The first or second question we are asked after people learn of Foster the Dog is,
"How do he and Luna get along?"
First, we only allow Harmony at Casa Curtin-Hess. We introduced Luna and Foster in such a way that Foster could feel safe and wouldn't need to react in any way other than interest. Second, you can't shake Luna. Luna is the most reliably loving and calming and accepting being that has ever graced this planet. Even if Foster the Dog had lost his marbles, as was mentioned to me as I walked out of the shelter with him, "Oh yeah, I forgot, he doesn't like big dogs," Luna would have never escalated the marble loss. Luna makes everything better...
True, I would never put Luna in a position to be injured, or to do all the work. The responsibility lies with me to protect her and bring only good into her life. We introduced Foster the Dog to the structure, safety and expectations of our family from the moment he was allowed to jump into the Saturn. We didn't have Luna and Foster meet face to face. We walked with them first and shared calm when kneeling down to the side to offer treats. We had Foster sit with his back to Luna, and while it made him uncomfortable (he wasn't accepting any food), I feel confident it built trust between all of us. Luna could sniff him if she wanted to. Foster was in a passive position while we allowed only positive things to happen. Everyone was calm and no one had to defend him or herself from anything. Luna didn't wag her tail, but she was calm and wanted to walk, and she gave Foster space, so we took her advice: Foster needed a little more time. He was ok, no need to be stressed, but also no need to push anything. There is never a question with Luna's judgment. She always knows. So we kept walking.
Luna could smell the Milkbones in our pockets. We gave her some and Jason offered some to Foster. He stepped back. We all kneeled. I gave Luna a Milkbone from my palm and offered one to Foster from my palm. He took it. Luna was wagging up a storm. I put one in my hand and placed my hand over Jason's. Luna licked up hers. Foster paused and looked around and then took his. We broke some up and put some in my palm and some in Jason's while still touching. Luna slobbered up hers. Foster paused. Foster stepped back. Foster sniffed at Luna's drool. Foster licked up each of his. All of us super close, with food, and no one had an issue. There was trust and Luna had shown the way.
So how are Luna and Foster getting along? Luna is teaching him a few of her Keep-Away moves with toys and she's sharing her internal clock about when it feels time to eat. Luna knows the sounds of visitors arriving, and Foster looks to her cues for when it's time to go downstairs to meet new people.
She's helped him realize the king-sized bed is a great place for a cuddle up at night...
...but the Barkaloungers are also excellent...
We are a Pack. Foster is learning our ways and Luna is the best role model. Thee Best.
Guided by a Universal Intervention, we have added to Our Pack. It became official in my heart today when I felt he should sleep in the bed with me and Luna. I introduce you to Foster!
From shelter to front porch
The Story of Foster is lengthy, but here are some details....
Jason decided he was ready to add to The Pack. I said I wasn't ready. How could I be ready? I had no business adding to the family. I'm still crying every day about how I miss my Koko and Satchel and how I just want them back. I'd just had a dream that Satchel had come back from the dead and instead of calling all the news teams to come out and film his miracle, I felt it was just normal for him to be back with us. He still needed some physical support, but he could breathe and he was with us and that was right. Jason reminded me that Koko had come to me in a dream too...that was True.
A few months ago, my Sweet Koko came to me in a dream. It wasn't just a dream. It was Her. She told me that Of Course I would have more dogs in my life. I am me and I will have dogs. I hugged her and smelled her and soaked her in as much as I could. She told me that my next dog would be named "True." It physically hurt to wake up and not be with her.
Jason told me I would never think I was ready, but he could see that we were ready. The Pack was ready. There was an email for me to read.
There was a puppy without a solid home. A Boxador. The girl who was trying to care for her couldn't continue. Jason wanted to meet them both. I didn't have "that feeling" I've had with Satchel, Luna and Koko. That Feeling that That Dog Is Mine before I've even met him or her. But I also realized I've never felt like this before - so deep in grief that I'm merely functioning through many days. Though I felt the girl was very attached, we made a date to meet.
This started a process that I still feel removed from. I feel that I was completely guided by God and purposely removed because I have been in the way of my own happiness.
Before the Boxador was to come over, I filled out an application on-line for Almost Home Animal Haven. I was attracted to a dog they called "Jake" who was described as their "Office Manager." My application was approved about 12 hours later and I was to come meet him in about a week. We were to meet the Boxador in a few days. I felt completely crazy. How was this happening? Who was I? I wasn't ready.
The Sunday Boxador date was canceled. The girl and her family were going to figure out how to keep the puppy. I knew it, and it was ok. I wasn't ready anyway.
Last Tuesday was an important vet appointment for Miss Luna. I found out she's allergic to just about everything she's eating and is full of inflammation which is feeding 3 "very concerning" lumps that need to be removed right now. One seemed very similar to the type of lump Satchel had removed 5 years ago which required 18 radiation treatments as well. I felt faint. I definitely wasn't ready to add to Our Pack. I had to focus on Luna. Nutrition plan = HUGE expense. I'd figure it out. I made a million phone calls and was ready to take care of Luna. I was not ready to add to My Pack.
Who drove me to the shelter last Wednesday? The Hands of God. I thought I would be interviewed and have a home visit scheduled. I was given a dog to foster for 2 weeks. "Jake" was coming to Casa Curtin-Hess. The word TRUE had come through so many sentences and was in so many descriptions. I wondered if this whole experience could be True...
I didn't want to call him "Jake." We wanted to help him let go of all that was before, but I wasn't feeling that his name was "True." Did that mean he wasn't ours? He seemed awfully comfortable with us.
We wore him out within the first 2 hours...
We started calling him our Foster Dog and decided he needed to experience The Show...the busy days at Casa Curtin-Hess. He would be meeting dozens of people and several dogs, and we'd have to help him learn The Way To Behave. He performed fantastically.
He barked at something and Luna showed him how to assess what kind of vocalization is needed
We're learning his favorite spots and particular needs...
He LOVES the fireplace
...and just like everyone else who has ever lived in this house - he loves Jason best...
Jason has a buddy again
We're still getting to know each other, and the adoption can't become final for another week of "Fostering," but we're not a givesy-backsy kind of family. We're committed to meeting the needs of Our Pack and we are now a Pack of Six: 4 of the Earth, and 2 who I still meet in my dreams...
I can't believe it has been so long since I attended to I'm a D.O.G.! I really thought I had created topics after our trip to Colorado, but no...it's all been in my head apparently. And honestly, there hasn't been much I've been compelled to write about. I'm in a similar emotional place about not having Koko & Satchel physically with me each day - heartbroken. I'm in a similar emotional place about people's insensitivity about my on-going grief - repelled. I'm in less of a fog, and I feel less of the weight of grief, but it's there, and it's just going to be there. My missing Koko & Satchel is a part of my every day. And thank You God, Luna is a part of my every day.
As I made my way through the events of November and December and January, a feeling of comfort snuggled me when I thought of the word Harmony. I kept thinking about how I could bring Harmony into my every day. I thought about where there is Harmony in my every day. Luna personifies (I know, maybe dogifies.) Harmony. I feel great when I'm with her. We are always Harmonious, and we feel totally Harmonious with nature during our daily walks. Our favorite thing in the world to do is walk the Alligator Trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. An afternoon spent there is an afternoon in Harmony with God.
Taking a break during a walk in the woods
But what creates Harmony besides a walk in the woods? Once again, Luna showed me the way. Luna trusts me. I don't always trust myself. I often second guess myself and insult myself about things I've done. I could have done these things 10 years ago, even 25 years ago, but I still beat myself up about them. Luna never second guesses me. She never insults me. She never even seems disappointed in me.
Luna says, "Hi," and wonders where we're going next!
The only thing that ever disappoints her is when I have to leave the house without her. She trusts that I will come back.
I'll wait right here for you Leanne
She trusts that I will feed her.
I know you have to make me wait, but that Birthday Pancake smells soooo good...
She trusts that we will walk at least 3 times each day. She trusts that when that St. Bernard breaks through its tie out and comes charging at us, I'll protect her. She trusts that when we're together there is Harmony. Luna shows me that Trust is a great part of Harmony. When we Trust each other, and when we Trust ourselves, there is a Peaceful feeling of Security. That Luna trusts me provides a confidence that perpetuates confidence and compassion and comfort. She looks to me for the order and adventure of our day. She waits for me and she follows me. She trusts me. I trust her. We are in Harmony.
I'm sure whatever we do next will be great...I just need a little break for a minute...
Uuuccchhh...we had to leave...
Luna and I got up at 4am to walk, pack up and be on the road at 5am. A 22-hour car ride was ahead. We planned for uneventful and that is what we got. The only stressful part was as the night wore on, I couldn't see as well. I was getting really tired. Jason drove the first 8 hours, I drove for 9.5, and Jason was our finisher. We were both strung out, but had some fun along the way.
We had satellite radio and were able to listen to some games.
We realized that Jason picked the perfect week to go.
We had temperatures in the 80's. The moment we left it was COLD - car says 49F!
Luna was tired from our week of both relaxing and go go going...
She shifted around quite a bit during the drive, but looked so comfy traveling like this!
So we arrived home at 4am and just felt road tired and dirty. Luna showed her happiness to be home and clean...
Cuddled up on the bed after a shower...she's our little ewok...
We'll be recovering in a different way now. Unpacking and doing laundry at various places (our washer calamity is still under re-construction) will be a slight inconvenience, but we'll be fine. I noticed that our beautiful vacation distracted me from my grief, and, of course, showed me many blessings. I understand that blessings don't take away my grief, but they provide that foggy view into happiness, and there are more moments of clarity. There are moments of complete blindness, and those are ok too. There are blessings in having many ways of seeing.
My clearest vision is that I have the Perfect Pack for me. I never tired of the 24 hours of Jason and Luna. Sure, Jason rode his bike, but just like at home, Luna and I counted down the hours until he would be home with us again. We all like being together. Luna and I feel as cemented as ever, and I don't like thinking about being away from her because I don't like being away from her. That hasn't changed at all. Our Pack vision is clear - we just like to be together...
I can't believe today is our last day. I just got into my Vacation Stride...
We plan to leave Vail EARLY tomorrow morning and we think we can drive through and arrive at home EARLY Sunday morning. We'll sleep sleep sleep and unpack and then our life including work resumes. I said to Jason, "I don't want to go back..." Jason said, "Our life is a vacation, Pal." He's partially right. Our life is so blessed and easy. We think Luna will sleep sleep sleep when we return home. She's been the best traveling companion and we've So enjoyed the days and days without separation. I can't bear to think about having to leave her at home to do any work.
Our morning walk was beautiful, as they all have been. We had an easy day planned. We waited for the temperature to rise a bit...it started at 36F for us...to go for a walk through Ford Park and the Betty Ford Alpine Garden. We checked all the signs for "No Dogs Please" and didn't see any...until we got to the BACK of the park! At the back of the park the sign very clearly said NO DOGS ALLOWED PLEASE. We had to walk through the entire park, knowing we weren't supposed to be there, to get out of there!
Our view during our morning walk
Luna along Ford Park
Then Luna and I walked through Vail Village looking for a bratwurst in a Bavarian pretzel roll. It's Oktoberfest in Vail! But the Fest doesn't start until 5pm, so it was back to the condo to wait for Jason to return from his ride. Luna became awfully hot along the way!
Luna found some shade
She's just so cute, I had to take another!
Once Jason returned, we went to find some pizza and do some souvenir shopping! I hadn't bought a thing yet. I hadn't really seen anything. Well, I found some things...
Luna's no digger, but we've had such a great trip as a Pack
I spotted this earlier, and can't believe I need another sweatshirt...you know I'll wear it.
The furriness is everywhere but the sleeves.
So didn't need another t-shirt, but it says "K-9 Search & Rescue"!!!!
Back of the t-shirt
The arm of the t-shirt has valuable information
POOF, I had souvenirs!
And then on with the rest of our last evening...here was our view along the walk...
Colorado is beautiful
The Pack will head home tomorrow, but until then, we're sticking together and healing each other with our loving presence. All is well.
The morning was so cold. So so cold. During the night, Luna wore her new fleece jacket and had to be covered with a blanket. As we packed up the site to prepare to leave Rocky Mountain National Park, Luna let us know how she feels about camping...
Luna decided to wait in the car while we packed up!She's saying, "I'll wait right here for ya, Leanne."
It was a long drive out of The Park and about 2 hours to Vail. It was all beautiful.
Every view is this amazing. I was disappointed about not seeing any Big Horn Sheep, but I said, "They're probably not awake now, but God is...He's made everything so beautiful."
The Pack along Trail Ridge Road
When we arrived at our Vail rental, I knew it would be good.
I love when places do this...!
Jason planned on riding his bike and Luna and I planned to check out the town. We walked into Vail Village where, once again, everyone wanted to pet Luna. There were a few other dogs, but they were rather barky and Sweet Luna is a big tail wagger who gives sweet eye contact...she got lots of snuggles in Vail Village.
Luna and I also found a little trail along Gore Creek. We spent much of our afternoon on it.
No swimming for Luna...I can't even imagine how cold the water must be...
And then we came to the end and I had to smile and make Luna pose again...
Luna is My rehab...
This trip has been about recovery, and though I'm not sure how far along that path I am, I am very clear that My Pack is essential to my recovery, my happiness, my life.
Oh The Peanut. Oh LunaTic. Oh my sweet honey roasted peanut butter sandwich. Luna is tired. She didn't really want to walk this last morning in Boulder and that NEVER happens.
Seatbelted and fighting the sleep she so so needs...The spirit of Super Sleep Fighter Satchel is with us!
We said goodbye to Boulder, Colorado today and drove into Estes Park, Colorado via the Peak to Peak Highway.
Meek's Peak along the way
We entered Rocky Mountain National Park, and BOOM, we saw an elk!!!! I was THRILLED! We took the very windy, very dirty dirt road, Old Falls River Road to the highest point in RMNP: 11,796 feet. It was gorgeous.
My First Elk EVER!
A sweet spot on the way
On the way to the top...there's snow up there..!
We had lunch at Hidden Valley. It was freaking freezing and so so windy, but we hung out at the car and had some lunch. While we were hanging out, 2 groups of people asked us for directions...we look very outdoorsy you know! Me, in head to toe The North Face, and Jason in his Moosejaw Mountaineering sweatshirt, and our ready-for-anything Black Lab Luna! We're just so approachable...and we know how to read a map.
Former ski slope area - Hidden Valley
We could check into the Moraine Campground at 1pm. Our plan was to set up our site, have a nap, make dinner, and get ready for "the show." Tonight's feature was to be elk bugling for mates on the prairie. It was an awesome night.
Our dinner was chicken and rice in foil packets I'd prepared in Boulder. Jason, in particular, LOVED it - he loves camping. Luna also enjoyed some.
Top of the tent and our view of the prairie
How is it that our dogs always find the dirt?
Jason getting our dinner fire going!
Dinner!
Getting ready for The Show
I made a s'more and enjoyed the visit from three mule deer who comfortably walked through the campground and our campsite. We also saw and heard different birds we're going to look up when we get home. We had campground neighbors I described as "non-plussed." The mule deer family walked right through their site and they just sat at their picnic table with their backs to the deer. I see dozens of deer a year at home, but I can still feel blessed and honored when wildlife passes by. Whatever.
One of 3 mule deer who may have smelled the s'more I made!
Then we saw him. A HUGE elk scratching his head on a bush and completely annihilating it.
He's out there. I swear.
Through the binoculars, I saw him lift his head as if to howl like a wolf, and the most beautiful sound was created. It is described as "bugling," but it sounded more like a flute to me with different males having their own unique tune. They sing their songs in search of a mate and it reminded me of dolphin communication. One male in particular sang all night. I never tired of it during the ~12 hours he searched.
The things that I didn't like were the freezing cold, the slope of the site, the general discomfort of sleeping on even the highest quality camping gear, the vault toilets, the nearby tenter's snoring, Luna's gassiness, and again, the cold. We had all the best gear, my TNF sleeping bag was rated to -15F, but it was just too cold. By the time 8am arrived, it had warmed to 43F. Even those Leanne-averse conditions cannot take away my love of being serenaded by Mr. Elk.
