tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63745309696302039842024-02-08T14:21:50.746+10:00Ruby Isabella JonesLife and Philosophy from a Dog.Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-857345011561897672011-03-11T20:03:00.002+10:002011-03-11T20:06:49.322+10:00Walk in the WoodsSniff. Run. Trott. Sniff, sniff, sniff. A person, hello. Sniff, sniff, sniff. Where's Tim? Quick run. A dog! Hello. Friendly dog. Oh the joy!Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-14613465281360099672010-09-05T12:41:00.002+10:002010-09-05T12:49:36.422+10:00Couch HaikuLying on the couch<div>Resting being happily</div><div>Something will occur</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-84228826954729060812010-08-12T10:32:00.003+10:002010-08-12T10:40:14.440+10:00ContentMay, June and July have come and gone with no posts. I have been occupied with teaching Tim yoga. He has been going off nearly every day to study and I have been sharing my knowledge with him at home. Being in the moment, feeling the body, feeling emotions and moving with ease and grace have all been on the curriculum. He has been a diligent student. Now we are going to practice staring into the middle distance while being completely content. <div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are a yogini. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-74449101055065227082010-03-15T10:33:00.004+10:002010-03-15T11:05:47.714+10:00In the Nose of the BeholderHello friends. I went to the forest with Tim this morning. Summer is over and it was a perfect temperature at 9 am. So we set off and I was so excited to be out and about in the forest. There were smells galore. Tim let me off and I went straight for a really smelly smell. I was bounding away and I vaguely remember Tim yelling about something. It was a very pungent smell. I just had to have it, so I rolled in it. Then Tim's words started filtering in, "RUBY! RUBY! COME! COME! BA! BA! BA!" So I dutifully went to him. I forgot how humans are a bit funny about smells. They seem really put out by something that is so great to have all over your fur. They really smell the world different to me sometimes. That was the end of the walk. We went straight home and into the dreaded shower. Something they appear to really enjoy and I'd rather skip. We have a lot in common and some differences. The differences are a good thing. They broaden our minds and force us to smell the world differently. Even though they can sometimes lead me to be in the dog house, so to speak. <div><br /></div><div>Life is great when we are all different. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-30790335727173763152010-02-11T21:00:00.004+10:002010-02-11T21:26:59.935+10:0060 kilograms of playful pupI had a good play with a one year old Great Dane. She was playful, exuberant and 60 kilograms. I didn't let the 43 kg weight difference put me off. I did notice Tim get a tad nervous when she was headed in his direction bounding along. I don't have pictures as Tim never brings out the camera. He says it is good to have pictures as it enhances my readers' imagination. Tim's comment might help you picture the scene; "It looks she (me) is rounding up a cow." The Great Dane was white with black patches. However, I'm part sheep dog not cattle dog. <div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you have a whole lot of puppy to play with.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-4635055600081155072010-01-27T09:43:00.007+10:002010-01-27T18:14:21.654+10:00The Houndly Teachers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxyHIFuiaWXN1qfeUBxSw3WFGE2LoQ8qyEeiep21UfmZ1ddIMKDxFqYKiDD3CWpnRcU0lvAPdWzudrE8pLIugRGPaoaW0YYhIepKb2WsqJjdaZNgauxUXiAnds66zYGDsdxMLyZqysu5A/s1600-h/IMG_1601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxyHIFuiaWXN1qfeUBxSw3WFGE2LoQ8qyEeiep21UfmZ1ddIMKDxFqYKiDD3CWpnRcU0lvAPdWzudrE8pLIugRGPaoaW0YYhIepKb2WsqJjdaZNgauxUXiAnds66zYGDsdxMLyZqysu5A/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431204421364380690" /></a><br />My last post was the first for a long time. I thought I would do the next one shortly after that. I chased a few balls, went for a few walks, played with some friends, lay on the couch a bit, lay on the floorboards a bit and suddenly a week and a half in human time had gone by. I think it's better if I go in dog time, which means I am doing this post at precisely now. And my last post was done at precisely now, (but a now which has gone, except when I think about it and then it is right now so it hasn't really gone at all but is now).<div><br /></div><div>Dogs do a lot for humans; lead blind people, sniff out survivors in the aftermath of an earthquake, rescue people in snow, catch criminals (go Rex!) and loads and loads of other stuff. Did you know that dogs also teach kids to read? Mandy has been buying books from <a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/">Better World Books</a>, which is an organisation that sells new and used books to raise money to promote literacy all over the world. It is great thing to support so look there first when you want to buy a book. Mandy asked me to tell you that their prices are usually better than anywhere else. Recently they asked customers to vote for one of ten very worthwhile literacy programs to receive a substantial grant. <a href="http://blog.betterworldbooks.com/2010/01/21/intermountain-therapy-animals-reading-education-assistance-dogs-r-e-a-d-wins-20000-readers-choice-literacy-grant/">The winner</a> was a program that gives kids in libraries and schools a chance to read out loud to a dog to enhance their reading skills. <a href="http://rubyisabella.blogspot.com/2009/04/who-teaches-spiritual-teacher.html">I told you</a> us hounds teach humans a lot. I am sure they will read something more suitable than <a href="http://rubyisabella.blogspot.com/2009/10/life-is-useless.html">Ecclesiastes</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a completely unrelated picture of a rainbow lorikeet that Mandy took in our garden. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are being read to.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-86883628772674551292010-01-17T10:16:00.005+10:002010-01-17T13:31:54.998+10:00I'm back. Faster and Sleeker than ever.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEMjs5f3NKfI8inYwFT872WX8ThjLZyhKsNTv_kW6FRU-x3So_nIYCDu4f2lqDYzqUHZ7KapPKUO3M-WGxhfPdLRI1Adm_H1SnBSKV4dGQGrOj1g8ymcY9qZdvb2rao-vV_viwL4KmnIO/s1600-h/IMG_1615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEMjs5f3NKfI8inYwFT872WX8ThjLZyhKsNTv_kW6FRU-x3So_nIYCDu4f2lqDYzqUHZ7KapPKUO3M-WGxhfPdLRI1Adm_H1SnBSKV4dGQGrOj1g8ymcY9qZdvb2rao-vV_viwL4KmnIO/s320/IMG_1615.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427497803573296066" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Good dog training requires giving lots of praise and direct orders, so, being an obedient hound, when I got this comment recently;</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I had to do a new post. The use of treats is also necessary in dog training. So Anonymous, I like mangoes, apples and bananas. That might be why the message was from "Anonymous," so I couldn't find her/him.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:medium;">Thanks people for not forgetting me despite me neglecting this blog. We are in the middle of summer. Beautiful 30 degree days. We've also had a fair bit of welcome rain filling up the dam and growing the grass to eye height almost over night. Who said it was boring watching grass grow?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:medium;">I will do my best not to forsake you, dear faithful reader, again. Here is a photo of me being a good dog waiting for my treat from Anonymous.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Life is great when you have faithful followers.</span></span></div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-88981749436162783932009-10-17T09:23:00.004+10:002009-10-17T09:39:09.704+10:00Life is Useless?Tim went back to bed after breakfast this morning with the Good Book. I went with him. I have been shaping Tim and Mandy to allow me on the bed to good result. I'm still not permitted there during the night but it's just a matter of time. Anyway, Tim isn't religious but he was in a bit of a mood so he read Ecclesiates out loud to me. It goes like this, "1:2 It is useless, useless said the Philosopher. Life is useless, all useless." I listened to a couple of pages of this misery when he got to, "3:19 A human being is not better of than an animal, because life has no meaning for either." At that I had to get up and walk out. I mean being on the bed is one thing but don't you humans try and draw us non-humans into your existential angst. I went out to the front verandah, lay in the sun and found that life has lots of meaning. I'm sure as soon Tim gets up and takes me out for a walk in the sun he will too see that life is abundant with meaning. <div><br /></div><div>Life is great when there is meaning aplenty. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-82055766892442882742009-10-05T13:22:00.003+10:002009-10-05T13:34:50.025+10:00Don't Be Lazy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSvT6k5noFc6GQhyM3Jn8fC94NVXSxeQ_lz8kG0ZAKej-yMyDyjrnW5rI1qsDzOb0CLlS5fhRwtjda3GMk9wQd2k6LHvYSfD6kozhHlOK0ly6q6FnY-M1ENuL_HvZ0gpDZMB_tfoZFcoJ/s1600-h/IMG_1257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSvT6k5noFc6GQhyM3Jn8fC94NVXSxeQ_lz8kG0ZAKej-yMyDyjrnW5rI1qsDzOb0CLlS5fhRwtjda3GMk9wQd2k6LHvYSfD6kozhHlOK0ly6q6FnY-M1ENuL_HvZ0gpDZMB_tfoZFcoJ/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388954025022746770" /></a><br />September came and went. I did not post because I have been busy doing nothing. Have you noticed that a lot of humans are too lazy to do nothing? They rush here, they rush there. They get things done. They do one thing and go on to the next. They do not have the discipline, the inner fortitude or the motivation to do nothing. Nothing does not get done by itself you know. It takes focus and perseverence. Sure it takes a long time to get nothing done, but it is worth the effort. Anyone can jump up and do something. Doing anything is even easier. So spend the rest of today, and tomorrow, alright the whole week doing nothing. You can't leave it all up to others.<div><br /></div><div>Life is great when at the end of the day you can look back and say, "I did nothing all by myself." </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-44774403445070827682009-08-22T15:56:00.005+10:002009-08-22T16:19:03.256+10:00Orangutan's best friend?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDERrb3hTGf5iQaH2Ri28Mgrz8pUwmbyBprxAY1WDyVtEGwohBQR4h1e-fdbiQ3daewFbgDsLgrPHhx1bgWfmihkJj60MF1B0taIJoMvNRFixyjKGAHOWZNKBn_jnJisihQ9S09wmdQNBK/s1600-h/9EC72D3A0F304FC6BBF1555B5808D6F7.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDERrb3hTGf5iQaH2Ri28Mgrz8pUwmbyBprxAY1WDyVtEGwohBQR4h1e-fdbiQ3daewFbgDsLgrPHhx1bgWfmihkJj60MF1B0taIJoMvNRFixyjKGAHOWZNKBn_jnJisihQ9S09wmdQNBK/s320/9EC72D3A0F304FC6BBF1555B5808D6F7.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372663157054426770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXO-Gp4a0YMddAXG-LiUyRJX7H_ZgXRaOGr61Fw3BpnMQSnoF1yGO96CSdehhxUroud0iYiPWKbhtohO0Rhmeh_zggkKzxE4haO_H1keM5rpcMI4tRMgyi58YlLPlq7ojr_NBIMVjFhOb/s1600-h/4D9DB40900CA4DA0A399D58B249ECF2F.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXO-Gp4a0YMddAXG-LiUyRJX7H_ZgXRaOGr61Fw3BpnMQSnoF1yGO96CSdehhxUroud0iYiPWKbhtohO0Rhmeh_zggkKzxE4haO_H1keM5rpcMI4tRMgyi58YlLPlq7ojr_NBIMVjFhOb/s320/4D9DB40900CA4DA0A399D58B249ECF2F.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372663049279436802" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';">This is Suryia and Roscoe, who live at the Tigers' sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina .</span><div><br /></div><div>I got this e-mail recently. I like it because we can see what good mates they are. Humans seem amazed by this sort of thing, as though only humans can have cross-species friendships. Of course, all species have good mates and they all have the capacity to have friends from other species. Make it a point to be open to friendships with those who are different from you, for example they might have a different religion or political views, or they might be a rhinoceros.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';"> </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you have an orangutan as a best friend...(I imagine).</div></div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-70490372931032667142009-08-12T20:41:00.004+10:002009-08-12T20:53:36.687+10:00It's carrotlicous!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIFo2hfWUOPmSAjXoJ9lR6JAM_b711e5LMwglqpZGPygxy2LPxjkvAGbGAoOSE5LQzLdFMw2q9Dtxr8xB8dObgoubU3u5IERkUxzDoU9BX77hbgb3z-8sEoEJTe1aYEeq2aeJdCTqs4V/s1600-h/IMG_1171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTIFo2hfWUOPmSAjXoJ9lR6JAM_b711e5LMwglqpZGPygxy2LPxjkvAGbGAoOSE5LQzLdFMw2q9Dtxr8xB8dObgoubU3u5IERkUxzDoU9BX77hbgb3z-8sEoEJTe1aYEeq2aeJdCTqs4V/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369026040594008946" /></a><br />I love fresh, crunchy carrots! Fresh, raw fruit and vegetables are great for humans and hounds alike. They taste delicious and make you feel fantastic. If you're feeling low or lethargic, get some fruit and veggies into you. You'll be feeling on top of the world in no time. I love apples! Tim and Mandy share their apples with me, biting off bits for me and giving me the core. When I'm out and about I sometimes find a partially eaten apple. I also love pears, avocadoes and bananas. <div><br /></div><div>Life is great with fresh, raw fruit and veggies.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-25751673591355225092009-08-08T18:36:00.003+10:002009-08-08T19:12:27.744+10:00What's Wrong with Schools<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg_jzJTBoxb4lgpMmOGJ7yDAucMiua6LeJwkPlA-DBcGlkt8vsdYu7ff3UI0DxiQuasofrebLRFfeSqpvqiK59VG7YDpBigjsn1XrrTRoojD5-gfSaeNdOe5tfnmu2zGk9teeRh7sWwFD/s1600-h/ducks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg_jzJTBoxb4lgpMmOGJ7yDAucMiua6LeJwkPlA-DBcGlkt8vsdYu7ff3UI0DxiQuasofrebLRFfeSqpvqiK59VG7YDpBigjsn1XrrTRoojD5-gfSaeNdOe5tfnmu2zGk9teeRh7sWwFD/s320/ducks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367515998252163554" /></a><br />"When I was six years old we lived in an urban Californian neighborhood. It is unclear to me how I came to have ducks there, but have them I did. I remember being sent home on the first day of first grade because I had arrived accompanied by two ducks who would not leave my side."<div><br /></div><div>Jeffrey Masson, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Pig Who Sang to the Moon</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, promised before the last election to provide a laptop for every school child in years 9 to 12. He has it all wrong. Kids have more than enough technology in their lives. What they don't have enough of is ducks! Imagine how their learning would be enhanced with the calming, grounding, joy-making influence of a duck by their side. Academic scores would surely sky-rocket, but more importantly these young people would go on to make the world a better place. I call on the Prime Minister of this country to really make a real difference to the lives of young Australians. Provide ducks to every school. </div><div><br /></div><div>I personally love ducks. When I see them, I race up to greet them like long lost friends. For some reason they fly off, but I'll persevere.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great with ducks.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-49172095072475367052009-08-04T13:13:00.006+10:002009-08-04T18:45:38.479+10:00You Do Not Own Them<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxBdkuPg_g5lmuOdBfFii5sJcd1csQJMfVJlHsHMzd6RSon_q3k8V5d8Y4AwNy7k1vbL8CwaVzW_dK1f8YLO4KlXeJwlJDZf0JmDpWsCe4EGJDROjZntGWpF5Y1MoUwxaMLAFG5pSlHHU/s1600-h/9780099285748.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxBdkuPg_g5lmuOdBfFii5sJcd1csQJMfVJlHsHMzd6RSon_q3k8V5d8Y4AwNy7k1vbL8CwaVzW_dK1f8YLO4KlXeJwlJDZf0JmDpWsCe4EGJDROjZntGWpF5Y1MoUwxaMLAFG5pSlHHU/s320/9780099285748.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365943899118245490" /></a><br />This a message to all you dogs out there. Your person or people might prepare your food, take you for walks, pick up your poo, wash you and do many other things for you, but you do not own them. They are not your slaves. They belong to you and you belong to them, but you do not own them and they do not own you. You can not own another sentient being. This is the message of, "The Pig who Sang to the Moon. The Emotional World of Farm Animals." It is by Jeffrey Masson. <div><br /></div><div>"Those who live with pigs often speak of them as we normally speak of dogs- intelligent, loyal and above all, affectionate." Page 42.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have never met a pig but I would love to. I think they should make the dog park the dog and pig park. I think we could have a lot of fun. It also describes in the book how playful they are. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are intelligent, loyal and above all, affectionate.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-58924301347297559432009-07-29T19:47:00.003+10:002009-07-29T20:02:05.582+10:00Completely Sane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyApc9M2o7I719G1y9fMHR87I8QfnXraZlTAJ3AMkD8h30Jgh0wbrvmdhu_6FrWYiwcnaIvhjESHYizQzH20KZN1goX4eosrpOX71d0xp85qOucSiKKpbKXq9LSG7MqRdB3d7tnLWXP2h/s1600-h/IMG_0919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyApc9M2o7I719G1y9fMHR87I8QfnXraZlTAJ3AMkD8h30Jgh0wbrvmdhu_6FrWYiwcnaIvhjESHYizQzH20KZN1goX4eosrpOX71d0xp85qOucSiKKpbKXq9LSG7MqRdB3d7tnLWXP2h/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363819193964979522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gCDlofhWY0SzmFI36Ppx0orcVhYObJar_-o2gefHQxrk4Sdnlh3qxlZmDKlVE64UD2uLTH5bi43woTg-BU2d1dovZClyhU7FSR1i3ncKfnTPLGhVngUc8zfR_3xUl6-JqzeXjOASBHs3/s1600-h/IMG_1452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gCDlofhWY0SzmFI36Ppx0orcVhYObJar_-o2gefHQxrk4Sdnlh3qxlZmDKlVE64UD2uLTH5bi43woTg-BU2d1dovZClyhU7FSR1i3ncKfnTPLGhVngUc8zfR_3xUl6-JqzeXjOASBHs3/s320/IMG_1452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363818465686374194" /></a><br />"All sanity depends on this: that it should be a delight to feel heat strike the skin, a delight to stand upright, knowing the bones are moving easily under the flesh" <div>Doris Lessing</div><div><br /></div><div>Dogs know this. That is why dogs are so sane. If you don't believe me, go and study a dog. Watch him or her going about his or her business. You will see it and some of the sanity will rub off on you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when your bones move easily under your flesh.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-46074526323137137352009-07-24T09:33:00.005+10:002009-07-24T13:39:26.439+10:00Winter Sun!<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPRWKFg9q-JCfz4aaxKg6Px5g6ZJun-OaN-UGw8dC3rVr7er12SdiaYEB2AN-bBs4bKSJdivBKxD8Y0aG7EsytyLfWsH5YWHfaBVAa2UnTxAAFSwu1S2riF6XZuY5ePtBufuSYDv9v4ON/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361834176642182082" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNDare8K7FJWOlLQBu9-t95Yn4rqXlUtETpVIlEkstMsLXHpU_o1DiXPJ9s1tVZMFXkc5SqhOCcjq1TukHulxANdPI8hqN4V75F84kc7VtFmQkezVeOUjZCGGE6Vze0PcqD6VrrtYBm5-/s1600-h/IMG_1544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNDare8K7FJWOlLQBu9-t95Yn4rqXlUtETpVIlEkstMsLXHpU_o1DiXPJ9s1tVZMFXkc5SqhOCcjq1TukHulxANdPI8hqN4V75F84kc7VtFmQkezVeOUjZCGGE6Vze0PcqD6VrrtYBm5-/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361866055245590722" /></a><br /><br />There is nothing like lying in the winter sun. It is usually around 21 C (70 F) here in the winter. But yesterday was 26 C (79 F). The mornings are a bit chilly, then the sun warms up. The feeling of the sun is just joy. It is warming, relaxing and invigorating all at the same time. Troubles just melt away. Thank God for the sun!! It just lifts the spirits.<div><br /></div><div>Here I am catching the morning sun on the front verandah and basking in the afternoon sun in the back yard. <br /><br />Life is great when the sun is on your fur.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-57995619714805329412009-07-18T14:07:00.006+10:002009-07-19T17:13:20.910+10:00My Mate Benny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgg-o2e8igra_XvyiXJh0VKHU0paCkLoQoPMky5aIdEpuQcQu3K1Bk0EllmSfI3UDWRuomhdd2iupkEr5ZtCQrSipDd-IXQtPVrWeYo0U_1ZfiyerGNJV6eHob9VDuPjGDk_SwAL1UzRC/s1600-h/IMG_1535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgg-o2e8igra_XvyiXJh0VKHU0paCkLoQoPMky5aIdEpuQcQu3K1Bk0EllmSfI3UDWRuomhdd2iupkEr5ZtCQrSipDd-IXQtPVrWeYo0U_1ZfiyerGNJV6eHob9VDuPjGDk_SwAL1UzRC/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359707121637468050" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AU1CpEyakSg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AU1CpEyakSg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div>Let me introduce my new friend. His name is Benson, a.k.a Benny. He comes around once or twice a week to spend the day. We have a great time. We chase each other, wrestle, play tug and then lie down for a good rest, only to get up and do it all again. He is part kelpie, like me, and part dachshund. He doesn't let those little legs of his slow him down. As you can see, he has a lot of energy and spirit. I get so excited on the days he arrives that I leap on him as soon as he puts his paw through the door. I'm so happy that he responds and loves to frolic in the back yard. I just love running around playing that it gets a bit frustrating when I come across a dog who doesn't want to play. But not Benny, he is well up for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you've got a good mate. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-11203768819103563072009-07-04T09:09:00.002+10:002009-07-04T15:51:15.960+10:00What Happened to June?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b1WD5luXPtILwAB__huhJAJ6LcGaPr29M-zdSUk7UhKA9w0pr_Lxxvjv1Mgqi_-IKHUThK_hNQCAjqX0YWKYXiyvkq9dSrqZMEjnGQV1tWzwqxp0J1aSkZPiY5C-BLQkLFltMIucbRKJ/s1600-h/IMG_1192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b1WD5luXPtILwAB__huhJAJ6LcGaPr29M-zdSUk7UhKA9w0pr_Lxxvjv1Mgqi_-IKHUThK_hNQCAjqX0YWKYXiyvkq9dSrqZMEjnGQV1tWzwqxp0J1aSkZPiY5C-BLQkLFltMIucbRKJ/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354478449069566546" /></a><br /><br />It was a cool, early June day. Winter had just begun. I curled up in bed. I got out of bed. I had a stretch. It was July! I haven't been able to post due to June deciding to do its own thing and disappear. I find it hard to get the days and months to stand still in order. Can anyone give me some tips about how to do this? <div><br /></div><div>I have July lined up and waiting. I apologise, loyal readers, for my absence but I am back now. Thank you Domi for missing me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are curled up in bed. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-25304586735840679582009-06-02T21:12:00.003+10:002009-06-02T21:29:06.371+10:00A Bit of CultureI think this blog is lacking in culture. So today's post will be a poem. This poem is dedicated to the owls who sit silently and wisely on the electric wires in our neighbourhood. Also to the many cats who I try to befriend. So far, they have run away, hissed at me or taken a swipe at me but I will persist. Sooner or later they will realise I am a friendly hound. Enjoy this poem and I encourage you to find a human to read it out loud to you, or just read it out loud yourself if you happen to be a human. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div align="left" style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 13px; "><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(55, 93, 87); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Owl And The Pussy-Cat </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">by Edward Lear</span></span></span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I<br />The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea<br />In a beautiful pea green boat,<br />They took some honey, and plenty of money,<br />Wrapped up in a five pound note.<br />The Owl looked up to the stars above,<br />And sang to a small guitar,<br />'O lovely Pussy! O Pussy my love,<br />What a beautiful Pussy you are,<br />You are,<br />You are!<br />What a beautiful Pussy you are!'<br /><br />II<br />Pussy said to the Owl, 'You elegant fowl!<br />How charmingly sweet you sing!<br />O let us be married! too long we have tarried:<br />But what shall we do for a ring?'<br />They sailed away, for a year and a day,<br />To the land where the Bong-tree grows<br />And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood<br />With a ring at the end of his nose,<br />His nose,<br />His nose,<br />With a ring at the end of his nose. <br /><br />III<br />'Dear pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling<br />Your ring?'Said the Piggy,'I will.'<br />So they took it away, and were married next day<br />By the Turkey who lives on the hill.<br />They dined on mince, and slices of quince,<br />Which they ate with a runcible spoon;<br />And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,<br />They danced by the light of the moon,<br />The moon,<br />The moon,<br />They danced by the light of the moon.</span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">This is described as 'nonsense poetry,' which I find odd. Of all the things written and said by humans, this is probably the most sensible.</span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Life is great when unlikely relationships are so successful.</span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="padding-left: 14px; padding-top: 20px; font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-4884481348649675322009-05-26T19:01:00.002+10:002009-05-26T19:17:58.397+10:00Read All About ItThe news is full of negativity, bias, sensationalism, distortion and misrepresentations. That's why we don't watch, read or listen to the news around here. Life is all the more joyous for it. There is one exception to this. There is one news hound who has the nose for truth and optimism. That hound is <a href="http://boknowsonline.com/">Bo</a>. He finds the news from all over the globe that matter. He is not species-centric like the regular news, which is full of homosaipiens doing all sorts of trivial things and a dog has to save a persons life to get on.<div><br /></div><div>Lead story today is about Duck Man. He caught little ducklings who fell from the second story because they were following their mother and were too young to fly. There are lots of people like Duck Man who are heroically performing deeds without recognition, and I'm sure they don't mind, while the mainstream news is full of much less worthy subjects. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when there is someone to catch you. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-10908408306569194742009-05-21T10:28:00.003+10:002009-05-21T10:41:41.349+10:00How to Get Rich<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegvQQ0tnOGU19VUTvBNxIfjUgKX8gUBoRY9-vXloKhOJhEDbYPPwpI3SUbVG-uud7vtip93SWkwgHz24Edjlf5A51nY9XGFjUXJkH8mIqxSSRa8fSty14ladiGxZ5EtBCaNeh3FnEVpbV/s1600-h/IMG_1195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegvQQ0tnOGU19VUTvBNxIfjUgKX8gUBoRY9-vXloKhOJhEDbYPPwpI3SUbVG-uud7vtip93SWkwgHz24Edjlf5A51nY9XGFjUXJkH8mIqxSSRa8fSty14ladiGxZ5EtBCaNeh3FnEVpbV/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338068330313708530" /></a><br />We have had a couple of rainy, rainy days here. We got out for just one short walk in that time. So there was nothing for it but to curl up in bed or on the couch. Some of you may think this is a waste of time but not Laut, Combs and Kitter, who wrote <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Money is My Friend</span>;<div><br /></div><div>"Laziness leads to self-esteem leads to riches. Mastering laziness with self-esteem is an important factor in increasing your income. You can practice this by staying in bed all day at regular intervals until you can do it without feeling ashamed of yourself."</div><div><br /></div><div>They recommend doing this one day a week. So if you will excuse me, I'm off to create riches. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are creating riches. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-6549142360038340922009-05-16T17:19:00.002+10:002009-05-16T17:35:43.359+10:00No Drama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPQA0VRr97ZYH1FINPr5r9xbdDCs32eMutkHfJ14X3OlQgkP-bAN6HELvS8-i_IlZKtMzXaNcUSkWWKXlZ1_aXrjmRPeOYQiYoxi59spONDYyMbqOgCXnLCrC-amSjxtsnqMy3w8TES-Z/s1600-h/IMG_1097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPQA0VRr97ZYH1FINPr5r9xbdDCs32eMutkHfJ14X3OlQgkP-bAN6HELvS8-i_IlZKtMzXaNcUSkWWKXlZ1_aXrjmRPeOYQiYoxi59spONDYyMbqOgCXnLCrC-amSjxtsnqMy3w8TES-Z/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336318903918752866" /></a><br />It was yet another beautiful day today. It was mid-morning, about 25 degrees celsius. We were in the dog park after going for a trot around the woods. There were just a few dogs in the park. I went to say "g'day" to a cattle dog cross. She took offence at something and turned on me. She barked and growled and was on top of me. I made a retreat as I am a lover not a fighter. I went over to Tim but I wasn't really scared. It was more noise than anything. The rest of the day consisted of food, lying on the couch, another big walk with Mandy, another small walk to the library with Tim including a few throws of the frisbee and dinner. The altercation in the dog park was the high drama of the day. I wouldn't normally blog about such a thing but it got me thinking that when everything is good and there are no dramas, it doesn't make very interesting blogging. Of course, there are people and dogs who are addicted to drama. I am not one of them. So you will have to be content with sunshine, walks and food, not that we can always avoid drama. I heard it said that there is a Chinese curse which goes, "may you live in interesting times." <div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you don't have anything interesting to blog about. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-69442441136438135932009-05-12T13:29:00.003+10:002009-05-12T13:56:36.756+10:00Happy Birthday Mandy!It is Mandy's first birthday today. Well, it is her first birthday since she has been my person. I believe that she has had a few before this one. One of the purposes of us hounds being on the earth is to influence our people in a positive manner and make the world a better place. I think I have done a good job of this with both of my people and my people have had a great impact on me as well. Just today we were walking through a vacant block of land. Mandy was very happy to be out in the day and gave a spontaneous leap of joy. I was about ten metres but instictively mirrored her action with lots of joy. Mandy is a very happy and joyful person. She has passion and exuberance for life. Her presence fills my heart with glee. She makes the most of every day. In the morning, she comes out full of excitement and gives me a great greeting on the couch. Any dog would be proud of giving this greeting. Her enthusiasm is infectious. I am doing well teaching my people but it is a two-way street and I have learnt a huge amount from Mandy. So a big;<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy Birthday! I love you Mandy.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Life is great when you have Mandy.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-75240711288878411162009-05-09T15:46:00.005+10:002009-05-09T15:58:56.096+10:00School is in.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI9DbLZol8WAzLuxGg1HKjfyH1eWdHuL8BMxbx813V4rIFLWL_uMbcN47Pikd3sBoETXbxl8GZjoYhsAwMtnQKT9AiO9I7Txp6aFQTJzECK_3R-RJyNu-DZiv39yq8aWILvbsinNK7Zja/s1600-h/IMG_1111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI9DbLZol8WAzLuxGg1HKjfyH1eWdHuL8BMxbx813V4rIFLWL_uMbcN47Pikd3sBoETXbxl8GZjoYhsAwMtnQKT9AiO9I7Txp6aFQTJzECK_3R-RJyNu-DZiv39yq8aWILvbsinNK7Zja/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333697932407552738" /></a><br />"You two have an amazing ability to sleep all afternoon." <div>Mandy to Tim and me. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been another great day of sunshine, walks, breakfast, playing with dogs, getting pats, giving licks, lying in the sun, daydreaming, watching the world go by and snoozing on the sofa. When Mandy said that to us I had a great idea. With this amazing ability, we could open a school. "The Ruby School of Relaxation." I think we will have students come here as well as courses by correspondence. I think places will fill up fast so if you are interested you had better let me know quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you are having a nap. </div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-63667160816163342552009-05-03T19:15:00.003+10:002009-05-03T19:37:56.637+10:00You Can't Fool Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJxElLuFN0s1K-t6SVTSKKOHV_ABqkAGrrAp0ksZTgaUFyxbmfTnnsl25-FeL5aQPwHHVDpjqtMyFlsRhahMI6RKAiw_Dv7z_r2GBjZMBBO16K95XsXkbPN7PClALkNbNOJxk-JsSz4rd/s1600-h/IMG_1450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJxElLuFN0s1K-t6SVTSKKOHV_ABqkAGrrAp0ksZTgaUFyxbmfTnnsl25-FeL5aQPwHHVDpjqtMyFlsRhahMI6RKAiw_Dv7z_r2GBjZMBBO16K95XsXkbPN7PClALkNbNOJxk-JsSz4rd/s320/IMG_1450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331527583491450626" /></a><br />"My father would take Rusty's head in his hands and talk with him with real interest- 'So, old mate, what do you think of the snooty new labrador across the street?'- as if he actually expected a reply. It seemed a bit odd at first, probably because I'd never seen anyone else talk to a dog, only at them.<div><br /></div><div>Rusty couldn't get enough of it. He would gaze into Dad's eyes and make odd little groaning noises I'd never heard before. Yet when I tried it, Rusty just looked bored. It was years later before I understood what Dad meant about animals only reacting to 'true voices': if our inflections don't match our feelings, they ignore us."</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Lucky for Me</span> Frank Robson</div><div><br /></div><div>You can't hide your feelings from a dog. I find it interesting that dogs do many jobs from guiding blind people to pulling sleds. Also in the police we do many jobs such as finding drugs and physically apprehending villians. So why don't the police use dogs for lie detection. We have been watching the TV program "Lie to me" and I reckon I could do that job (they pick up on facial expressions to spot someone lying). If anyone from the police force is reading this, consider it a job application. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you know if someone is fair dinkum.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374530969630203984.post-13673989144440761402009-04-27T15:48:00.009+10:002009-04-27T16:25:07.505+10:00My Pink Ball<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ulm4HRrNyoks1WbImqMHj5pZLFG7YIryWBgGwSD_V4UG37-YiFhcj2UC3TAwSPf_V-rTzAuwGCSDLX7xsNZu-pL1w-bQXZn41HTqMEitjmPyw1htzoNlf1IDspS2h5fU03FTDIKsppia/s1600-h/IMG_1490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ulm4HRrNyoks1WbImqMHj5pZLFG7YIryWBgGwSD_V4UG37-YiFhcj2UC3TAwSPf_V-rTzAuwGCSDLX7xsNZu-pL1w-bQXZn41HTqMEitjmPyw1htzoNlf1IDspS2h5fU03FTDIKsppia/s320/IMG_1490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329245452814166450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eHHOqusbYwUDlWuZyC3ZKphgD3Jb2BER1Vcli0ZI3d_-eTZQZnYAF1Rf1_iXSxqXRBE5LZldc_qT9QyhF8zuKsOvly_JI7j3rKKN1g7C-jSbaan4ys0djU1wzxjsvMRe5owjspKPF2YF/s1600-h/IMG_1473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eHHOqusbYwUDlWuZyC3ZKphgD3Jb2BER1Vcli0ZI3d_-eTZQZnYAF1Rf1_iXSxqXRBE5LZldc_qT9QyhF8zuKsOvly_JI7j3rKKN1g7C-jSbaan4ys0djU1wzxjsvMRe5owjspKPF2YF/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329244736737493730" /></a><br />I haven't posted for nearly a week, a record long time. This is because I have been very busy. One activity that has kept me occupied is staring into the middle distance, otherwise known as daydreaming. I have seen humans do this a bit; Tim is fairly good at it. However, most humans are not good at it. I have heard it is because older humans strongly discourage younger humans from doing it. They go to a special place specifically designed to stop them from this very worthwhile pursuit. That place they call "school." The benefits of daydreaming are too many to list here but to get you started; creativity, entertainment, relaxation, improved intelligence and a greater sense of Dog. <div><br /></div><div>Something else that gets my attention is my pink ball. I love tearing after it and catching it on the bounce. It is great to chase it on my own but much more fun with other dogs. My pink ball is the pride of the dog park. This is the ball that all the dogs want above any other. I love the competition of trying to get it before the other dogs. I am faster than all the other dogs in the park (just stating the facts) so I often do. However, the person throwing it usually throws it to the advantage of other dogs to keep it even and interesting. I don't mind if I get the ball or not, I just love running fast and going after the ball. I think competition is about putting in your best effort. This makes competition rewarding. It is when dogs or people put the importance on winning that competition becomes a negative influence. In summary, competition is good; attaching significance on winning is bad. Little humans intuitively know this but once again big humans sometimes come in and mess things up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is great when you have other dogs to chase a ball with.</div>Ruby Isabellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05338355478094548333noreply@blogger.com13