Tuesday, May 5 (continued)
Sometimes I put Reggie on his tether and go inside the Best Little Trailer. I usually do this when he won’t stop pestering me at the computer. This morning Reggie has been put outside, his tether hooked to the handle by the BLT’s door. He’s happy out there.
I forget all about him!
You see, many times when I’m at the computer, Bridget and Reggie nap beside me, somewhere under the covers. This time Reggie’s not next to me but I think he is until my brain kicks into gear. Where’s Reggie? Oh, I put him outside!
Frantic, I run out the door.
There he is! Whew!
Reggie looks up at me with his innocent face, as if to say, “Oh there you are.”
“Hello, little guy! Aren’t you a big boy out here all by yourself for such a long time.”
I pick him up, look at his neck, and freeze with shock.
Oh, no! He’s not hooked up to the tether!
All this time he’s been wandering around loose! I must not have hooked the tether on his collar like I thought I did.
Thank God he’s here!
I can’t bear the thought of Reggie lost.
I’m overjoyed and hold him close to my heart, my face pressed into his fur.
Reggie wiggles and squirms, licking my neck, obviously happy to see me and quite pleased with himself.
Later, I’m at the computer again.
I washed my hair in a basin set on the table outside and now I’m using the left-over, warm, soapy water to soak my feet.
A truck stops on the road by our camp.
I pull back the curtain and see a tall, slim man neatly dressed and wearing a hat. He sees my face at the window and gestures urgently: “I need to talk to you!”
“Just a minute! I’ll be right out!”
Well, the man tells me he’s lost his dog, a malamute.
“He saw a rabbit and took off. He loves rabbits!”
I quickly ask a few questions and find out the dog’s name is Juno and he looks like a wolf. The man is camped on a point of land on this side of the reservoir. I wish him good luck and he resumes his search, calling to the woods, “Juno! Juno! Come, Juno!'”
I decide not to go calling for his dog which might confuse him. It’s not likely the dog would hear me anyhow. My voice doesn’t carry well.
To make what could be a long, sad story into a very short, happy one . . .
The man returns an hour or so later and he has Juno with him!
Chasing rabbits is fun!
Of course, the man is very relieved, and I rejoice with him.
“They can take years off our lives,” I remark, looking at the canine runaway before me and remembering my scare with Reggie earlier.
“And they can ADD years to our lives, too! Studies have shown that,” the man replies happily.
“That’s right!” I agree.
Juno eyes us both.
He’s probably wondering why we’re so dang happy all of a sudden.
The conversation moves to living full-time in an RV, which the man does. Wholeheartedly we agree that it’s a great way to live.
I want to take some photos of Juno for the blog and need to ask for permission.
I begin by mentioning I have a blog.
“Would it be all right if . . . .”
The man cuts me off.
“I know YOU! You’re RVSue!” he exclaims, grinning widely.
I laugh and we hug spontaneously.
“Yeah,” he continues. “I’ve read your blog! In fact, I camped at a place you recommended. I can’t remember which one that was. ” He’s all smiles with recognition.
Soon Juno’s jumping into the truck and they motor back to their camp.
Well, didn’t that turn out just great.
Two close calls in one day!
The next day the crew and I leave Prineville Reservoir.
All packed up and ready to head out for our next camp!
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate every Amazon order you place through my blog. Here are a few of the items recently purchased by readers:
Bose Speaker System
Columbia Women’s Full Zip Fleece Jacket
Fusionbrands Set of 2 Silicone Poach Pods – Green
Minnetonka Women’s Thunderbird Softsole Moccasin
Husky Electric Jack with Wireless Remote – 4500 lbs. Capacity
LexMod Ribbed Mid Back Office Chair in Terracotta Genuine Leather
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 2013
I could be first, but on an iPhone one never knows. Hi Sue!
Hi, Ilse! Congratulations! You are first!
Now that I finally had time to sit down and read (I had just walked in loaded down with stuff), I had a chance to read. I’m glad Reggie did not wander off. It’s like the thing with elephants that can be tied to a short stick, which they could easily pull out of the ground, but by first being staked to something unmovable, they learned to just not try.
I see my moccasins made it on the Amazon list. I will use them for Earthing. The Bluetooth did not show, but you probably don’t write down everything. When I got back from work last Sunday night, I had the bright idea to do my laundry, tired as I was. Shouldn’t have done that. Washed four 1 Dollar bills and my Bluetooth. The money came out nice and clean……
Cheers,
Ilse
Oh dear, your loss is my gain… heh-heh… I’m talking about the Bluetooth.
Yes! I saw that in my report from Amazon. Thanks a bunch, Ilse!
I only show a small portion of the daily orders which usually number 40-50 items. I try to pick out a few products that might interest people. Those mocs are nice!
I don’t know if the elephant-tether situation applied to Reggie or not. We move so much and I also move his tether a lot, so he isn’t accustomed to one place. He may have been tricked into thinking he was tethered on the mat, even though he wasn’t and therefore, like you wrote, didn’t wander.
Funny how laundry seems to come up with us. Ha!
🙂
I love those Mocs. I’m driving through New Mexico next week, which has an Indian store at every exit, and will look for them.
My fuzz babies have made my heart jump quite a few times through the years!! Hugs to you all.
Thanks, Betty Shea. I know what you mean!
So glad Reggie stayed close by. Having a loved one wander away is heart stopping.
Hi, Evelyn,
What scared me was Reggie was so quiet. Usually a dog will whimper after a time. I immediately thought something was wrong.
Apparently Reggie knows he has a good thing going on and didn’t want to leave it. So glad everything worked out!
Thanks, Ray. That’s exactly what I want Reggie to think and maybe his love for our home will overcome that instinct to follow a scent. . . along with training.
That happened to me in New Mexico just last week while traveling. I thought I had Tag, short for Tag Along. On his long lead tied outdoors, here comes my RV friend leading him back. Boy, did that scare me to death. He will take out and forget where we’re camped. He’s only 5 1/2 pounds. I was blessed. Thanks for your blog!
You’re welcome, Dedra.
Only 5 1/2 pounds? No wonder you were scared. The smaller they are, the worse it seems, although any dog lost is a heartbreak. I’m very glad you still have Tag Along with you.
So glad everyone (including Juno) is safe !!!
Me, too!
It’s always such a relief when these things end well. When we first got our dog Tanya from the NH SPCA ten years ago, I brought her over to meet my mother. She wanted to go out so I clipped her leash onto her collar ring, or thought I did, and took her out for a short walk. All of a sudden, she takes off, leaving me with the leash in my hand. She’s gone, just disappeared. I’m horrified, especially since I wasn’t sure she’d respond to her name (she’d been a stray). All sorts of awful scenarios went quickly through my mind as I ran down the road in search of her wayward self. Fortunately, she came trotting back at my whistle, looking very pleased with herself. Never again did I clip her leash on without double-checking it.
Hi, Marcia,
It’s so easy to do that! If the little “pin” in the clasp goes up against the ring instead of through it, you have the impression it’s securely hooked when it’s not. How awful for you and with a newly adopted dog, too. Well, when she returned to the whistle you not only felt tremendous relief, but you probably realized you had a good, well-trained dog.
Oh my god! Enough to make your heart skip a beat!
Well well….we now know Reg man isn’t going anywhere! Whew! He isn’t about to give up his new lifestyle! Glad a critter didn’t come and entice him to chase! That’s when they lose their bearings!
Glad Juno was found! What a nice looking pup!
Yes, both close calls could have had tragic endings. It was nice to have a lost-dog story with a happy ending. I like those!
I HATE those kind of moments, when you discover everything is ok, but you realize how bad it could have been. We were baby(dog) sitting a friend’s little Maltese once and she disappeared. I thought maybe we left the back door open for a moment and she got out and went thru the fence. We searched the house, the neighborhood, our neighbors were out looking, I was crying – thinking I’d have to call her mom and dad and tell them we lost her. I went back inside to make the call and the little b**** was sitting in my dog’s bed, like “what’s wrong with you hysterical people?” I hugged her so hard I almost crushed her. Those kind of heart-stoppers subtract years from your life, I think!!! The positive side of this story is that Reg Man didn’t wander off and stayed close to home!!
A lost dog is bad enough, but to lose someone else’s dog, a dog entrusted to your care… I can’t imagine how you felt. I can understand you being hysterical! I wonder if you told the owners of the Maltese.
As for Reggie, I have no idea if he stayed as if still on the tether or if he had a little adventure, running around the cedar trees and up and down the road.
I was sitting in my recliner reading one night, when I heard someone outside approaching my house. I stood up to go look out the door and….THE DOOR WAS STANDING OPEN. And a woman was coming up my steps holding Chloe. How did I leave my door standing open? I have no idea how long Chloe was out there running around. It scared the crap out of me.
Yes, I did tell the owners. I guess it’s just in my nature to “fess up.” They laughed and said the little witch does the same thing to them all the time – hides, they search frantically for her, then she just shows up. I wish they had warned me – lol.
BTW, I meant to tell you. I think Bridget’s “camera shyness” is a purposeful public relations policy – just like the old Hollywood stars (e.g., Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman) only allowed minimal photo ops and interviews, thereby increasing their fans’ interest and curiosity. (Something at which the British Royal family is very adept also.) Unlike today’s Hollywood stars who are overexposed and tell-all about their private lives ….. Bridget is carefully managing her “exposure” to keep us all on the edge of our seats for more!!! Wily woman 🙂
I believe it, Cynthia. She has an uncanny ability to manipulate me, why not the world?
Wow…I can relate.
I scare myself sometimes when something enters my brain and I can’t remember exactly all the details like I used to. I think I got control of it, then suddenly it hits me, “NO…I DIDN’T take care of that, like I was supposed to!”
This is why I know I’m going to retire from pet sitting sooner, rather than later….I don’t want to make any life-threatening mistakes! Knock on wood…none yet!
But Reggie loves you and Bridge, and he knows you both love him too, so he knew you would snap out of it eventually 🙂
Hi, Cindy,
I know what you mean about these memory “blips.” I can’t believe what I did this morning. No pets were injured or lost in this memory lapse. I get up, fill the percolator with water, set it up, turn on the burner, and go to the computer while it perks. I get up, pour boiling water into my cup. I forgot to put coffee grounds in the strainer! Jesus turned water into wine? Well I’ll turn water into coffee!
I left the sidewalk-side sliding minivan door open all night. When I came out in the morning, nobody slept in it or stole all my camping equipment. Boy, how stupid.
Don’t feel bad Gayle. I opened the refrigerator this morning and found a bag of potato chips! Who puts chips in the fridge? My husband – he was distracted by a grandchild.
So glad both Reggie and Juno are ok. We really know how tightly they are bound to our hearts when something happens to threaten that tie. Reggie is learning to be a good little boondockers dog!
So what’s for supper tonight? We are having ham and cheese sandwiches and clam chowder ( canned). It’s a cool cloudy evening that is saying soup and sandwich night to me.
Hi, Velda,
Yes, Reggie is learning a lot, living “on the road.” 🙂
I had a green salad for supper (I eat early) that I made yesterday. I didn’t feel like cooking anything and I needed to be the human garbage disposal anyway. You know, eat it before it goes bad. Sheesh. Your sandwich and soup sound a lot better!
Oh, what a treat! An RV Sue post toward the end of a day spent weeding flower beds! OK I love our home in the Spring and Summer. I also love the open road. After our recent trials I am very thankful for each new day. Today I think I overdid it and I am exhausted so it is so nice to see a picture of what’s ahead.
Very busy prepping for the Fall. Tomorrow running boards to be installed on the new tow vehicle. Still searching for the new trailer. Dr. apps. are decreasing — everyday getting better.
Keep us looking forward, RV Sue!
I’ll try to do that, Kathy!
I enjoyed your message with all good news… “every day getting better.” That’s great!
I can picture you with your hands in the flower beds, having seen the photos you showed me. You have a nice home.
Good luck finding the perfect trailer.
Sue, I’m so glad that little guy of yours stayed around the trailer and that nothing else got at him! Whew! That’s my biggest fear with a little dog, his getting got!
Hi, Deborah,
Thank you for sharing my concern. It was a day for good outcomes!
Way to go,Reggie!Good job proving that you love your family and are smart,snuggles!
Sue,anyone that’s had dogs long at some point loses track of them.I hope all that you feel about it is pride- in making him happy,and about accomplishing as much of his training as you have.Juno is gorgeous.I love a happy story and am so glad for everyone.
Hi, weather,
Reggie deserves your opening lines… He’s a great little guy.
Yeah, scary moments are part of loving. Isn’t Juno a fine dog? It’s really wonderful that dogs come in so many different breeds, sizes, colors, temperaments, etc.
A day that ended very happily all around. 🙂
Yes,Juno is a fine dog,I’ll bet his owner has great stories to prove that .I have a particularly great fondness for wolves and dogs that have that in their bloodline or appearance.I think they’re among creations finest beings.Hope you have an evening snack,sounds like your salad didn’t measure up to the celebration you should be having ,Ha!I make all mine last for days as an excuse to enjoy extra things 🙂 n’nite
Oh sure, I have snacks and know what to do with them! N’nite…
When my beautiful BIG Maine Coon Cat Clyde came to live with me, he was a 7 month
old kitten…. One morning he got out the door without me seeing him leave…..
I could not find him in the motor home….. I panicked! Heart beating wildly…. outside looking everywhere and calling him….. Finally I heard a tiny little meow…… looked under the rig and there he was on top of the front axle! Reluctantly, he jumped off the axle and slowly came to me……
He has only been out of the rig in his carrier to go to the vet since, except once when
we had doggy visitors…. He went as far as the top step only!
I can go for groceries and have the door open while I unload the car, Clyde watches
from inside the rig….. Does not even try to come out…… Both Clyde and I enjoy our doggy friends who come to visit from time to time…..
So glad little cutie Reggie did not wander too far…. Also glad that Juno and his Dad were reunited too. It IS heartbreaking when our furkids are seemingly lost!
Safe travels to all of you! Sure wish I could be out there on the road again…. At almost 84, I decided it is time to quit traveling…. sold my MoHo a bit over a year ago
and bought a 36′ Fiver with 3 slides. I have never wanted to be a truck driver, so I
had planned to get a big fiver and let it sit on my lot here at “The Ranch”, an Escapees
Co-Op here just north of Carlsbad, NM about 30 miles…..
Come see me, especially if you are a musician who likes to jam! Tell the office crew
that I invited you to visit…. Unless you are a member of the Escapees RV Club, you do
not need my invitation to visit…..
Happy Trails blogerino’s, Elizabeth Evelyn aka E2/etwo…..
Hi, E2!
Sounds like your Clyde learned at a young age just how wonderful it is to live in Elizabeth’s home. 🙂 He’s been a good companion for you.
I remember driving by the ranch soon after I went on the road. I was towing the Best Little Trailer from the Casita factory in Texas to northern New Mexico. It’s nice that you have a lot there and a fiver with slides on it.
Me? A musician? Not at all, unfortunately. I envy people with musical talent and skills. Thank you for the invitation to visit.
It’s always a delight to see you here. Happy days to you and Clyde!
I’m relieved to find out there were no permanently last dogs. Whew, I’ve done the same thing and have to give myself one of those palm to forehead smacks. Reggie looks like he knows where his wonderful home is and plans to stick with you.
Hi, Bonnie,
To think that one careless move, one unfocused moment, and a treasure like Reggie or Juno can be lost forever! And both dogs love to follow a scent…
All’s well that ends well! 🙂
My heart was in my throat worrying that poor Reggie was gone! Thank God he was still there! I’m so happy that Juno is also safe and back with his Dad! Our fur kids mean the world to us! Now I can relax thinking about future camp sites. How nice to be recognized by a reader. Enjoy your evening with the furry ones!
Thank you, Karen. I am enjoying the crew tonight. Both Bridget and Reggie are being especially lovey. 🙂
It’s nice to share my worry, my relief, and my joy with you. Yes, next post will be about the new campsite….
OMGosh I had a moment like that this week and it just wipes me out! Good Boy Reggie!!!
I love it! I love chatting with people and I mention the casitas (a guy who does vintage photography has one much like yours) and of course it comes around to the adventures of RV Sue! 🙂
Whew… Yep, that Reggie needs a soft harness! Kali loves hers, but it didn’t help her when someone left the gate open and a skateboarder went by… Not pretty. I couldn’t walk her without it at all, and don’t when there is traffic. She loves those wheels!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Hi, Barb,
So Kali came back and she wasn’t hurt? I hope she’s fine.
I do want Reggie to have a soft harness. Every time I go into a store I look for one. Haven’t been around the right stores lately. I don’t like him having that collar around his neck. He doesn’t seem to mind it, but a soft harness will be much better for him.
Casitas and vintage travel trailers both are great conversation starters . . . I’m still amazed after four years of blogging that my name and blog come up in conversations in different states around the country.
Hope you were able to rest today and have a good sleep tonight!
Hi Sue, its always a worry when you realize what a close call you had and didnt even know it! Once my Mom had a German Shepherd take up at her home, she fed him got his rabies shot etc..but never wanted to keep a big dog so she gave him away, when the man came to get Bullet, he went a few miles then jumped out of the truck the guy came to get him in (I know, but some people…..) so he called Mom and told her Bullet jumped out. He never returned home, but 3 months later she got a call from a man in KY who said I just found this German Shepherd and tracked his dog tag back to you! SO Bullet had quite a long adventure..going from SC to KY in 3 months we figure he hitched rides and did the escape thing as soon as he wanted… obviously he loved to be free and on foot as he happened up on my Mom’s house outta no where….Mom asked the man if he wanted to keep Bullet and he said sure he is a good dog so he found his own new forever home, at least until Bullet decided otherwise!
OH forgot don’t know if you have children but in case Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you, Sondra… The same to you, if it applies!
Interesting story, Sondra, and quite a mysterious dog! I met a beagle who had the same urge to be free. He showed up at my house, great dog, affectionate and smart. He lived with me for about a week, and then he left. I later learned that he was “the town’s dog,” belonging to no one. He would choose a house, live there a short while, then choose another, and so forth. He had the spirit of an RVer! Addicted to new experiences and places!
The perfect dog! He never stayed long enough to belong to anyone but himself!
Hi Sue,
Noticed some soft harnesses in the local Walmart here the other day…and thought of Reggie…
Do you ever get scared being out there alone? I think you are brave.
Hi, Lenore,
No, I’m never scared being alone. The only time I’ve been scared, going on four years of travel and camping, is when the bear tried to break into the BLT one night.
Nice of you to think I’m brave. I’m not really. I haven’t come across anything to be scared about.
I would say you’re probably a whole lot safer where you are/go than in the midst of all the stuff going on in our cities.
Definitely! The odds are better here.
Not to be a downer but have you considered what happens if you suddenly get sick? Like when I had my stroke…I could have laid here in the floor for a long time, but luckily my movement came back after 3 hours. The reason I ask is I now have a GPS gadget I wear that has a button I can push and help cones. $17 a month. Not too bad for that little extra security.
A good day for dogs!! Glad both are where they belong!! Reggie must be connected pretty good to stick around….I would worry about some critter or bigger dog coming along however. I suppose I worried over my dogs almost as much as I did my kids.
Hi, Elizabeth,
Yes, it was a good day for dogs. Juno had a fun run chasing a rabbit and Reggie was free of the tether. Not so good for the owners until the worries were over. 🙂 Then the joy!
Yay Juno!
🙂
Forgot to say yay for Reggie too!
WHEW!!….is all I can say…
I know the feeling you felt……..
couple of years ago I didnt close the front door securely and a wind
pushed it open and all the dogs got out……I had gone to town
for a couple of hours and when I got home and was coming
up the ddriveway, Pookie came running toward me down the driveway………..
I now lock the front door when I leave….
chuck
I bet Pookie was as relieved to see you as you were relieved to see him. (or her?)
yes I believe he was….I stopped the van when he got to me and i got out and
picked him up and he laid his head on my shoulder….. 🙂
chuck
AAWWWWW!
That smart little guy knows where home is and where he is treated well! Could have ended badly, but it didn’t. So happy all is well!
Thanks, Shawna.
Hi Sue!
So happy Reggie was right there for you. I would be absolutely freaked out if one of mine wandered away specially lily who weighs only 5lbs. Glad there were two happy endings.
Well I took a deposit on my house! The same people who loved it via phone but then backed out a few weeks ago. Anyway her husband flew in and he and his sister/brotherinlaw and another couple went through my place… he loved it and they all did. So the plan is when he flies home he will call me on the weekend to arrange sending me half the money and all the dates etc so I think I am soon to be a full timer.. probably with in the next 7 weeks. I’m excited and a bit apprehensive too.
well…. hope your next camp is a beauty.
YIPPEEE!!!!! I’m so happy for you Deb. I know how much you put into getting your house sold. Let the adventures begin!!!!!
So happy for your good news, Deb!! I hope the rest goes smoothly!!
WoooHoooo Deb! Happy for you! Open roads ahead! YaYl
Good news. We are still waiting. There is a young couple very interested but they can’t seem to get off their duffs and make a formal offer.
I expect to hear YOUR good news soon, John K.! 🙂
I will be sure to let you know, although you might be able to hear my WOOHOOING all the way into the darkest depths of Oregon!
Okay, good to know! I won’t mistake the sound for a hoot owl!
Fantastic, Deb! I’m very happy for you!
thanks Sue and you are a part of my getting into this
Yay Deb!
That is great Deb!! You are on your way.
soon 🙂
So happy for you, Deb!! Whoo-Hoo! Time to celebrate the start of your next “chapter”. 🙂 🙂
yes a new world awaits me!
Deb,
So delighted to read the news about your pending sale! I always love it when a great plan comes together 🙂 You will be full-timing with the best of ’em before ya know it! Happy, HAPPY!
🙂 I’m excited!
Well, well, well…So there’s little Reggie out there in the big world not restrained in any way about where he can go and what does he do but wait at the door to his home hoping Mama will open the door soon so he can come home. I share your fear of losing him in a strange place. My mind goes back to Timber and Rusty and that would just destroy me to lose my pet that way. It would always be on my mind, where is he, what is he doing, did he get hurt, worse? Reggie loves you and he wants to be where you are thankfully.
I’m happy for you both Missy…
Thanks, Jim…. Yes, Rusty knows what that kind of agony is like, all the time he didn’t know where Timber had gone. You’re right, Reggie does love me. 🙂
What a relief to see the sweet photo of Reggie waiting by the door. He could’ve been there all along. So glad Juno was found–reminds me of the other fella who was looking for his “bird dog”. That was a strange situation.
I hate to admit this, but I can’t remember when and where the fella “was looking for his bird dog.” I don’t know if that’s old age or the fact that we move around so much. I hope the latter!
Oh, I remember now… That was at Dave Deacon campground at the Kirch Wildlife Management Area, between Alamo and Ely, NV. Whew! I drew a total blank.
So happy for Juno and his dad and so proud of Reggie, prince of the boondockers!!!
Also nice touch on putting that halo effect around Reggie in that first pic. Very fitting for your little angel. BTW I like the new header shot, is that South Ruby?
Yes, that’s South Ruby. It’s not the greatest photo, having been cropped out of a larger pic. Glad you like it anyway!
Sue, you are a character! Loved the bottles-and-cans-in-the-driver-seat story! LOL But I was glad to read that they got out of there with no retaliation towards you.
Reminds me of when I lived in Detroit and could not keep my UPS-delivered packages safe sometimes. If I wasn’t home to get them I quickly learned to instruct their delivery to go to the apartment complex office and I’d pick them up later. Well, knowing that packages had a habit of growing feet and walking off, I decided one winter to perform an experiment. I wrapped up a bunch of trash that I was too lazy to walk to the dumpster in 10-degree weather. It being the holiday season and all, I used a bit of scrap Christmas paper and used an old box for all the compacted trash. Put the beautiful “package” outside my door and it was gone within the hour! Saved me a trek to the dumpster on a cold night and I’d love to have seen the look on their faces when they opened the “gift”! Then I thought “wait a minute, they know where I LIVE!” in case they were angry at being deceived. Doh!
And that precious little Reggie and the near-miss story had me glued to the screen. I can only imagine how frightened you were, and so glad all is well. I have a couple of cats that I love dearly (as well as a dog) and I often wonder how we’d all get along in my little 24-foot RV if I were to ever take them along. I’d worry about them scampering out the door at a rest stop or campground and I’d have a hissy fit.
Hi, Nancy,
I don’t know much about cats and leashes…. One thing I’ve done with dogs in the past is put a leash on them while they are in the vehicle and clip it to something, all before opening a door. You might use a crate for the cats, at least while you’re getting in and out of the RV. You’ll work it out, I’m sure. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story.
Hilarious story Nancy…thanks for sharing!! Yea, today one never knows what will set people off…
First of all, I want you to know how much I like the new header photo! Makes me feel !like I’m sitting in the camp with you.
As for the ” runaways”….. Doogie and Radar pulled that on me just last night! Chuck is in Bradenton to see Kyle graduate, so I am trying to walk the boys myself! I have to let them out the door with the leashes on because I can’t hold leashes and tugging dogs and get down the steps! As soon as Doogie’s feet hit the ground, he was gone! By the time I got down to the ground, closed the door and grabbed my cane, Radar had run after Doogie! Well my running days are gone and my walking days aren’t much better! By the time I got out to the road, both dogs were out of sight! In a few minutes that seemed much longer, my neighbor, Chrissy hollared to let me know those two scamps were at her house for a visit! Whew! Both dogs like Chrissy and Charlie, so nice to know they stayed close by! Chrissy was then sweet enough to help me walk them! Today, I take them one at a time!
Hi, Geri,
I bet you were frantic! Both of them gone…
Here’s something I discovered that may work for you when you are improved enough to walk both dogs at the same time. Also … You could use this method when walking only one dog as a way to prevent you from falling while going down the steps.
Buy a long tether, the kind that is wire coated in vinyl (Reggie’s is 20 feet). Clip the tether to the handle beside the door (the assist handle, NOT the door handle). Leave that end clipped there always. Bring the other end of the tether inside the RV and shut the door. When preparing to take a dog outside, clip the tether to the dog’s collar BEFORE opening the door. Then let the dog go down the steps on his own. Once you are standing on the ground, you can clip a leash on the dog and unclip the tether.
When you return, at the bottom of the steps hook the dog to the tether. You go up the steps on your own. Open the door and the dog can go inside on his own on the tether. Do NOT unclip the dog until he is inside with the door closed behind him. Leave the dog-end of the tether inside until the next time. The door should close tightly over the tether, no problem.
This method will avoid having the dog on leash as you’re going down the steps, preventing him from pulling you off-balance causing a fall. Instead the dog is at the bottom of the steps waiting for you. I use it for Reggie. I can let him outside without having to put on my shoes when I want to stay inside!
— Advice from The One Who Almost Lost Reggie.
We have one of those tethers tucked away here somewhere! Thank goodness, Chuck will be home Sunday!
There is another way to exit/enter a RV with a dog on leash. It is more difficult to accomplish than what Sue has suggested but effective. I have managed to train Patches to exit/enter is this manner.
To Exit:
1) Attach leash to collar.
2) Command SIT.
3) I exit the coach and when I am on the ground, Command OK.
4) Patches exits.
To Enter:
1) Command SIT.
2) I enter the coach and when inside, Command OK.
3) Patches enters and I remove leash.
We pass thru doors to enter a building the same way; Command SIT, I enter, Command OK then Patches enters.
Patches=Good dog!!
Great idea Ed. My two mind very well when given commands, I just never did yesterday! But I tried it your way today, even before I read your suggestion! I made the boys stay until I got out then I took their leashes one at a time and let them come out. Then I tried using my ski poles instead of the cane! Much better, I was much more stable with them! Thank you all for your suggestions!
Excellent advice, Sue, and that’s what all of us RVers should be doing. I’ve found out the hard way about being pulled out of the RV door and almost planted my face by an enthusiastic pet.
Thank you for sharing that. Now why didn’t I think of that?
SOOOOO glad Reggie was safe. Our gate blew open in a storm and we did not know it right away. We had three dogs at the time and they all took off. It took two weeks to get them all back. We got two back the same day when the animal shelter called about them, but the third one took two weeks for the shelter to find him. They are a no kill shelter and really worked to get him back for us. He was a Powder Puff Chinese Crested and could run like the wind. When you looked into his eyes it was like looking into a persons eyes. We gave him to the little girl who found him for us. She loved him so much and just cried when she had to give him up. He got a great home and we got to visit him. That’s my dog story for the day.
Wow! A happy ending times three! You were good to let the dog stay with the girl who loved him already.
How sweet of you to let the little girl have the dog, Jean!!
That is such a sweet story! Not everyone would do that, you know. You did more than just give a little girl a dog. You taught her a lesson about kindness and sacrifice. She will never forget that.
IT looks like the Reggie Man Knows he has a good home and wont stray to far from it, Sue, He has a lot of love commin’ from you and Bridget.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, It is rainin’ off n’ on here and a cold storm is commin’ our way, the winds have been blowin’ this whole week. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Have a great time and pet your loveable babies from us. Timber says Hi Too,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,rusty
Maybe the storm will come, put an end to the wind, and go away… Of course, you know the rain is needed. That’s springtime for ya’! Soon the weather will settle down and you and Timber will be outside, sitting in the sunshine. Crank up the heater and keep warm in the meantime!
Juno reminds me of Timber. I wonder if they would be pals.
I read your blog constantly but post rarely. Have experienced all those dog issues so very familiar. I have been reading with interest your exploration of camping sites. You are beginning to find yourself in areas very familiar and yet still finding new adventures and some additional hidden jewels. Obviously the longer you travel the fewer jewels available. As we travel more but often on the same routes we find areas to stop overnight or for longer stays that are familiar to us. It gives me a sense of comfort. Sometimes the destination is the goal not the journey so it brings a confidant feel and save the adventure when there is more time. Thanks for information and insights and love of pets.
Hi, Bob,
I’m very pleased that you are still reading my blog! You’re the Bob who lives in Wisconsin, is crazy about dogs, deals with the political system, and likes the way I travel with my crew. 🙂
I have enjoyed your level-headed, open-minded comments in the past. You’ve been with us a long time!
I hope all is well with you and yours. Good to learn you are on the road more and enjoying it. I agree with you about those times when the destination is the goal, rather than the journey.
The crew and I have had a mix of both recently. Like you wrote, knowing that Three Island Crossing SP was further up the road and that it would provide me with a refreshing overnight with good rest gave me confidence as we drove toward Twin Falls and beyond. I try not to have several goal-driven moves in succession. I like to mix them up with moves where I can slow down and enjoy places along the way.
That’s what is wonderful about RVing. You can adjust to fit the situation, whether it be to get somewhere quickly or to wander and explore or to be still in a place you love…
I hope I never run out of “jewel” camps to find! 🙂 Thanks for continuing to read my blog, Bob.
That is impressive that you remember my previous comments. I represented teachers for 30 years. I’ll bet you were a great teacher but got really frustrated with the system.
Thank you. Knowing what I know now, I never would go into education. That career exacts too high a price.
Well, Bob, it’s tempting to let you think I have a remarkable memory. Whenever a “Bob” comments, I do a search through comments to make sure I know which Bob I’m replying to. 🙂 When I searched, using your email address, I was impressed to find your many comments, each one a gem.
First butterfly of the season day-that should be a holiday,don’t you think ,Sue?I wonder what I should do to celebrate it.Does your new home have any critters besides the crew?I hope you are having as much sunshine as we are,and that your coffee is as good as mine is 🙂
Hi weather,
Butterfly Day — I love that! What should you do to celebrate it?
Well, I suggest you do what you do every day… Tread lightly on the earth, as lightly as a butterfly alighting on a flower. Be beautiful in purpose, as the butterfly is, without vanity. Remind by your presence that life is short and infinitely precious. Make the world a better place by being who you are meant to be and by being a spirit who flutters on the breeze of possibilities, sipping the nectar of now.
Thanks for the hope you sent… Yes, the coffee is superb, even though left over from yesterday. I think I’ll make another pot. Sunshine is slow in coming through the tall pines of Oregon… It will warm us soon.
What an exquisite answer,Sue,reading it made me capture and hold my breath,thank you ever so.Not because I’m speechless-because I prefer your words to be what I take with me,I’ll just say have a blessed day 🙂
Same to you, Butterfly Woman! 🙂
Good Morning Sue, that was awesome! I think that is the most beautiful thing you have written. Oregon must be good for you. Thank you for sharing if I may say, and I know that Weather received the whole effect of that beautiful message as well as all the blogorinos who appreciate your written words.
WOW! Good morning to you, too, Shirlene!
My initial response to you ,about your reply to me ,Sue,was to let your writing stand alone -to me and other readers .This one is to address you and it’s meaning and it’s value.I agree with Shirlene about the beauty in your writing.Your composing it about,for and to me made it an unparalleled gift ,and I received it as such.You bringing out the best in me is something that brings me continual joy and pleasure. Light and creation may have inspired you this morning,I choose to believe your feelings for and opinion of me played a part as well.You are my hostess here,as well as my friend and one I’ve chosen to befriend.To give to you is my fitting place.To be honored in those ways by you- is an exceptional thing,indeed.One that I treasure, as I do you and all that you are.
🙂
Maybe our little Reggie is growing up!
My son did a disappearing act in Arlington National Cemetery years ago. I’m sure it was just a few seconds where I couldn’t find him but it seemed like an eternity.
Sadly there are plenty of things to hide behind there. 🙁
Yep! Not to mention people from EVERYWHERE! A brain numbing experience for sure.
Tori,
So wonderful that your little guy was quick to be found! That MUST have been a nightmare in the making, no matter how short the time was. My heart stops when I hear those stories! My own son pulled a fast one on me ONCE, never again after that, lol. He was 4 1/2 years old at the time. We were sitting in front row seats at the annual Rich’s Fashion Show at Lenox Square in Atlanta. Well, I’m reading the printed program and glance over at him…HE’S GONE! Panic sets in with lighting speed! Next thing I hear his voice… He was up on the main stage at the Mic and saying, “My name is Bob Barker. Come On Down!” Well, everyone thought that was the cutest thing ever and they even clapped…but I was both speechless and totally relieved to see him up there.
I’m sure you and me both will take those experiences to our graves!
Oh, that is precious! Bob Barker! Four-year-olds will wear you down and run off in a minute. Mine got away from me at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta. I was weighed down with three bags and a purse and that little devil knew I couldn’t catch him. He was wearing a red sweater and as I was running, asking people to stop him, I kept my eye on that sweater. He’d run a few feet, stop and turn back to look, and then take off again. I finally caught up to him SEVEN gates down from where we had been waiting.
Nancy,
HARTSFIELD! Good heavens! That must have been a nightmare, even if you could keep him in your sights. I think my heart would have stopped right then and there…just pick me right off the floor… Of course, we as moms, do what is needed and then we puddle into a jell on the floor 🙂
Bob Barker… I knew my son loved that show but I didn’t know HOW MUCH until that day! I think he thought it was a cartoon show, what with the funny hats and all the people jumping up, laughing and screaming. Cute show and holds a special place in my heart after that.
Good Morning Sue, I picked my daughter up from the airport this morning, which is why I am late to the party today…Going to suprise my oldest daughter tonight at dinner, she has no idea her sister is in town…yippee.
I wanted to share some interesting news, my partner Laura just received some papers asking permission to use one of her photos in a Peterson’s Field Guide….she is so excited about being in a field guide. Her dream would be to be in National Geographic, but I doubt we have enough of a lifetime left to get that honor…But we are excited as this is a pretty big deal I think. She has been published in many places, like Save the Manatee Club, but being a birder, she thinks this is the cats pajamas…do they still say that? Anyway, going to be a great weekend around our house…same to you and yours and all you blogorinos.
Happy Butterfly Day to Weather!
That’s a very big deal! Give my congratulations to Laura. She must be on cloud nine… do they still say that? 🙂
Have fun with your daughter surprise!
Thanks 🙂 and a big Happy Celebrate All the Wonderful things you have going on to you,Shirlene
Wow! What an honor; no wonder you guys are excited.
🙂 Thanks all of you.
Have fun this weekend with your daughters, Shirlene! Congratulations to Laura! That is truly an honor! 🙂
I’m so over-the-moon happy for your gal and her fine photography work! Even with today’s so called do-it-all cameras it is still very much a fine artform of the interactions between the photographer and the lens. It is such a huge honor to have your works recognized by others, especially by those who are in the field or business of showcasing such works! I have a friend who is Linda, she is a National Geographic photographer. We met while doing photos for our military troops. Her works are on the showcase lighted platforms you see in all the national airports. It is a personal passion of hers as she volunteers to do that special work for the troops. I can still see the pure-joy on her face as her first works were offered by request. It is such a special time and one that your photographer will remember always! BRAVO!!!
If you could get a digital to me of some of her works I will pass them on to Linda. Ya never know what a little extra attention might bring her way. Or maybe give the name of the edition of the mag they are going to appear in, but the digitals would be best with the photo data attached. Just a suggestion, if she would like for me to do that for her. Always the Photographer’s call about her own works.
I almost forgot to read the rest of your post, lol. I always love a great surprise family gathering!! Laugh, kiss and hug much. Eat way too much. And take photos of everything to giggle at later.
Enjoy, Enjoy, ENJOY!
Those “what ifs” scare the crap outta me! What a good boy Reggie was to stay at home untethered. Not how you wanted to find out, but it’s good to know, even if he thought he was hooked up the whole time. Juno is a handsome dog, I’m so glad he and his dad were reconnected. Safe travels.
Hi, Sue,
I was literally holding my breath until I read that Reggie was ok. Also so glad that Juno was reunited with his Dad. Gracie has given me a few scares, too. The last time she got loose she crossed a 4-lane divided road 45 mph, which means some drive at least 55…while I was chasing her, (bad knees from injuries/surgeries…not being able to catch up to her) screaming for her to stop. It was a very horrible, heart-stopping experience that I hope to never repeat. I thought I was going to witness her death as I watched in horror as she went into the first lane just as a car was passing, then in the second lane, she JUST cleared the front tire of an SUV, before proceeded to cross the median , and then into the next two lanes of traffic in front of two more cars. Thank God they saw us and heard me screaming….they were able to slam on their brakes to miss her, and then roll along, blocking traffic as Gracie proceeded to take herself for a walk down the street before hopping up onto the sidewalk. Walking away from me…. I was more than a block behind her. The first car that was blocking traffic realized that she was not going to stop…and that she was not listening to me. He managed to get ahead of her, pulled over in traffic, got out of his car and crouched down on the sidewalk. Gracie walked right up to him. By the time he had her in his arms, she realized she had no clue who he was. He walked to meet me and handed her over. I am forever grateful to this this wonderful man. God had his hand on Gracie so she was not hit, on me to realize she had slipped out the door, and he sent guardian Angels in those drivers who stopped, and the man who saved her/me. This happened last year when we got home from a wonderful, relaxing vacation to Emerald Isle, NC. I opened the door to bring in her crate…the last item. That is when she slipped out, took herself out for a potty and decided she was not going to listen and wanted take off. Last year was the first time I took her on vacation with me. I told her my sisters that Gracie pup went on vacation and she lost her mind! Needless to say, my zen-like, calm state of mind was gone in an instant. Now, if I have to open the door for any reason, and she is not going with me, she goes in her crate, No exceptions! Oh, and Missy got a refresher course in training to learn that she is absolutely not to go out the door (on leash) until she looks up to me (from a sit command), and gets the “OK -gentle” release command, to gently walk out the door and down the steps….not to bolt out and pull me down the steps.