once in a lifetime

Asgard Cavalier, CDX, AX, AXJ, HCT, JHD

Isaac

March 29, 1993 - March 25, 2004

Everyone loved you and you loved me.

You were my buddy, my partner, my friend - my companion in every sense of the word. Asking nothing more than to be at my side, a willing participant in anything I wanted to try if it meant we could do it together. You were the most dependable, reliable, honest and steady dog I've ever known. Our trust was mutual - you knew I wouldn't ask anything of you that you couldn't do, and I knew if I asked, you would try. But more than anything, what I will miss most is the feeling of knowing, the wordless communication, the simple and quiet pleasure in each other's company. There was still so much left to do and to try together, but we ran out of time. And the last thing I ever wanted to say to you was goodbye.

Earning 10 titles in his nearly eleven years, Isaac earned his Companion Dog Title at 18 months old and his Companion Dog Excellent at 3-1/2 years old. When he was 8 years old we tried herding and he earned his HCT, followed by his JHD six months later at age 9. We also started training for agility when he was 8, earning his Novice Agility and Novice Agility Jumpers at age 9. In 2003 at 10 years old, he earned his Open Agility, Open Agility Jumpers, Agility Excellent and Agility Excellent Jumpers titles. He was awarded the Standard Schnauzer Club of America Agility Dog of the Year for 2003.

Five years later and he is missed still. 

He will be missed forever.

useful dogs

I call my dogs many things. Every once in awhile I call them useful. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death - they are my friends, companions, entertainment, and I wouldn't be without them. But they also have their own agenda. They are sometimes known (not very affectionately) as the destroyers. When in this mode, their motto is: "Is it cute, soft, gentle, or helpless? Then it must die."  Really. I won't go into details, but it isn't pretty. Anyway, today is one of those days that I call them useful. Sitting at my desk, I noticed a commotion at the pasture fence. Looking to see what was going on, I saw chickens running, dogs jumping at the fence, and a red tailed hawk was lifting off, just out of their reach! Good dogs. Apparently the hawk thought he'd have a nice chicken dinner but was interrupted by the dogs who probably objected to him trying to steal what they consider theirs. They're funny that way. Quick to defend their property and it's residents against all intruders. Good dogs. Useful dogs. 

I remember now

It has been slow in coming. Very slow. 

When I left the world of commuting, offices, and florescent lights to work from home over seven years ago, my chest unclenched for the first time in years. And I realized I had never accurately read the signs. To make up for the office environment I would usually eat my weekday lunch by streams, in parks, under trees, and would dread going back. Not because I hated the work - on the contrary, I loved it - but because I felt trapped indoors. I needed windows, sunlight, air. And suddenly, working from home, I could have all of that. It felt good in my soul. Not too long before I left the land of artificial lighting and recirculated air, I took some sort of a career/personality test and was a bit amused but also taken aback by the results. Apparently I would be well suited to be either an advertising executive (which I was), or a farmer. Huh. It gave me a bit of a chuckle, but also struck home

The next event that increased the momentum of change, was the death of my most beloved dog, Isaac. Frustrated by not being able to create a piece of art that would do him justice, I began to make art again for the first time in years. A little here, a little there, nothing very much, but it was a start. It felt good and it felt right. I began re-using a part of me that I had forgotten about.

Then not quite four years ago, I moved here. Back to the country. Where the mornings are still and peaceful, there is an expectant hush at twilight, and it is quiet and dark at night. Where thoughts are not overwhelmed by noise and bustle. Nature is right outside the door with wildflowers and wildlife in the woods, and birds everywhere. As I began to once again appreciate and seek out tranquility and simplicity, art became increasingly important while other things continued to fall away.

And so I remember now those things that I loved before getting caught up with all the stuff that we frantically fill our lives with. Things like growing cut flowers just so I can bring them into the house. Taking the time to explore my surroundings. Noticing small beauties such as the curl of a leaf, a patch of moss, a tiny mushroom. Really looking and seeing how things are and how they could be. Imagining possibilities. Finding peace in the quiet of the day. 

I feel like I lost my way for awhile, but things are back on track. I am making art, garden plans are underway which will include a large area for cut flowers, and dogs are at my side - just happy being dogs - with no other agenda.

dogs

I love dogs. If I were ever forced to choose just one animal to share my life with, it would be a dog, no questions. Asking nothing more than to be at our side, a willing participant in anything as long as we can do it together, dogs are our partners. There is nothing like the feeling of "knowing", the wordless communication, the simple and quiet pleasure in each other's company. 

I love being in the company of a good dog.