What do we do after, to quote a line from the play Hamilton, “The world turned upside down”? I rarely write about current events, but it just feels wrong to not acknowledge the profound effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic. I have several fun topics for posts in the hopper for the near future (how to pick a new dog, how to handle a dog who plays rough, for example), but, like you, our lives here on the farm have been upended by what I am calling “the new abnormal”. But it’s not all bad. Surely there is a silver lining here for dog and cat lovers–surely we can make lemonade as much as possible? That’s what I want to focus on today: How can we pet owners take advantage of the cancellation of so much of the rest of our lives?
I should preface this post by saying that everyone has to make their own choices about how to behave, but Jim and I are playing it cautious and canceling almost everything that would take us off the farm. We are convinced of the seriousness of this disease, and that stopping “community spread” and “flattening the curve” is the most responsible thing to do. That’s before there a lot of cases in one’s own locality. As a good friend of mine said, “Be more cautious than you think you need to be.” We are all swamped with information about the pandemic and how to handle it, so I’m just going to link to one excellent source for data nerds like me, and leave it at that.
But I do want to brainstorm with you about making “social distancing” and “social isolation” as painless as possible. This morning I sat down with a cup of tea, my favorite pen and notebook and wrote a list of things that I am able to do now that my schedule is cleared. I’d love to hear yours.
Before I start a list, I want to say how grateful I am that “social isolation” isn’t isolation at all for those of us with pets. Here’s to them, and all the comfort, love and oxytocin that they provide us–one of the world’s best ways to strengthen our immune system. (FYI, I am aware of no credible information that dogs or cats can get Covid-19, but they could carry viral particles from one human to another, so be careful there.)
Here’s my list then; which will no doubt be revised and added to in the days to come:
– Cook rice and freeze for when dogs have diarrhea. (Following the usual veterinary advice: First fast, then feed easy to digest foods. I usually use rice with a little chicken broth in it.) I leave a good amount of cooked rice in the freezer for a sitter when I’m gone–it paid off big time when we were in Kenya and the poor sitter had to deal with an outbreak of yuck.
Note, True Story: While I was typing this, Tootsie began whining. “Just a minute, Toots” I said, wanting to finish the paragraph. And then she spewed diarrhea all over the dining room floor. The floor is now mopped, Tootsie has had a bath and received metronidazole, the vet is called, and the already cooked rice is out of the freezer. Words fail here.
Toots requests that Tall Two-Leg Female start paying more attention to her rather than writing about paying more attention to your dogs.
– Catch up on training videos. So many great places to go! I’ll be watching some of the herding videos from The MacRae Way Academy. Friend and kick ass trainer Laura Monaco Torelli has a vast range of free training videos which I’ll catch up on, as does Emily Larlham of Kikopup on Youtube. The Learning Center on my website also has articles and videos on training. Maybe pick one aspect of training you’d like to delve into, and go from there? What are your other favorite sites?
– Train new trick. (Cat lovers too! Cats are great at doing tricks!) This is my all time favorite way to deal with cabin fever for both me and my dogs. I love that tricks feel so light and fun–a good reminder of how easy it is to fall into angst if some kind of “obedience” exercise isn’t going well. So: Define every thing as a fun trick, teach a new one or improve a cue that needs a little spiffing up, and have a ball doing it. My “new trick” agenda is easy–nothing like a new dog to write it’s own list. Skip and I are working on so many things, including Turn Your Head to Me When I Give Another Dog a Treat (a “Leave It” equivalent without a word being spoken), Back Up When I Touch The Door Handle, Stop and Stand Still Even When Running Outside, Stand Quietly For Muddy Paw Cleaning, Walk on a Leash Politely When Going Out to Work Sheep, Keep All Paws on the Ground When Being Petted, Look at Me When You See a Cat, Go to a Mat in the Kitchen when I say Relax, and, drumroll please, Do Just About Anything Besides Stare Obsessively Out the Window Looking for a Cat. And that’s not even the list related to working sheep. (Which is going well by the way, although we have our challenges.) So yeah, I’m good for a list on what to work on! What about you?
This is a huge victory! Skip is chewing on his Kong rather than obsessively looking at the window in case a cat shows up. More on this in a separate blog. (Nothing like a new dog to give a person a lot to write about.)
– Groom, and/or clean out pet supply shelves and cabinets. I try to be sure to groom the dogs at least on Sunday, but, of course, that kind of commitment, is, uh, flexible. But what a great opportunity to get a handle on what we have, what we need to order, what dog or cat needs her nails trimmed or their coats brushed. Or a bath cuz they just had diarrhea all over themselves. Just saying.
This is but one of five different places in the house where dog supplies are kept. Yup, I need to follow my own advice here . . . (Glinda, the Good Witch on the right, is an important part of my dog training procedures. She was given to me by some other trainers, and I have cherished her ever since. Her poor little hand was broken off, so she is awaiting repairs in the mud/supply room. Do wish her well.)
– Sort through dog photos, get enlargements if you can do it digitally. If not, at least get them organized so that you’re ready to take them in once you’re comfortable going into town. You can imagine that I have a ridiculous number of dog photographs, in a ridiculous number of places. Someday I’ll get them better organized. Will this be the “day”? Hmmm, no promises made here. But surely I can start the wall of family photographs that I’ve planned to do in “my free time” for the last four winters. Here’s a link to a review of the online photo enlargement/print businesses, and here’s a link to my favorite local camera store’s online services, at the Camera Company. So: Who are you going to get an enlargement of? I’m going to get one of Willie, my Silly Billy Willie Boy.
– Find pet-related note cards on line, order and write to friends. What is more special than getting a real note or letter in the mail nowadays? (You can guess my age because I just said “nowadays”. Who uses that word nowadays?) You can personalize a note card with your own dog, you can search Amazon for pet-related note cards, you can get funny cards about bored Border Collies, and you can order Gary Larson cartoon cards. (I don’t think there is a grad student in any biological field that doesn’t have a Gary Larson cartoon on their door.) The sky is the limit, right? Well, actually, our budgets are the limit, but hey, these are trying times.
Is this not the coolest card ever for a sheep and sheepdog owner? You can find them at www.myfavoritesheep.com.
– Virtual Field Trips: One last thought, for everyone of any age: How about taking some virtual field trips through museums around the country? Or, for my bird lover friends, checking in on live cams in bird nests around the world?
– Last but not Least by any means: Cuddle on the couch with your dog/cat/husband/partner/lover/stuffed animal and stare out the window or watch nature shows on TV. I’m not kidding here. (Especially about the stuffed animal–I took one on book tour for the Education of Will and it was a god’s send.). I reread the list above the day after writing it, and realized that’s it’s a typical Trisha Type A list. And that after writing it, I didn’t to do anything, but walk the dogs, help a friend with a ram who needed care, work the doges on sheep, clean an area in the kitchen (cleaning feels great!) and cuddle on the couch with my dogs/husband-lover-friend all the rest of the evening. I did not suck my thumb, but it doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I think we should post photos of ourselves doing so with the title “The One Time It’s OK to Touch Your Face”.
What I’m saying here is that this is traumatic for all of us, and sometimes what we need to do is acknowledge how much we are losing, how strange and unchartered are the waters we treading in, and that sometimes it’s okay to get what we need, even that does mean binge watching The British Baking Show for the third time. (Just saying.)
I’m sure you all have lots of other great ideas. Along with some of the above, I’ll be doing lots of cooking (poor me), lots of work with the BCs on sheep (poor me), and lots of contact with dear friends through the phone, letters and on line. You?
I do want to say one more thing: I am so sorry for all of you who are struggling financially because of this global nightmare. Folks with small businesses that rely on in-person transactions are truly hurting. Jim and I have agreed to do all we can to support them, by buying gift certificates from local restaurants, ordering on line when possible, and refusing refunds from things we’ve already paid for that had to be cancelled. If you can possibly afford it, please help local dog groomers, vet clinics, restaurants, etc etc. If you are the one struggling, I hope that those around you can turn out to help–don’t be shy about asking for it.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Life goes on as usual for the dogs. Maggie and Skip play hard twice a day, but it goes best if Skip has a toy in his mouth. They love to play tug, and he’s absolutely fine when she tries to take it out of his mouth (lots of chase games associated with that–Maggie is brilliant at figuring out how she can best get a hold of it when it’s in his mouth), but he can be a jerk (mouthy, body slamming) if he doesn’t have a toy on his mouth. We have other words for him when he’s being a jerk, but I’ll spare your tender ears.
Skip is one of the happiest dogs I have ever met. That’s without a doubt the main reason that he’s our dog now. Happy dog, happy Trisha.
Ghost Kitty (aka Polly), would like to remind us that it’s not all about the dogs.
Please be safe out there, I send you my warmest wishes for safety and health.
Timaran says
Here in California, most offices that have the ability to telework are either “strongly encouraging” their employees to do so (mine is one of these) or mandating it. I think it’s important to take reasonable precautions to avoid contracting the disease or transmitting it to those who may be more vulnerable. That said, I’m annoyed by the panic buying I’m seeing–store after store of empty shelves of hand sanitizer, paper towels and toilet paper. Seriously?! It’s not the zombie apocalypse–even self-quarantined folks can make a trip to the store once a week–just wash/sanitize hands during/after, as appropriate.
That said, while teleworking is not something I usually prefer to do (I’m more productive in the office), I admit to enjoying spending the day with my two GSDs, Ronan and Tamsen, even if they spend much of it asleep on the floor, curled up on either side of me while I’m at the computer. They enjoy it, too–more opportunity to wheedle treats out of me.
Thanks for your thoughts and ideas. Everyone be safe out there –and try not to run out of toilet paper. :-p
Sheri says
Thank you, I love the idea of the dog making the list of new tricks for you! Would love to hear how you train for some of these and other less standard behaviors (I know what to do for sit, but look at me when I give another dog a treat?).
lak says
As a practicing nurse there will be no downtime in the near future, we have been informed that vacations/time off can be revoked with minimal notice, I have been self isolating after work as a precautionary measure. When I am home it is me and the dog. Thank goodness for my 4 legged family member. She makes isolation feel a lot better. Hoping for the best for all during these trying times.
LisaW says
Glinda! I recognized her immediately. A dear friend married someone who bore a striking resemblance to Glinda (she’s German, so we had to introduce her to her doppelganger). Sorry, I digress.
We, too, are self-isolating. My partner has three of the conditions that put him in the vulnerable category, and it made me start up a very early alert system, so we’ve been doing the stay home thing for a while. It helps that we are a bit on the introverted side. I am so lucky to be able to work remotely and will be for the foreseeable future. I have made our own sanitizer and have a few boxes of zinc lozenges and tissues. That’s about it for the stockpiling. We have food and coffee and wine. All set. The dogs have all their supplements and food and chews for a while, too. The term foreseeable future has really lost all meaning. I can’t even begin to imagine what’s coming and that’s one thing that wakes me up at night — that and Olive’s snoring. She’s been sleeping tight to my neck lately.
The other night, I put to Phoebe to bed (she likes to sleep on the open futon with the plush blanket), and I was laying with her thinking about how dotty she is and how long she’s lived, and I started to get a little weepy. Phoebe is also most deaf now, so she was just snoring away. Olive came into the room and hopped up on the futon and sat on my head. She is hyper-tuned into my emotional states. She sits on me when I am upset (like a live, hairy, thunder shirt). It made me laugh and laugh, which I’m not sure is her intention, but it always works. So, yes, thank goodness for our canine talis(wo)men, in this case.
Seeing Maggie and Skip play is a wonderful reminder that there are a few constants. They are a handsome pair. I hope Tootsie is feeling better. Poor gal.
Thank you and take care and stay well, everyone.
Margaret says
I just wish teleworking were an option!! I’m a CNA in a long-term care facility, and I’m scared spitless–for my residents and myself. Can’t keep 6 feet away from people I’m caring for, but the rest of the world is required to keep its distance. I’ll probably still go up to the club and train, since we’re few enough, but otherwise I’m making only the most urgent trips out of the house.
This is probably the end of my hopes of putting a Utility title on Nina since trials are cancelling left and right, and she’s going on 9. It seems pretty selfish to think about that when people are dying–and it is–but here I am, thinking it.
Trisha says
To Margaret: You’re not selfish at all for being sad about cancelled dog trials. You’re just human, and something you value is being taken away. I think we all need to grieve for what we have lost and are losing, without feeling guilty about it.
Trisha says
Any time I can read lines like “a live hairy, thunder shirt” as written by LisaW, I know that life will go on. I’m so grateful to you all!
Trisha says
Thank you nurse lak for being on the front lines. You are our heroes. Stay safe as you can.
Trisha says
Sheri, teaching Skip to look at me while giving another dog a treat was easy peasy! (Although I can’t say I’m done yet in all situations, but he’s doing very well in the kitchen at least.) I palmed a treat and held it in front of Maggie’s nose. He pushed his nose in beside it, but I didn’t release it until he finally turned his head toward me. Then both dogs got their treats. Tootsie’s treat was harder, in part I think because her head is so close to the floor and farther away from me. But he eventually turned his head and got his treat. I should mention that this was after 3 sessions of my usual “leave it” training, in which I say Leave It, present a treat palmed in my right hand, and say Good! (my marker) when he turned his head and gave him a treat from my left hand. The trick is to note the microsecond your dog shifts attention away from the “wrong” treat, mark it and give him a treat from another direction. I should also mention that Skip is a fast learner it seems, and he hasn’t had years of behaving a different way in this house, so that makes it easier too. Good luck! I’ll ask Jim to get a video of what it looks like. But I love the idea (thanks Laura Monaco Torelli!) of dropping the Leave It cue, and have the cue be my giving another dog a treat. Simple is good!
Franny Seguin says
Yesterday morning I was feeling scared, sad, afraid, anxious, worried about the future…. But it was also “morning meditation on a dog” time, when my lovable Lily cuddles up and drapes herself over my lap as I drink tea on the couch. Then, my husband sat own next to us and she got all wiggly and happy. I realized she is not worried about whether there’ll be enough peanut butter biscuits in the cupboard. She is always totally in the moment. If I am too, then I can calm down knowing that right in this minute I am healthy, my husband is healthy, and we have everything we need. A dog in the lap is a bonus.
Heidrun says
Thank you, Trisha for being always so warm-hearted, sensible and funny. This is what people all over the world need right now. Or at least I do and I appreciate it so much.
As I work from home anyway and live in the countryside, nothing much has changed for us so far – guess we are still on the really lucky side of it all. But I’m concerned about the hoarding, the people I care about and just hoping that it will all turn out well (rather sooner than later).
So the dogs are a big comfort right now as they are as demanding as ever (food! work! play! cuddles!!!). They know nothing about the worries of the human world which makes them the best calming influence these days. They keep us busy and down to earth and add a lot of laughter to our lives. As they have always done.
Keep safe and healthy and don’t forget to smell flowers.
Or pee on them (says the dog-crew).
Sarah Cutler says
Hi from NY. We’ve been in full social distancing mode for almost a week now. We live more than an hour north of NYC with plenty of outdoor space and a big enough house for the 4 of us, soon to be 5 when my Wisconsin college student gets home. Hubby is working in our bedroom and not commuting to NYC. I’m sorting out how to safely do my veterinary house calls. I postponed anything that could be postponed this week and will venture out on an as needed basis. Giving advice, meds, etc….over phone and asking clients to bring their pets outside, etc…One personal thing is my dog Cole who is 8 and a half is an expert at social distancing. Our walks have increased and in areas where in the past I would have to manage the onslaught of off leashers, I know find everyone is nicely keeping their dogs near them on a leash. It makes for a more relaxing time for me and Cole, and we still go deep into the woods and he can be off leash all by himself for a little bit. I am so grateful for my 2 cats Leo and Cleo who share us humans. And a huge shoutout and huge thank you to the nurses and doctors working around the clock and putting themselves at risk every day. As well, to the grocery store employees who are also putting themselves at risk every day.
Abby says
Yesterday I picked up dog meds before they ran out. I was unsure if the compounding vet pharmacy would close to protect their people. I also have at least 4 months of regular dog meds. I have been treating it like the normal hurricane be ready for a storm in the gulf of Mexico so I already had 2 months of food.
hint: human needs will come back before pet needs. And things will always take much longer than you think. After Hurricane Ike, some people were without electricity in Houston (4th largest city in USA) for 4 weeks.
We are moving in the direction of self isolating (not completely there yet).
Christine says
This is all so sad and scary. And it hurts so much as I had to say goodbye to my best friend of 17 2 weeks ago. The timing couldn’t be worse especially as I live alone. Fortunately I have a cat and a horse, but it’s not the same… 💔
JMM says
Tootsie, I hope you’re feeling better. And have Tall Two Leg Female give you an extra scritch from me. You did everything right and still ended up in the bath.
Adrienne K. says
We live in a wooded area in Southern Maine at a distance from my closest neighbor. Being retired we will be only going out for groceries and then right back home. Our wonderful poodle Zasu has an appointment for grooming this Friday and I am wondering if I should postpone it. She is a fuzzy as a bear right now but I am not sure of what risks there might be to her or to us once she is with the groomer. Does anyone have any advice?
Caroline says
Just remember to use a sponge to moisten/seal the envelope if you send a card
Rebecca Rice says
Hi!
My work is enforcing social distancing by having employees who can work remotely do two days in/two days home shifts. My dogs are enjoying the extra cuddle time, and the fearless hunter (he caught a gopher on Saturday!) would be enjoying having more access to the outdoors, except that it is also cold and rainy, NOT his favorite weather!
I’d also, if it is ok with you, and please feel free to not allow this post if it isn’t, like to pass along information on The Lemonade Conference (https://thelemonadeconference.com), which is what Denise Fenzi has come up with to replace the Fenzi Dog Camp that had to be canceled. It’s in May, so hopefully this will not be as urgent by then, but on the other hand at that point people may be going stir crazy. From the website: 16 hours of leading edge instruction for 3 days straight on sports, training, and behavior — with worldwide access. 2 classrooms at all times (choice!), and 25+ presenters from around the world… all from the comfort of your living room!
Mason says
An interesting visual take the Covid-19 data so far: https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/covid-19-coronavirus-infographic-datapack/
I’ll skip sharing a list of all that’s involved in trying to safely maintain an urban dog walking business during a pandemic.
Having missed a week of training my own dogs, due to organizational mayhem, today I thought I’d get re-started with a new enrichment activity (for us): The Bacon Bubble Machine! Although now that I think of it, bursting bubbles has unfortunate overtones… Another reason to love dogs, they don’t make morbid metaphorical connections!
Cathy Balliu says
Since my Spot dog is just like Skip (outdoor-housed in the UK, never in a house, obsessed with cat staring, quick-moving, toy-destroying), I’m really looking forward to hearing how you’re teaching Skip. I’ve had Spot since October and he still can’t be loose in the house – thank god he’s good in his crate. He tears around the house so fast that I worry he’s going to take out the furniture. I have been working on watch me and I got a chuck-it since he does like to chase and retrieve a bit. It’s a good think he’s awesome on sheep although he only gets to see them once or twice a week since we don’t have a farm anymore. One big problem I have with him is that he attacks one of the other border collies so those two can’t be out together. I’d like to get him past that but not sure what to try. So now it’s just separation. At least the weather is getting better so we can get outside to work sheep more 🙂
Kathy says
May I just add to the list of people to support. You’re doggy daycare provider! Ours has had so many cancelations because their people are working from home… Please don’t forget the important socialization aspect of going to daycare…
Lanette Yingling says
Oh my goodness Trisha….all really good information in this blog!! First off, the link to the information about the coronavirus is fascinating and informative….and…a little scary! However, nothing I can do will change the situation (except self isolate and pray for my business to make it through!)so, I choose to just take one day at a time!
I absolutely love all of your suggestions of things to do while in “isolation”! Especially the idea about going through photos (and for me videos)!! With owning a dog daycare for 10 years, I have literally thousands of videos and photos!! Pretty sure I would need to be in “isolation” for at least a year to go through all of them! LOL
Deborah Mason says
We have been feeling very fortunate they we already are somewhat “socially distant””. As retirees, living in rural Montana, we don’t have to go to an office, nor work from home. We can’t see our closest occupied next-door house. Our only “close” contact activities have been our weekly Rally practices and mostly weekly Agility classes – both of which are small groups (less than 10), able to keep distance between us. I do expect them to be cancelled at any time, but will keep going as long as they’re offered. Our 2 lap dogs (55 & 75 pound Lab mix) keep us occupied as they will not permit too much deviation from their schedule of active feeding (chasing a frisbee or ball in exchange for a few kibbles at a time) and other practice activities. The older one, Marley, will put up the most pitiful, disappointed sounding groan until he gets his “work” (with treats, of course). It’s getting warm enough that soon we can add agility practice to the routine. Looking forward to the risk and the madness to end.
Betsy says
We live in a quiet suburban neighborhood and are working on our loose-leash walking skills! (We don’t ever run into anyone on these walks.) Cleaning out the grooming supplies, and actually GROOMING, are also on the list! Plus, there may have been baking of rhubarb crumble.
Shari says
Thanks as always for your loving and thoughtful words! These are surely scary times…I am a social worker in the behavioral health department of a medical group here in California and we all were told yesterday to stay home for the next two weeks at least…none of us had ever experienced anything like this and we’re all freaking out a bit
for our patients and ourselves. And, as I only half-jokingly told my coworkers, now that ALL of my agility classes are cancelled and all local trials cancelled too, they might see for the first time just how much of my own mental health is tied up in doing dog things with dog people! Happily, the amazing breeder of my delightful young lab is tuned in to this and has just started a “Quaran-train”
Challenge for all of us who are self-quarantined: she’s giving us a trick each day, and we get points if we can train it and post a video to her FB thread…it’s similar to what you are suggesting, and JUST what the doctor ordered!! I am touched by the amount of loving community-minded people in my life …here’s to helping each other get through this!!
Elizabeth says
To Adrienne K: Check with the groomer – Daisy has an appointment on Friday as well and her groomer posted on FB to say she will be wearing a mask at all times, she’s asking that owners take off harnesses/leashes themselves and then put them back on after, and that we leave our money on the counter where she will spray it. She doesn’t qualify for UI here in Canada because she’s self-employed and she needs to keep working as long as she can. I think her precautions are sensible ones. We’re in a rural area as well, I might feel differently if she or we were in a city.
Trisha says
Shari, love that your trainer initiated “trick a day” with videos on her FB. Brilliant!
Trisha says
All sounds good, rhubarb crumble sounds exquisite.
Trisha says
Lanette: I feel your pain re video/photo overload!
Trisha says
Thx Kathy about the reminder to support doggy daycare providers! So important to do what you can.
Trisha says
Eeeps, Cathy Balliu, that’s a lot to handle! We’re very lucky with Skip, he’s a dream in the house except on a few predictable occasions (ex: one of us leaves–we are tossing a handful of treats on the ground, otherwise he thrashes from window to window–I see him as a separation anxiety risk and so am jumping on it right away. He and Maggie get a large stuffed Kong everyday after their breakfast and long morning walk, that’s help a lot. After their dinner they get a long walk again, then we eat (Skip crated) and then they get bully sticks. So tough that he can’t be out with all of your BCs. Both intact?
Trisha says
Thanks Mason, very helpful visual information. Good luck with your urban dog walking business (I can’t even imagine) and Bacon Bubble Machine? I have no idea what the
heck you are talking about but how could one not love something with bacon and bubbles? Leaving now to check it out… Okay, back now. I’m in. I am totally totally in. Jim will send a video of ME trying to catch the bubbles, the heck with the dogs.
Trisha says
Great reminder, I would have forgotten!
Trisha says
So sorry Christine, what terrible timing. Sending virtual hugs.
Chris Wells says
You are all experiencing what I live everyday. I am the caregiver for my spouse with dementia and my mother now on hospice. It’s 24/7 and it is tricky just finding a relative to sit so I can get to the grocery store and run a few errands. My dogs keep me sane as I am home bound most of the time. My dogs make me laugh everyday and I get outside to work in the yard and play ball with them. So what is happening now is nothing new to me! I try to stay busy and not watch TV!
Chris from Boise says
As an introvert, and retired with a full load of volunteer commitments, I must admit that self-isolation is feeling rather like a holiday at this early stage. The dogs are thrilled too. However, Idaho has not yet been as hard-hit as many states and countries. I feel so sad and frustrated at the hardships so many people are experiencing, and very concerned for all our vulnerable people all over the world. As a friend suggested, for those of us who are able, to donate cash to local food banks and nonprofit community medical centers, to keep an eye on friends and neighbors and render assistance if necessary, be it a pot of soup or running an errand. May this hard time pull us together and help us think beyond our own needs.
This post from the UK has a wonderful perspective on involuntarily staying home: http://www.bimblings.co.uk/2020/03/15/inside-a-guide/
Looking forward to your posts on “taming” rough play! And – I so appreciate the community of caring, thoughtful readers and commenters that you have collected over the years. That alone is a tremendous service.
Tootsie – I hope your tummy is feeling better by now!
Kat says
Near the end of February I discovered that there is a challenge this year to visit all 200+ parks and trails in our county by December 31. We’re up to 27 now. Visiting parks and taking photos is a lovely way to socially distance. https://www.facebook.com/groups/621997448373434/ is the facebook group where the photos are posted. I think they’re visible to the public. D’Artagnan goes with us on these park visits and I swear I’m watching him build a map of the entire county in his head. He reminded me at one of the trails that we really need to get back to serious recall training when I tripped and went down dropping the leash and he took off to explore the trail system on his own. As we’re searching for him I’m seeing all the signs reminding people that “Dogs Must Be on Leash” and thinking “well, he is on leash and there’s nothing about how someone must be on the other end of that leash.” He was reclaimed from the soccer field when he decided to join in on soccer practice. He thinks it was one of the best days ever. I think I’m glad I escaped with only minor scrapes and a few bruises and that he’s friendly and social enough that joining soccer practice seemed like fun to him.
We’re currently replacing a long section of fence that we put in as a temporary fence 13 years ago. The good news is he’ll have an even larger yard to play in the bad news is that while the fence is going in he has to be on leash all the time. I’m estimating maybe two more days.
Meanwhile, hubby is working from home now which is requiring some adjustments. I’m doing some deep cleaning and organizing. I’m also working on a number of Canine Principles online courses, reading Wag: the science of making your dog happy, and The Eye of the Trainer. In addition I’m putting together the packet of materials to apply to be an Evaluator for Therapy Dogs International. I’m at the stage of collecting letters of reference from people willing to attest that I know about Dog Training, and Dog Behavior. The Evaluator my Chapter of TDI has worked with for the last 9 years or so when we sponsor tests thinks I’ll be good at it and will write one of the letters so that was heartening. It feels very strange putting myself forward as something of an expert.
It’s a strange strange world we live in now but I’m comforted by all the caring I see around me. Now I should go wash some more dishes so we can hit a couple more parks this evening and pick up dinner from one of our favorite restaurants. This restaurant is offering no questions asked grab and go meals for kids while everything is shut down. Picking up dinner is one way I can support that.
Anne Johnson says
Lots of outdoor activities for myself and the dogs. Can’t forget the grooming of two horses. Since my two dogs have had aggression toward each other when I’m outside with them, lots of work on that. Tank (Aussie) loves to chase me when I get the ATV out. Of course a flick from a horse’s tail and he’s right on it. Shadow is ball obsessed as he is Aussie/Queensland. We have an artificial turf ball field that he gets to visit often. Snow forecast for the next two days. Guess we will play in the snow. – from Flagstaff, AZ
LisaW says
Here’s a recipe I plan on making tomorrow. It sounds delicious, but the ironic name is what got me. Enjoy!
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018963-lemon-spice-visiting-cake
Also, a support idea: I had signed up for a spring CSA, but won’t be risking the pick up, which is downtown. I did donate the share cost because if the weather, crop damage, predators, etc., isn’t enough, our small farmers need support as they are already on the brink.
Jenny Haskins says
One weeks isolation because I thought I might have COVID 19. This week down with bronchitis and pneumonia. Not tested not for COVID 19 because it is “unlikely” but staying at home, taking antibiotics and trying to survive. 🙁
Dogs like me outside with them — I was trying to get some warmth, fresh air and UV light.
I’m really appreciating the Poinciana Trees and the peewees.
Sandy says
Wish I could share a pic shared with me.
It’s a group of St Bernard’s each with a roll of toilet paper around their neck instead of a barrel! How clever. And good definition of rescue dog. How fortunate, blessed, we dog/pet ppl are with our faithful companions.
Is there any way for me to share a photo?
DogMom2 says
Since my job is being an IT person, my work is nuts getting people able to work from home. Luckily dog school remained open today for our nosework class, just a few dogs/humans. I really needed to be with people who were NOT talking about the virus and were enjoying working with the dogs. While others are working from home or self-isolating, I am one of the people making it possible for them to continue doing some portion of their job. I am fortunate that my partner works from home anyway so someone is there with our pets if I am working crazy hours.
The “trick” I am learning now — my 15 year old border collie started acupuncture and rehab last week, so we are establishing a routine of passive range of motion exercises. We make time for that super early in the morning and before bed, no matter what. Feeling like I can help him certainly makes me feel better, and he doesn’t seem to mind the extra attention. He has multiple serious health issues, but feels very well right now and is a star at nosework class. He and his chihuahua/terrier sister and their dad’s cat are the glue that’s holding me together right now.
Stay well everyone…this too shall pass.
Dorte Nielsen says
How lovely: a non Brachycephalic Cavalier King Charles.
Tootsie is adorable ♥️
Erin says
Have you watched the Simpawtico training channel on Youtube? I’m a fan of that one.
Tails Around the Ranch says
Thank you for this post. I hope Miss Tootsie is well on her way to feeling better. the big difference between social distancing (about 6-ft. between people) and social isolation is the oblivious person that stood way too closely to me (even in normal times it would have been too close) at the post office yesterday mesmerized by his phone and began sniffling. As I moved away subtly, he filled the space again the while residing in the isolation bubble on his phone. Queuing in line a safe distance is a pain, but people need to understand this could be life and death we’re talking about here for certain age demographics.
Rebecca Rice says
If you want to be reminded (or informed!) of why we are enacting “social distancing”, this handy article and simulator is awesome. Plus, it’s fun to watch the bouncing dots!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
Renee says
Here’s an idea for a future blog post (sooner than later, I hope). How about some puppy socialization ideas in these times of social distancing? With many dog training facilities closing and cancelling/delaying class sessions, there are a lot of 12-16 week old pups out there that are missing out on those critical puppy classes. Any ideas about how new puppy parents can safely and responsibly work to socialize their pups?
Also, a big thank you for all the links to on line training videos and all the ideas for keeping myself and my dog entertained during this very anxious time.
Frances says
Can I ask Trisha and the village for some help? My niece has been involved in producing ecology related teaching packs for schools, geared around the UK national curriculum. Now schools are closed the brakes are off – she has been asked to come up with suitable projects for children alone, or with parents, to work on at home with minimal resources. Most should have access to the internet, so ideas and links to safe and reputable citizen science projects (plants, ethology of pets, city wildlife, jungles, animals in their environments, etc, etc) or other good sources gratefully accepted. She is concerned that internet learning could present risks for children, so site safety is paramount. Virtual tours could be a good one, especially if they included follow up activities. We are in the UK, so that may need to be taken into account. I don’t want to hijack the thread, so feel free to pull this response if you think it may take things in the wrong direction, Trish. Now, if you were to add a pets ethology blog for children to your list of good things coming out of all this, that would be the very, very best!
Kaitlin says
Hello Trisha! Thanks so much for always creating and sharing such lovely posts and stories from your life. As a new puppy parent I am so grateful for your books and resources!
I second Renee’s request for advice for puppy socialization and to-do’s during Covid-19 times. I am anxious about properly continuing my puppo’s education when I have to social distance and can’t even meet people on walks.
If Trisha or anyone in the village has any advice that would be so greatly appreciated!!
Thanks so much always! Take care, all!
LisaW says
I’m not sure how this fits into the UK curriculum, but it’s a must-see for everyone, IMHO. I saw it when it first came out as a trailer in the movie theater in ’89, and I’ve never forgotten it. Every time I see it, I love it more and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmNymPocKro
Maybe kids could research where all the animals live in their natural habitat and the benefits and downsides to zoos?
Trisha says
I’m on it Kaitlin! Writing it right now!
Trisha says
To Frances and your request for me to add a “pets ethology blog for children” to my “list of good things”. What a wonderful idea! For someone else to do! I’m full up: Working on a fantastic free presentation coming up this Saturday (https://www.facebook.com/events/193154735311987) with some rock star trainers and poets, writing blogs about how to cope with puppies, dog parks etc in the time of Covid, keeping up with FB, answering blog questions (my honor), exercising two high energy Border Collies, keeping Tootsie alive, writing lists of more ways to help out in the world, and coping as best I can with fear and loss. Any one else want to jump in?