Gone to the Dogs I: Memories of My "Golden Years"- Part One

"Windi"

"Windi" doing what she loved (except she hated birds pecking at her face, so we did field dummies.)

People usually end life in their "golden years."  I actually began mine (well at least my adult life) with them... eventually, lots of them...

Part of the reason there has been a long gap between posts is I knew getting into this topic would be bittersweet and that concentrating on memories so long ago would take time I haven't had.  Also, it meant sorting through 100s of photos, only some that I actually have done.  That said,

Everyone who loves and/or owns dogs will eventually wind up with a favorite (or 2 or 10...)  Generally, they have a unique quality that just sets them apart.   I was incredibly lucky to have a Golden Retriever named HIT Winvale's Rising Sun of Garan, CD, PC, TT (1981-1991) and I miss her to this day.  She not only was important to me, but she touched many lives and was just plain cool.  She was smart, following commands to the letter.  However, sometimes that would get us into trouble...more on that later.

"Windi" waving at the Gaines National Superdog Competition half-time show.  She did all the usual "parlor tricks,"  then we'd bring out the cool stuff.

"Windi" was the best $200 I've ever spent.  She was my second obedience dog and frankly, we kicked doggie butt.  She was either High-in-Trial (or in a run-off for it) or at least placing high in huge Novice B classes.  Unfortunately, I learned early on she had mild hip-dysplasia ending any conformation shows or breeding and though she was trained, I didn't let her do the full jump heights to compete for higher titles.  This was very disappointing because "The Complete Golden Retriever" by Gertrude Fischer has photos of nearly every dog in her pedigree, most in the Show Dog Hall of Fame, and I had high hopes for the show ring.  But she excelled in other things, including qualifying for the Gaines National Superdog competition, which as a college kid, I couldn't afford to go that year.  However, fate had us appearing at that very competition at Long Beach Arena a couple years later as a featured trick dog demonstrator in their half-time show.  That's a tall order considering everyone there is a great dog trainer!

"Windi's" first win

I met "Windi" at an obedience class that my Lhasa Apso "Mindi" and I were taking.  "Windi" was 4 or 5 months old and just brought along for the ride by the instructors.  I loved her immediately.  She was smart, endearing and incredibly impractical for a college-age couple living in an apartment.  Intelligence and practicality has never gotten in my way, so of course I bought her!

Breeder Mitzi Kirkbride handled her while I was away at a wedding.  They did great!

Here we are in Mexico, Tijuana or Ensenada.  I'll have to write about those trips later.  I don't have any desire to go back...  

"Windi" was prone to heat stroke, so we always found shade.

She always stayed in perfect position and watched me constantly.  If we screwed up, it was my doing.

Our journey started in Zanesville, Ohio, but right after I graduated from OSU, we moved to southern California.  (See sentence regarding intelligence and practicality...)  We started looking into TV/filmwork right away and of course "Windi" found an agent before I did.  She was the stunt double for Purina back when they had a "Hi-Pro Glo" dog.  We also belonged to several dog clubs who asked us to perform, often asking me to tell her to do something that meant teaching her on the fly.  She did exactly what I told her and even I was impressed when we pulled it off.  For example, someone wanted her to crawl.  Well, she knew the signal for down and the signal for come so I said sure (hoping it would work out.)  I signaled down, then come, then down and, by cracky, she crawled to me!  She also walked other (often unwilling) dogs on a lead.  She would dutifully keep tugging even when the other dog dug in...)  All in all, she did more than 100 hand signals/commands.

The many faces of "Windi" the wonderdog....

"Windi" and I spent a lot of time on the beach.  We had permission from the Malibu Park Rangers to practice water rescue.  I would have someone fake drowning and send her out with a life ring attached to a cord and she would bring them in.  She never really had to rescue anyone as it turned out, but being able to send her with things was a real help.  She used to carry gallon jugs of milk up three flights of steps!  (Sometimes she would take things that she wasn't told to, such as hot dogs and ice cream cones from unsuspecting kids.  I would hear screaming or crying and know she had struck again!)

She stole quit a bit of food in her life, including entire half hams, a pan of cookie bars, pizza and a lot of a 40 pound bag of dog food disappeared--but the most memorable time was when we were staying at my brother and sister in law Mary's home around Christmas.  Mary and I spent late into the night baking and decorating cookies.  I always had my door cracked open so "Windi" could go get a drink.  Well, she came walking back in and laid down the next morning.  Pretty slick, until I noticed she had sprinkles all down her chest and so did "Robbie" their dog.  I darted out to the kitchen to find everything within doggie reach gone...

As long as her hips held out, she was allowed to play with frisbees.

One of the movies we worked on was "Out On A Limb" with Shirley MacLaine.  The lead actor quit mid-shoot and I can understand.  All "Windi" and I had to do was walk on the beach and play Frisbee.  We did it in one take and were relaxing while the crew snuck her chicken breasts under the table.  A few minutes later I was called to the director who asked me to do it again because Miss MacLaine felt the dog catching frisbees was upstaging her.  Duh.  So I had to intentionally throw badly so "Windi" couldn't catch them.  I was seething and "Windi" confused at why I made her look stupid.  We have the  DVD (no small feat considering that the movie sucked---I fast forwarded to my spot and never watched past it!)  BTW, Miss MacLaine had a huge bus dressing room and a chauffered limo to take her home... three houses down the street from where we were shooting.  I swear I saw it myself!

"Windi" hanging out in Barb's kitchen.  She was very tolerant of puppies.  

Back home in Ohio, "Windi" helped me train obedience classes and entertained where she could.  She spent a lot of time with Barb Alexander who took care of her while I was at work.  "Windi" and Barb became fast friends.  I remember a rare time when I was annoyed and sent "Windi" to our wing down the hall from the kitchen.  Barb had a toy dog wall crate in that hall and one of the doors on the second level was open.  Her command for entering crates (I was thinking our wing was sorta the crate) was "KENNEL."  Instead of running down the hall, she jumped up into that wall crate, filling it up.  We were lucky there was a second door because there was no turning around and Barb and I were so startled it took us a second to think!

There were lots of funny memories of "Windi" but hands down the funniest was this one:  (I've had to pull over if I was driving and thinking of this because of the tears laughing.)

Barb's daughter Janet was dating a very classy fellow that liked dogs, but wasn't terribly used to big dogs.  Janet loves dogs and she wanted me to show off "Windi" for him.  I did the regular stuff and someone suggested that I should have "Windi" retrieve this gentleman (who was dressed for dinner at the club later on and very dapper in pressed khakis and a jacket.)  Normally, she would gently take someone by the hand and bring them to me.  But, he wasn't sure what to do and he didn't really offer his hand right away.  So she grabbed the next best, closest thing she could--his crotch.  (Enter falling tears of laughter.)

She was puzzled, he was shocked, I was mortified and everyone else was laughing.  Well, after the initial disbelief, I knew I had to act fast (calling her was out of the question or she would bring him to me. ) He was calmly asking for assistance, so I walked over and delicately unclamped her.  Unfortunately, she did leave a drool ring, which I hope disappeared before the dinner.

Our last Christmas.  She hated wearing stuff, but would do it anyway.

I have many more stories, but I'll save them for another day.  "Windi" struggled a couple years with lymphoma.  I periodically had her on steroids to slow it down.  Even though her hips were a level one (mild) dysplasia, it got harder for her to get up and around.  One day Barb and I knew it was time and we did the kindest, hardest thing I've ever done (she came for moral support bless her heart.)  In 10 short years, she was gone and though I've had other Goldens (even ones I adored) there was never another "Windi."

Many of you readers have known me long enough to remember her.  If you have any stories about her, please share:)  It would mean a lot to me!  (There is one below already.)

Until next time,
Gale

Good morning Gale. I read your article today about our wonderful friend Windi.
I'd not mourned for her in quite a while, but reading your words brought tears to my eyes once again.
She was an unbelievable intelligent girl for sure. I remember coming home from work taking her over to Lowell's house to frisbee with Betsy almost every night.
I do have one personal thing to add to your next piece if you choose to include it.
Remember after you moved back to Ohio and lived off of 315? You asked me if I'd like to see her. It had been a couple of years I think since I'd come back to Ohio myself.
She wined continuously and stayed by my feet the whole time we talked. I could feel her love so strong as she felt the strokes of my hand.
I'll never forget that visit as long as I live on this earth. I just hope that dogs do go to heaven as I know she'll be waiting for me wondering what took me so long.
Thanks for the wonderful memories of my friend Windi!!

Thanks
Randy

Wormy Apple?

Greetings from my tiny tablet!

My dear old pal the iMac may have passed away.  It's been more than a week and I miss it so!  Ironically, after a month's wait, my tablet returned from repair that day.  I'm going to take it to an Apple store for diagnostics tomorrow.  Finger's crossed!

Until then, it's off to work and tonight is Oscar night!  As Ahhnald would say...

I'll be back!

Gale

Poultry Puzzle

Happy Valentine's Day!

The ladies (hens) and I would like to help put you in the mood for Spring---as if you need any help:)  All is well at the "Darby Creek Chick Inn."  There were six eggs in there today!  They got to run in the yard some this week and they looked like kids at recess!  I can't believe they are nearly two years old.  We still have all the original gals, plus Olga/James Brown is alive and well up the road chasing folks while keeping watch for his hens.

Here is a link to a puzzle I made on Jigsaw Planet for you featuring Sylvia Scarlett, the Silver Laced Polish hen.  I am working on several posts as well as getting the house in order to place on the market.  So, please come back in a few days, okay?

Sylvia Scarlett Puzzle

Hint:  Work from the outside in:)

Until next time!

Gale

A Different Kind Of "Garden"ing: The Westminster Dog Show

Hello!  I am writing this for the non "dog folks"....you know, the "normal" people!  The Westminster Kennel Club show is this coming Monday and Tuesday, February 11th and 12th.

In the early days...Anderleigh Maxwell Smart and I at the yorkie shows the two days before the Garden.

I was seriously thinking about making the pilgrimage to NYC and even took the time off, but my practical side that said "you'd better get some things done around the house and not spend money" won out.  It turns out that the weather could be a bit dicey this weekend, nothing new, but this time I was thinking of driving instead of flying.  I have actually been on the last plane allowed to land before the airports closed.  But that's another story...check out the index!  Best wishes that all stay safe on their trips!

I have been going to NYC in February periodically for the last 25 years.  I love it, even though it hasn't always been an easy trip or hugely successful.  I normally attend the Yorkshire Terrier specialties at the New Yorker Hotel, caddy-corner from the Garden, held on the Saturday and Sunday.  I don't always take dogs (and those are often more fun... not tied down to the bathtub and grooming table.  It also costs a fortune when you add up entry fees and dog's airfare which is often as much as my own ticket!)

It is a long weekend of social events, shopping and visiting with friends you rarely see.  I also enjoy seeing what new dogs are coming out on the scene.  There are banquets, dinner parties, award galas all over Manhatten, though I admit we often forego some to take in a Broadway show.  I wander around town walking miles to favorite spots.

Ch. Anderleigh The Patriot lounging in a suitcase in our New Yorker suite.  He loves to travel!

Technology has made it much easier to feel a part of things if one can't make it.  The specialty (single breed shows) hire videographers who (for a fee) will let you stream the classes on your computer.  Westminster Kennel Club has a wonderful website www.westminsterkennelclub.org (link below) which updates frequently each breed's winners as well as free video streaming of that breed's judging.  You can find the show schedule as well as the list of breed entries on the days of the show.  Monday is my big day as that is the toy group's day.  

We central Ohioans are very proud that there are several dogs entered from our area!  Because dog show people keep much of their plans hush hush, I've decided not to say who will be there in advance.  But if you watch the group and Best in Show judging, they will announce where the dog is from.  Also, check back here and I will try to post a list of local dog's results.

Here is the TV schedule as it is unusual--each night a different network.

The evening competition will be televised live each night from 8-11 p.m. ET. Monday's telecast of the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups will be on CNBC. Tuesday's telecast will be on USA Network and will include the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, as well as Best In Show. Westminster, televised since 1948, is and always has been America's most widely-watched live telecast of a dog show.

Here is a link if you want to check out this year's Westminster KC show:

Westminster Kennel Club Website

Hoping to enjoy the "Dog Days of Winter" and looking forward to going to NYC next year...

Gale

Groundhogs 'n Football: Two Things I Only Care About Once A Year!

Happy Groundhog's Day!  

Not sure what Buckeye Chuck said, but Puxy Phil said we will have an early Spring!!!!  There was no chance of him seeing his shadow today.  (We won't go into the technical details, but I suspect that there is a lot of spin on this event.  You see, if he sees his shadow, Boo, it's six more weeks of Winter.  If he doesn't, it's only six weeks until Spring...)

Around here Groundhog's Day is likely the day the critters celebrate not having a Jack Russell dig into their homes uninvited and ruining their day and/or life.

Now on to the Super Bowl...

I will be the first to admit I don't watch pro football.  Unless there is a Manning playing, I can't even name one member of either team.  I only watch it for the commercials and the half-time show, with the appropriate snacks.  I will be cutting it short this year as I need to be at work at 4 a.m. Monday.  Glad I have a DVR.

Beyonce sure has been in the news a lot lately.  Who cares if she lip-synced to her own music at the inauguration?  It was too important, in front of millions of people and outside in the cold with a questionable sound system.  She promises she will sing live at the game---besides, does anyone question that she can really sing???

The commercials always interest me, though I have never been persuaded to buy any products because of them (and I think they know that most folks don't.)  It's basically just a showcase for ad agencies, but it's fun to watch.

I still remember some of them, with the top of the list not even being funny.  It was the Budweiser one with the team of horses crossing the bridge from NJ and stopping to salute (and bow) right after 9/11.   Here is the link--it only played once during the game.

Budweiser 9/11 Salute

Of course I love horses, so another memorable one is the colt growing up to the tune of "Rocky's" theme song "Gonna Fly Now."  With his dalmatian coach, he is working out like a fiend so he can make the team.  

Budweiser "Rocky"

Last year I liked the vampire party one where the guy drives up and when the lights hit them they die one by one.  So, he gets out of the car to see what is happening ...

Audi 2012 Vampire Commercial

Spoiler Alert!

Here are a few ads that have had some buzz if you don't want to wait until the game.

2013 Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial

2013 Go-Daddy Commercial (tamer version)

Kia Sorento Commercial

Well, there are more, but I want to save something for you to watch during the game!  Enjoy!

Gale