Calvin's Weekend

Happy dog running in the snow

Dogs playing together in the snow

Calvin eating a stick in the snow

Close up of Calvin!

Calvin unwrapping a present 

Calvin all tuckered out on his bed!

Pictures from Ski for Light Trip!

Does anyone ever get jealous of the “dog’s life”...

...such an expression has been badly misused. Sick as a dog – if they did not eat poop they would be a heckuva lot healthier … So short into my blog for today and I digress already … These thoughts came to me when I overheard someone say they were sick as a dog. As with people, if you respect the temple, it will reward you with good health. Dogs need good, food, plenty of water, exercise, love and a 5 foot bean bag chair to rest on and smacko, they live happy, healthy and a nice long life … Like us, if you feed them junk, keep them up late and stress them out all the time then you will have a dog sick as a human …

Anyway, jealousy. That is what I have brought you here today to discuss … I actually found myself being a little jealous that Calvin gets all the comments such as , “oh my lord, you are so cute”, “what a handsome dog”, “I LOVE your dog”, “hey puppy, want a cookie”. Especially that last one really gets me.

One day last week I was having a sort of bad day, ok, it really sucked, and someone remarked how beautiful and handsome Calvin was was. Well, they did not exactly say Calvin but were clearly talking about him. They said, if I recall, “what a gorgeous boy”, so I said without missing a beat, “thanks, is my dog cute too?” … Guess I gotta be careful who I say that.

So I was not exactly jealous of him but I did think of not shaving anymore and letting my ears grow.

Colorado – some more words on my Ski for Light trip and my fantastic voyage with A and C, J and c and all of Calvin’s family in Denver …I lucked out with some really great weather for my first few days in the Denver area and Calvin was likely thinking, where is all this damn snow you kept promising … and why is our house not so comfortable, beautiful and where is outr front yard so I can relive myself without you hovering over me? Oh, and can I have a little brother or sister …

Talk to your mother I told him. He just stared at and licked the floor.

Anyway, I may have mentioned that the days in Denver before skiing were great, full of great times for Calvin, especially the day we discovered he loves the mud, sorry Stinky, the m-u-d … We spent an afternoon on a dog walk that more resembled the Wide World of Dogs .. it was an expanse of over three miles across and wide with a path near some water, fileds and about fifty unleashed dogs. He was with his friends chloe and Roman and just ran himself silly. It was a great test of his recall which he did pretty well … when a, C and I all called him but I have never seen such a fantastic place for dogs. What a fantastic Disney for dogs it was.

After the few days of great weather we made our way to the Denver Airport to catch the shuttle to Snow Mountain Ranch, the Colorado YMCA, the site of our week or snow and frivolity … and lots of illness … Sunday and Monday were quite nice, Calvin had some chance to leap like a rabbit in the deep deep snow but Tuesday and Wednesday proved to be a bit more challenging. I knew we were in trouble when on the morning of Tuesday while taking Calvin out for his morning tradition of watering the grass and copping a squat he took about three steps outside and just stopped. He looked at me, tried to breathe, looked back at me and said, “where is MY down coat?” …I gave the usual command forward with the slight hand motion indicating to proceed. Nope. Do not think so. Sorry, really do not have to go that badly.

Calvin, forward.

Riiiiiight.

Calvin FORWARD. OK but you are going to pay for this.

That day he decided he would pee at low levels but find the highest snow bank he could to poop. Being Dr. Science, I realized I may not make it up there in my pj's so the next time I made a mental note to put on long underwear for this part of the day.

Did I mention it was -35F or so … Yup. Friggen cold. Calvin did teach me a lesson but really seemed to enjoy being King of the Mountain.

So of course he spent little time outside for the next couple of days. I, however, was not as smart. Partially because my fantastic ski guide would never let me live it down if I skipped these two days, and partially because I figured if I have been through what I have over the last two years, a little cold would not stop me .. I AM Canadian after all, in theory at least …

So for those two days I donned two pairs of long johns, two or three wicking long sleeve tops, toque, neck and face wrap, tow pairs of socks and a hot water bottle near my halenyechas (note – ask your Jewish Grandmother) …

I manged to ski 5Km the first two days, 15 the Wednesday and ten the Thursday and Friday … I took my time of two and a half hours on my first ten km trail down to one hour and fifty minutes on the Friday but race day was the “worst weather conditions in 36 years of Ski for Light” and about half of the trails were wipped out by the wind … I recorded a time of 2.11 for the race but both guide and I, affectionately turtle and rabbit thought we did better …

I literally collapsed to the snow after finishing and despite being all bundled up, face almost completely covered Calvin managed to recognize me and came over for a victory lick … his puppy raisers were there too but they did not lick, just were incredible support.

Hope everyone gets a chance to look up Ski for Light on the web and gets just a taste of what a fantastic organization it is, run mostly by volunteers that give up their time, pay for the week same as us skiers do and still have the best attitude … I hope at leat a few of you consider coming as guides in the future.

Cheers for now

Gotta walk Calvin … it is raining, do they make doggie diapers?

Part Deux: Snow White, oh so White and Cold … Calvin goes Home and learns why he is not a Sled Dog

OK OK OK, relax, rough TP was not the highlight of Ski for Light (SFL), but next time I am bringing my own.

My trip began on September 27^th with a short plane ride from SJO to DIA, Denver International where two sweethearts of the snow, companions of the canines, friends for life and you-can-not-find-nicer-people- people anywhere met me and Cal at the airport. And C co-raised Calvin and since they live in Denver, or nearby, I was invited to spend a couple of days with them, their puppies before heading up to the 9K elevation for a week of adventure, fun skiing and temperatures wwwaaaaayyyy below zero.

A and C met me right on time and of course Calvin went nuts when he saw, little did he know that it was the beginning of a week or more of getting to be in the comfort, care and love … I can easily say that they made me and Calvin right at home, I was totally relaxed and had a fantastic time for the next few days until I headed up to Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, CO – did I get that right? Anyway, I urge you, dear reader, to check out SFL online, although the website does not do the level or dedication, organization and care that exists within this group.

Before we talk about the week of skiing, is Snooze open yet, kind of hungry … or for some of that great homemade granola …

Calvin had a reuniting with not only his mommies but his brother and sister and was in doggy heaven for the next few days. He took right to his old home, remembered where he was fed, took him only five minutes to go there and got some great outdoor time, including a 3 or so mile walk around a enclosed open dog park … Open fields. Dogs all off leash and not a single incident other then Calvin getting muddy and wet … Pics to follow …

The Denver area is so dog friendly it is amazing. Great friends, Snooze and the dog park … hhhhhmmmmm

I was able to visit the amazing Red Rock concert hall, walk a few steps, counted them like Rain Man, had some great dinners highlighted by the one hosted by A and C’s friend’s C salad … I stayed hydrated, rested and loved every minute of it … If my trip had ended there it would have been worth it, for me and for Calvin. He did not know who to turn to for fun, who to play tug with and hardly got to guide me as I was in the hands of friends … friends like family …

For those of you who do not know these Colorado people, this is the best way to explain it, and I hope no one is offended because they care like family and give friendship unconditionally, just like Calvin, unconditional love … We both, Calvin and I, are looking forward to going back for more visits … with some Apolo and TJ’s in hand …

And yes, I will pack lighter next time …

Next blog, Ski for Light, go do your homework and see what they are all about on line and think about being a guide next year, or a dog walker (Calvin walks are already reserved) or just a volunteer and I will see you in Utah for sure, the location of their next event … January/February 2012

Cheers for … where is that Bailey’s …

Ski For Light, not a cult but the coolest organization in a really cold place – Calvin and the White Stuff

Once again, I am remiss in my blog-sponsibilities so I take a few moments before my evening shift of work to put a few thoughts down on my recent trip to Colorado, a visit with Calvin’s family and my trip with Ski for Light.

Amazing. Incredible. Friends for life. Golden to be home to soft toilet paper.

That is about it, talk soon,

David and Snow Dog.

Everyone is a doggone critic

Recently I started to get Calvin used to being home alone, in his kennel. I started slowly and made it up to about 30 minutes, maybe 45. I recorded the room so I could listen to what happened whilst I was out. I also, based on Guide Dog's advice put on the radio so he had some company of sorts.
Upon my return, he seemed no worse for the experience, as usual was very excited to see me as if I had been gone five minutes or five days. There was no pee or anything unusual in his crate, although I am told they will not do that in their own space. Good enough.

So I sat down to some lunch and played the recording. He was completely silent except for a few minutes in the middle of the time.

Oh, yes, did I mention that the Bee Gees were playing on the radio during that time.

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If I failed to give credit to my niece, I do it now for coining the phrase, "I have been Calvinated" … she made this up in reference to getting full of his hair … he is shedding now so I am in constant state of Calvination.

Calvin new Sharks mascot

Calvin has been hired as the Sharks new lucky dog and mascot. I have been to 5 games this year and the Sharks are 4-1. Tonight they broke a 6 game losing streak with Calvin and I there.

Just thought you blog readers would appreciate this and know he is available to rent for your favourite team ...

Oh, and Calvin loves sauerkraut, if that is how one spells that ...

Just a short blog for now,
cheers
David and CalvinSJ Doggie

Ski For Light...really, Calvin and I are going to the snow and the elevation of Colorado

Speaking to a very close relative of mine recently I realize I have been remiss in sharing some travel plans that Calvin and I are planning later this month. Well, in reality Calvin has not had much to do with the actual plans other then to say over and over again “do not forget my food Dad … and my toys … and my bed … and my food … did I mention the food?”

Anyway, this is a trip that I had to miss last year. Was sort of kind of a little preoccupied with stuff. There is an international organization called Ski for Light, jfgi.

Go ahead, JFGI.

They put on local and international cross skiing events for blind and disabled people, or as E would say peeps … They also do down hill skiing but I am not quite there yet …

Anyway, they get about 150 volunteer sighted guides and 150 blind folks who want to do some cross country skiing, and you have a week of adventure. I have heard great things from friends who have attended, some with some very outstanding results and I am eagerly looking forward to the week.

Each day features early moring yoga, followed by exercise class, breakfast, skiing, lunch, more skiing, dinner, evening programs and then some form of entertainment, dances, hot tubbing etc …

I am working on getting more in shape for this week, - Calvin and I have started a Karate class. More like I take Karate and Calvin whines and cries because he thinks I am being attacked … but I think I had that in my last post …

Anyway, Calvin is doing great. Tonight was a difficult night as I went to a company dinner and he had to wait for dinner until very late and he is a little annoyed with me – he is currently not talking to me.

Back to the skiing trip – no Calvin does not ski with me, He stays in the room, orders room service, orders movies on the pay per view and makes prank calls to Australia ….

The SFL organization actually gets dog walker voluntters but I have special treat for Calvin and myself. My fantastic puppy raisers, sorry did that again, Calvin’s puppy raisers live in Colorado and they will be hosting for a couple of days and then joinig us for part of the week to get some special Calvin time …

The week should be great and I will hopefully have some pics to post and my laptop to blog a bit …

Check out their website for more details and wish us luck

Cheers

Calvin and David, human waste engineer

Poop Happens, but in a pocket?

I once agin apologize for such a long lapse between posts, lots has happened most importantly a visit from my brother and niece, or as Calvin came to know them, toys and a place to shed, I mean REALLY shed … My very intelligent niece came to me one day during the visit and said she had been “Calvinated”. The image fits perfectly as I now try to use a lint brush to take off some calvination from my clothes. Good thing those things are only a buck at Target.

Some other recent events and thoughts.

As the title of this post suggests, I was taking Calvin for a early evening stroll today and as we walked, rather briskly as usual, he all of a sudden pulled over for a “pit stop”. This was an unexpected stop as he had already pooped a lot today. I guess the cool air and the quick pace stimulated him in more then one way. Anyway, he did his things(s) on someone’s lawn, as best I could tell as by this time it has become rather dark. Now usually I would pick up the poop, in a bag and leave it there if I could not find a garbage close by or take it with me if we were close to home. Neither of these were the case so I bravely put the bagged poop in my hoodie pocket. I could carry it in my free hand but I use that for signaling turns and forwards to Calvin and the bag swinging seemed to distract him. Well, it must be love or a great respect I have for him because not only did I put the bag in my pocket but I forgot it there and came very close to busting the bag on the walk. The hoodie is safe but just to be safe it is going in the wash and I may have overwashed my hands a bit … He did not seem to get the commitment but he did do a great job on the walk, blew by three dog distractions and found home without any trouble …

Other news – Calvin and I, certainly myself, are very much looking forward to a trip to Colorado at the end of the month for a Ski for Light event – essentially it is a cross country skiing trip to a town called Granby in Colorado … As a huge bonus, we will be visiting and staying with Calvin’s puppy raisers for a couple of days before the week of skiing and they will be joining us for a few days to make sure Calvin gets the attention he wants … I continue to be amazed by the loyalty, commitment and care the puppy raiser community has for their jobs, or rather passions. Thanks guys, Calvin will have a great time …

One funny story, that happened recently and I can look forwad to it happening every time I practice my Karate.

Recently I started taking Karate, just a few sessions so far but I am really enjoying it. Calvin I am not so sure. He gets pretty restless while I am training and I had to put on his gently leader for the last class to keep him calm. But when I was home this weekend and started to practice my first Kata Calvin went absolutely nuts. Jumping all around, running between legs as he does when wants to play and jumping up trying to kiss, or attack me.

Now this is the kind of reaction I have tried to get out him during play and it works to some extent but the karate really seems to get him riled up. When I put on music and try to dance around he mostly just sits right down and looks at me, probably saying, “Dad, you look silly, please stop … you just can not dance” or it appears I am in some kind of serious pain and he wants to make sure I am ok … either way, the Karate gets him playing like nothing else… it may be hard for me to really practice but I, for now, still think it is really cute.

Overall, things are going very well with him. He has filled out a bit, seems to be stronger, more solid and still maintains his boying figure …

He still maintains the everlasting optimism for food and is the happy morning alarm clock I needed in high school. He has truly made me a morning person, and an afternoon napper.

And no E, that is not a dog belly button …