Hawk Warning

The other day a friend of mine blogged about a hawk that had flown over her backyard while her small terrier was outside. After she consulted with several friends, it was confirmed that hawks can indeed pluck a small dog out of sight to devour.

Even though I was grateful for the knowledge, it left me extremely unsettled since we let our dogs out in the backyard several times a day. I made sure I remembered to let Double D know that our two chihuahuas could not be outside unsupervised anymore.

Imagine my surprise today when I read an article about a chihuahua named Sparky who had been attacked by a hawk.

Excerpt:

Nine-year-old, seven-pound Dixie and 7-year-old, six-pound Sparky have been together for years now, with Dixie delivering 18 puppies over three litters. Like many old "married" couples, Sparky and Dixie bark and occasionally snap at one another, and now prefer to recline on separate sofas in the Stearns-Suarez living room.

But Dixie's loyalty knew no bounds last week in the backyard of the family's home in the unincorporated Wheatland View area near Naperville's far south side. Suarez said she watched as Dixie sprang into action, using her front paws to pummel a red-tailed hawk as it tried to fly away with Sparky in its talons.

"She reared up like a horse and attacked like a horse," Suarez said of Dixie. "That's the image I'll always have in my mind."

Fortunately, Sparky was saved by Dixie's bravery. He sustained puncture wounds on top of his head and will be okay - physically anyway. Needless to say, Sparky is now afraid of the backyard.

I shudder at the thought of the same fate happening to my little chi-chis. Not only birds of prey, but other predators such as coyotes can also strike; even in comfortable suburbia.

Inspiration - Finally!

The last couple of months I have been completely blocked mentally. It's all I can do to get up and get dressed for work every day. Perhaps it's the winter doldrums, the craptastic economy, worry over my job, worry over Double D's job, my kids, my weight, Bernard Madoff, and Barney Frank. Bernie and Barney make my blood boil, by the way. Adding to the misery, our Golden Retriever was euthanized in October, and baby Izzy had to be hospitalized after Christmas.

I just realized my life sounds like a country/western song!

This youtube about a special bond between a dog and an elephant made me want to post something again, even though writing an actual post is still a challenge as you can tell. Thanks, daughter. Warning: you might need a tissue.

Happy Birth Minute

Happy Birthday my darling daughter!

I miss the ballet days, but I love where we are now, and what a beautiful person you've become.

Love,
Mom

To Breathe Again

I awoke Sunday morning to an ache beneath my left shoulder blade. Thinking I might have slept wrong, I tried to work out the muscle off and on during the day and slept on a heating pad that night.

Monday morning I woke up to even more pain. Bursitis? I wondered. I went to the drug store during my lunch hour to buy a heating pad and found one that can be wrapped around just about any body part with velcro. I returned to my desk, fastened the bright blue material around my shoulders, and plugged myself in looking like I was ready for take-off.

Breathing, coughing, laughing, and sneezing used to be an effort I undertook with very little notice. Except last week when my laughter produced a full blown fart as Double D and I watched Worst Week together. In 18 years of marriage I somehow managed to keep my flatulence contained until that TV show. Dangit! :)

Today is not any better. I miss taking those deep breaths to calm myself. I’m embarrassed to be at work acting like an invalid, incapable of the slightest movement. Reaching for a book off the shelf causes a Tourette-like outburst that I truly have no control over.

Sweet relief, please come soon!

Breakthrough

With Spenser's passing, our anniversary, and my mother being sick, I haven't had the desire to do my walks. Tonight seemed as good a night as any to return to my commitment. The weather is still mild, so I need to take advantage of that.

Chance and Sparky go into orbit when I reach for my sneakers. Lately, they've started showing signs of anxiousness when I approach the bureau and open the shorts drawer. It's funny how my little stalkers know I'm putting on walking clothes. My pj's hang on the back of the closet door and going for that article of clothing produces nothing more than a yawn from them. Those little boogers know the difference! Chance whines uncontrollably until I fasten his leash and open the door leading outside. Sparky twirls and pants. They're an odd little couple.

Anyway, we did our mile and I really wanted to do another one, but I was so worried about Sparky's heart murmur that I dropped him off at the house and kept going. I still can't believe I walked an additional mile without keeling over. Yay me.