Weekend with Laura and Madigan in lust

Laura came for the weekend arriving at the door while I was still working in the office. Madigan was beside himself.  Barking and circling till I came to let her in.  I was delighted to see her smiling her. It has been a month and Madigan was not pleased. More she’d been with his nemesis, Molly, her sister’s dog. I’m convinced the smells overwhelmed him as long as the long absence.  

For two days and overnights despite long walks and constant admonisions from us both he was sneakily preparing to grab her arm and hump her. At night he was uncontested. The incestuous little demon was humping her leg in the bed while biting my comforter. She pushed him off dozens of times while I slept but when I woke I sent him out too. I put him in a room and he barked.  We have neighbours. 

He snarled at me and appeared about to bite when I dragged him out of the room. Morning came and we were both exhausted by he had all the energy in the world with crazy eyes.  If you didn’t know ‘dog in love’ you’d think he was rabid. We kept fluctuating from thinking he was mad or bad. Several times we thought of taking him to the vet. However he’d been this way before when Laura returned from parting but it only went on a night.  

The next night I leashed him to my wrist and slept on the couch. Laura had a good night’s sleep and in the morning he was like he normally was, over his manic psychotic, panic state.All the shallow breathing and low growling was gone and the werewolf was back to dog.  We has a lovely sunday as a family.  I’d barbecued steak Saturday night and pork chops Sunday night. 

We watched Babylon the movie with Brad Pitt and Robbie enjoying it immensely. We also watched NCIS Hawai episodes and had walks together with the dog. We visitted the ducks and geese a good hour walk. He was fine on the walks and meal times but the minute we were sitting reading he was werewolf and was repeatedly jumping on Laura when I left the room or turned my back. She’d fend him off but he really was a perfect rendition of the rapists , he’d grab her arm with his forepaws and mount her leg or side.

“I remember Shinto going through a phase like this and then that adorable pointer presented and he thereafter was only interested in dogs. Gilbert had an intense love and lust affair with poor Aim but grew out of it at a year.  I think Madigan is delayed because of the isolation of Covid and lack of socialization. Even Stuart went through a phase but he had lots of play time with other little dogs.  Madigan has had his little girlfriend, Peter’s Luka and others but they’ve always been supervised.”

“I’m wondering about neutering him.  If those keeps on. The problem is un-neutered its hard to get him in day care. Un-neutered males are attacked by the neutered males and create problems in dog spas.”  

“I don’t know.

He’s also had a horrible time with his matted coat and bad encounters with groomers till Dr Beiranacki took him in and Sabrina shaved him with some anesthetic assistance. He was really confused after that. It probably didn’t help I spanked him when he started getting up on the table. Top dog stuff. He even marketed the doorway something he’d not done in a year.  

Then yesterday he was back to normal. I wondered if Molly’s smell remained on Laura.  All in all it was an ordeal but Sunday was great.  That night we were able to sleep in the bed and he slept at the bottom of the bed as normal

Laura headed out in her smart little red smart car and we waved her good bye looking forward to her return next weekend for the Abbotsford Tradex RV show.  Our routines are coming again with spring.  Everything is getting better with spring.  It’s been a hard winter with toilet plugged and weeks of weekends having it worked on, the terrible freezing and snow and ice.  On the weekend it was raining but nice rain. The sun is up in the morning and at the end of the day there’s still sun.

“We are going to live another year if we survive Februrary’.  Laura said.

We’re making it.  I’m digging myself out of the costs of repairs and all the dues and extra payments and horrible inflation and taxes. My heating costs doubled like the driving costs.  So many patients depressed and angry and with constant Trudeau’s lies, corruption and ineptness there seemed no light on the horizon.

Meanwhile the men and my meetings and the doctors in my group and even church have kept me hopeful.  Now Laura and I are back together.

I find when she’s here I’m comfortable au drab.  Canada is an anti male castrated country with all the toxic masculinity and dead beat dads propaganda and the lying radical feminists but the vast majority aren’t aligned with that communist credo.  I hate the constant threats and with anxiety don’t fight anymore. Whenever I’ve stood up to the injustice of the government I’ve been punished financially and personally for years after. I win battles but at what costs. Even defending abused patients takes its toll as the industry’s of  corruption  is so entrenched. It’s soul destroying to see the evil rewarded and promoted in this country with such weak leadership and crime so celebrated.  

Meanwhile I’m plugging away.  Inflation has eaten a third of all Canadian savings as our country plunges into third world economics.  I see Elon Musk as hopeful. His exposed of the lies and corruption of the FBI and Hillary Clinton campaign and abuse of TWitter is so refreshing. The abscess is exposed and might well be lanced. They continue to ondear the pedophilia ring that infiltrated the FBI like it did the Vatican.  Trudeau seems central.  He prances about like a male Kardasian taking selfies and lying and gaslighting.

I’m facing another week of work.  I already miss Laura.  Madigan is in the other room wailing with mournful yowls.  I had to go and comfort him twice.

Laura and I talk of the relief we’ll feel when I have my camper repaired and we can head out into the woods.  We’ve had such joy in the camper by the rivers and lakes barbecuing and enjoying the wood smoke and pines smells. The sky is so clear at night and the stars such a wonder. We read and Madigan gets to run about off leashing sniffing everything. I’ll get the 4x4 out too and drive about back woods taking pictures carrying a gun for target practice if anything.  We have that ahead of us.

I think of a sex change and there’s little appeal in the association of the clubbing and clothing and make up.  I like women’s clothes as lighter than male attire but I’ve bougjt ht some new duds that are as comfortable. When Laura’s present I’m into a long line of fine memories and times together remembering the old Jewish saying. a man without a woman is not a man. I miss my mensch mentors.  I miss the older men who have guided me in recent years. They’ve died and I don’t do grief well.  Women and men friends dying and aging facing me.  Antonioo’s funeral was this weekend and I didn’t go because I hadn’t RRSVP’d and instead saw Dr. Ready the chiropracter. He’s been amazing.  I’m walking without pain now.  We walked over an hour After the first time in months I was able to extend my walking to over a half hour. I’d been down to less than a block when the pain would strike. Now I’m experineing stretches of relief.  Time and stretches and spring coming and Dr. Ready all helping.

I am if truth be told coming out of a depression.  Uplifted I feel manly and want to go out and climb mountains and hunt and fish but depressed I want to lie at home or at most isolate.  

I’m thankful.  I haven’t had time yet to get to a show I’m looking forwards to. I’m drifting country from the city and my hope is to travel with camper and truck . I saw the museums and art galleries last year and imagine I’d love another trip to NYto see the Museum of Art and Met.  For now I’m looking forward to spruce trees and the call of the loon.  

Thank you Jesus.  

Weekend with Laura and Madigan in lust

Laura came for the weekend arriving at the door while I was still working in the office. Madigan was beside himself.  Barking and circling till I came to let her in.  I was delighted to see her smiling her. It has been a month and Madigan was not pleased. More she’d been with his nemesis, Molly, her sister’s dog. I’m convinced the smells overwhelmed him as long as the long absence.  

For two days and overnights despite long walks and constant admonisions from us both he was sneakily preparing to grab her arm and hump her. At night he was uncontested. The incestuous little demon was humping her leg in the bed while biting my comforter. She pushed him off dozens of times while I slept but when I woke I sent him out too. I put him in a room and he barked.  We have neighbours. 

He snarled at me and appeared about to bite when I dragged him out of the room. Morning came and we were both exhausted by he had all the energy in the world with crazy eyes.  If you didn’t know ‘dog in love’ you’d think he was rabid. We kept fluctuating from thinking he was mad or bad. Several times we thought of taking him to the vet. However he’d been this way before when Laura returned from parting but it only went on a night.  

The next night I leashed him to my wrist and slept on the couch. Laura had a good night’s sleep and in the morning he was like he normally was, over his manic psychotic, panic state.All the shallow breathing and low growling was gone and the werewolf was back to dog.  We has a lovely sunday as a family.  I’d barbecued steak Saturday night and pork chops Sunday night. 

We watched Babylon the movie with Brad Pitt and Robbie enjoying it immensely. We also watched NCIS Hawai episodes and had walks together with the dog. We visitted the ducks and geese a good hour walk. He was fine on the walks and meal times but the minute we were sitting reading he was werewolf and was repeatedly jumping on Laura when I left the room or turned my back. She’d fend him off but he really was a perfect rendition of the rapists , he’d grab her arm with his forepaws and mount her leg or side.

“I remember Shinto going through a phase like this and then that adorable pointer presented and he thereafter was only interested in dogs. Gilbert had an intense love and lust affair with poor Aim but grew out of it at a year.  I think Madigan is delayed because of the isolation of Covid and lack of socialization. Even Stuart went through a phase but he had lots of play time with other little dogs.  Madigan has had his little girlfriend, Peter’s Luka and others but they’ve always been supervised.”

“I’m wondering about neutering him.  If those keeps on. The problem is un-neutered its hard to get him in day care. Un-neutered males are attacked by the neutered males and create problems in dog spas.”  

“I don’t know.

He’s also had a horrible time with his matted coat and bad encounters with groomers till Dr Beiranacki took him in and Sabrina shaved him with some anesthetic assistance. He was really confused after that. It probably didn’t help I spanked him when he started getting up on the table. Top dog stuff. He even marketed the doorway something he’d not done in a year.  

Then yesterday he was back to normal. I wondered if Molly’s smell remained on Laura.  All in all it was an ordeal but Sunday was great.  That night we were able to sleep in the bed and he slept at the bottom of the bed as normal

Laura headed out in her smart little red smart car and we waved her good bye looking forward to her return next weekend for the Abbotsford Tradex RV show.  Our routines are coming again with spring.  Everything is getting better with spring.  It’s been a hard winter with toilet plugged and weeks of weekends having it worked on, the terrible freezing and snow and ice.  On the weekend it was raining but nice rain. The sun is up in the morning and at the end of the day there’s still sun.

“We are going to live another year if we survive Februrary’.  Laura said.

We’re making it.  I’m digging myself out of the costs of repairs and all the dues and extra payments and horrible inflation and taxes. My heating costs doubled like the driving costs.  So many patients depressed and angry and with constant Trudeau’s lies, corruption and ineptness there seemed no light on the horizon.

Meanwhile the men and my meetings and the doctors in my group and even church have kept me hopeful.  Now Laura and I are back together.

I find when she’s here I’m comfortable au drab.  Canada is an anti male castrated country with all the toxic masculinity and dead beat dads propaganda and the lying radical feminists but the vast majority aren’t aligned with that communist credo.  I hate the constant threats and with anxiety don’t fight anymore. Whenever I’ve stood up to the injustice of the government I’ve been punished financially and personally for years after. I win battles but at what costs. Even defending abused patients takes its toll as the industry’s of  corruption  is so entrenched. It’s soul destroying to see the evil rewarded and promoted in this country with such weak leadership and crime so celebrated.  

Meanwhile I’m plugging away.  Inflation has eaten a third of all Canadian savings as our country plunges into third world economics.  I see Elon Musk as hopeful. His exposed of the lies and corruption of the FBI and Hillary Clinton campaign and abuse of TWitter is so refreshing. The abscess is exposed and might well be lanced. They continue to ondear the pedophilia ring that infiltrated the FBI like it did the Vatican.  Trudeau seems central.  He prances about like a male Kardasian taking selfies and lying and gaslighting.

I’m facing another week of work.  I already miss Laura.  Madigan is in the other room wailing with mournful yowls.  I had to go and comfort him twice.

Laura and I talk of the relief we’ll feel when I have my camper repaired and we can head out into the woods.  We’ve had such joy in the camper by the rivers and lakes barbecuing and enjoying the wood smoke and pines smells. The sky is so clear at night and the stars such a wonder. We read and Madigan gets to run about off leashing sniffing everything. I’ll get the 4x4 out too and drive about back woods taking pictures carrying a gun for target practice if anything.  We have that ahead of us.

I think of a sex change and there’s little appeal in the association of the clubbing and clothing and make up.  I like women’s clothes as lighter than male attire but I’ve bougjt ht some new duds that are as comfortable. When Laura’s present I’m into a long line of fine memories and times together remembering the old Jewish saying. a man without a woman is not a man. I miss my mensch mentors.  I miss the older men who have guided me in recent years. They’ve died and I don’t do grief well.  Women and men friends dying and aging facing me.  Antonioo’s funeral was this weekend and I didn’t go because I hadn’t RRSVP’d and instead saw Dr. Ready the chiropracter. He’s been amazing.  I’m walking without pain now.  We walked over an hour After the first time in months I was able to extend my walking to over a half hour. I’d been down to less than a block when the pain would strike. Now I’m experineing stretches of relief.  Time and stretches and spring coming and Dr. Ready all helping.

I am if truth be told coming out of a depression.  Uplifted I feel manly and want to go out and climb mountains and hunt and fish but depressed I want to lie at home or at most isolate.  

I’m thankful.  I haven’t had time yet to get to a show I’m looking forwards to. I’m drifting country from the city and my hope is to travel with camper and truck . I saw the museums and art galleries last year and imagine I’d love another trip to NYto see the Museum of Art and Met.  For now I’m looking forward to spruce trees and the call of the loon.  

Thank you Jesus.  

Ornithologist Tools

Note the dog.  Gilbert walks me twice a day.

I take along my Nikon Monarch M511. 8x42 5.5. Water proof binoculars and

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 with its Nikon 125W Optical Zoom ED VR

          4.3-539 mm 1:2.8-8.     4K

The two books are the Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds Western Region

And the Birds of Interior BC and the Rockies by Richard Cannings. 

In theory, I find the bird with the binoculars, then take the pictures with the coolpix p1000.  The birds like to moon me and flit by often beyond the speed of photographer or camera.  I try to identify the birds with the books or call my nephew Graeme. He also was the one who recommended the Nikon Coolpix and as he does astronomy photography he knows about camera telescopic lens. 

This is the best set up I’ve had in years. Since I was 12 ,I’ve taken bird pictures with a wide variety of cameras and equipment. 

I have had some really blessed shots which were published internationally.  Ross Gull, Snow geese lifting as examples. That was using a Canon with zoom or a Nikon with a 500 lens plus that required a tripod to stabilize it. The beauty of the Coolpix is that it’s light enough to and small enough to be hand held. 

This arrangement was for small birds and I’m just loving the telephoto on the Coolpix.  I have big  10x50 binoculars for hunting and boating but the 8x42 is truly the classic birdwatcher binoculars. These Nikon Monarch’s  was blessed to get with reward points.  The are bright and lightweight so perfect.  

Covid 19 and the Lockdown with 2 dog walks a day certainly served to restore my old love of bird photography.  My Scottish uncle was the Audubon photographer for seagulls and my brother Ron loved raptor photography, having his photos hanging in wildlife museums in Italy.

All together this is the best set up, with the dog as encouragement, to get me out and off the couch. We had a marvellous walk this morning and saw a hummingbird faster than the speed of binoculars or camera. What a rush!

36 yo Shinto, Cross Irish Setter Nish Springer Spaniel, friend and family

For 11 years Shinto, my English Springer Spaniel Cross Irish Setter dog friend and family would be in my life. I’d get him as a puppy from Quadra Island when I was living in Comox. I’d spend all my nights and weekends with him, sharing and training. I wanted him as a hunting dog and he became that as well as the best of friends.

Shinto was the the Japanese hearth religion that believed the spiritual permeated the world and was present in animals.  Shinto was my spiritual companion, my soulmate. From that bundle of love to the great defender and hunter he became he was always a joy and marvel.

I’d leave him at home when I went to work in Comox coming back at noon to feed and walk him. I lived with a grave yard behind the Anglican Church manse I was renting. We’d walk there. As well we’d go to the beaches around and he’d come on long forest hikes. He loved to fetch. In the fall I’d lace wings of ducks and grouse to boards to teach him to retrieve birds.

I’d bought the Vanagon as much for him so that I could leave him in the Van when I had to go inside to work.

There are so many stories that come to mind. I always had a cat. Moon was the first.she thought of Shinto as her own. Moon had a litter of kittens. I was home drunk and the door to my bedroom had closed. Moon was terrorizing Shinto to get out of the bedroom or wake me up or whatever. He obviously needed to pee but it was more than that. The cat was up in arms with her kittens. I was hungover and unwilling to get up. I brushed him aside a couple of times despite the sounds of hissing and whimpering. Then I looked up and there was Shinto squatting on my chest taking a dump. He flew outside, carried with me departing the bed, going through the doors and chucking him outside in the back yard. The cat seemed relieved.  I had to shower. Shinto remains the one dog that lived to tell of his taking a big steaming crap on his owners chest. I deserved it.

Shinto became a great hunting dog. Bill Mewhort ,not quick to praise another man’s dogs, was thoroughly impressed with Shinto. 

I was once on a mound and watched him chase a grouse in the bushes below me bringing this bird in a wide circle till he was just perfectly placed so his flush would make a perfect shot. At that point I saw Shinto increase speed and nip the bird’s tail. The bird took flight and made a perfect trajectory in front of me. I’d been so mesmerized by Shinto’s skill that I wasn’t prepared and missed the perfect shot.

Shinto was miffed.  He had such a personality. The rest of the hunt he pouted. Didn’t range, walked by my side but didn’t raise birds for me. I envisioned him putting an ad in a doggy newspaper looking for another hunting partner. He’d fired me. Thankfully I shot a bird which he duly fetched and I was once again in his good graces.

He’d raise grouse which would fly up in trees and hide. With his keen sense of smell and his ear for the little cooing noise grouse make on perch he’d follow them through the woods and barking bring me to where they were hiding above in the green foliage.  I’d easily shoot them off the tree with a head shot from my 22 rifle.Shinto was so happy with our team on those occasions.

Deer hunting I remember this one occasion we were hunting and this man asked us at noon if my dog could track a deer. He’d shot it and it had got away but he was sure it was a mortal wound.  I said sure knowing Shinto had tracked fallen game for me and tracked live game as well.  He immediately picked up the scent and with me running behind him shortly began barking. There he was standing on the fallen buck, proud as could be. I joined him but when the man came up he growled at him. It was our deer and this fellow wasnt’ getting any of it.  

When I moved back to Vancouver and went to work at the Asylum Shinto would stay in the Vanagon while I worked. I’d come out and walk him at night and sometimes visit for a bit during the days.  This one occasion I was leaving and he was with me when I was called to the dangerously insane ward.

“There’s a man whose come to us without the transfer paper work. We don’t know why he’s here.  The female nurses want him kept locked up and say he gives them a really bad feeling. The men think he’s fine.  Would you be able to see him before you go. We’d’ like to let him out in the common area”.

I came over, Shinto on heel beside me. He never broke heel.  Except this occasion. As soon as we entered the ward, he b -lined right for this nondescript fellow sitting alone in the common area.  Standing 5 feet in front of him he began snarling and barking. I ‘d never seen or heard him do anything like this.i walked to the front desk with Shinto guarding the guy and said,

“My guess is that’s the guy.”

“Yes,’ the male nurse said.

“My vote’s with the women. Put him back in the locked cell until we know more about him. I’ve never seen my dog do anything like that.”

They put him in the locked cell. Shinto settled immediately wagging his tail and coming to my side. I’d later learn that the man had killed and rapped a woman and was sent to us because psychotic he’d raped a nurse and hurt another.  Shinto had great instincts. Later when I had my own office he’d always sit with me and his reactions to patients provided great insights. He was never wrong.  

He liked her though he was my dog. When we moved to Parksville he loved it.  He was funny. Once I looked all over for him and he’d climbed into “ His Vanagon ’ and slept there. The message was he wanted to go for a ride. 

 I had lots of cats in Parksville. When Moon had her litter I’d watch her come down from upstairs where the kitties were and walk over to Shinto and rub noses. She’d then go out hunting while Shinto looking like the world was on his shoulders would climb up the stairs and lie down in front of the kittens. Just to see, I tried to get him to come, calling him, offering steak, nothing got him to move from his guard duty till Moon would return with a bird or mouse and let him go. Then he’d bound to where I was wanting the steak now that’d he’d done the heavy work.

The neighbour was a surly fellow with a mean old collie that attacked dogs that walked down the street. He was a sneaky fellow. He did his surprise  chargeand bolled Shinto over having caught him completely unaware Then he was trying for Shinto’s throat but Shinto twisted away as I moved To get between them. The next time we walked down the street the dog tried the same maneuver but Shinto ,now prepared ,met his charge The dog fight to beat all dog fights ensured. I stood back.  I figured it was a good match. I assumed I’d face vet bills for one or both.  Rolling and snapping and up on hind legs they had at her till the collie submitted and slunk away.  Shintowas noticeably   proud.  I was too.  “That’s my boy!” Everyone was glad because they’d had to alter their walks to avoid this mean dog but no longer..  That dog stayed in his yard and Shinto was king.  I was so proud.

Shinto was my constant companion.  Hunting he’d find all the grouse and raise some more. He didn’t like swimming or ducks though.

The first time I was horseback hunting with my native world champion Broncho riding friend Wayne and my wife, I saw a great green mallard drake  in the river. I slipped off my horse got my shot gun out of the scabbard and shot it as it took flight. It was high when I brought it down. I’d waited because though it was dawn there were farms in the area.  There were four of us on horse.  I now sent Shinto for the duck but he refused . Finally he swam over. But rather than bring the duck back, he dropped it on the other bank , spitting out oily feathers ,as much to say, “I don’t do ducks’.  Though I called him he just stayed there with the duck.

I stripped and swam  over, kicked him and swam back with the duck, Shinto swimming sheepishly back with me, me carrying the duck.  My native friends were laughing uproariously and gave me the native name ‘man who fetches duck for dog”.  

That was the day we did Man from Snowy River.  My wife was an excellent horsewoman. She’d trained in dressage but hadn’t ridden wild like I had. With my grand dad and later in Manitoba and with my uncle cowboy and my dad’s cowboy and cow girl friends we just rode horses as if they were our bicycles. They were a friendly means of transport. There was no competition. I certainly didn’t look good but after being on bucking horses and being thrown by horses when rabbit ran in front of them and falling off horses jumping creek I’d learned to hang on and stay with the group.  My wife was in heaven. WAyne was the greatest rider and a regular horse whisperer. Shinto had a great time running along side the horses avoiding getting under foot. 

We were at the top of the mountain when Wayne said “lets go!” And over the side he went. He headed straight down with my wife having the ride of her life. I was on this great Morgan who decided to do the trip on two legs. It took all my attention to get him to shift into four wheel drive.  When finally he did he barrelled straight down and catching up with the first two horses. Wayne’s friend was riding behind us. Shinto was running full out beside us.

When we hit the plain Wayne kept right on going and we galloped across this great field , the light going and the moon rising. Shinto was in glee. It was an unforgettable once in a lifetime day.. We never shot or even saw a deer at the top of the mountain or in the valley but we all had the time of our lives.

In Parksville shortly after we moved in across from Marion, she said, “we lost some chickens last night. I saw the culprit. I think it was  Shinto.”

“Oh no,”I said. “Shinto would never hurt domestic chickens. He’s only a wild bird hunter.” I waxed poetic and promised that it couldn’t be Shinto.”

“I’ll show you ,” I said,  going home to bring back Shinto.  

“I walked into her yard and the Chickens were in the yard. Shinto was on heel. Everything was looking good. The next moment all hell broke out. Shinto was a lightning monster reigning havoc on the chickens with me screaming and chasing him and Marion trying to help. 6 of her  prize chickens were dead in less minutes.  Shinto standing looking very pleased with himself white feathers all over his face. I’d pay Marion for the 10 chickens altogether that Shinto had killed , in a couple of days, 6 in front of my eyes.  No, not my dog. 

I’d get chickens of my own and do some serious training until Shinto could have chicks crawling over him. I had to teach Moon and Calico the same things. These birds are family.  He soon differentiated chickens from grouse.

He’d ride with us across Canada, befriend my dog loving father and mother,  and come down to California in the Vanagon. 

Then he’d be a boat dog on my 40 foot Folkes sailing vessel.

He was enamoured with the dolphins. They’d always join us when we were motoring liking the bow wave, being attracted by the particular boat engine sounds. They knew our boat.  Shinto knew them. Suddenly he’d be running up and down the deck loudly barking gleefully as the dolphins jumped out of the water and splashed him. They’d sometimes at anchor come up and look at him up close. Friends.

Sailing down to Mexico was a different story. One morning we were under power with the autopilot set. She was in the cabin and I was making coffee.  There was this faint whimper bark , woof , woof. It was so unusual.  Shinto was walking back and forth on the deck but not barking.

Right beside us was an 80 foot grey whale and it was like Shnto was saying, “I’m required to alert my master but I won’t bark. I don’t want to disturb you “.  He was definitely humbled and impressed by this great creature swimming beside us. He’d not have such a reaction to Orcas though he’d not bark loudly at them.either. Dolphins and he were having fun together whereas whales were serious mammals. He respected them and was clearly mollified by their size. They’re truly majestic. To have these great creatures swim along side you so you could reach out and touch them and go their way was quite the experience.  For a little dog it was multiplied a hundred fold. 

In Mexico the dogs would come at him two at a time, a little distraction , nip and run. It was a dirty game so I got together with Shinto when they tried this grabbing the sneaky dog by the scruff and lifting him off the ground leaving Shinto to easily scare off the other mutt. We were a team. We had each other’s back.  I always felt safe with him.  

In the woods he’d alert me to wolves and bear.  I’d be tenting and have him and a gun by my side and sleep like a kitten.  He was man’s best friend.

Back in Vancouver after the trauma of my divorce and my being away, he didn’t know what was happening and I’m sure stress contributed to his death. 

He ‘d come with me to the cabin in the moutains where I was sober and we walked the hills together. He was a delight in those days. I was sad, lonely and he was there. Always happy always wanting to go for a trip , go for a walk, fetch a stick, always up for adventure. I’d say I was taking him for a walk but he was taking me.

When I was back in Vancouver again and had a new practice, my life on a new road he became ill. It was like he’d stood beside me through all that time and now felt he could go. I believe animals buffer the psychic attacks and take the wounds which without their help would kill you. I believe that Shinto sacrificed himself for me when I was fighting lying burocrats and lying ex wives and just trying to survive.  

He developed stomach cancer.  I’d taken him to the vet and got a second opinion. It was inoperable.  He was in pain. I had him put down. He was 11 years old, 77 years old in human years.He’d had a good life. . The best friend a man could ever have.  The vet was wonderful. We stood together and I was with him at the end.  Even now I cry thinking of him and how much he gave to my life.  

Good boy, Shinto. Good boy. 

Walk with Gilbert along the River

Today Gilbert and I had a couple of long walks.  These are the photos along the way.  Spring is upon us. I loved the sun today.  
I always enjoy the mallards.
I
The heron sometimes is in the river but today it was up in the trees. I think it's a Great Blue Heron, but probably female or young because it doesn't have the big beard the older Great Blue male sports. 
Gilbert isn't very patient with my stopping to take pictures. You can see he's looking back to see why i'm doddling.

I miss my brother. When we were kids I'd be able to ask him what the birds were. We were both keen on watching birds (ornithology) He'd be able to tell me if this was a Great Blue.  I wasn't sure about the Song Sparrow either. I have to check the bird book repeatedly sometimes. When he's around I just ask and he knows.  After taking thousands of bird pictures he's got a pretty good idea. 

I liked the kingfishers so much I uploaded them by themselves. 
The trail itself is pretty.There's damns on the river and I especially like the fences ..
At the end of the second long walk Gilbert was ready for a nap.  He does at least a hundred steps to my one. He moves a lot faster too.

Gilbert's Vacation

While Laura and Bill are sitting in planes and conferences and walking about the old world, Gilbert will be visiting his aunts and frolicking on beaches. He will also be attending art classes with one of Canada's finest painters. We hope that with this experience he will develop more refinement and cultural sensitivity. We're not expecting much from only a week but do hope he will piss with a little more discrimination. We'll leaving him with toys and bedding so hope he'll not be too lonely at summer camp. He'll have good times with his cousin boy dog so expect to hear of great sniffing adventures when we're reunited.










- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Delta,Canada

Cripple Lake Hunting

The guys got in late last night so couldn't be woken for morning hunt . I'd slept in till light so wasn't judging. Serious hunters have left camp and positioned themselves for dawn. I've done that a lot. But today was miserable, wet and cold. I was glad I ' d found the coffee.

Gearing up in a small tent is always a challenge. Once dressed for hunting things progressed fairly quickly despite the assistance of a wet small dog.

The best hunting is nearest dawn. My friend Bill Mewhort always got us up in the dark so we'd be out on the trail taking a spot to sit and ambush game for the break of dawn. Following his advice I've spent many a morning watching the sun come up looking out over some pristine valley waiting for deer to leave the low lands.

The guys have seen a bull moose and a female moose with a couple of young. Quite the sighting. They also saw a large waddling animal with short tale that sounded just like a wolverine. We've all seen bear.

Next day - sunny and warm - not as good for hunting but great for spirits:




Laura is not impressed by sighting of bear. She stays in the camp with her great defender, Gilbert, the 6 month old cockapoo. She has the Budget Rent a Truck to hide in since I'm off on the Honda 230 motorcycle. The guys ATV transmission died the first day so they've been going out with the 1500 truck. Laura has a bear banger with her at all times. I've left her with a loaded 12 guage defender and shown her several times how to crank a buckshot shell into the chamber and fire. I've left her the 3030 too since with one lever action she can put a shell up the spot and shoot that. She has a fire and the generator going but despite all this she suspiciously thinks we brought her and Gilbert along for bait.

At night we sleep with big flashlights and 12 guages loaded with buckshot and slugs.




Before I left I got a 30 below rate top of the line sleeping bag from Mountain Coop. I'm still using the arctic down filled inferno sleeping bag I bought 30 years ago when I was flying up to Churchill medicine to do medicine. That said we're also using coleman catalytic heaters with propane to take the chill off especially in the morning.



When I got my day limit of 10 grouse I told the guys, Luke and Sunny it was there turn now to get a species limit, either a single moose,2 mule dear or a black bear. They're both keen to do that. They've been shooting grouse too and we've all been target practicing on empty cans so it's clear everyone is a fine shot. The problem is finding the big game to shoot at.




I got the canoe out paddling for evening hunt, looking for moose to come down to the lake. In the day time Luke had it out duck hunting. Neither of us was lucky.




We all keep saying though that we love doing all these activities, canoeing, hiking, motorcycling, 4x4ing, target shooting, bird hunting, camping and added to that is big game hunting. Laura is being a trooper providing camp security. Made fabulous steak and potatoes with sour cream one night too.




I ahd to come into Fort St. James because the clutch on my Honda 230 wasn't working. I called up Kit Loveseth the great guy I'd met and gone hunting with the last time I was up here in winter, giving Kumar Towing all the business getting stuck in the heavy snow. Kit's been working but we keep hoping to make contact. I told him his big dog would probably eat Little Gilbertt and he told me has three dogs now. He spoils his dogs just like I do Gilbert. Members of the family.



Kit recommended I contact Andre at his Small Engine Repair place on Robert Road. Andre was there at his place surrounded by ATV and outboards. I got the motorcycle out of the truck. He asked me what had happened, hopped on the motorcycle, road up and down his lane. Made some adjustments. Rode up and down his lane again, made some more adjustments and said. "The cable was loose and slipping but also the clutch itsefl was hitting the bottom of the engine stopping it going up. " 10 minutes and I'm back on the hunt.





Stopped here at Red Fox coffeeshop after stocking up on more propane bottles at the Tru Value Hardware. People at Tru Value were just great, so helpful, and now I'm drinking mocha coffee. It's a really friendly town. Met some fine First Nations folk swapping hunting stories at the gas station and everyone has just been so welcoming.

I love Fort St. James but it's time to get back to Cripple Lake Recreational site and see if the guys have got a moose or Laura has bagged the bear she keeps worrying about. Gilbert had a grouse wing and was in heaven but then he's ecstatic if he can chomp on a discarded plastic water bottle.





, 2 - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cripple Lake Campsite

The guys didn't make it back tonight. I figure they most likely got stuck. I've spent several nights in my truck waiting for morning to make my way out. Their ATV had a malfunction already. They had to hike miles to get a lift back to camp. I thought maybe they'd shot a moose and were having to hike it back. I trust they're well.

It was a rough night arriving here at 130 am and setting up camp. I couldn't get the cot up or the heater working. Laura was beat as was I.Gilbert woke me as usual at 7. So I was first up. I couldn't find coffee and it turned out we didn't have mugs. Luke eventually had coffee brewed because it turned out my stove didn't work. Gilbert got in z dirty puddle and came into the tent to lie on laura's face. Not a good start to the day.

I finally got on my Honda 230 motorcycle and headed out with my 30:06. It's awesome terrain around here. I immediately spooked a big black bear bu it had gone into deep brush by the time I was off the bike and loading the rifle. I put out a target and got bullseye a out 100 yards. That's when I began coming across grouse shooting off the heads with my rifle. When I headed back to camp it was noon and I had 8 grouse.

Gilbert was most intrigued as I was cleaning the on the makeshift dock by the lake. Laura was feeling better. I drove back into town and got the things web were missing. It was duck when I completed the hour drive back.

Laura said the guys had shot some grouse taken food and gone out for the night hunt. The fire has been warm. Luke chopped a lot of wood.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Mr. Squirrel, Gilbert and Angel

We have a yard squirrel. I don't know if we'd have one were it not for Gilbert. He appears to come solely to tease Gilbert. Gilbert is teased. But they both appear to be equally entertained.
Mr. Squirrel jumps back and forth from the fence to the tree, then scoots down the tree trunk to peer at Gilbert, just feet above his nose. Mr. Squirrel's long bushy tail is wagging wildly. Gilbert's short stubby tail is wagging wildly. Then Gilbert runs in high speed circles about the tree occasionally uttering a high pitched bark that sounds distinctly like "No fair!"
Mr. Squirrel then flies up the tree laughing whenever Gilbert jumps up and down with only his forepaws touching the trunk.
Then a game of peek a boo ensues. Mr. Squirrel scampers around the trunk only to peer out to see if Gilbert is following. Gilbert runs around the other direction looking anxiously for the missing squirrel.
Angel the cat tied on a long leash watched this whole affair for some time. Finally apparently thoroughly flummoxed by Gilbert's carrying on, made a mad dash herself, across the yard. She literally flew up the tree trunk after fleeing Mr. Squirrel until she came abruptly to the end of her tether.
It was Gilbert's turn to stand back thoroughly amazed at his sister's agility.
Mr. Squirrel was long gone, out of the yard and catching a fast train for the coast.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gilbert, the Harley Hound of Heaven

It's been said that dogs mirror God. That's the free will hypothesis of religion. God let the human go and has been hanging on for dear life since. In this sense all suffering and all praise rests with the human not with God since God is just along for the ride.

Gilbert is God like in this sense. In our first encounter I took him from his mother and lifted him with human hands. The breeder, Deborah Mitchell, d'Tressor Kennels, Whidbey Island, had obviously introduced him to this and he licked my chin as puppies will. Gilbert is such as suck that he even rolls over belly up and exposes his genitals to the very best looking women. My dog.

He was anxious however when I introduced him to Truck. My Ford Ranger 4x4 was his first experience with driving and on the return from Whidbey Island he very quickly informed me that he wanted nothing to do with his his cage and preferred my crotch if we were going to have to go anywhere with Truck. As a smart dog he moved quickly to where he thought the greatest protection would be provided. Manly puppy.

A while back I introduced him to my Harley carrying him like a baby in first an Outward Hound chest carrier and next an over the shoulder Outward Hound sling. He wore Doggles eye protection. Initially a whimper or two was met with special bison treats and this was thought to be a product of the chill from the wind so I bought him a brown fleece called "cloak and dawggie".

I'd bought a T Bags carrier from Trev Deeley Harley Motorcycle even before I got Gilbert. I wasn't sure of the size as indicated by leather studded Harley leash I bought at the same time that Deborah said would probably hold a Bull Mastiff. The trouble with the TBag for Gilbert is that he kept dragging his whole tiny body through the hole that only the head is supposed to come out of.

I had to impatiently wait, plying him with treats and puppy chow in hope he'd soon bulk up to be a harley puppy and ride behind me in his own TBag seat. As cute as it was to have him carried in a baby sling it really did nothing for my mean biker look.

Gilbert having done Truck, and Harley did Canoe and Sailboat in the last couple of weeks and probably out of sheer terror has had a 'growth spurt' so yesterday was ready for the next stage in Harley Puppy traing.

He's becoming rather dubious about my suggestions though. Indeed in our discussion of him enterring the black box T bag he gave me a look that God probably gave his son Jesus when Christ said he was going to go ahead with the Cross. Big mournful eyes. Could you take this cup from me please.

I have two harnesses which go on him and the TBag has hooks that come from either end inside to hook to the harness. This was good because Gilbert was all for squeazing out of the head hole again and I couldn't very well nail his paws to the canvas bag.

Once I gave him those bison treats and lashed him down behind the harley 'sissy' bar with his Doggles on he had a change of attitude and almost looked like a confident older dog gung ho for a 'ride'. I could just hear him saying, "Forgive him for he knows not what he does."

And sure enough he was the perfect pooch riding to work with me through the Vancouver morning rush hour traffic. Not a peep. On the way back from work at night though in the rain he whimpered and was quickly rewarded with bison treats. He obviously needs a leather biker jacket.

I've found several Harley leather jackets for dogs on the internet and when he finally stops growing I'll definitely get him fully geared up. Zimmer.com has doggy biker helmuts, not yet DOT approved, but so far I've found no leather chaps for biker cockapoos.

For now however, Gilbert is definitely Francis Thompson's Hound of Heaven coming after me on his Harley.

Pemberton Valley Lodge

I've had another great sleep in this wonderfully comfortable place. I've been coming here ever since it opened. Luke and I came once and used it as a base for hunting. I remember him being impressed with the way 'old guys' hunted. It's a truly luxurious place with beautiful autumn décor, little kitchenettes like you'd find in upscale city apartments. The showers and baths are standard thoughtful hotel. They're definitely a change from the clutter of home. Then there's the pool and hot tub outside. There's an exercise room I've never used.

Gilbert today barked by the bed. It's his dog alarm clock. If you don't walk me now I'll leave a steamy brown pile hidden for you to step on. As I'm stumbling about looking for hoody and sweats, he's already jumping about chewing on shoes and dangling from my pant legs. I was just about ready when he made that rear end squat threat of his. I did the scoop and we were out the door, the dog smile all over his face. They're smarter than we think.

Thanks to him I found this incredible dog walk round the back. It in turn connected to the horse trails. Pemberton is this great riding community and horse trails lace the whole country side. I used to come up here to ride with Wayne Andrews, the World Champion Indian Broncho Rider. He has WD Ranch over in the Mount Currie Reserve by the rodeo grounds.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lil'wat_First_Nation He's the real horse whisperer. Once had me doing Man from Snowy River coming down a mountainside.

Grandad had a ranch and I'd grown up riding western. The principle idea was to stay on for long periods. With my Dad and his cowboy friends I'd ride about the north. It was just what they grew up doing. My cousin Wayne, now logging, raised Appalloosa Ponies after he built his log cabin. He's the first one I knew with a Cockapoo. Rode around the back woods in his truck and the dog went everywhere with him in the front seat.

You've got to like a community that's horsey. Reminded me of England I met Princess Anne one time when she was doing a little backwoods jumping with her friends. She would have loved to ride with Wayne. My ex wife rode dressage. She jumped too. Wayne Andrews and her hit it off just fine since he loves anyone who loves horses. Good memories of fishing together and sitting about his sweat lodge he built on a grizzly bear run. The horse trails the dog and I walked on reminded me of those good times when we all were a whole lot younger. Haven't met up with him since before I went sailing in the Pacific. One of these days I expect to see him riding gallantly through the woods. He's a grandfather umpteen times over now. It's hard to believe it looking at her but I'm staying at the lodge with a grandmother.

The flickers and robins were out in force along the trail. A brochure says Pemberton has become popular for mountain biking and paragliding. I've ridden all over these hills on horses and motorcycles and I forget that the really healthy and fit folk are doing the same on mountain bikes today. I've done my share of backwoods camping along trout streams up in these hills too during hunting season. Regular folk are now taking advantage of all the recreational sites during the summer. I still like to camp along Lake Lillouette so I can get down to the St. Agnes Hot Springs. Along Duffy Lake Road there's always places to get off the motorcycle and set up camp too.

Gilbert thought walking along a cow trailswas the height of excitement. Sometimes he was behind me, then he was dancing past me, then with great courage he was strutting out in front of me. Gilbert on point didn't last very long. Just until he looked back and saw I'd seen what a brave puppy he was then he was back behind me risking his chin on my heels, in very close puppy formation. It's his first cow trail.

I remember the first time my puppy Shinto met a cow that looked dolefully down at him while he barked with much bluff until I walked over and shooed the cow away. He was really impressed that I could get a big beast to move away so easily. Later he'd think it was his bark that did it. He'd probably forget too that his bark had said, "Dad Help" and not "I'm not afraid of you big terrifying cow beast." If he'd had puppies the story might have become a great campfire tail in which he faced the 'dragon cow' and saved his master from sure destruction.

My puppy sort of whimpered at a loud noise in the bush. Probably just a tree falling but his little body was plastered right up against my ankle when we heard that monster coming. A doggie treat settled him down just like popcorn at the horror pictures.

Coming out on pretty farmland nestled between the snow capped mountains I decided to turn back and jog over the area I'd come. His little legs were going double time to keep up then but he's still happiest on the homeward journey rather than the great adventures outwards. I imagine in his mind he's faced a whole lot of windmills already.

The Pemberton Valley Lodge has thoughtfully put out a doggie plastic bag dispenser and Gilbert seeing it took the opportunity for a constitutional. Then we were back in the lobby where they have a Starbuck's Coffee dispenser machine. Automatic Cappucinos charged to the room. I'd thought of picking some purple wild flowers for Laura but could see she better appreciated being woken to Starbucks Cappucino. Gilbert danced about like we'd all not seen each other in weeks.

Now Laura's in the bath. It's only 8 am and I'm going to mozy down to the hot tub for a tough executive work out. I love how it's situated to look up at the snow capped mountain.

The nights that Laura and I've been out there the stars have been spectacular. We've come up on the Harley a few times doing the great Duffy Lake Road to Lillouette loop,back down the Frazer canyon returning to Vancouver through Mission along #7 and the Barnett Highway. Saddle sore from the Sea to Sky Highway ride I've really enjoyed the hot tub. The locked underground parking has kept the Harley safe.

Other times I've come up like now with the truck but having the Honda 230 enduro in the back so I'm off hunting in the backwoods while Laura hangs out at the lodge doing the girly girl stuff. I guess it's age but I just don't long to climb mountains with a back pack and a rifle and tent up in some windy place after a grueling climb using hands and toes. I like now being able to say I did that. Looking up at the mountains around Pemberton brings back those memories.

But really I'd rather enjoy Pemberton from the base camp of Pembeton Valley Lodge. I just have to hike down to the hot tub now. Laura can watch Gilbert while I get a little more exercise climbing down the steep stairs into a glorious hot tub.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/reservations/v_2958/mg_1/Pemberton-Valley-Lodge.detail?campaignid=Google-Global-Vendors-Pemberton-B&s_kwcid=TC9174pemberton%20valley%20lodgeS3715945485