Puzzle Pieces

The members of the Hubbard Hall Writers' Project met today at Bedlam Farm to discuss our writing projects, we are bringing together stories with a rural slant. The pieces are starting to come together and everyone had some wonderful ideas to share. I am thinking of writing a piece about courting and romance puggie style. The story will culminate with a pug wedding that we held at my friend Joan's house a few years ago. Just to make it clear, this was a wedding between two dogs -- Timitoms and Zelda. The rural focus of the piece, I think, centers on the fact that here in Vermont, we have to take our fun where we can find it and form community where we can. I have found a deeper connection in what at first blush may seem silly, frivolous activities, such as a doggie wedding. I will keep you posted on how the writing goes and hope you will come along to hear more. When our group is done it should be a very unique and diverse collection.

Monkey Girl

Waffles on the Porch of Bedlam Farm

Like I said before, I know a pug isn't a child, but sometimes they have a way of filling us owners with a parent's sense of pride or shame. Today, my new pug, Waffles, should have filled me with pride. We attended a three-hour luncheon and writers' meeting at Bedlam Farm, home of writer Jon Katz and his wife, artist Maria Wulf, where she was the epitome of decorum.

Waffles has not had much opportunity to get out and about, so I was a little nervous about her behavior. I needn't have been. She sat at my feet throughout the whole meal only stirring occasionally. "She's so good," everyone murmured throughout the afternoon and she was.
"She is," I replied, "as long as I'm here with her, but leave her alone..."

I don't think anyone believed me. They had been reading on my blog about the Great Pugdini, the escape artist and the Devil Dog, and here sat a perfect angel, tolerant even of the denim dress I mad her wear.

So instead of being proud that my little girl impressed my colleagues, I was ashamed she wasn't putting on more of a show. I tried to explain to them that only moments before our arrival she had been swinging around the backseat of the car like a monkey. I have two doggie car seats in the rear of the car -- one for Alfie and one for Waffles. The car seats are designed to allow the tiny pugs to see out the windows while also securing them in place by a hook attached to their harnesses. Waffles has learned that if she flings herself in the air and hangs she has a chance of freeing herself. Thus, I had to stop three times on the trip to lift her back in place. After the last try, I finally let her loose to sit on the front seat, not safe for her if there were to be an accident and the airbag deployed, but it kept me from slipping into the wrong lane as I tried to monitor her in the back seat.

Waffles, however, was not content with that solution and kept jumping to the floor and slipping under the gas pedal and brake. A really bad idea, so I had to pull over a fourth time, take the hook from the back seat nad hook her to the front, where she sat until we arrived at Bedlam Farm.

On the way home, she started the procedure again. My little Monkey began swinging from seat to seat like a chimpanzee on a trapeze. I sighed, wishing that Jon Katz and the crew were in the car to witness the true nature of my dog. Then again, it probably wouldn't have mattered, she had already done her work and charmed them. Come to think of it, charming is the true nature of a pug, so I guess the little girl did me proud after all, but please believe me when I say, she doesn't always wear that face.

***For Jon Katz's version of today's events and to see a pic he took of Waffles and me check out his blog at www.bedlamfarm.com

A view of the interior of my car. Waffles hanging from her harness.

Pug Rescue

Yesterday I met in White River Junction, VT with Green Mountain Pug Rescue to photograph a transport of 10 pugs and two Yorkies coming into the rescue from Missouri and Arkansas. GMPR wanted pictures taken quickly to put up on their web site to help get the word out about them.
I had never done this before and was unsure what to expect. Yes, I was nervous, but also excited and curious.
I arrived at McDonald's early, at 5:45 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. delivery and decided it made more sense to go across the street and grab a bite to eat rather than sitting in the hot parking lot waiting. When I returned at 6:27 p.m. there were no pugs in sight. I checked my phone and discovered that the transport time had changed to 6:00 p.m. and I worried I had missed it. Fortunately, I hadn't. After some worried Facebook messaging and phone calls I discovered that the transport had arrived at the nearby Comfort Inn instead. Directed to the back of the parking lot, I arrived to controlled chaos. The first thing I spotted was the huge transport truck. One of the volunteers informed me that a retired couple had renovated a large horse trailer and were spending their time transporting dogs across the country to rescues.
Volunteers milled around several x-pens of whirling pugs most of which were scratching away at sore, balding bodies. It seems most of the rescues have either mange or a severe flea allergies. Several also had eye problems. The head of the rescue was teary-eyed and said that this was one of the worst groups she had seen in her 10 years of rescue. I quickly went to work shooting photos of the little ones while the foster families moaned over them, shocked and worried over their condition.
I understand how they felt. The poor little creatures were unable to stand still, they were scratching so hard, and yet, there was something else I noticed. In spite of their conditions and skittishness, these were still pugs and many were demonstrating such "pugish" characteristics as friendliness, gregariousness, curiosity. Some, if not all, might have been nervous, but they also seemed happy, doggy, with tails a waggin'. I know it was hard for the rescuers and foster families concerned with vet bills, logistics and the plight of all the other pugs who go unrescued to see, but my distance behind the camera gave me the vantage point to see the the potential of the dogs in front of me, many of which seemed friendly, happy even. Yes, they may have some rough days ahead as they heal and certainly the rescue faces financial challenges in caring for them, but these pugs will be pugs and it made me think a bit about resilience and survival and how personalities and souls can remain intact and thrive even when bodies don't.
Green Mountain Pug Rescue http://www.greenmtnpugrescue.com is taking donations toward the care of these pugs and it is much needed. I respect the work this group does, the long hours they put in and the tears shed. These dogs are lucky dogs for their effort. As dogs they know how to wag their tails in the face of adversity and enjoy themselves when they sense the opportunity. They do not live as victims. They may hurt and itch, but they also lick and love and I am happy I got to witness that.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Where Does that Path Lead

I've been asked by Green Mountain Pug Rescue to come photograph a transport of pugs coming into Vermont tonight. They are getting 12 in at this location and another three in at Troy and since it is such a big group they want individual shots and to get photos up as soon as possible in order to find homes for them.

 Green Mountain Pug Rescue is a wonderful organization and very efficient, so I'm sure they will have everything under control, but a friend already wrote me on Facebook that she pictures me with a catcher's mask and mitt and I hope that won't be the case. I'm still a little nervous when it comes to photographing on assignment. I know when its for a show or my own creative projects I can capture a picture that I can use, but I'm still not confident in getting the right shot everytime that I feel I need to do this type of work. Still, I'm eager to grow and this sounds like an opportunity to do so.

I first started taking photography classes with Jim Block in Enfield, NH because I was nervous about perhaps having to take photos while on assignment. That was a few years ago and since then I have been showing and selling my work, making photo collages and having so much fun. A friend once told me that some anxiety can be good for you, it helps motivate you and I have found that to be true. I'm also excited to see the pugs and help in this endeavor. My friend Joan is coming along for moral support. When you start down a road you never know where it might lead and what you see as obstacles sometimes are the very building blocks of creativity.

Doggie Duds

Weddings, showers, dinners, proms. As any girl knows special occasions require special attire, which is why Waffles and I spent this afternoon preparing for the weekend. Writer Jon Katz and artist Maria Wulf have invited Waffles to accompany me to a writers' luncheon on Sunday.
A country girl, Waffles has not had much opportunity to socialize or be socialized, so I thought perhaps some new duds might help boost her confidence and perhaps mask any poor manners. Today we explored some options. Sure, she could go au naturale and fit in nicely with the working dogs of the couple's Bedlam Farm. Although the invitation did not specify attire, au naturale is probably what our hosts are expecting. Yet, if you are going to be hobnobbing with artists and writers it seems best to make a splash. Besides, Waffles is a toy dog not a border collie and it could be argued that the work of any toy dog and especially a pug is to be cute and attract attention, which Waffles' wardrobe is certain to help her do.

Actually, Waffles did not have a wardrobe until yesterday. I went shopping with my friend and Waffles' former owner Joan and brought back a few choices, and today I raided Alfie's outgrown castoffs.

"You're turning her into a powderpuff," Joan moaned, but truth be told, Waffles' loved her modeling experience.

Unlike Alfie, who usually barks and twists in circles when I try to dress her, Waffles actually helped pick up her paws and slip them into the armholes of the dress. She wore a hat without shaking it off and trotted outside to parade around the backyard and showoff to the neighbors. We modeled a few styles -- whimsical, casual and formal. For a fun, ethereal look, Waffles donned her rainbow butterfly wings and tutu, which, while certainly cute, might be a little too playful for lunch. Her formal wear consisted of a black velvet gown accented with rhinestones, still comfortable enough for her to lounge in. Her casual option stuck close to her down home roots, featuring a denim skirt, kerchief and cowboy hat.

We have yet to make a final decision, but I think we may need to consider which outfits are available in big dog sizes because Lenore and Frieda, Jon and Maria's female dogs, may just want some fashion advice and their own full closets after this. Alas, I doubt Maria and Jon will be running out to outfit them anytime soon -- doggie wardrobes are a far cry from the topics Jon usually addresses when writing about dogs (the over emotionalizing and anthropomorphizing of animals, for example), but they do tend to play a part in the life of many toy dogs and their owners and I have been buying them for mine from the get go.

I know some people may find it silly and I am aware that my pugs are not children or dolls, but it is fun to dress them up and it brings a smile to the faces of most people we encounter. If anyone knows pugs they know there is nothing, except perhaps food, that they like better than playing the clown -- it is their work to win that smile.

I'm pretty sure that whatever outfit we choose for Sunday it will spark some conversation and some laughter and that Waffles will be in the throes of it, eating up the attention with a gusto usually reserved for chicken livers.

Peek-a-Boo Pugs

"Mama Joan" plays Peek-A-Boo with one of her five new puppies. They are growing fast. Visiting Pugdom, Joan's house, is always a treat and an unique experience. I love it there. It is as if time disappears and you are caught up in a different world where dogs rule.

Joan has anywhere between 14 and 18 pugs at any given time. Tonight, one of the puppies, Batman, was not feeling well. He is a bit congested and not nursing, so Joan and I fed him goat's milk from an eyedropper and Joan is keeping watch over him tonight.

Waffles did not seem phased by being back at Pugdom. She bounded up the stairs to greet her sister, mother and grandmother in the bedroom and checked on all the puppies, but when it came time to go home, she just as eagerly trotted down the stairs to jump in my car. "You will always have two homes," I told her.

The World of Little Girls

I went to my niece's birthday party this past weekend and was able to snap some shots of the little girls there. I also got some that I will be using in upcoming photo collages.

Best Friends

Taken with my I-pad

I've written about it already, but each time I see Alfie and Waffles on Vader's bed I can't help but smile. Seeing them curled up like best friends on the bed that bears my previous dog's name completes a circle for me -- the pack is complete, my human heart is warmed.And, then I am reminded that dogs are very different. Tonight sitting on the sofa, beaming with pride at my two girls curled up beside me, my peace is shattered when Waffles suddenly leaps at Alfie sending her into frantic yips and yelps. It seems the object of contention is the bone Alfie is holding between her paws. Alfie may be putting on a brave front and she definitely seems outraged, but she quickly jumps off the couch and sits on the floor puzzled. Doggie signals are flying and she will not return to her rightful place by my side.

I am at a loss as to what to do. I try to pick Alfie up and place her on the other side of me away from Waffles, but she jumps back down. She is panting and looks upset. I get another bone so they each have one. Waffles continues to give Alfie the evil eye. I can feel the tension between them, the air is taunt as if a physical bond like a rope or chain holds them in place. There is no rope or chain, but there is something I cannot see or understand -- an unspoken language that each dog clearly understands. They are establishing pack rules, their pecking order, although I am hurt and want to intervene. I want to explain to Waffles that this is Alfie's house, she was here first and while I love them both she belongs on the sofa, too. I want to say this, but even if they understood my words it would do no good, my language is not theirs.

I watch and wait, and soon the tension dissappates. I am not sure what they have worked out. Have they forgotten their squabble? Is it settled? From previous experience with dogs I know that it is not the end for good, but it is for now. It is the first step in the two establishing a relationship that will work for them.

A couple of hours later Alfie is back on the sofa. Waffles is curled up asleep on its arm and Alfie is eating the coveted bone. Who won? I wonder, but I realize it is not about winning. It is difficult to understand any family from the outside, to understand its unspoken rules. This family is forming and although it may at times leave this human heart perplexed, I can feel the unspoken bond -- the pack is complete.

My Beautiful Nerd

Alfie and Waffles have known each other since Waffles was born. Although she is 6 lbs. lighter and significantly smaller, Waffles is only three weeks younger than Alfie. The two took to each other from the get-go, snuggling as puppies and soon becoming gleeful playmates whenever I visited my friend Joan.

 

When it came time to get a new pug, Waffles seemed the perfect choice not only for me and my household, but for Alfie. Her favorite playmate could become her "sister." The arrangement seems to be working out just like I hoped. The two seem to be adjusting to life together free of any real drama. Alfie seems to be showing Waffles the ropes and deferring to her on occassion. Waffles has claimed many toys for her own and as long as she stays away from Alfie's "Humpie Bunny" all is well.

The funny thing is watching Alfie's personality emerge in contrast to Waffles. In recent months before Waffles came to stay, Alfie had begun to mature, settling down and becoming my constant companion and shadow. I could see and feel a calm and gentle spirit. Waffles is different, she is small and sweet, quiet even (well, when she isn't crated) but she isn't calm. Something is going on in that little head and I'm not sure yet, what it is but there is mischief there and the bit of a rebel. Alfie, who can be disobedient at times, lacks that rebel gene, however. Today, this was clear.

Since birth Waffles has had an obsession with the garbage can in Joan's bathroom, knocking it over so often that Joan had taken it out all together. Waffles also loves knocking over other baskets and containers such as the laundry basket in the bathroom. Alfie, on the other hand, does not like objects out of place. She will bark and act scared of suitcases or backpacks placed on the floor where they should not be and looks completely puzzled at Waffles' trashcan antics.

Today, Waffles knocked over two laundry baskets in the bathroom so clothes spilled all over the floor. Alfie came around the corner and began barking frantically. I was suddenly reminded of those nerdy tattletales on the playground. You know the type -- "You better stop that," I could imagine Alfie saying. "We're going to get in trouble. That's not where it should be. We really should pick it up. Did you hear me, I think we should pick that up." When I came in she looked at me imploringly, "It's not my fault," she seemed to be saying. "Can we just pick this up and forget about it? Um, she did it!"
Waffles was oblivious to Alfie's pleas. This was fun! She continued to rummage through the clothes, sniffing each piece enthusiastically. "Come on Alfie," she might have been saying. "Loosen up, enjoy yourself!"

Aww, my rebel child and my nerdy girl. It looks like the days ahead are going to be interesting with the two of you. I worry about peer pressure and I wonder who will influence who. My hope? That you each wear off a little bit on the other. There is room for both fun and caution here.

Vermonster

I left my pugs at home and took a day off from work today to travel to Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury to watch two of my best friends' sons and another friend of theirs eat a Vermonster in a little over 20 minutes. According to Wikipedia the Vermonster is a large ice cream sundae consisting of 20 scoops of icecream, four bananas, four ladles of hot fudge, three chocolate chip cookies, one chocolate fudge browning, 10 scoops of walnuts, two scoops each of four toppings of your choice and whipped cream. It contains 14,000 calories and 500 grams of fat. The boys were real troopers and no one vomited. As fun as it was to watch them, to me there was something about standing there with my two bestfriends from childhood watching their children do a silly stunt like we so often did. I reminded my friend Sheila of the time we skipped class to eat a gigantic bucket of onion rings at the local snack bar, Onion Flats. My other friend, Madelaine and I, used to pretend as kids to have these imaginary children and today I saw her two beautiful boys just having a blast.

 

I returned home tired, although all I had to do was watch, to find that my own "Vermonster" Waffles had managed to continue her great crate moving escapade and this time had repositioned it at least five feet away from its original location. I don't know how something so little can accomplish something so big -- today was obviously the day of great feats!