A dogfight and we move to a new boondock!

Tuesday afternoon, May 8

Ken comes over with some paper in his hand.  “Gail’s found the dispersed camping area opposite the Sunset Crater Road!”  We’ve been expecting a call from Gail.  She left Willard Springs this morning and promised to let us know what she finds.  Ken and I aren’t leaving until tomorrow morning.

“She says the road is easy and the campsites are nice,” Ken adds as he hands me a pen and paper to copy the directions to Gail’s camp.  We’re standing at the back of the BLT.  The crew and Ken’s dog, Scooter, are at our feet.  I put the paper on the spare tire to write down the directions Gail gave Ken.

All of a sudden Spike and Scooter are tangled up together, snarling with a vengeance.

Ken and I try to separate them.  The fight escalates.  Scooter, who is considerably larger and heavier than Spike, has Spike on his back, his jaws at his neck.  I yank Spike out from under Scooter and run with him to the open door of the BLT.  I don’t see any gushing blood, so I close Spike up in the BLT and go back to Ken, Scooter, and Bridget.

“What the hell caused that?” Ken exclaims.  “Is Spike okay?”

“Yes, he looks okay.  I don’t know what caused that!  There’s no food around.  We’re standing here talking.  That’s was very strange.”  Bridget has her nose up to Scooter’s nose, as if to say,  “Are you mad at us?”

“Bridget, for heaven’s sake.”  I pick her up.  “Well, I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Ken.  I’ve got to check on Spike.”

As Ken walks away shaking his head, he thinks out loud, “They were playing together a few minutes ago.”

I go into the BLT and immediately I see that Spike is NOT okay.

He’s staring like he’s in mild shock.  I pick him up, put him on the bed, and look for wounds.  I find one on his back about the size of a nickel.  Oh no, Spike!  Poor little guy!  I get a pair of scissors and cut the fur around the wound.  I want to clean it but I’m afraid I’ll make it worse and I don’t want to cause Spike any more pain.  Darn, I wish I had an instinct for nursing.  I never know what to do. 

Pain medicine!  I wonder if I still have any.  I pull out my dog first-aid kit and find Spike’s prescription bottle of pain meds from when he had surgery.  Good!  There’s plenty.  I also find a brand new tube of triple antibiotic ointment.  I wrap a pain pill in cheese and Spike takes it readily.  Well, I guess he’s not in shock if he’s chowing on cheese.  I apply some ointment.  At least it’s on his back where he can’t bother it.

Spike falls asleep and I try to figure out what to do.

I go online and find a veterinary clinic located on Highway 89 northeast of Flagstaff.  Great!  That’s on the way to our next camp across from Sunset Crater.  Since Spike isn’t in any pain and is sleeping so well, I’ll wait until tomorrow to decide what to do.

Wednesday morning, May 9th

Spike sleeps late.  I walk Bridget around the campsite so she can do her business.   About twenty minutes later, Spike’s head comes out from under the covers.  I carry him outside.  He stands as if he’s afraid to move.  “C’mon, Spikey.  You’re not paralyzed.  You gotta go to the bathroom.”  He has a pathetic, poor-little-ol-me face.  Eventually he walks around and relieves himself.  Well, things are looking up.  Time to get on the road.

Spike takes another pain pill, I break camp, and we leave Willard Springs.

We go north on Highway 17 to Interstate 40 at Flagstaff and head east.  At exit 198 I pull off and find the Conoco station that has a free dump station and free water.  After getting water and dumping tanks, I go inside and buy an iced tea, a snack, and a quart of milk.

A few miles further up the interstate, we take exit 201 to pick up Highway 89.  This is the highway that eventually goes to Page, Arizona, near the border with Utah.  My goal is the primitive camping area opposite the entrance to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument .

However, first I want Spike looked at.

Aspen Veterinary Clinic is about three miles up Highway 89.  Just when I think I’ve passed it, I see it on the right and pull over.  The parking lot is too small for the PTV and BLT.  Fortunately there’s a very wide shoulder so I back the PTV and BLT parallel to the highway and out of the way of the clinic’s driveway.

A pleasant young woman greets me.

I explain my situation and Spike’s wound.  She says there’s only one doctor and she’s in surgery and has another surgery after that.  I tell her I’ll be camping about six miles up the road. She advises me to put hot, wet compresses on the wound.  If I see any redness or infection around it or if Spike becomes lethargic, I should call her.  “We don’t suture puncture wounds anyway.  The important thing is that it not heal too fast.  Watch for any signs of infection.”

Much relieved, I thank her and put the crew and myself back on the road to our new camp!

Wednesday afternoon, May 9

Spike, Bridget and I are camped on a bluff overlooking a valley of pine trees.  Gail and Ken are camped down the road from us.  To the north is a wonderful,  long-distance view that Gail says is the Painted Desert.  We’re at a higher elevation now.  It’s warm in the sun with a cool breeze.  Ah, mountain air . . . I love it!

Spike’s a dopey, druggie dog.

He’s sleeping a lot.  Already I can see progress.  The wound is smaller, like a dime, and it’s drying.  Bridget loves our new camp.   She’s completed her investigation of the property and is asleep now, too.

I sit in the lounge chair in the shade of a pine, gazing at our million dollar view.  

Well, it’s been quite a day!  Challenges were met and conquered.  Spike will be fine.  We have everything we need, and this place is beautiful.  I already love our new mountain home![slideshow]

rvsue

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88 Responses to A dogfight and we move to a new boondock!

  1. Debra says:

    I am so glad Spike is going to be okay! How traumatic for all of you. I love the new campsite, but then again, I’ve loved all your spots. 🙂

  2. Chinle says:

    Sorry to hear about Spike. I hate to say it, but even dogs that have lived together for a long time in complete harmony will sometimes fight. I have the vet bills to prove it. 🙂

    And the peopel of Page would be surprised to hear they’re in Utah now. LOL. You make me feel better about not knowing where Minnesota, Wisconisn, and all those middle states are…there’s just too many places on this planet to know where they all are, is my reasoning.

  3. Teri says:

    Who knows what started that fight…sometimes all it takes is one wrong look and craziness ensues. Sounds like Spike is healing well though.

    Love the new campsite! You all enjoy yourselves and hope things stay peaceful now. 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Teri! Yeah, that fight was pretty ferocious and came out of the blue. I’m feeling good about Spike now that the vet tech talked with me. Good thing I had those pain pills . . . Soon he’ll be able to enjoy this campsite with Bridget and me.

  4. Tammy says:

    No telling what happened, my sweet little daisy decided to nip a boxer that was about 60 pounds heavier than her last week… he looked shocked – not sure what she was thinking – gotta love them. Sounds like you did a good job nursing him. Pain free, comfortable and keeping the wound clean and he’ll be fine to encounter another adventure tomorrow. Poor Spikey looks like he is wondering what happened also.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I hope your little Daisy didn’t suffer any injury.

      Spike was milking it for all it’s worth this morning. I’m watching to see when I can take him off the meds, maybe tomorrow night.

      • Tammy says:

        Thanks, Daisy was fine, the other dog was humiliated but not hurt either – my little monster…. And Spikey needs extra love. It’s a Rat thing, if my Tuff get’s a scratch he becomes completely incapable of movement – he had a small – very small scratch on his foot and his foot became unusable for a day or 2 unless of course food was involved… what a drama Queen… I mean King……

  5. Lacy says:

    Awwww……sweet Spike is gonna need some extra lovin’ from you and Bridget. Hope he’s back to his perky self soon. Tell Scooter he better behave from here on out! Spike has quite a following and we’ve got his back Jack! The new campsight looks gorgeous and love the thought of sitting there reading in the shade of a tree……….ahhhhhhhhhh.

  6. John says:

    Hi,Sue So glad spikes ok, will never know what those two said to each other, maybe scooter said I don’t like your sister and spike was defending her who knows, tomorrow they will be playing again as if nothing happened. Glad you found another great site and every thing worked out just fine after all the Challenges. Enjoy your new mountain home…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You gave me a laugh, John . . . I don’t know if Spike would defend Bridget or not. He might agree!

      Well, it’s all working out. Yes, we will enjoy our new home.

      • Elizabeth says:

        Hmmm, dogs are funny sometimes. One time our little long haired chihuahua decided to run out into the street and tackle the smaller of 2 dogs walking by…and immediately our blue heeler/border collie went out and attacked the bigger dog walking with the smaller one in the street, have no idea WHAT made them do that….go figure. We had never seen them take out after any dog at all before this…and I don’t remember them doing so again…I think our blue heeler/border collie wanted to help her little friend out. Both were females. They did not fight with each other…but each one respected the others warning growel or showing of teeth, at times too. They did like each other however.

        Maybe the dogs were not happy to have you and Ken chatting…they get jealous of “their people”…heehee…one of our dogs would not allow one of our kids and their “honey” to sit on the couch unless they were INBETWEEN them. Jealous…

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You may be right about jealous of Ken and me talking. Especially Scooter. Ken had told me previously that Scooter loves not having to share Ken. Scooter loved Ken’s other dog (died of cancer 2 mos. ago) and misses her, but, just the same, finally being Numero Uno is something Scooter doesn’t want to give up.

  7. Sharpei Mom says:

    Oh No…poor Spikey…hope he’s feeling better soon.<3 Sue if you get back to the vets office see if they will sell you some Chlorhexadine 2% solution to keep on hand for cuts,scrapes small wounds on the crew. Dilute a small amount at a time 4 parts water to 1 part chlorhexadine. I'm sure the vets office said to keep the triple antibiotic on the wound till it's healed. It sure is a shock when 2 buddies get into a fight We've had it happen to our oldest Sharpei… one minute they're playing next thing his hip is all torn open!
    AHHH…another one of our favorite spots to camp…we love to take the jeep and ride the roads up to snowbowl. Hope you enjoy!!! Give the crew a pat for us.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Wow! You have been giving me some great advice lately! Thank you. I’ll probably drive by the clinic in a few days on my next trip for groceries, so I’ll stop in and ask.

      Yikes! A hip torn open . . . It’s shocking how their moods will change so fast. I guess we tend to forget they are animals.

      We’re going to have a great time at this camp. We’ll take a ride over and see the volcano.

  8. earthdancerimages says:

    Poor Spikey! Baaaad Scooter! Glad to know Spike feels better today! Your new campsite is wonderous!!! Those short hops from there to here sure work for ya! Loved seeing the pictures! Geri

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Well, truth be known, Spike might have started it. Ken did say Scooter was second fiddle when his other lab was alive. That lab died only two months ago and since then Scooter has enjoyed all the attention of being an only-dog. Maybe he thought Spike was going to push him out of top-dog status.

      I do like the short hops and the long stays. It’s a peaceful way to live and travel. Slow but peaceful! Glad you liked the photos.

  9. hobopals says:

    There’s nothing more frightening when dogs go after each other. Jack, is such a mild soul, that dogs for some reason always decide to go after him. He comes running to me as fast as he can–he’s a 92 lb baby! Glad Spike is okay. One other thing you should keep on board, sue, is Peroxide. If they eat something they shouldn’t have it will make them throw up. I smile every time I hear the name, Spike. My very first dog as a little girl was named Spike. We got him from the bi-da-wee (that’s what they used to call the pound). He couldn’t have been more than three weeks old, he was so small. Well, I won’t go on as always. Anxious to see the pix of your new place. Enjoy.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      There’s something about a dog named Spike. Good idea to get some peroxide. I didn’t know that about using it to make a dog vomit. I’d make a terrible nurse. I don’t have a talent for it.

      I always enjoy your comments and you’re often helpful. The crew and I will explore tomorrow if Spike is up to it and I’ll have fun taking photos.

      • Tammy says:

        I keep peroxide also, and have had to use it (Tuff – “you can’t eat ant bait, and the string that goes around a roast you really should not swallow”….arrrrggghh) a couple tablespoons will do it, but be careful. Peroxide will react with some things so you want to be sure you know the interaction. You can always call an emergency vet office most large/midsize towns you can find one – even if you are far from them – you could get free advise. Or call poison control (which they have for dogs too – but will charge about $50, but if it is life or death…. ) also make sure they never get tylenol it will cause kidney damage and can be fatal. Just FYI.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Thanks for the info, Tammy. I give the crew Bayer baby aspirin, 81 mg, for minor aches and pains. Spike tends to get stiff legs. He’ll breathe with a bit of a groan in it at bedtime which makes me think his joints are aching. So that’s when I give him a baby aspirin. My smart niece gave me that remedy.

  10. Sherry says:

    Love your spot. Looking at your pictures of your campsites always makes me feel so relaxed. I’ve really got to learn how to do those slide shows and post them on my Blogspot blog since I’m just too lazy to move over to word press which is where I should have been originally but ALAS, I didn’t have you to tell me that then.

    It will be interesting to see how Spike and Scooter react to each other the next time they meet. I can imagine how shocked you were at the time.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Sherry …

      Do you find that the slide shows take a long time to load? I wonder about that. They are so easy to make. When I write a long post and I’m a bit weary by the time I finish, I like to go to the file, grab it and make it a slideshow . . . rather than fiddling around placing them in the text. Those orange headings of mine cause all sorts of difficulties, but that’s my problem.

      • massachusettsmark says:

        Sue
        The slide show loading time is maybe 15 or 20 + seconds ?
        I have a sat isp (about as fast as a DSL connection) .

      • Sue, I love the slide shows. I have to see if I can do that on my blog.

      • Sherry says:

        I’m using an aircard Sue and they don’t take any time at all. Are they hard to do in Picassa which is where I’m assuming you are doing them. I really like them and think you can have more pictrues without tiring people out as much looking at them. Not to mention that it is much easier to do than placing them in the text ONE AT A TIME….sigh.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Hello, Sherry! No, I don’t make the slideshows in Picassa. On the WordPress page where you write your post, there’s an insert button. Once you’ve gone to your photos and put them in the WordPress Media File, you add captions if you like, and then decide whether to insert them in the post or simply push a button that says “insert slideshow.”

  11. bearwise2010 says:

    Poor spike, I hate to see animals hurt or in pain lucky you were quite prepared that is for sure. Glad to hear he is feeling better – keep us updated. Must have been quite the scare for you to. Well sounds like you are again in a beautiful place, amazing country you have been discovering. I have to ask how did you choose the course of your journey? Interesting – hug for spike take care of yourself and the crew.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, bearwise!

      Choosing the journey . .. Hmmm… Went to TX, picked up BLT, 104 degree heat, wanted mtns, crossed TX to NM, could have cooled off at Cloudcroft but pricey, so went due north, explored NM mtns. Fall came so I headed south for warmth. Southern NM got cold and snow, so went to southern AZ. Spring came and I’ve been working my way north, as soon as weather permits. I promised Chuck and Geri I’d visit them at their workkamping post near Hurricane, Utah. From there I need to continue north and loop over eastward to SD for my driver’s license, then head south for the winter again.

      It doesn’t matter where I go in the West .. . It’s all new and wonderful to me! You take care, too . ..

  12. cathieok says:

    Spike had quite an experience. He may be a little dog shy for awhile. One note on dog fights, the safest way to break them up is to grab the attacking dog by the hind legs and pull them back. Less chance of you getting bit. Most of the time the fights are way scarier than they are dangerous, but who wants to take a chance. Can’t wait to hear more about your new spot.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s good to know, Cathie! That Scooter is obese and very big. I don’t think I could have pulled him off. I was afraid I’d be bit. When I saw Scooter at Spike’s neck, I didn’t care if I got bit . . . I wanted my Spikey!

  13. Elizabeth says:

    This spot is the most beautfiul yet!! Hope you are able to stay awhile!! Thanks for posting such things…tis very interesting…

  14. Ed Smith says:

    Sue, sorry about Spike, hope he’s well soon.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Ed. He’s healing remarkably fast. The three of us took a short walk. I did his hot compress treatment, tucked him in his bed, and he’s asleep already at 7 p.m. I didn’t have a chance to give him a pain pill!

  15. Marcia says:

    Poor Spike – that must have been quite a shock for all of you! It sounds like he’s healing well though. I hope there are no more dog fights and that your new camping spot is a happy home. It looks beautiful.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      We took a short walk over to where Ken and Scooter are camped. Scooter came running over and then slowed down a few feet from Spike. Spike was hesitant, too. It looks like they made up, so all is well.

  16. So glad Spike is okay. I’m glad my cats’ fights are usually just lots of head slapping and hissing. And frizzed-up tails, of course 🙂

    Your new campsite is gorgeous! I like to see the general area on Google Earth and it looks beautiful. The picture of your lounge chair under the tree is my idea of a perfect afternoon, especially if you add a good book and a tall glass of iced tea. Enjoy!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Cat fights can sound scary and end up being nothing. Did you notice on Google Earth that a lot of the area was burned? Maybe it won’t show up because grass has come back and most of the trees near our camp were burned only part the way up. The tops are okay.

      The lounge chair is in the perfect spot. The ground slopes down quickly a few feet out from it and the view is lovely.

  17. klbexplores says:

    I put an emergency kit together for my animals. Betadine antiseptic Solution (it comes in foil packets and vet wrap -like ace bandages to hold on gauze wraps)also at farm and ranch centers) is something that I always have on hand. Feel better Spike….. we’re sending good wishes !

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Another good suggestion… I need to get these things people are mentioning. Thanks so much!

      Spike is feeling better already . . . well,, now he’s in dreamland.

  18. Llanos says:

    Kids! They’ll be the death of us all. You’ve had your share of problems the last couple of days. Hope the boy gets better quick like Bridget did.

  19. ct says:

    Glad that little Spike will be ok, dog fights can be really terrifying. If you don’t already have one, you might consider getting a pet first aid kit as well as an animal first aid book. As a pet sitter, I always have these with me in my car. The Red Cross also has a pet first aid class that is really good and inexpensive too. You can find Red Cross pet first aid classes in most cities. Anybody can take their class, and believe me, you’ll be glad you did if you have a medical injury/emergency with your pet. The Red Cross also makes their pet first aid manual available to purchase, http://www.amazon.com/Dog-First-Cross-Ready-Safety/dp/1584804017/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_4
    Here’s an example of a pet first aid kit, http://www.amazon.com/AKC-20-Piece-Pet-First-Small/dp/B002YK4U2I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336614998&sr=8-1

  20. LilNomad & Sasha says:

    Hi Sue,
    got news for you how can i send u a email off line (not posted in comments) i dont see a regular email address on the site for you. I think Bridget was givin Scooter “the eye” and Spike got wind of it.
    LilNomad & Sasha

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I like your explanation for the cause of the ruckus. Somehow it does seem that Bridget must have been involved!

      I don’t post an email address, mainly because I’m thin-skinned and I don’t take criticism well. Once in a while I write something that makes a very small number of people say mean things to me and I can’t take it! Even when I know they’re jerks, I still get upset.
      I can’t imagine having emails come at me like that. I hope you understand.

      I decided early on in my blog that I would respond to as many comments as possible right here. Are you sure you can’t post the news here?

      • LilNomad & Sasha says:

        Got a trailer…a Airstream..hope to hit the road with Sasha..wknd trips as im still working. Wanted to send you picts. Waiting on hauler to deliver hope to have it in a week or so. I understand bout being cautious.
        LilNomad

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Fantastic! An Airstream .. . very nice. I wish I knew how you could post photos here. If you have them in photobucket, you could print the link here.

          How big is it? Is it new? What will you pull it with?

          • LilNomad & Sasha says:

            25ft. Im a newbie but excited. If you join Airforums (the airstream site free of course) can send u picts. also theres lots of rv info there and a forum to post questions. i will be using it alot in the months to come. I have a older Suburban 96 w/ super low miles scored on that. I dont have a photobucket. Will check it out.

            • rvsueandcrew says:

              I like your combination. I was thinking of a Suburban but I couldn’t find one in my price range. Very nice. You’ll have a lot of fun on the Airstream forum and then meeting other Airstream people. Airstreams are like Casitas in a way… both attract attention and people wanting a tour! This is going to be a very long week for you, waiting for that delivery. How exciting! I’m very happy for you.

  21. carol says:

    Who knows how the fight started?MybeScooter said something about Brdgets butt, andSkikeys a terrier

  22. Chuck says:

    Glad Spikey is OK….peroxide good for all kinda’ things…cleaning wounds; dogs and humans, making ’em barf(dogs n cats), dissolves most blood and wine stains.Beautiful spot ya got…I’d stay 14 days iffen I be you. Dogs can be hard to read after a buds’ death.. Scotty did pretty well after we lost Bobbie and Midget. Also, Scotty shares my Chondrotin, glucosime with me daily…he gets one, I get 2 he also gets a baby aspirin every other day. My nieces husband has german shepherds(bad hips) and that’s where I got the G & C tip…maybe 1/2 for Spike? Nice pix as always, Chuckles

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Chuck,

      I have to thank you again for riding around looking for boondocking spots for me. That was really nice. Tho I did notice on your blog you got to eat real well in the process!

      • Chuck says:

        It’s part of our job to eat at all thr eateries in the area so we know which ones to recommend, it’a REALLY tough part of our job….but someone has to do it……..

  23. 101butterbean says:

    Howdy rvsue & crew,
    As a rule yellow labs don’t fight, unless challenged.. Ornery little rat-terriers like to start fights!!!
    Now, I won’t say that Spike has a chip-on-his-shoulder, but he does kinda ‘swell-up’ around strange male dogs, I’ve noticed… Keep him quiet and the wound clean, he’ll be okay in a few days; but watch whenever Scooter is around… Sure glad we got moved!!! Give’em a hug from me!!!!!

  24. Emjay says:

    So exciting! I thought I saw you on HY. 40 today as we drove westerly! Next time, I’ll honk. You’ll probably be wondering who the crazy lady was and why the heck was she waving. Ha.
    Emjay

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Someone honked at me shortly after I picked up the BLT. I was towing a trailer for the first time. They waved like crazy. I was certain something terrible was going on with my rig, being a brand new, newbie-newbie.

      Now if something really is wrong with my rig and drivers honk and wave, I’ll think, gee, aren’t I popular!

      It would’ve been fun if I’d seen you drive by, Emjay!

  25. geogypsy2u says:

    Poor Spike. Hard to say what prompted a dog fight.
    I love those pine forests and your view of the Painted Desert.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I think with all the extra love and attention Spike gets, plus lots of cheese, it all balances out. Sadly a lot of this part of the forest has suffered from fire, but it is coming back.

  26. All our best to Spike in hopes of a quick recovery, both mental & physical. Our border collie Checkers & the little Motormouse got into a nasty fight one day in Borrego Springs after a piece of chicken was accidentally dropped on the floor. Dog fights are a nasty bit of business alright. Took about an hour for the two of them to make up & become best Pals again. All was well after that & it never happened again. Nice campsite:))

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I could understand Spike and Scooter fighting over chicken. This was totally out of the blue, at least to human minds. They’ve made up and Spike’s on the mend. Little Motor in a dogfight… ooh, not fair!

  27. Page says:

    Scooter is one fat lab. Glad Spike’s going to be okay. Typical male, he’ll milk it for all it’s worth as long as you let him. Love the million dollar view – thanks for sharing.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Scooter is only about 4 yrs old and is grossly overweight. Ken walks Scooter every day and is trying to get the weight off. It’s a long story . . .Scooter gained the pounds while Ken was trying to keep his other dog alive (cancer).Scooter didn’t get as much attention, and didn’t get the exercise..

  28. rvsueandcrew says:

    Funny comments, Harriet! Maybe we should say that Bridget takes a licking (every day!) and keeps on ticking. We did have a peaceful night. Spike’s sleeping late again. Apologies have been exchanged between the two combatants, so life goes on . . . .

  29. Karen says:

    BCDC got to the computer first this morning and read your new entry to me. We both looked at the photos together and were worried about Spikey. We’re happy that he’s on the mend. I’m thinking that Ken feels bad about that situation. Dog’s behavior can be unpredictable at times..and it’s downright scary when those things happen.
    Buddy doesn’t like the chocolate lab down the street and her owner, Mary, waits til after dark to take their walk. If we happen to be outside for the nighttime potty break when they pass, Buddy will tear out near the street barking, growling, snarling. I hate that he does that and, quite frankly, if I were Mary I’d walk in the opposite direction rather than endure the harassment. I always apologize and feel bad for the incident but can’t seem to break Buddy of this awful habit.
    Thanks so much for your entries. They’re always interesting. I love that BCDC is so into your blogs. It’s nice that we can have a discussion about it every day. This is good for a marriage. Thanks!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hello, Karen!

      A new facet of rvsue and her canine crew . . . marriage enhancement! I’m loving that you both are into my blog.

      Ken and I discussed the situation. I made it clear to him that I don’t think it’s anybody’s fault. We don’t even know who started it and it doesn’t really matter because dogs will be dogs. I showed him how well Spike is healing, so he wouldn’t be concerned.

      Probably Mary doesn’t realize that her walking her dog past your territory in the dark is aggravating Buddy. From a dog’s point of view, Mary is harrassing you and Buddy by bringing her dog near. It’s like they’re prowling around Buddy’s territory. I don’t blame him for showing protective behavior. From a human point of view, I can see why you’d feel the need to apologize.

  30. Hi Sue, Love your new campsite. I love the trees and the view. I am so sorry to hear about the fight. I hope Spike will not be to nervous now around Scooter. Who knows what caused it. They are like kids sometimes. My cats sleep intertwined yet they fight like crazy at times too. Hope Spike is feeling better now and can put it all behind him.

  31. Bill says:

    Hi Sue- Just got out of the med center and doing Ok. Will see Kathy later for lunch. I just read about Spike! Ouch. Sounds like he’s on the mend.

    Our dogs get ‘into it’ on occassion over food or sometimes the young one plays rough with the old one things get a little tense! Love the pix and new digs. You’re making alot of us jealous! K’s mom gets out of rehab today so I’ll stick around ABQ for that then head back to the lake. Signing off from Healthsouth..Cheers BR

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Bill,

      Good to hear you’re doing okay. I hope I can correctly assume that means you don’t lose your hearing. No more mountain biking for you. Stay safe and say hi to Kathy for me…

  32. Judie says:

    Sorry to hear about Spikey’s scary happening and glad he’s on the mend. He and Bridget are soooo cute, can’t stand the thought of anyone (human or canine) hurting them. I know it was scary for u too, I don’t react well when anything or anyone threatens my baby boy. As for ur email address, don’t blame u a bit and certainly understand. I remember the conversations earlier this year about people just showing up at ur campsite and some folks were just plain mean. I don’t think that means ur thin-skinned, I think it’s just some folks aren’t very nice. I totally understood ur feelings then and I feel the same way….it’s just courtesy to call and ask….I don’t want anyone just showing up at my door like that. Anyway, thanks for all ur good posts and pics. Those places u visit are so peaceful looking and they’ve really made me want to head out to that general area to see for myself. Hope Spikey continues to mend and that y’all enjoy ur new home.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I hope you do get the chance to see some of these places. As you know, I’m not looking for excitement or entertainment. I avoid the usual tourist places. I like to settle into a place of natural beauty, hike, take photos, and enjoy!

      I appreciate your understanding my need to set boundaries for my home and life. It was unfortunate I found it necessary to be so blunt about it! I emailed my surprise guests and invited guests individually that week to avoid hurt feelings. Enough about that! I’m glad it’s behind me. People have been great since then.

      Always nice to hear from you, Judie. Thanks for writing.

      .

  33. Chinle says:

    Sue, the red flowers are Indian paintbrush.

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