February 21, 2011
At times, something will trigger a memory in relation to my mom. It’s not a fixation on my mom, as much as, remembering some experiences shared together. Even though she’s passed on I will sometimes post an update. More for my benefit and hopes that wherever she is that she might get this message.
Mom, Ellie’s doing fine. I know that she had been your main concern in your ending days as she had been when she came to you. The look on your face, when I think you knew the end was near, that I was able to work something out with my landlords regarding Ellie staying with me. The look of relief that Ellie would be cared for and the gratification on my behalf that you entrusted me with her care since I too loved and adored her as much as you did. I’m going to bring you up-to-date on our adventure in life since your parting if you haven’t been keeping tabs on us already.
Ellie has had experiences that most pets haven’t known. After your passing, Ellie had adjusted well to my apartment and enjoyed the walks and spots in the neighborhood. Then, as you and I had discussed many times, my looking forward to going back to California and hence packed my things into a U-haul truck with Ellie and went to San Diego.
We found a nice apartment in San Diego that was within easy drive distance to most any popular site, especially leash-free parks. One popular beach for dogs was at Coronado Beach where you and dad stayed at the Del Coronado Hotel. I took Ellie there and it was the first time she had been introduced to a sandy beach and ocean. I was curious as to how she would react, as you well know, because of her skiddishness to new and different things. She got so excited when she got into the sandy beach, it was all I could do to hold her on her leash. When I removed the leash she started running around checking out the other dogs and would always stay close by. Go figure, remember those times if you had given her that freedom she would never come when you called her. The best of the trip was watching her reaction to the ocean waves which, of course, was one of caution but then became comfortable and enjoyed the wetness on her paws and legs. She did find out that it was pretty salty to try and drink the water.
Remember the time Ellie killed the fly with her paw in your sun-room? Well, she became the Queen of fly catchers in San Diego. With the weather the way it is there, I always left the balcony door open so flies would venture in and Ellie would see one flying around, then and again, and try to catch it. One day, I was working on the computer as she laid on the bed next to me, when she suddenly jumped up and leaped off the end of the bed and caught a fly in mid-air. No kidding! We both know that Ellie’s harmless but I sure can’t use the phrase, “She’s so harmless she wouldn’t harm a fly”.
After the IRS froze my money at the bank and then took it all, I knew things were financially critical. It meant being on the street if I couldn’t find other accomadations so I called Richard in Northern California again for help and again he came through for me and this time Ellie. So, Ellie and I were off to Dunnagin. Of course, you could see Ellie knew something was up when things started disappearing in the apartment and packed into my car or thrown away. The day we headed out, she took her spot on the passenger car seat probably wondering what is he doing now and only after 6-months.
Dunnagin was probably the best experience Ellie will ever have because Richard rents his house from a corporation that runs an almond orchard and his house is smack dab in the middle of it. We must have had at least 500-acres of almond orchard and Ellie was never on a leash for the two weeks we were there. She could run and explore but she never ventured too far away even if I was inside the house while she stayed outside during the day. The first few days it was hard to get her to come in at night (you remember those many times we had at your place). About the fourth day she started wanting in when it started getting dark without coaxing. Richard and I think she might have gotten spooked by cayotes which are plentiful and dangerous so I felt more comfortable that she began to come in on her own.
One thing Ellie had to adjust to was Richard’s adopted stray cat, MOJO. MOJO was definitely not giving up her domain and let Ellie know it one night when she smacked Ellie on the snout with her paw. Kind of like the time at your place when Calli, the tailless cat, smacked her. Ellie never bothered Calli again, as well as, MOJO. MOJO and Ellie gave each other space both inside and out.
When I couldn’t find a job there, I knew I couldn’t infringe on Richard’s hospitality as I had before so I contacted my old boss and asked if there might be any openings if I came back to KC and got the go ahead. So after 2-weeks Ellie and I were on the road again for a 2 ½ day drive back. This road trip was a little different because I found Ellie wanting to lay on my lap more while I was driving so I knew she was wondering what was going on. I really felt bad that I was uprooting her again especially to leave that almond orchard and the freedom of no leash.
All-in-all, Ellie has proven herself a real trooper and has adjusted well to her new home and surroundings. She stays in the apartment all day listening to music I leave on for her when I go to work. She meets me at the door when I get home and expects her walk right away, which she gets before I do anything. She’s beginning to recognize the days I’m off when I pack my laundary bag so she knows that she’s going to get some car time and extra walks.
I’ll continue to update you as we both go along in hopes that this may somehow find its way. Just know that I’m doing my best to give her the best care and love that she deserves.
God bless and God speed
www.lifeexperienceswithjim.blogspot.com
