million), local vendors report interesting developments.  The solitary positioned pot was planted and unplanted several times.  Maybe whoever’s responsible can’t decide what to put inside—or is trying to save money for this summer by not filling/maintaining it permanently?

The foliage that I did manage to capture on camera was still in black containers, sticking out above the soil’s surface, and not very attractive. Another possible reason for why it was removed?

 
My male dog, Sage, is fascinated by walls and lampposts.  I stopped him from leaving his mark on such expensive decorative hardware.  He was too shy to do so on camera anyway!

 
Last week, more pots appeared (less than a dozen), and already the sidewalk’s looking cluttered, even with nothing sticking out of them.

 
And, because the pots were empty, there was a chance to take a closer look at their construction.  Blue styrofoam covers metal sheeting.  As an amateur gardener who’s not much of a "handy woman," I wondered about drainage.

Stay tuned to see what might happen next…

We enjoy daily outings, but don’t manage to get to the countryside or parks often enough—perhaps why I know that city dog-walking, in Toronto, can have unexpected inconveniences…

Stroll along St.Clair’s south side, from Avenue to Yonge, and if you have canine companions you’ll likely be carrying their poop all the way. I did until a rubber container appeared outside a vacated office building/construction site, chained to a post.  Thank you to the kind person who thought to put it there!

Then there’s the stretch from St. Clair to Cottingham on the east side of Avenue, where you’ll see just one (over-stuffed) "litter-only" bin next to the Cottingham bus stop.

Take a look at all the recycling items inside…

And, on the subject of Avenue, did you ever notice some of the lamp posts there?  It’s nice that they have decorative banners attached up top, announcing the newest show in town. 

But, what about down below?  How sturdy is their infrastructure (something we’re now starting to worry about since the Minnesota bridge collapse)?  This one looks like it could take a tumble (flimsy naked iron rod revealed on the right hand side)!

On certain Toronto streets, there’s a paucity of public garbage containers.  And, even if they were there, Councillor Paula Fletcher, it seems, would prefer they remain poop-free.  In April, 07, her push for Torontonians to "poop, scoop, and carry" received significant attention.

Is it fair to focus garbage issues on relationships with (wo)man’s best friends?  The suggestion to walk poop home to your "green bin" or leave it somewhere en route, and remember to go back and retrieve it later is impractical and unrealistic.  I’ve tried it!

Toronto has other garbage problems…  Brimming blue and grey boxes, placed outside private residences the night before recycling collections, appear to invite interesting responses.  Not only is evidence of neighbors’ drinking, eating, and other (not-so) personal habits displayed for all to see, but growing numbers of career-rummagers are finding original ways to make a quick buck from them.

Then there’s "regular garbage".  How many residents keep all the rules?  Some are still seen dumping in public receptacles, even ladies from nice homes.  They’ll sneak out early in the morning or later at night, not to be noticed.  And, those who don’t wish to wait two weeks for the next recycling pick-up, stuff everything together as they did before, for the alternate week’s general trash collection. 

No matter how diligent some of us try to be, green bins are often seen to be more popular with raccoons than humans—easy to push over and open in a quiet alley.

By the way, if you want to read more about racoons, the National Post’s feature article, The Other Torontonians by Robert Fulford (from July 21,07) is entertaining.

It’s always interesting to note the key-word searches that can bring hits to your blog/website.  Here are a few recent ones (in random order) that have come into DocSusan via Ask.com, MSN, and Google.

• food looks fun
• coping with a relationship with a non-communicator
• when do you know that dating has become exclusive
• how do I know which stage of a relationship
• Sheltie dog
• solo holidays for the mature professional traveler
• sleeping and alcohol
• picture of ontario no right turn sign
• dog trailers
• jealousy
• funny Sheltie pictures
• looks different in every photography syndrome

Incidentally, one of the most read entries on this blog is SWS (Single Woman Syndrome).  There’ll be a lot more to come about this subject in future entries.  The Solo category is due to grow—just as soon as I finish my Biennale paintings and other related tasks…

It’s as I announced in my Blog Overview: "Life is unpredictable, like this blog. Apologies in advance! Some days and weeks, there’ll be several entries. Then, at other times, none. I’m one person wearing many hats, with schedules and routines that change frequently."

I also appreciate helpful suggestions/recommendations from blog/website readers.  Recently, someone wrote to me about Robert Genn and his painter’s keys community, advising I might like to subscribe to a bi-weekly newsletter.  

After a quick perusal, I think the information and link are definitely worth passing along.  Take a look!  Any other tips like this are always welcome. 

As you can see, this blog has become a real potpourri, including sometimes hard-to-talk about topics as well as ones requiring more explanation.  It’s impossible to be an authority on everything.  Therefore,  those who provide links to more knowlegable sources, with specific foci, offer valuable feedback.

Thank you for sharing!

Lev, Sage, and I visited Woofstock this past weekend. The St. Lawrence Market area of Toronto is a wonderful venue for street fairs and the warm sunny weather added to this event’s success.  Then there were all the dog-lover attendees and their very well-kept pets.  Not a bad-looking or neglected canine in sight. On the contrary!  

As for the vendors and their products, there were the more familiar and classic, and the newer and flourishing.  Some of the displays that we perused or patronized included:

• Animal Wellness (magazine)
• Buddy Belts (harness alternatives)
• Four-Legged Style (pet carriers)
• Modern Dog (magazine)
• Pet Plan (insurance)
• Puppy and Dog Basics (magazine)
• Sadie’s Choice (natural potions)
• Wellness (nutrition)

It was an expensive weekend:

• Lev and Sage each got new buddy-belts, pastel blue for Sage and deep pink for Lev—with the idea that strangers may be more likely to guess correctly who’s the girl and who’s the boy.  It’s terrific to see how much this one-woman company has grown in the last five years.  (They had a seconds/outlet store to sell off their a-little-less-than-perfect belts at half-price—$40, which we appreciated.  The belts sold in retail outlets are completely perfect, of course!)

• Sadie’s Choice natural products, something we were unfamiliar with, caught our eye, and we went for their $25 two-item special—choosing their Outdoor Repellant and Solar Shield.

• Modern Dog was selling $5 gift bags, which included a new doggy treat called Barking Mad.  Lev and Sage thoroughly enjoyed sampling this on the way home—so much so that Lev dived into my bag to grab seconds.

• Four-Legged Style’s portable kennel, at $40, was a little bit of an impulse purchase, but I know we’ll get good use out of it.

• Still thinking of Joey, our "rescue dog," Wellness had the solution—its weight management food.  We got him a pack ($13)!

Finally, just for fun, Lev and Sage participated in a photo-shoot contest for Puppy and Dog Basics (looking for a cover-dog, for an upcoming magazine).  Lev didn’t strike her best pose, but Sage stuck out his little pink tongue for the camera. The competition was hot!

At the end of Saturday afternoon, as day one of the festival was closing, there was a black-tie event happening on the other side of the street.  Canada’s Walk of Fame was right there, alongside, and their annual awards ceremony was taking place, filmed by CTV!

 
An "emerging artist" who paints professionally, full-time, can have a very isolating existence. This year, having decided to devote most of my time to prepare for the Biennale exhibit, I admit to being a little stressed.  When I’m not painting, I’m trying to raise sponsorship funds, and left and right brain don’t always work well together!

When time is limited and exhaustion and lack of self-confidence take over, I’m happy for a few remedies.  First, there’s caninekind.  Studio assistant Poodle Pals, Lev and Sage, witness every up and down, make me laugh, and insist on going for walks. Second, there’s the company of others who can relate and understand. Last Tuesday (May 29, 07), I attended a Portrait Society of Canada master workshop on the ala prima style of painting led by Juan Carlos Martinez at Toronto’s Arts and Letters Club studio. Veronica Tsyglan, the society’s president supervised.  Between Veronica’s exemplary organization and Juan’s unobtrusive mentorship, the experience was a revitalizing and relaxing treat—just the tonic I needed.

On a day when I thought I wouldn’t be able to paint (was "painted out"), and decided to experiment with less familiar materials, techniques, and angles, I was able to create a portrait sketch that pleased and surprised me.  It’s 12in x 9in, oil on wooden board with a black gessoed base (and posted at the start of this blog entry).  I call it "Waiting."  When you’re an artist, there’s a lot of waiting and uncertainty.  Each competition and grant you apply for has you on hold—wondering, hoping, and feeling a tad anxious, especially if you’ve had to pay an application fee and might never receive a response.

Even when painting others, there’s usually a self-portrait of sorts that shines through somehow—"art therapy" happens. Being among other artists and watching their paintings develop, as well as having reassuring and kind experts on hand, was a gift.  After the workshop, I came home and painted again—invigorated from the experience.  I was happy to feel part of a group of professionals that value the artistic vocation—as well as the skill, perseverance, and camaraderie it takes to keep going.

There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve helped save a life—especially when you weren’t aware of having the skills to do so.  I have to admit that over the six weeks rescue dog, Joey, has been with us, there have been some scary moments. I wasn’t sure if he was going to recover from his injuries or lose the weight he needed to in order to be healthier and more mobile.  

I’m now thrilled to announce that with a lot of love, care, and patience from Lev, Sage, and me, he’s turned a corner—lost fifteen pounds (so far) and is strutting along the street (rather than being dragged).  If this is the first you’re reading about Joey, please go back to my blog entries from May 5, 07 to learn more: ("About Rescue Dog, ‘Joey’" and "Dog Neglect").   

Dog obesity is a growing problem.  But, with careful monitoring of food intake, and a lot of exercise, as well as rest, results can be achieved quite rapidly.  At least, that’s what seems to have happened in Joey’s case.  He’s like a new dog—so much so that some people who met him a few weeks back aren’t recognizing him!  Joey also appears to like the results.  I catch him admiring himself in my hallway mirror quite frequently!

Joey’s month-long stay with us has extended to six weeks.  I know he’d like to remain indefinitely.  But, we’re not sure if that’s possible right now.  Two are company, three’s a bit of a full-time job.  Whatever happens, it’s been a special time and opportunity having Joey around.  Not only have we discovered the perfect dog rehabilitation program, but we’ve also got ourselves fitter. Healthy active dogs help encourage healthy active dog guardians.  Therefore, if you’re looking to lose weight and have a dog (which, likely, also needs to lose weight), go for it together!  No gym necessary, just the great outdoors and a leash!

Remember, most dogs (like humans) are the way they are because of how we treat them.  If we give them cookies and human food all day, and no walks, the results will show. Exercise and attention—and a lot of strokes—go a long way with a canine pal.  Everyone feels and sees the benefits!   

p.s.  In case you’re wondering, the photo was taken at Toronto’s Beaches—a dog wallker’s haven. 

Canadian customs duties are prohibitive.  Think carefully before buying anything from the US and having it mailed to Canada.  Between postage and duties, there are no savings.  On the contrary, you pay top dollar for items that are meant to be less than.

Recently, I made two purchases that incurred unreasonable charges.

1. A canine bicycle basket from In the Company of Dogs, at a "reduced price"—US$44.97.  Then there was the shipping—US$21.15. Finally came the duties—CD$12.05.  With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the item purchased, there’s a real problem—even if the item is recreational rather than an "essential."  Canada Post collected the cash payment at my door before handing over the purchase.

By the way, In the Company of Dogs takes five weeks to ship to Canada and isn’t as customer-service friendly as one would hope—especially if issues arise.  Also, some of their products can be found elsewhere at better prices.

2. Ten 24in x 24in canvases from Dick Blick (the premier art supply chain in the US), which cost US$102.15. Then there was the shipping—US$18.22.  Finally came the duties—CD$33.85.  With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the items purchased, there’s a real problem—especially for work-essential goods. Fed Ex sent out a typed statement after delivery, detailing their costs, which they try to keep to a minimum (CD$1.68 brokerage fee and CD35 cents disbursement fee).

By the way, Dick Blick makes sure you get your order in a couple of days (via Fed Ex Ground, for size-appropriate products) and have wonderful discounts, providing you don’t live outside the US.  Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a Canadian art supplies retailer that can rival their selection, discounts, and efficiency.

Sometimes, how we treat our dogs is how we treat ourselves.  When our dogs are near and dear to us, if we neglect (and abuse) them, others might notice there could be something terribly wrong with us.  

Dogs are neglected (abused) when they’re not:
 
1. Given sufficient exercise

2. Fed the the right food

3. Allowed adequate socialization with caninekind, as well as other humans

4. Kept safe (in unfenced outdoor spaces or away from traffic or toxins)

5. Up to date with medical check-ups (routine shots and tests)

Those who recognize they might be neglecting (abusing) their dogs, might like to do a quick self-review, and consider the following questions pertaining to their own health and well-being:

1. Am I taking good enough care of myself—maintaining healthy habits with respect to food, sleep, and exercise?

2. Do I have reciprocity ("give and take," as well as opportunities for sharing) in my life?  

3. Are others treating me well, or not, and can I repair what might be lacking/going wrong?

4. Do I feel safe, secure, and loved?  What can I do for myself, to compensate for what I can’t get from other sources (people or environments)?

5. Am I organized, conscientious, and motivated—trying hard enough?  What and/or who might be able to help me?

When we think of dog-neglecters (abusers) we don’t think of those living in nice little houses, or with secure jobs.  Unfortunately, no one knows what really goes on behind closed doors, and when and where a neglecter (abuser) might lurk.  Those who neglect their dogs could  be crying out for help, and not even know it.  

Keep your eyes and ears open!  Animal (and human) rescue can happen anytime anyplace if you’re altruistic enough to notice.  For support and assistance Humane Societies in Canada, the US, and beyond, are there to help—and always welcome volunteers.

My poodlepals, Lev and Sage, have a charmed life.  Therefore, I wasn’t sure what would happen when a less fortunate canine chum moved in with us unexpectedly.  He’d been the victim of a hit and run and had a few other health issues, so I agreed to take care of him for a month.  

Joey is a seven-year-old Sheltee who’d been living with an older handicapped lady, unable to take him for walks or to stop over-indulging him with human food.  He weighed in at 521bs on accident day (when he should be 301bs).  Only two weeks later, he was down to 43lbs.  And not only that, he’d had a nice bath, haircut, and teeth-cleaning.

Dogs know how to take care of themselves when they are sick—to rest and not eat if necessary.  Joey had chosen to do just that, in the safe space of my home.  And, surprisingly, Lev and Sage seemed to understand and give him the distance and calm that would help him.  Then, day by day as Joey has started to feel better, he was ready to take up Lev’s and Sage’s routines and habitudes.  Fortunately, these included giving in to dog food, and eating en groupe.  He also started enjoying walks, and keeping up with the pack.  I’m happy to observe how Lev and Sage let him walk in the middle of them, even when he struggled to keep pace.  Every day, Joey gets bette, faster, and more confident, which is a pleasure to witness.

Going from two dogs to three has been a new experience for me—a little daunting at first, but one I’ve adjusted to more easily than I thought I would.  Maybe it’s because Joey is such a good boy, and I’ve grown to care for and respect him so much—as Lev and Sage seem to as well.  Or, mabye it’s because of the feelings of love, security, and being in the "now" that caninekind knows how to  bestow.  I truly enjoy having an expanded pack around to accompany me through challenging days and nights.  Also, bringing smiles to the faces of strangers who see us all ambling down the street is a bonus!

p.s.  Many thanks to the exceptionally kind and talented team at East York Animal Clinic (whom we highly recommend).  Their support and encouragement have been invaluable.

Europeans love their dogs, and make them a big part of their lives, in public as well as at home.

When out for drinks (at a restaurant) dogs can come too.

Shopping for food, dogs are part of the family, no problem.

Cycling about town, some dogs have their own special trailers.

Then there are all the dog specialty shops.  There’s even one for doggy antiques in old-town Geneva!

Finally, many cities make a stroll in the park or street easier—providing clean-up bags and bins, free of charge.

Lev and Sage are very upset about the recent dog food recall (and pet deaths). If you are worried that your dog’s food might be on the list of recalled products, please check out Menu Foods’ Website or call their information line at, 1 866 895 2708. 

Lev and Sage, highly recommend an alternative pet food manufacturer’s products.  Wellness has been their favorite breakfast and dinner delight for years.  In fact, they only take a few minutes to clean their bowls, when eating this. Others also love Wellness, as testimonials on the Old Mother Hubbard Website show.

Physicians and other suitably credentialed healthcare professionals are advantaged in a variety of ways. Their specialized knowledge and aspirations to get ahead give access to educational opportunities others might not have, such as Harvard Medical School Continuing Education Programs.  Julie K. Silver’s "Publishing Books, Memoirs and Other Creative Nonfiction" (March 15 - 17, 2007) is a significant example.  

Over the years, I’ve been to a variety of conferences, courses, and workshops put on by bodies more specifically geared to writers and their craft.  These include:  ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors), Boston Center for Adult Education, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Grub Street (Boston writers’ group), International Women’s Writing Guild, National Writers’ Union, and Harvard’s Nieman Program (for narrative journalism).

I was aware from Silver’s introduction that this Harvard educational and networking opportunity would be a little different than those provided by these others.  Early on, she drew attention to 10 interesting points:

1.  As a "health expert" it’s perfectly okay for someone else to write your book and you still be the primary author—so long as the ideas included are yours.

(Note:  This doesn’t just happen with  "health experts." Many others, with the funds or power position, let others do the grunt work while they get the recognition.)

2.  Publishing is a field to be respected on its own, where you can expect rejection, editing, "egos," and having to meet deadlines—publishers/editors have really "big egos" and they don’t like authors with "egos."

(Note:  Should "health experts" expect different "ground rules"?  Publishing and its protocols is just as significant as medicine and its protocols.  Being an expert in one area, doesn’t guarantee you’ll be an expert in another. Writing is more than just a "delivery mode"—it’s an art.  And art, not unlike medicine, requires practice, perseverance, creativity, and education.  Not everyone’s a "natural.")

3.  Publishing is all about deadlines.  Medical people are notorious about being late for deadlines.

(Note:  How long have you been stuck in a medical waiting room, without explanation?  In other professions, there’s different rules, responses, and consequences—and less excuses.)

4.  Re. "Platform":  "’Platform’ is who you are and how you can reach your audience.  ‘Platform’ is about bragging in a nice humble way."

(Note:  More than most, "health experts" might have an edge with platform.  On all kinds of levels at all kinds of times, they’re more likely to be viewed as having "authority." But, doctors can be wrong too.)

5.  "Bristley" literary agents weed out "riff raff"

(Note:  Some "health experts" might consider themselves exempt.)

6.  Brag when you sell yourself to the publishing industry.

(Note:  This may be easier for "health experts" to do, and they may be more able to get away with it than others.)

7.  Book title objective:  to be positive with a promise.  That means being "ethical" about what you’re presenting, but you have to do something to get people to open the book…."Over-promising can make you sound silly…or you can get by with it…"

(Note:  Experience shows us that promises are often broken, and too many supposed "authorities" get by with silliness.)

8.  A key reason why a book might not sell:  an author lacking a "platform" ("platform" describing "who you are and how you can reach your audience").

(Note:  For some "medical experts," a "platform" is a "given."  Others may be  surprised to learn that being a "medical expert" isn’t always enough.  That’s when support teams (paid for by their instituions) and devoted spouses come in handy.

9.  Non-fiction sells better than fiction.  People like to buy things that will help them.

(Note:  Present company considered?)

10.  "Americans have smaller and smaller attention spans and want the information in more and more compact ways, and we have to give them that."

(Note:  Present company included?)

Other faculty members for the program included (in order of presentation):

• Jonathan Edlow
• Jean Tomson Black
• Lawrence Kutner
• Susanne Klingenstein
• Edward Hallowell
• Larry Dossey
• Howard Zaharoff
• Suzanne Kovern
• Cheryl Olson
• Julia Fox Garrison
• Marvin Krims
• Jeff May
• Joni B. Cole
• Katherine Russell Rich
• Susan Aiello
• Lisa Tener
• Regina Brooks
• Rusty Shelton
• Linda Konner
• Elizabeth Rider
• Debbie Carvalko

Unfortunately, Larry Dossey, the presenter I most expected to be engaging, wasn’t.  Either he was "on stage" at points in the day when people were most likely to doze off, or he’s a more stimulating writer than speaker.

After a three day program like this, it’s only when you get home, and back to work, that you can appreciate how motivational it’s been.  You need to follow-up and -through—take suggestions, examples, and networking opportunities seriously (as soon as possible).

The Fairmont, Copley Paza, Boston, the setting for the program, isn’t only an exquisite hotel, but it also has a very unique staff member, Catie Copley.  Since this dog-star has a new book coming out about her, perhaps, next year, she should be invited to present too!

 

As you’ll learn in this dog-blog, we might not be human, but we know what humans get up to—especially those our mum has had dog-sit us, previously. Looking for the perfect dog-sitter is like looking for a super nanny:  not an easy task. Many start off well, and then…

Susan found an ad. for a sitter of ours posted on a neighborhood tree. This young woman, without a clear business track record (doggy or otherwise) was too convenient, available, and reasonably priced to be true. And what’s too good to be true usually is. Anyone, these days, seems to be able to say they’re a "dog-sitter."

Humans, frequently short on time and energy, don’t investigate properly and base their selections on superficialities. We caution them not to! There are rogues in every field, and just because you might think someone loves animals, that doesn’t preclude them. Besides, when you allow someone in your home to pick-up your pet, it’s not only canine kind that’s at risk. Half of all crimes are carried out by those we know/trust, as US government reports confirm.
    
Also, take the time to read the small print of any care-giving agreements carefully, and understand the context of the terms "bonded and insured."  Otherwise, you might not have a paw to stand on if anything happens to your precious pooch—or home.  

Toronto Dog Daycare Recommendation: Central Bark

We’ve put together an album of our favorite puppy (baby) pictures.  Perhaps you’ll notice something about them?  There are more of Lev than Sage!  Any idea why?  Just like with human babies, sometimes there’s greater enthusiasm camera-wise for the first born. By the time the second one comes along, parents know better what to expect.  Not every experience is an "ooh ah" moment!  Sage being the happy-go-lucky personality that he is doesn’t have a problem with this.  Lev, on the other hand, might have, had there been less photos of her…

p.s. This photo was taken at Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada 

Cape Cod has most people thinking summertime.  I think fall.  There’s no traffic jams or parking problems, and Sandy Neck Beach is dog-friendly.  Lev, Sage, and I said au revoir to the Boston area on a warm October Saturday, regretting that there hadn’t been enough opportunity for more outings like this!  Our snapshot records a very special day and memory.