Jasper is His Name

I finally decided on a name for the new puppy. His chosen name is Jasper and it suits him well. A blank piece of paper was divided into three columns of potential names. However, despite all the choices the clear favorite, since seeing the puppy's photo with his eyes open and reinforced by our first meeting, was always Jasper. He will be seven weeks old on Saturday. During his first week home, he has definitely bonded to us and is fearless in his pursuit of fun and toys. Sadie nearly four years his elder definitely has not bonded to the under four pound bundle of cuteness. For now he is using the pee-pee pad when I can catch him and his separation anxiety is intense. I do see hope on the horizon in his relationship with Sadie.

New Puppy Opens His Eyes

Is he ready for play or for a nap?

OK, my spots look like this on this side. I think those are sleepy eyes.

His new home is ready for him but he's still a few weeks away from coming home to meet his big sis. Will have to get some toys that are his very own to prevent conflict and jealousy.

New Puppy Arrives Late October

Sadie, my dachshund, missed her companion Spencer since his passing in August. We decided to take the leap and acquire another dachshund as a companion for Sadie. The new puppy will be Sadie's brother from a recent litter of her parents. We are already looking at the best options for the introduction of Sadie to her bother to minimize any behavioral or jealousy issues on Sadie's part. My hope is that she will help us care for him. My other hope is that he will be a bit more laid back than she is. I have a list of names going for potential names. The breeder named him Spats but will not be keeping that choice.

Spencer Memories

Spencer would sit patiently during Christmas time photo shoots. He would often strike a classic pose perfect for holiday cards. Note the perfect stance in the first photo and the classy bow tie in the second. He looks huge in these photos. Yesterday he weighed in at a mere five pounds. I will also note that when a vet tells you to put your cat or dog on a special diet it is worth the extra expense. Spencer had been on a special diet since November 2008 due to his kidney problem. The special diet bought us close to two years more of added companionship. I learned this lesson early on in my care of Spencer. When he was a two, he had a bladder infection that was most likely due to the high ash content of inexpensive dry cat foods. I switched over to a better brand and he was much improved.

Spencer 1993 - 2010

Today, I had to put down my Spencer. I had the pleasure of his company for over 17 years. He quickly deteriorated over the past week. I feel numb about his passing but am glad I was able to be with him as he took his last breath. I love him and will miss him meeting me at the door when I come home from work. Spencer, you were loyal and the time passed too quickly.

"I Am Love"

"I Am Love" is a welcomed relief between blockbusters. Current summer film season has not been one of the greatest when compared to past years. Comic book adaptations and sequels are more stale than usual. I would settle for day-old bread sequels verses ones not fit for croutons on a bland Cesar salad. Food, love and passion are the elements of this vivid Italian melodrama. American independent films often go for the bland looking and the tragic. Colors are on vibrant display and most beautifully worn by the films star. The director reminds us that film is a visual art that needs not rely on 3D (which can be wonderful) or cumbersome descriptive dialog. He chooses to show the audience the story rather than unravel it mater-of-fact like.

Review of music composed by John Adams used in film

T Meter Rating

Reading on the Train, Pat Conroy, First post from iPad

Today is my first post composed while on board an MBTA train. I "just" missed my train and had to wait for 45 minutes for the next train to Boston. Thankfully, the heatwave that has enrobed the Northeast the entire week relented a touch and allowed a sea breeze to cool me on the raised concrete platform. I passed the time in the company of my second Pat Conroy novel (Beach Music) of the summer. Now arriving at the station. More to follow soon.

Line from Chapter Twenty-two: "The world was my subject and my hometown was the stimulant that drove me out to seek the world." Choice of "drove" definitely implies a complicated relationship with home. Have to read the book for more clues!