Music to calm a Saint Bernard

Our friend Bruce Koon wonders whether music can help calm an animal anxiety attack. Funny he should ask! Here's Daisy's list of favorites. Pop one into a CD player and soon she'll be splayed out on the floor, rolled onto her back, legs akimbo in pure bliss. You might try them if you're stressed or if you have an animal companion that is.

1) Slack Key Guiter, Vol. 2 (Palm Records), a Grammy Award winner. Entertainment Weekly calls it "pleasant, if somewhat sleepy." Perfect!

2) Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters, Instrumental Collection (Dancing Cat Records)

3) Miaow! Sampler (Big Cat, London), especially Paralyzed Mind of the Archangel Void. (Note: Daisy's not cat-phobic at all.) This one was apparently described as "nocturnal trance music" by a reviewer.

Calming, indeed! But here's a surprise hit, perhaps, in the context of the others.
4) Mad Professor's Black Liberation Dub and Anti-Racist Dub Broadcast

And she's also very fond of
5) Lee Scratch Perry's Experryments at the Grassroots of Dub.

Sure, call her "old school." She doesn't mind.

Report from doggie summer school

Apparently no one cares about fava bean faces. Harrumph. NPR says they're "magic," but maybe not, eh?

My guess is that our loyal audience would like to return the subject to Daisy. Of course! We had an eventful summer working on exposure training along a lovely beach bluff trail, complemented by some superb training sessions with Daisy's special ed teacher, Sheryl Carver.

First, we attended an all-day TTouch training session with hordes of very small dogs -- the very type that scare our Saint most of all. Well, perhaps there were about 15 there. But it seemed like a nightmare to Daisy, I'm sure, once we arrived after a long winding road through the redwoods. Daisy's chief concern was being jumped by a small, fuzzy white animal. These are the type that appear cuddly but in fact are quite vicious. My own chief concern was the poison oak that seemed to cover the landscape where we were training.

The little animals and their owners had gathered in order to learn enough of the Tellington TTouch method to apply it at home. TTouch uses circular motions along an animal's body in order to stimulate the release of calming hormones. At the same time, it helps dissipate the stress hormone cortisol, which can get stuck at a heightened level.

At least that's how I understand the desired outcome. The explanation on Tellington's Web site is not helpful at all: the technique, it says, serves to "to awaken cellular intelligence." That's a bit general for me. Not only that, one's cells pretty much have to be intelligent all the time. (See Nels Quevli, although perhaps the goal is not to awaken, but to manipulate cell signaling: see this chat with Guenter Albrecht-Buehler, who has challenged accepted thinking about the control of cell function.) It also makes the animal more aware of her own body -- important in Daisy's case because once she's outside of the safety of home, she completely loses her focus and forgets she has four feet and a very large, reliable body.

We were there to learn TTouch and to let Daisy hang around tiny dogs without flying into a panic attack. We didn't get far with either at first. As usual, we had to stay about 40 feet from everyone else, hiding behind bushes and pacing around in order to keep the anxiety level down. As a result, it was difficult to hear the TTouch explanations.Ah, but one class member, hidden most of the day inside a big, tent-like dog container, proved to be a wonderful surprise! "Chance," his name was, and he was a very large fellow. Still under a year old, nevertheless he stood a full head taller than Daisy and had big, brown eyes. Unfortunately, this mastiff was somewhat human phobic, and did not like eye contact or loud noises. But Saint Bernards were okay, so at the end of class, the two spent a little time "together" -- that is, within about 10 feet of another while going through a confidence course at the same time. Under carefully controlled conditions, with one person holding a leash on each side, each animal walked through a maze, balanced on a foot-high boardwalk, and stepped through tires. They both did beautifully, and what a success for Daisy! While she did trip on the boardwalk while sneaking a look at Chance, otherwise, she managed to pay attention and even walk by all those little white dogs without a hitch.

Once the day was over, Daisy leapt into the red Mini Cooper and collapsed. But all the way home and into the next day, she made it clear that she was very proud of herself.

I felt fortunate to have avoided the poison oak, although Sheryl got some. And Daisy has been very bad about stomping right through that fava bean patch at home.

Miracle fava bean or evolution in action?

This morning we harvested a few items from our small garden. The take so far has been rather meager because of two factors: 1) A big-footed Saint Bernard who thought the area had been prepared for recreational purposes. 2) A ravenous and vindicative gopher who delights in cutting plants off at the ground right when they're ready to produce.

But here's the thing --- in our tiny collection of vegetables we found a miracle!

We're not sure what to make of this expressive fava bean. Was it a sign from a higher being, meant to indicate that we should take life less seriously? Was it evidence that plants are beginning to evolve faces, as Tom suggested? Daisy, for her part, couldn't understand the excitement.

What do you think? Please vote to the right and help us settle this important question.

Dogs in Hawaii - Always Cheerful?

Tom and I disappeared for a week from Daisy's life, leaving her in the capable care of her cousin and aunt. How did it go? Well, more on that later.

For now, we'll concentrate on the dogs we met while on our fabulous vacation in, yes, Hawaii! We visited the Big Island. While we did spend most of our time swimming and snorkeling, we also ventured out on the land a bit to see what the dogs were up to. First, we discovered that most dogs do not go out during the daytime on weekdays at all. Are they sleeping off a wild weekend? Staying cool? It's hard to say.

But, come Friday afternoon, they emerge. The first pup we saw was 20 yards out from the shore, swimming with his human companion in a prime snorkeling spot at Honaunau Bay, called Two Steps for short. This seemed to be a regular activity for the two. (Tip for snorkelers: Leave the dolphins be. They need their sleep time during the day.)

We also spotted a couple of Basset hounds (see above) who had stopped for shaved ice one evening in Kailua-Kona Town. And this individual to the right was part of a greeting committee for kayaks at the Kealakekua Bay. He had just finished his job and was off to a nearby party.

Is it possible to generalize about Hawaiian dogs? Probably not. But they did all seem awfully mellow and good-humored, even when they had been charged with guarding someone or something. It's probably the warm air and all that salt spray that makes for a positive outlook and good temperament.

Daisy's theme song

Daisy and I co-composed a song about our escapades. It sort of has a wannabe Kings of Convenience breeziness, and Daisy consulted by whining or snuffing at certain chord progressions. The lame lyrics are all hers.

Play Daisy, Day by Day (mp3)

List of things Daisy has learned to do in her parents' absence

Tom and Sally are off to Hawaii, taking in sites like the Wai'po Valley. Meanwhile, Daisy has decided to reveal a repertoire of super-canine skills, previously unbeknownst to her parents:

• Balance an eel on the tip of her nose, Father William style
  
  
• Compose and perform guitar ballads full of suspended seconds
  
  
• Sleep uninterrupted, save vigorous squirrel dreams, for thirteen hours
  
  
• Solve the mystery of 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
  
  
• Make banana pancakes
  
  
• Rescue three small children from riptides, and simultaneously block their sandcastle from waves
  
  
• Dig a CO2 sequestration pit big enough to end global warming
  

Being a modest dog, she'd probably rather I didn't tell the world about her deeds. Good thing she can't read.

Vancouver dogs -- rugged, yet pampered?

Just a week later off I went again, this time to Vancouver. While there, I had the opportunity to observe another very dog-friendly city. Just like Manhattan, people and their dog companions stepped out on the town morning, noon and night. But when the weather turned nice -- the best all year, I was told -- then there was no holding back.
Everyone in the city, it seemed, headed out to enjoy the sun and fresh air. And most seemed to be on their way to Stanley Park for the waterside greenery.

Vancouver dogs really do appear different somehow from those in Manhattan. They have that Northwest ruggedness, well-groomed but with a slight scruffiness that comes, perhaps, from the Pacific ocean air. Or maybe all that delicious salmon. It's good for one's coat, you know, even if not for one's breath.

But they have more of an air of sophistication than Montara dogs, who may live a little closer to the earth. We have fewer sidewalks, for example. And perhaps dogs are a little less pampered down here on the Coast.

New York dogs - sophisticated? spoiled? or simply urban?

Oh my! Look what day it is. Sorry to have disappeared like that.

You've probably been wondering what's become of us. One of us, Sally, has been traipsing around an awful lot. Tom and Daisy have been very patient about staying home on their own.

And I have missed them. So while in New York, I snapped some photos of the many dogs out walking in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. So many dogs in New York! Here are a few:

Taking the subway

Out at night

Walking in groups

For the highlight of the week, I visited Mara at the American Kennel Club headquarters. What a remarkable place! The walls are lined with handsome dog portraits, all of the utmost quality. And what did I see the moment I stepped off the elevator, in the most coveted spot at the entry? A beautiful Saint Bernard, of course!

Congrats to beagles everywhere

In case you missed the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, you can find some great photos at the Christian Monitor site, and here at Animal Hubbub. And check out these lovely faces!

Daisy is not much of a beauty queen, though she does like her new FURminator. Yes, we broke down and bought one. We waited a couple days to try it, as I was worried about the loss of important undercoat warmth during this cold season. But soon, Tom was FURminating away. Even with this super-brush, grooming is still a project -- at least a half hour to start, we found. But we did accumulate a nice pile of fur from Daisy's back in about 10 minutes. Then it was time to rest.

The process must feel like a nice massage, because Daisy wanted more.

When FURminating the legs and tummy, one must be very careful. But after we got most of her, Daisy looked a bit thinner and her red-brown coat shined beautifully. A week later, her fur is taking on a soft luster and feels almost as thick as ever. And she doesn't appear to be cold. We'll let you know about the shed levels after we've had a chance to evaluate fur drifts around the house.

Ten Things I Learned From My Dog

Dogs -- and probably even cats -- have a way of making sad times easier. And they're good for more than a hug. They teach us an awful lot, too, especially about living life to its fullest. Here are ten lessons that Daisy has taught us:

1) Use all your senses.

2) If you're fearful or conditions are bad, seek higher ground.

3) Go for a long walk every day.

4) If you're curious about something, check it out.

5) Never leave the house without a dog.

6) Get plenty of sleep and nap when you're tired.

7) Arise at the same early hour every day.

8) Start thinking about dinner at least an hour early.

9) If you want a rub, ask nicely and you'll probably get it.

10) Stay close to those you love.

What lessons have your own pups taught you?

Sad Days for Daisy

Daisy has been moping around a bit the past week, looking around for someone who's not there. That's because her aforementioned god-dad, Charles, has passed away.

In spite of all her neuroses, Daisy knows how to be a good friend. That's what she was to Charles, a brilliant, funny architect who bravely confronted the unrelenting progression of a brain tumor over the past 16 months. "Hey girl, how you doin'?" he'd call out to her, even after the effort to excise the tumor had also removed much of his ability to communicate verbally.

It's a special talent that many dogs have, to provide comfort and sometimes, a good laugh. Daisy liked to hang out under her godparents' dining room table, unseen but at the center of energy. People could rub their feet on her and she didn't mind. She'd always stick close to Charles, and would wander around looking for him if he was missing. She loved him as much as he loved her.

Fortunately, Daisy has no problem meeting new humans and rapidly winning their hearts. She would stride right into in-patient rehab and plop down on the floor. The nurses would all crowd around, telling us, "She's big!" It's a little warm in hospitals, but Daisy would usually stick it out. And there's nothing like the touch of soft fur against your hand when you're feeling down.

And the Winner....

We know you don't come here for surf news, but the king of 40-foot waves at Mavericks this year is South African Greg Long, who achieved a perfect score in the final heat. Not long ago, this contest was somewhat pompously called "Men Who Ride Mountains." On Saturday, though, all the surfers' talk of humility rang true. That's when the six finalists revealed that way out there on the water, while waiting on a near-flat ocean, they pulled their boards in a circle, held hands and agreed to split the $75,000 prize.

Then four-story waves started to roll in and the heat was on.

Here's the San Francisco Chronicle's coverage, where you can watch Long's ride on video. The San Jose Mercury News has this story.

Surf update: Mavericks Big Wave Contest Called

Our big wave, we learned today, was a harbinger of more. This morning a neighbor ran out to greet us as we began our walk. The Mavericks big wave surf contest has been called for tomorrow, she alerted us. A booming crash from the beach echoed up the valley and her eyes widened.

Local surfing legend Jeff Clark calls the contest after checking charts and forecasts for gigantic waves and good weather. Then surfers from all over the world have 24 hours to get here and prepare to ride. What started out as a scrappy challenge among a crew of dedicated and crazy surfers has turned into a big event.

Saint and Human Get Soaked

When you live by the ocean, you come to think you understand it. Or maybe, you understand how much you don't understand, retaining a healthy respect for the unknown.

But sometimes we get a little too comfortable. Or distracted.

This morning we were reminded of this when Daisy and I went out for our walk. As we headed down toward state park, we noticed the sign about unpredictable surf. Glad they post that for tourists, we thought. We observed the water pouring high on the beach, normal for winter but not as intense as the past few days. Over the weekend, the waves rolled so high and forcefully that we chose not to venture down to the sand.

But this morning, the sea had settled a bit and the wet, sparkling sand looked very inviting. We got all the way to the north end and the gray-blue spikes and spires of crashing water amazed us with their beauty. It had started to rain, but I was dressed warmly and Daisy had her fur coat.

When we turned around at the end, Daisy began to act antsy and pull. The rain began to pour. I looked down toward the middle of the beach and could barely make out, as I peered between raindrops, three people. They accompanied what looked to be three to four rollicking dogs. Were they heading toward us? Or turning back because of the downpour? We kept walking and I squinted to see better. We reached a spot where we had to cross a little stream. Here freshwater pours down the hillside and meets the waves. Just as I discerned that the group had turned around, I noticed a wave coming. And a big wave at that.

It was too late to turn back and too wet to turn forward. All we could do was stand there, with one wave sloppily coming around front and one rapidly advancing behind.

My soaked legs and feet

They call these "sleepers," big waves that emerge out of what looks like a calm sea. I planted my feet as the water swirled around us and I could feel Daisy getting lighter. Stay, Daisy! Daisy, stay! (I should have called, "Swim!") I encouraged her and held on. The water washed up to my thighs but Daisy managed to stick with me. Finally the flow subsided and we plowed forward and out of that dangerous spot. She shook a couple of times, and I could see sand sprinkled all about her coat.

I'm not sure whether having to swim against a rising current was more frightening to Daisy than those dogs down the beach. As soon as she got free of the water, she began to press forward toward the other animals, lurching right and left and pulling hard. All I know is that when we got home, she wanted a hug and was very, very tired.

A friend at dinner boosts appetite

In response to our description of Daisy's finicky eating habits, Mara describes the after-dinner food fight at her place and offers a suggestion:

"Then Maggie dashes to Lisa's bowl, and finishes any atom of food left in or near it. Lisa does the same to Maggie's bowl. Floors, bowls, etc. come out spic and span...

So, the solution is obvious. Daisy needs a dinner companion."

Funny you should mention this, Mara! Feeling hesitant to throw out a wonderful Saint Bernard calendar for 2007, I thought of a new purpose. Perhaps Daisy would enjoy looking at cute Saint Bernards while at dinner. So I posted a puppy clambering amidst lavender behind her dinner station. (This also serves as an easy clean-up option for the rice and egg splatters -- just toss out the photo every so often.)

What do you know? You are absolutely right. Ever since that puppy has been her breakfast and dinner partner across the bowl, Daisy has slurped up every bit of food she can, and right quick, too.Our scientifically minded readers might object: "Correlation is not causation!" And indeed, it's true. But, failing the ability to interview Daisy, we have to go with anecdotal observation. And we do have two data points from separate locations -- New York and San Francisco -- that suggest that dinner companions do boost appetite.

FURminator Update

So, no FURminator yet, and we are suffering for it. With so much cold weather and rain, Daisy has amped up her production. Here are results from the latest brushing. Anyone want to spin this up into yarn and make a sweater? Here's a recipe.

Holiday paws in the mud

Fortunately, Mom had seen such things more than once before. She laughed and pulled out a Bissell Spotlifter. This is an amazing machine.

First, of course, we had to blot up the pint of urine now sitting on the white rug. Then Mom squirted some sort of pet odor and stain removal formula onto the fiber, and vacuumed it all up. You'd never know anything had happened.

But Miss Behavior wasn't finished. We fed her dinner, a concoction inspired by Mara's meatloaf. Daisy ate up with vigor, but as she chewed, she dribbled big chunks of rice and egg all about the freshly washed kitchen floor. I wiped up as best I could, while my mom told me that she had timed her last scrubbing. Only ten minutes!

After this display of good manners, Daisy settled in and we all relaxed.

Because of the allergy-inducing cat, we stayed at a bed and breakfast in town. Daisy thought it was great -- it offered wonderful views out each window and she had the run of the place. True, the Bliss Bungalow is really quite nice. We liked the comfortable bed, restrained historic decor and warm feel of the shared kitchen and living areas.

At Mom's we ate, drank, and talked up a storm. With Daisy we had to be discrete. Mom lives in a townhouse complex that surrounds a lake frequented by migrating waterfowl. No dogs over one foot high allowed. We snuck Daisy in under her blanket and attempted to walk her out of view. But once again, Daisy would have none of it. She left clear evidence of her visit, rules be damned!