Please Play with Me!

A White January

Every year, five cities in Upstate NY compete for the most snowfall. I have heard that Syracuse usually wins, but this year, we're destroying the other cities. Albany doesn't even stand a chance. As of January 27th, we have had 113 inches of snow. Considering that the normal average to date (all of these figures are coming from http://goldensnowball.blogspot.com/), which is 64.3 inches of snow, it looks like Syracuse just may beat the all time season snowfall record of 192.1 inches. I have to admit, it would be awesome if the city broke its record my first winter here.

I am taking a nature and environmental writing class, so I get to enjoy some bonding time with the white outdoors. Last week, I dressed warmly and headed to Clark Reservation. You can view a little bit about the state park here: http://www.iloveny.com/What-To-Do/See-And-Do/Clark-Reservation-State-Park/1680.aspx

My senses felt frozen out there. Every breath seemed to frost my nostrils. I tried to stick to the trail, since the terrain includes large boulders with deep cracks zigzagging through their stone. I didn't want to end up falling in the snow with my journal and camera. After surviving pretty well on the white, frosted trails, I decided to head back. Greg, Lily, and Keiffer had found me (they had been in the car keeping warm), and already, the dogs, dressed in their warmest coats, shivered. I saw a patch of pine trees I wanted to take a picture of, and I stepped off the trail that hugs the cliff edge. The ground disappeared beneath me. I slipped in a crack. My entire leg dangled in empty space. I laughed for a long time. Snow pushed its way into my gloves and pants, so my fingers and legs started burning from the cold quickly. By the time Greg pulled me out of the earth, my fingers felt raw.

As I hustled to the warmth of the car, I looked back on the snowy park. Our footsteps were the only thing that marred the winter world, and I was glad that the night was going to bring another layer of snow. Again, nature will cover up the trace of human interference. Again, she will frost herself in white.

Puppy Kindergarten

This weekend zoomed by, like most of them do. On Saturday, we took Keiffer t0 Puppy Kindergarten. My work, Blue Prints Dog Studio (http://www.blueprintsdogstudio.com/), offers Puppy Kindergarten every Saturday morning at 9 AM. The classes are led by a trainer named Gina and accepts puppies up to 5 months of age. Though Keiffer is now a little over 5 months, he was still able to attend the class. We let all the puppies off their leashes to watch them socialize, and Gina's dog Kenzie, a black Cocker Spaniel, went around correcting the puppies for inappropriate behavior. The craziest dog was a little Yorkie, who zipped around the room rapidly. Kenzie corrected him several times.

While all the little puppies played, Keiffer ran to the nearest corner, lowered his tail, and watched his surroundings warily. If any of the puppies ran up to him, he tried to curl up as small as possible, as if that would make all the scary things disappear.

After the pups were put back on leash, we worked on a number of training techniques. We even switched puppies with other owners. It's important puppies learn that they need to obey everybody, not just their owners. We got the little Yorkie, and he did pretty well despite his short attention span. We practiced eye contact and sitting positions. We led the puppies into flat hula hoops. When at home, there should be a designated "laying down" spot. To get a puppy familiar with that spot, which will typically be a dog bed, you lead them onto it and teach them that's their sleeping quarters. Gina had us use the hula hoops to give as an idea how the training should work.

After some more training, we let the pups off their leashes again. Sure enough, Keiffer found his corner in his attempt to hide. If we bent down, he would come. People ended up going over to him, and his little tail would start to wag. He loves everybody, and he was so playful with all dogs and puppies that were with him when we picked him up at Leslie's house. He was never shy with Lily, but the new, scary location with all the puppies brought out the little, timid Sighthound in him. We're taking him back to Puppy Kindergarten next Saturday, so hopefully he'll be a bit more brave next time!

Keiffer Bean Rhodes

Greg and I have wanted a second dog for a long time. Several times, we came close to getting a friend for Lily, but circumstances didn't quite work out. It's a good thing for dogs to come in pairs. Lily struggles with separation anxiety each time her pack (Greg and I) leaves her, and now, she has a little brother who will remain with her.

Keiffer is a 4 1/2 month old whippet. Whippets are very similar to Greyhounds; they are fast, they love to sleep, and they love affection. Greg and I have been looking at Greyhound rescues near us, and we were planning on applying for a dog when we got back from our trip to Sacramento for Christmas. I was telling a girl I work with about our plans, and she informed me she knew a lady who had whippet puppies. Greg and I initially didn't think it was a good idea, but we spent several days discussing all the pros and cons. We made the trip to see Keiff last weekend. We asked a lot of questions. We took him home.

Keiffer follows Lily everywhere, and they have already wrestled several times. Right now, they are sharing a dog bed. Greg and I might just be stuck with sighthounds. They are fantastic dogs.

Doggy Profile: Boston Terrier

Since I work with dogs daily, I have a lot of experience with different breeds. Each dog does differ in personality, but there are some traits you can count on in certain breeds. Meet Greta, pictured above, the Boston Terrier. I walked her in San Diego, but I have two more of these little guys at daycare here in Syracuse. The three of them all have differences in their personalities, but I've noticed a string of similarities that I am listing below.

Boston Terriers are small with an abundance of energy. They are very intelligent, so training is easy. The Bostons I have been around do just fine around all people, kids included, but they are not the most cuddly creatures. They live for their toys. Bostons will happily spend all day chasing after balls. Toys are a higher priority than affection. When it comes to spending time around other canines, they do well, but they are prone to acting possessive over the toys they have declared as their own. Their short hair is a plus for dog owners who don't want lots of hairballs drifting around the house. So, if you want a dog who fits the following bullet points, a Boston might be a perfect pick.

• These guys do NOT shed bucketfuls
• They have plenty of energy, making good jogging buddies and excellent fetch players
• They would rather chase a ball then curl up on their owner's lap
• They are a highly intelligent breed
• Their small size makes them seem apartment-worthy, and this scenario will work if the owner is dedicated to exercising their Boston frequently (or sending him/her to doggy daycare!)

My Little Nephew, Baby Easton

Can't wait to meet you, little guy.

A Travel Story

Some people, when hearing the words "travel story," may immediately picture faraway locations such as Italy or the Bahamas. Some may consider closer closer locations, such as a beach or mountain spot a few hours from the hometown. I used to think travel stories required adventures that took a person away from their house and town; I thought the best stories would revolve around locations that were far and unknown to the traveler. My travel writing class this semester has shown me how wrong I have been. I've missed so much so close. Now, I have made it a habit to pay attention to my surroundings and the people within.

I noticed the farmers tucked under their fold-up tables at the market near our apartment on Fridays. One couple I assume to be a father and daughter dress in Amish attire. What is their story? I walked by an old man fishing at a nearby park. He sat in a chair perched near the water's edge. I don't know much about fishing. There is a travel story there. Destination? Park. Experience? Fisherman. Places provide a setting. People provide the beauty and depth of human difference and connection.

Anyways, I do have a travel story to share. Last weekend, Greg and Yangping, his friend from China, had their first soccer game. After leaving the field, Yangping and his roommate had us over for dinner. Stepping into their two-bedroom apartment located close to Syracuse University's campus provided a new travel adventure.

Yangping sat us down on their one piece of furniture, a small black couch leftover from the previous renters, and handed us his laptop. He told us to do whatever we wanted while he cooked. No matter how many times we asked if he needed help, he insisted we sit and relax. After awhile, Yangping and his roommate who is also from China (I don't to spell his name in case I get it wrong) had prepared a bowl of cut potatoes, beef and broccoli, chicken, and bowls of white rice. They gave us the only two bowls they had, and they used tupperware. The food was spicy and fantastic. Over and over, the two of them insisted we eat as much as we wanted. We talked about China. We talked about the States. We shared stories. We asked questions. We learned from each other. We shared in the beauty of those human differences and connections.