THE ROCK: Chapter 13: Ridiculous Part 3

"Cast before a silver sheet,

Tracing lines that never meet."

Those are the first two lines to a poem I wrote a long, long while ago, even way, way before Malcolm was diagnosed, and they made little sense to me at the time. 

They do now.

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YBD's Notes 1:  Though I have plenty more ridiculous things to say and do, I'm done with this chapter and it's time to move on and bring the first book, The Rock, to its conclusion.  

YBD's Notes 2:  Sailing is an inexact metaphor for life.  Ashore, the time to jibe or tack doesn't always translate but I've come about now.

YBD's Notes 3:  Next chapter I'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of sponsorship and that'll set the stage for the final chapter.  

THE ROCK: CHAPTER 12: Training Day

Fall 2007.  San Antonio, TX

“We’ve thought about it.  Your dogs will make it to Boston but you won’t.”

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August 6, 2013

I never liked the word ‘training’ especially as it pertains to dogs and maybe that’s why I eschewed it prior to our walk.  Did you know that the Latin root of the word train is ‘Tractus’, which means pulled?

As I related some time ago in a post, I tried that with Murphy and he was like, ‘Aw Hell No!’.   Murphy couldn’t be pushed OR pulled OR prodded. 

Trainers say Pyrenees are one of the most difficult dog breeds to ‘train’.  Maybe that’s because most trainers just haven’t taken the time to learn how to communicate with them.  After all, they’re one of the oldest breeds still extant dating back to 3,000 BC;  they’re willful, independent, and really haven’t needed people ever.  And Pyrenees are part Castilian, part French, part Basque, and part Spaniard. 

That’s a whole lotta attitude rolled up into one doggie.

 

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I had to learn how to communicate with Hudson and Murphy and establish a mutual system of language so that we could act and react in a moment’s notice since life on the road is measured in micro seconds.  And the two of them had to develop their own system.  This was no easy thing.  

I started with the basic mushing commands and built up from there with phrases like ‘Off the Street’, ‘In the Tent’, ‘Let’s get some Shade’, ‘Avante, Allez’, ‘G’yon’ (that’s a southern thing), ‘Electric’ (so they wouldn’t pee on a live wire which I did a couple of times) and many, many others that became our daily lexicon. 

There was someone I interviewed, I think part of the Raising Indiana series I did, that said that a dog’s vocabulary was limited to only a couple of dozen of words.

 

Bollocks.  He never went on a long treacherous hike with his. 

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Even if that was true, it’s our responsibility to listen and understand what they’re saying to us NOT pull them into understanding us. We don't sense what dogs do, at a level they do, and comparing them to us is ridiculous.  

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The two old naughty, nosey, outspoken women that we met from time to time on the nature trail at Trinity University midst our training in the fall of 2007, maybe they were right.  Hudson and Murphy did make it to Boston but I never did.

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YBD’s Notes 1:  I mean no disrespect to trainers as I have met many, many great ones on our travels but I think communicators should be the appropriate title to those who listen.

YBD’s Notes 2: My deepest and sincerest apologies for not publishing part of the book last week.  I lost my inspiration but that’s no excuse and it’ll never happen again. The story must go on.  

YBD's Notes 3:  Next week Chapter 13:  Sponsors.  Shit. 

Puppy Bowl IX

Damn I bet and lost a fin on Juniper, the Great Pyrenees, to make a touchdown by half time. I've always wondered why I got stuck with this breed and, as a bull headed man, believe it's because I deserve them.  

Everyone says Pyrs are "independent" but I've come to understand that's a euphemism.  They don't listen and they don't mind.  Still, I'd bet on em everytime.  

And true to their nature, she was a beauty, full of playful joy and, what I think I love about Pyrenees the most, puckish impudence.  I'll just add the $5 to the heaping mound of money I've spent on them in my lifetime but be grateful I'm still far, far on the plus side.  Damnit.  Next year, I hope they have a Dachshund.  

Raising Indiana: EPI

Pretty much since I first adopted the FLP (Funny Looking Pyrenees) it's been impossible to put weight on him.  Plus he's been like a stomach on four legs with an insatiable appetite and he resource guards food like Louis CK takes to Cinnabons.  

Now we think we know why.  

Back in Cincinnati I had Dr. Carey at the Care Center take a look at him and after I gave a thorough history, he suggested Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency or EPI as a diagnostic theory.  His bloodwork got screwed up so we decided to start him on pancreatic supplements to test the theory and in less than a month, lil Nanna has put on 7 pounds.  

Hudson and Indiana are with Mommy G in Memphis for the next month while Tish and I are finishing up filming for the documentary but now that the Tour is over, I'm trying to learn as much about the disorder as possible.  

But what I know of it so far is it's nutritionally manageable with pancreatic enzyme supplements and, thank god, it shouldn't limit his longevity at all or prevent him from having a happy, normal, baby Moose life.

It's only been a few days but I miss Moosey and when I see him in December, I'm gonna buy him a Cinnabon.  

Holiday Event with The Fuzzybutts

As we're holed up in Winthrop MA for the winter, the three wize guys have been invited to Plymouth Saturday December 3rd for Santa photos(pic nearby from last year).  Afterwards, we'll spend the evening singing Christmas carols, a tradition that began in 2009 in Bryant Park when Hudson, Murphy and I walked through Manhattan. 

We hope you can come out and join us for a very special holiday event with the me and the fuzzybutts.  The information is nearby. 

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On December 3rd Pawz Doggie Daycare and An Unconditional Love with our Special guest the Founder of 2 Million Dogs, Luke Robinson will be hosting Pet Photos with Santa.

Saturday December 3rd 12:30pm- 4:30pm

At PAWZ Doggie Daycare - 50 Independence Road Kingston MA.

Photos are a $10 donation, ALL proceeds will be donated on Christmas Eve to 2 Million Dogs.  We will be collecting pet supplies that Mr. Robinson will personally deliver to the Kingston Animal Shelter in his sleigh. 

Followed by an evening of Christmas Caroling at Plymouth's Colony Place 174 Colony Place Road  Plymouth, MA.  Come join us for a day of  holiday cheer for an important cause and meet the man that started this incredible journey!.

RSVP at the Facebook Event page

Raising Indiana

Being a pet parent again for the first time in 5 years I realize I have a lot to learn. So I started a series of podcasts to tap into the expertise of the network of people we’ve built along our travels.

From training to nutrition, veterinarian care and psychology, ‘Raising Indiana’ will explore all aspects of puppyhood. The good, the bad, the puppy…

And since the story of Indy started in Bowling Green, KY, the first episode is a conversation with the Executive Director of the Humane Society there, Lorri Hare, a dear friend and long time supporter. But you have to go to the Finding Fuzzybutt Four blog to download the audiocast. Every Thursday at 7pm EST a new episode will be posted there.

Dogs as Models

I received a heartfelt email from Pam, who recently learned about the Hike and is in school to become a pediatric oncology nurse. She suggested taking Hudson and Murphy to visit cancer patients after we reach Boston to share our story with kids who are hit particularly hard.

That got me thinking - dogs are ideal models for studying cancer in people as we've learned but they serve a much greater role for us than that. Especially in adversity. Their instinct for survival is so great that they're unaffected by self doubt or discouraged by uncertain outcomes or the opinions of others.

Perhaps even more importantly, they teach us self worth. A dog will never knowingly do anything to harm or hinder itself or its pack. In training and our travels, I often find myself learning even more from my relationships with my boys like abiding by the laws of nature and the importance of working as a team. Thanks, Pam, for reminding me that our dogs provide us with a much greater model for life and living.

Home for the Holidays

And for me, that's Belton, Texas where I spent (or mispent depending upon who you ask) my youth. Incidentally, it is also the hometown of George Eads of CSI fame, a factoid I only mention because I'm a fan of the show and Billy Peterson.

Sunday we set camp at Cedar Ridge Park, a coozy campground on the northern side of Belton Lake which is one of the largest bodies of water in Central Texas and perhaps best known for its hidden coves and steep white-rocked cliffs, many of which I've dived off of.

After we pitched our tent, we joined my family for dinner, Christmas carolling around the neighborhood, and a friendly (Hah!) game of Scrabble. The boys and I got back to our site just before midnight and were greeted by the most spectacular sight. The Moon and Mars hoovered right above us emitting a reddish glow. I tried to capture it with my camera and this photo was the best I could do with it. Still, you can make out Mars. Quite a terrific way to wind down a day.

And then the temperature dropped. And dropped. I don't know just how far down it went but it was well below freezing out at the lake. I had set the boys' collapsable waterbowl outside the tent and by the time I awoke, it was frozen solid. Ambient heat from Hudson and Murphy kept me from the same fate as did my puppy up! hoodie. I just can't help plugging our apparel any chance I can get.


When I returned to my parent's house, my father could tell I was still shuffling off the morning frost so he greeted me with a cup of hot cocoa. It was one of the most peaceful and pleasant holidays anyone in our family could recall. We wish the same for you and yours.

A Christmas Carol For You

A few weeks back, I took the boys out to a Christmas tree farm to cut down ours and, of course, plant a seed in its place. It's quite a handsome Virginia Pine, perfectly shaped and fragrant, too. The boys helped me decorate.

What a lovely time of year and Hudson and Murphy wanted us to share it with you in song. It only took us 26 takes but we hope you enjoy. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

The Road from Austin to Boston

Travel plans are starting to come together. Our best estimate is a total distance of 2,235 miles and 264 days of walking. That's more than our original estimates because we decided to travel in a more northern direction to avoid hurricane season in the Gulf States.

We've broken the hike down into 7 Stages which are (1) Austin, (2) Texarkana, (3) Memphis, (4), Akron, (5) Syracuse, (6) New York City, and (7) Boston.

Thanks to all who've emailed and offered the boys and me a place to park it for the night.

Rescuing Sprite

Part 1 of 2:

If you haven't read the heartwarming and inspiring and book, Rescuing Sprite, put it at the top of your holiday wish list. Isn't he lovely? Truthfully, I haven't been able to make it past page 146 yet, which is why this is a two part series. I was reading it at my niece's State Championship soccer match today and a voice boomed, "Stop. Read no further."

There are few things more pathetic than a grown man getting all weepy at a non-betting sports event. No, this isn't an 'outside' book by any means but I will share with you some of the poignant and insightful passages in part 2. Hopefully, I can puppy up this week and finish this wonderful story.

The Dog Whisperer

Wow! What a thoroughly entertaining and informative seminar Cesar put on this past Saturday. I've only seen a few episodes of his show and had no idea he was more than just a dog trainer but profound philosopher, too.

His Effective Fulfillment Formula for a balanced and healthy relationship is a model that can be applied to our lives as well. Exercising with your dog establishes trust, discipline builds respect, and giving affection breeds love and loyalty. If I'd only known that in my last relationship... jeez.

Another bit of information I found fascinating is that puppies don't open their eyes for two weeks after birth and can't hear until day 21 but they smell from the moment they're born. And it's their powerful sense of smell that enables them to detect our energy. Cesar recommends achieving a 'calm assertive' state prior to interacting with them.

He also says the first thing we should do in the morning is stretch with them. I knew I was doing something right - is there any other way to start the day? It's a great seminar and I couldn't recommend it more passionately.

South Padre Island

What a gorgeous Thanksgiving Day! A storm from the Northeast blew in late Wednesday night. The boys were loving it and I was grateful to have a breath of New England. The Atlantic Ocean has an aged smell to it quite unlike the brininess of the Gulf Coast.

Hudsy, Murphy and I took a break from training this week to fill our gullets full, do a little cutting up and spend some time with the family. Thankfully, everyone made it down for the holiday. Also, if you haven't seen Hudson's first day on the beach I posted last year, it's too cute! Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Garner State Park

This weekend we're in the absolutely stunning Garner State Park which is in the Southwestern expanse of the Edwards Plateau, a range of limestone mesas known colloquially as Texas' Hill Country. The crystal blue waters of the Frio River cut its eastern front and are accented by the majestic Bald Cypress. Some of them are believed to be more than 700 years old like the one Murphy is rooting around in the photo nearby.

Aside from the splendor, it is densely populated with peaks some of which reach 2,000 feet, and that is the primary reason I chose Garner this weekend. The boys and I needed to do some elevation training and this is one of the most ideal locations in Texas. Crystal Cave was our first adventure and while it's only a mile roundtrip, the grade ranges from between 45 and 60 degrees and the narrow, rock ridden path added to the challenge.

Hudson was full throttle all the way and although Murphy had difficulty with footing from time to time, he was a true champion! That I kept reminding him his breed hails from the Pyrenees Mountain Range might have had something to do with it... heh!

Still, I was so proud of the ole boy for firing on all pistons but he was so spent when we returned to base camp, he conked out on his new collapsable water bowl. His big wedge shaped head plopped right down on it, nevermind that it was full of water. My sniggering must have stirred him because by the time I got the camera, he had moved. I couldn't stop laughing...

The temperature dropped to just above freezing as the first cold front moved in a day before our arrival. In our hasty departure I forgot to pack extra blankets and probably would've frozen my bollocks off if they weren't with me! They made perfect bunkmates. When I awoke Sunday morning, Murphy was spooning me on my left and Hudson sprawled out atop me to my right. Ah, what a glorious way to awaken!

In addition to training, we spent some time studying the indigenous ecosystem. For those of you who have never seen Little Blue Stem grass, it's really quite something. You can't really tell it from the photo but it is stalked like bamboo, bearded like wheat and it has a full palette of colors, too. Some of the other native flora at the park we learned about; Mexican Buckeye, Flaming Leaf Sumac, Escarpment Cherry Tree, Mountain Laurels, and the many, many species of oaks that are a staple of the Lonestar State's landscape. Not to mention the native fauna, too. Hudsy had his first encounter with an armadillo. Hehe... I'll save that story for another time. Quite a special place this is.... And, Hey, if you ever do come here, get to know Frank. He's one of the parks most endearing features.

Memory Walk

As some of you are already aware, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year. Yesterday, the boys and I, alongside my brothers, their families and a few friends, participated in a Memory Walk in her honor. It was just a short, two-miler but hundreds of people were there and it was a quite a spectacular event. Over the years, this organization has raised over $200 million for Alzheimer's research and it's a great model for us to learn from. Thanks again to my brother Mark's wife, Dawn, who managed our team expertly!