Category Archives: Friends Photos

Remembering two years later

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Today marks two years since Derek’s death.  In memory…

Derek sitting on my parents' couch (derek)

Derek, 1967 – 2004

I reiterate what I said to his family just a week before: “As the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore once said, ‘Death is not the extinguishing of the light… it is the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.'”

Let me finish with Victor Hugo’s words as I pointed out in this sentiment: “Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.”

[picture via Mom]

All is not as it seems

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One might assume from the photo below that Kazon is lounging about enjoying a lazy afternoon.  One would be wrong in making that assumption.

Kazon resting in the living room, but is he really resting? (145_4527)

If he’s not resting, what is he doing?

He’s keeping an eye on Wylie who was staying with us for a time while Rick was out of town and there was construction going on at his house.

Kazon keeping an eye on Wylie (145_4526)

Before you panic about my having a large dog at home with The Kids, don’t worry.  Wylie loves cats (actually, he loves all animals).  He would never hurt them.  In fact, all he wants to do is play with them and hang out with them and be friends.  The Kids, on the other hand, are not quite sure what to make of the huge beast.

Kazon just doesn’t trust Wylie, although he’s not terribly frightened by him either.  He keeps the dog at arm’s length with much puffing up, posturing, and even a strategic hiss here and there.  Essentially, Kazon “guards” the dog and keeps an eye on him at all times.

Kako absolutely doesn’t trust Wylie.  She avoids him but doesn’t run and hide.  She’ll even approach and investigate him if he’s still long enough and she feels it’s safe.

Grendel, in his infinitely laid-back approach to life, simply doesn’t care much either way.  He still does his own thing and pretty much just leaves Wylie alone.  It’s more like a “Whatever.  Just don’t step on me.” relationship from Grendel’s perspective.  Of course, Grendel fears nothing, has never met a stranger, and doesn’t get stressed about much of anything.  To him, at least right now, Wylie is nothing more than a curiosity.

Loki sees Wylie as a threat and has to be restrained (i.e., kept at bay and in check).  He hunts Wylie and tries diligently to do harm to the dog.  Wylie, in turn, now realizes he should give Loki a wide berth lest he get bloodied by constant claw attacks (which has happened before).

Wylie spent a few nights here and there were no major altercations.  In fact, I bring Wylie home with me when the opportunity presents itself.  This has done much to get The Kids acclimated to him and he to them.  Sure, there are times when a dog that large poses a threat just through simple play, but monitored activities are the best way to ensure everyone learns the limits of interaction.

Wylie

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Meet Wylie, Rick's dog, who I take care of anytime Rick is indisposed.  He's truly the best dog I've ever been around: well behaved, well trained, and otherwise a sweet, caring animal.  He's the "puppy" in my life.

While he's visited with The Kids on more than one occasion, sadly it was Wylie who lost that battle — Loki stalked and hunted him, did wage battle with him, and otherwise left Wylie with a bloody nose and bruised ego to prove it.  It was probably an entirely unpleasant experience for the alien intruder.

Grendel, on the other hand, didn't care.  He ignored Wylie and made clear that he would lie about the house regardless of the canine's presence; if Wylie somehow interfered with that simple activity, only then would it get ugly.  That only happened once; afterward Wylie left him alone — perhaps because Grendel was too boring compared to Loki.

Kako and Kazon want nothing to do with any dog, especially one so much larger than they as Wylie.  They will generally find a place to hide (under the covers on the bed, for instance) if he happens to pay a call.

Loki's response, however, hasn't stopped me from bringing Wylie home, but it has certainly given me pause to consider his welfare in light of Loki's relentless attacks.  In this case, if he's at my home, it's Wylie who needs protection despite the fact that he loves cats.  Loki doesn't care and will hunt the trespasser so long as he's here.

Wylie making a u-turn as we leave Rick's house on our way to the lake for some Frisbee action (2004-05-30_011)
Wylie returning the Frisbee for another throw (2004-05-30_015)

By the way, Wylie loves to play Frisbee (along with a plethora of other games, like tug of war, fetch, catch, blankie [this game takes on many different personas due to the versatility of his blanket], and a myriad of other games).  But he needs to play Frisbee, and he's quite exceptional at it.  No matter how many times per day you engage in this activity, he never gets enough until he's had enough — then it's time to go in for a treat.  Smart dog.