Working it off

I pile on the work when I'm depressed. I could just take a Xanax or refill my LexaPro- but that's too easy. Today it's the "things I hate to do around the house" kind of work. Anything to change my mindset for the rest of the day.

Cleaning the pool sand filter got me started. Nothing like some universal PVC connections and 50 pounds of ZeoSand to take your mind off things. Once the pool was up and running again I defrosted the garage freezer I keep the frozen falcon food in (and admittedly a roast or whatever CostCo is pushing but don't tell Zo- he creeps out). I have a quail delivery tomorrow- so I need the space... and I had put a Coke in there for the garbage man and forgot about it last week. So the freezer looked like a coke slush inside before I started. Then I finished my truck detailing job and re-installed the cargo liner- which was a carpet saver this time to be sure.

I finished with a complete wash of the truck just in time for Emilio and the five dogs to return from playing frisbee in the surf. Great timing and I jumped in the pool with them all and swam and played catch until I was cooled off. The two puppies Yona and Oso really enjoy just swimming- no ball or frisbee needed really. They follow me to every corner of the pool and freak out when I dive. And with the swim with Yona and Oso I was done mourning for "Puka the rock eater". I did my mourning the past few days while she was fighting so hard- now I feel she is at peace and free, and so am I. It's the waiting and suffering I hate, not the dying.

Coming out of the pool I noticed a bloom beginning on the plant our neighbors Danny and Bob gave us last Christmas. It is four huge bulbs actually- the Mexican variety of one we had given them from Europe. We didn't think it would bloom this year and were just happy the puppies had spared it (not many plants make it through 11 lab puppies). And today it begins to bloom- a once a year process that takes two weeks and the flower lasts another month. I couldn't help thinking it was a gift from Puka and Emilio agrees.


Puka Bloom: July 6, 2009 Wait until you see the finished bloom! Check back

Puka- Rest in Peace little girl.

FINAL PUKA UPDATE: Puka spent two more days in intensive care here in Rosarito- but sadly, she didn't make it. She died this morning- July 2nd. Our Vet down here is excellent and did everything he possibly could. Puka was very strong and brave to fight this hard and for this long. We're as heartbroken as the owner- Juan. She was born here in this house and I raised her for three months- and it's so sad to see her pass so young. All the dogs in the house are subdued this morning- they know she isn't coming back to play. I didn't eat for the past 24 hours myself worrying about her. I don't know why I take these things so personal and so hard- but now we can move on and know that she was loved, well cared for and didn't suffer her last days. She will be missed. I've deleted the details from the other Puka posts- there's no point sharing such sadness.

The "Puka" flower bloom with Puka's remains. They did a beautiful job on the urn and engraved rainbow collar.

"The Rainbow Bridge" author unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Puka- Back to the Vet for observation...

photo below: Puka with littermate brother Oso

We started to worry about Juan's dog, Puka Sunday- lots of little clues she isn't recovering well.

Puka only came home from rock-removal surgery on Friday. She wouldn't eat the Gerber meat puree baby food though- strange for a lab. She is also hiding and wanting to be alone- when before she would always be laying at my feet. Twice Sunday I had to go search the house for her and that's not normal for a lab puppy either. Saturday she played on the beach with her brother- this morning she turned around and wanted to go back home. So we called the vet and he said to bring her over. No problem- his office is at the end of my street.

He called back around 5pm and said the x-rays showed no blockage problems with Puka. So we'll leave Puka with the vet overnight tonight at least. We'll know more tomorrow.

Labs Eat Everything- but Rocks?

They say everything is edible or semi-edible to a Lab. Not really...

Puka is a black female lab from our December litter. She belongs to Juan, a friend of Alonzos in San Diego. She ate a rock and it was lodged in her system. It's not uncommon for Labs to eat things bigger than they can handle. We brought Puka down to Rosarito. She was so happy to see us and her litter mates! She did eat some food and gained some strength the first day. Our vet gave her antibiotics for one day, and then did the surgery yesterday afternoon. They had to remove a 6" section of her bowel along with the rock, but she is recovering just fine today.

Welcome to Woooosh! (finally)

This is my first blog, so please be patient as I wrap my old brain around this new technology. My last blog was in 1986 when computers used cassette tapes for hard drives. Seriously.

I learned computer programming in high school in the 70's (FORTRAN using punch cards no less). Luckily no programming skill is needed to created this Blog- it's all built in- so hopefully everything will go well.

Woooosh is in English and Spanish with translations via Google Translate. The blog is for Baja California, Winter Park Colorado, Skiing, Mountain Biking, Dirt Biking, Our Travels, Our Labradors, Family, Friends, Kestrel Falcons, and whatever else we are up to... We hope you enjoy it and participate.