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Posts from the ‘Animals’ Category

Jul 21

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Goodbye Lilly

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Goodbyes are tough.

A few days ago, Kelly and I did just that with our dog Lilly.

A combination of age coupled with a handful of related ailments finally got the best of her. True to her stubborn nature, Lilly fought the good fight throughout, but ultimately, she lost the war.

We could have asked Lilly to continue fighting. Likely, she could have done so for a few more months, but Kelly and I knew it was wrong to place such a burden onto her. It would not have been fair to prolong her life at our benefit, over hers.

Despite never saying the word, it was time for the inevitable. Kelly and I both knew it, and painful as it was to accept, it was time.

We were happy to accompany her on a final evening walk through town, along her favorite grassy route, and be there to comfort her during final breaths.

Kelly and I cried a flood of tears at the end. And many times since then.

A universal truth amongst dog owners is a belief that their dog was the best dog ever – Kelly and I feel exactly the same about Lilly.

Thank you, Lilly, for forcing us to be patient. Thank you for leading us down the unexplored paths. Thank you for making us laugh. Thank you for slowing our pace at times to appreciate the scenery immediately at our feet.

Mostly, thank you for being such a wondering and loving member of our family. We will miss you dearly.

Goodbye Lilly.

Mar 10

One Last Hurrah

IMG_2407Nevermind all the dirt she brings home or the 24 hours of sand in her poop, Lilly loves the ocean.  For nearly two months, our daily walk passes by steps descending  to the beach.  Lilly know that once her paws reach the sand, only 50 yards separate her from the Pacific – the place she can chase sticks and dig.  A mad dash to pure joy.

Every time we approach those steps, Lilly looks back at Kelly and me with hope that we will grant her wish – a chance to frolic on the beach.  Far too often for her preference, and with no shortage of guilt on our part, we walk past the steps,  continuing along an asphalt path.

As I begun preparing the trailer for travel mode earlier today, I could not help but find it disappointing on my part to deny Lilly one final visit to the beach.  Today we are leaving the coast and I have no idea when we will be back, no real guess when Lilly will again taste the salt water.  I do not know when I will have another opportunity to watch the sunset glitter over the water as she and I play fetch.  Realistically it could a year, perhaps longer.

Of course I had to take her.  It’s possible I had more fun that she did today.

 

Jul 28

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The All Important Shower

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Like many campers, our Airstream came equipped with both an indoor and outdoor shower.  Weather permitting, I much prefer to shower outside.  Not only is there more space, but I feel like I’m somehow more connected to nature.

Silly, I know.

Unfortunately, the showerhead Airstream provides is a total piece piece of shit.  Pathetically, it is made of cheap plastic and offers no ability to control water flow – a feature critically important for water conservation when dry camping.

Knowing something had to give, I devised a simple DIY hack, which has been serving me well.  First, I removed the worthless showerhead, replacing it with a $10 metal (ie – heavy duty) garden nozzle offering a “shower” setting, in addition to a few other selections (mist, soak, stream pray etc.).

Instead of permanently connecting the replacement nozzle to the hose, I installed a simple brass quick connect, and in the process, freeing up already tight space in the shower nook.  I store the nozzle in a bin and simply quick-connect to the hose when desired.

This set-up has been serving me well for about a year with no issues.  More, the entire hack cost less than $20.

Not as easily impressed, Lilly hates how quick and convenient the set-up is to deploy.

Jun 4

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Doggie Pedicure

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We’ve tried just about every method, but Lilly simply hates getting her nails trimmed.  As a rule, trimming nails with a grinding wheel goes over best, but is still not without occasional hick-ups.

Today we made an appointment to have Lilly’s nails trimmed and upon arrival noticed technician would be using a hanging harness, the first time we’ve ever seem such a technical employed.  As evidenced in the picture above, Lilly didn’t quite know what to make of the situation.  This reality, combined with ninja-like efficiency by the handler made for super easy trimming from my perspective, but I suspect Lilly still hated the process.

 

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