Speaking Doggish

Matilda and best friend Ginger Love

Okay, just tuning in this week to see who else out there is speaking fluent doggish ........??? Doggish is not like what you may think- talking in baby babbles to your dog! Doggish is really not talk at all, its more telepathic, psychic communication than anything. I think most of us do this much more than we imagine we do, I mean not just with the dogs in our lives, but with other people and other animals in our environment too. 

Speaking is really very much more than just spouting words- I think we send messages way before the sound is formed into spoken word......Maybe first some of us even see pictures, color or shapes in our minds eye. I often feel sensations before i talk, like uptightness at the person who butt in line ahead of me, or openness when i see an old friend, if you pay attention all kinds of unique things actually happen before we say what is on our mind. Try it out. For reals.....observe how this phenomena exists in your experience.....i was surprized how complex the process was, sound is the last whistle stop on a long line of signals starting with the desire to connect, which I think is psychic. 

Its the same with animals too, and between animals. Duh, i know you already know this, so really, i'm just talking to myself right? Just think eye contact...that is where a lot of the language of Doggish is formed, we can read so well between the lines when we look into that beholden eye ball! That's why words can be so meaningless, but- the eyes never lie! Often it may be that we send the message out on a wireless wave, like when we let loved ones know we are holding them close, when distance prevents speech or eye contact.

 Dogs are super connected to us human animals because we have had such a long history together, living symbiotically. We can learn to read and speak Doggish, like they have learned our much more complex language, by listening with our eyes and psychic vision, reading dog body language, and thinking in pictures rather than words.....it helps us all stay more connected and sane i think!


You can communicate with these knowing creatures, and learn new stuff about yourself and the planet too, listen and respect the animal kingdom- your connection to the natural world and higher spiritual realms is sitting right there in your own living room.... apparently cat napping on the rug in the sun.

Next week i will share more on animal communication, after a workshop with Lori Spagna of Efilsgod- she is the lady in the know on all these things and fluent i'm sure in Doggish too.  

Love the dog who feeds you,

A girl and her dog

Baci, 

Jane 

Dog Town

Out with Ginger Love, Mattie and Roxy

Good Morning!      

I have some breaking news to share.....last night in a cute little LA Hamlet, dozens of dogs in all shapes and sizes were in attendance at the Farmers Market,  right there on Myrtle Ave.!!! This is so cool cause.....other LA Markets have gotten so doggone fussy about dogs BEING ALLOWED to join in on the fun.

Kudos to the Monrovia Farmers Market and Craft Show, which is an even better event due to the presence of all those friendly furry creatures -DOGS, and the wonderful owners who make sure that everybody stays cool and all that dandy stuff. Hey, dogs are people too! These days, it's not really a family experience unless Spot gets to go....right? Thank goodness for all the LA outdoor cafe's and bars where our four legged friends are welcome to hang, and often do also get royally treated to watering holes and biscuits too! IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Next time I go over to the market in Monrovia, I promise to get some pics---they really had a wide array of pups on parade, which despite the cold evening air, warmed my heart tremendously. We need that, well, anyway- I sure do! I love seeing dogs out and happy........out your dog more often peeps.

Up close and personal- Mattie

Be Good,  Love Jane

Dog Tails from the Edge!

Taz runs the show at Winter Camp!

Hi There!  

Gee, where has the time gone? I must admit i have missed writing this last year....yet, my adventures running after spot all over the planet where very fun! We spent the dog days in Italy, hunkering down in Florence for the great heat wave.....spent cooler rainy days on the beautiful bus trip from NYC- Chicago......LA heat wave last fall, then back to Maui Wowie for months of breezy island connections. Packed it all up and headed to Arizona, yes with all three mutts! They thought the ravens, snow and fireplace were the bomb! That is bird dog for you! Now in LA for the springtime.....dizzy, yes -with all the travel, but ready to talk story again ......dog tails!

Taz ready for go!

I noticed everywhere I have been this year......a super abundance of dogs with their peeps! Dogs in Italy- WOW! do they LOVE dogs! Lotsa dogs..lotsa love. More dog tails to come soon....LA is a very dog friendly town too....


My pack will join me here soon, for now they romp with the cowboys, in the snowy mountain tops of  Northern Arizona. They are sooo lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa to look out for them out at the Doggie
  Winter Camp! Until next tail.....wag often and loudly! Love, Jane

Matilda, Ginger Love and Taz

Dogs in Hell?

Anubus, Egyptian Dog God of Underworld

Ever heard of dog heaven? Well, believe it or not, dog hell, while lesser known for obvious reasons, indeed does exist! Dogs have played numerous roles throughout human history, yet, while I assume 'dog heaven' to be a place where things are oky-doky enough, what goes on down under in a dogs life? Actually, dogs have made a very good name for themselves as protectors of the underworld. From Cerberes, the two headed dog who guards the entry to Hades realm--to the dog whom accompanied Yudhishthira on his last journey before facing his maker, Dharma in the Indian Classic epic, "The Mahabharata"; dogs just seem to know the deeper side and in-paths, like nobodies bizness.

Hey, when it's my time, It would be super to be guided through the journey, dog by my side. Sweet! They can see beyond the beyond. They know the ins and outs of the afterlife, and you can bet your sweet life they will stick by you through thick and thin: Loyalty is a given. In mythology, the dog represents Earth, Water and Moon, as much in terms of the unconscious or subconscious--the hidden aspects are their forte.

Every culture has a dog story, most are very old and connect to rites of passage. Dogs hold the realms of the unknown right between their teeth; As psychopomps, they appear to save the day in many a myth. As Anubus, Thoth, Hecate or Hermes-- dogs act as intermediaries between the two worlds, and as spokesmen  for the living to question the dead and the underworld deities. They were often buried as a sacrifice with the Master to help him to cross into the "eternal house of the dead".

Being 'thrown to the dogs', was a real practice in Persia and Bactria; the sick, dying and old were thought to benefit spiritually by doing so! Whoa...that's a bit heavy. On a lighter note, dogs guard the holy gates in Egyptian art, and had the duty of 'imprisoning and destroying the enemies of light'. This brings to mind the Foo-Dogs of Ancient China, of which I have a pair sitting at my front door. They have been with me through the various houses I have lived in on Maui--and do a very good job of keeping the RIF-RAF out!

Dogs are also mythically associated with creation stories, fire was first sparked by the dog hero--as was human life! This may explain how the phrase, 'It's all gone to the dogs' came from; down to the base, the ground zero of existence, down to nothing. The beginning and end of all things. The start of the agrarian cycle was linked with the dog culture as well. In Japan, dog figures protect children and assist women in childbirth. If only I had known this sooner.....

I could go on, the research on dog symbols, deities and the engagement with human and spiritual life and after-life is exhausting. I'm just dog tired! While the poles of thought that surround dogs is extreme (in some cultures dogs are seen as dirty scoundrels!), the role that they have played, covering all spectrum's of human evolution is huge. The most telling I think, is the analogy the early alchemists and 'philosophers' used to symbolize the purification of gold by antimony: The dog devoured by the wolf.  Both aspects, dog-wolf portray the sage-saint, who in self- sacrifice (eats the ego) and finally reaches spiritual self-mastery. Doggone! That's pretty cool.

Of course, dogs are handy companions nowadays, defenders of the home and hearth- they get us up off the couch and into the world of parks and beaches, where we find joy in exercising 'them'. But who would ever think that they too have other dimensional relationships and purpose, beyond laying on the front porch in the sun? Looking into my Ginger's eyes, I know for sure--her and Roxy and Mattie are much more than mere dogs; they are all carrying on a tradition that out lives many other traditions in human culture, that of caring and sacrifice for the benefit of us, our species. Thanks girls! Canines rock.

Yes, I know, Dog spelled backwards is God.

As Always, in dog we trust,
Jane

     Dogs in Nepal are honored with a "holy day" every year.

Blaze Fielding vs Lucia Morgan

About Peter the Dog

"I'm on my way to happiness, where I can find some peace and rest"

Peter Tosh 1944-1987

Aloha nui loa,

The things that got left behind in the fire: Dear Peter! Alright, I realize that by now most of you are itchin' to find out how any of this story correlates with two dogs and who the hell is Peter? We only just found out ourselves. Quite by accident actually. The mystery of Buddy- formerly know as the dog Tosh, became revealed to my son-in law Sean this very week. Yes, kind and patient folks, this information is hot off the presses!

It seems Tosh had a twin brother-Peter! Sean bumped into the guy who rescued Tosh (now Buddy) from an East L.A shelter, and he spilled the beans......Tosh was picked up on the streets of the city along with some other dogs and his twin, Peter. We hear they were a gang. Tosh was scheduled to be put down the next day or so--because he was deemed too afraid, and they felt he was unadoptable!!!! Peter didn't make it.
 When the rescuer in question, went in to the "cell" to visit Tosh, the poor thing jumped right up into his lap. I found this same "unadoptable" dog 7 days or so later at the high end, yuppy adoption store in West L.A.!!! HuH! Me thinks that Tosh wanted to live-on! He found his out, and reinvented himself to boot!.......

The question still remains, however, how poor Peter "Didn't make it"? Was he fatality shot in the county round- up of these "gang" dogs? Did he die of disease, malnutrition? Was he also too scared from the ordeal, and put down.? It is sad, that's all, and we will probablyy never know for sure what really happened to Peter. Yet, it does explain alot about Tosh's behavior.

 He is very versatile and outgoing with other dogs and most people, he loves to play, is super loving and has a fox like quality about him, mischievous! He seems to be always searching for this lost sibling, he wants to greet everydog, sniff down every scent. He is often nervous and distracted, wanting to chew and find things to get into. I think he misses Peter! And doesn't know what to do without his constant companion and playmate. Yes, it makes sense that he had a missing piece to his story, the restlessness could be due to many things, it is true; his young age, the breed--or his trauma and loss. I don't like to anthropomorphisise animals-- yet, their history and ours has been linked for over 35 thousand years. Like it or not, we are in a symbiotic relationship with Canines. Part of us is in them, and vis a versa! Whether we fear dogs, love them or are indifferent, our cellular memory is coded, we evolved together. We share important information.

In light of this long history together, I would like to offer some food for thought....The culture of dogs is growing, more people than ever want dogs and have either gone to great lengths to buy them, or are rescuing them. Why the surge in dog ownership? Is it a return to our humanity, caring for and empathizing with the overpopulation of dogs? If so, what does your dog bring to your life and quality thereof? What has been missing that was realized by bringing a dog home? And lastly, why is our society (stores, cafes and public places) so very anti- dog and becoming stricter, while we as owners want our dogs with us more and more?

Peter and Tosh grew up together somewhere in a rough part of town, Tosh came out the other side as a remarkably aware and open pup--loving his new life, adapting to a myriad of circumstances and, in the end, being an exceptional pet. Peter became the martyr, the pup we will miss, because he was a part of Tosh's past and helped to shape him, yet we will never really know how. I have a feeling though, that they must have been something, those two twins, running around East L.A. kicking up the dust!

Here's to you Peter, all that and more! P.S. Peter Tosh was born a McIntosh! I neva knew!

A Hui hou!

"Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die" -P.Tosh

 Peter & Tosh?

Jane

Peter Tosh and Two Dogs: part 2

"I"ve got to pick myself upDust myself offAnd start all over again".......

......Peter Tosh 1944-1987

Aloha Nui loa,

Those of you unfamiliar with the likes of the late Peter Tosh, are missing a huge piece of this story. A piece I had to find out on my own, through a conversation with a baker at Canter's Deli on Fairfax, in L.A. I had taken Tosh out for a walk, shortly after his adoption, and decided to stop at the deli -near my eldest daughters house. I desperately needed to get a double capp. and a treat. You know how that is.... Cautiously and with some reserve I tied Tosh up to the little iron fence outside; he could see me through the window about 3ft. inside ordering: I could see him too. He was OK with it all, I was a bit nervous.

At the bakery counter, I ordered my stuff (Canter's has a huge selection) and was ready to slip back out to release Tosh, and mosey on, when the baker noticed him sitting patiently by the window and asked his name.When I told him he said, "Oh- that's cool, did you name him after Peter?" I said, "Huh?", after which he told me the short version of the tale of folk hero/martyr musician-Peter Tosh. I was touched. The puppy got a baked bagel treat on top of it too! Just for his sweet countenance during the wait out front. Nice guy. Hate to say though, Tosh preferred my soft and flaky, buttery apple danish better, so I gave him a bit. I know, I know...people food is BAD for dogs. Still, nobody has apparently told them about this......they just keep on asking for it- no matter what! Anyway......

Peter Tosh, as the baker explained, had a message and a medium with which to voice it, and like other brave young musicians of the time (70's), he died an untimely death. No not to drugs, to the gun--he was murdered. You could say he was the black people's John Lennon. I hope that doesn't sound racist! They were both willing to speak truth, and were martyred for their beliefs: "To have the truth in your possession you can be found guilty, sentenced to death"- Peter Tosh. Anyway....Wow! It was cool to find out that Tosh was named after this historical figure. Now, I felt even closer to him, knowing he represented an ideal. Oh- these poor doggies, what we put on them is sometimes too much to bear! Well, Tosh didn't seem to mind all the glory, he actually revelled in it--always walked head held high, tail up, grinning. He always made direct eye contact with the people and dogs we would meet on the street. He was always happy, always wanted to say hi--to everybody, he just exuded joy: It was contagious and everyone pretty much adored him, if they happened to have the time to look back. L.A. is a busy town, but, they do love their dogs!

Getting to know this dog, I got the feeling that he was much more than fur and teeth alone--his spirit was huge! OK, I suppose I should also point out that he was very willful, and determined to get his way. Dauchie traits! He always pulled me around like a rag- doll when we went dogwalking. The truth is, it felt more like peoplewalking, or running the marathon, going out with Tosh! We only found out later, when he was let free at the beach, that he loves to run. And man, can he run! Like a bullet. The beauty of it was, that he always came scampering back to join us (unless he was running free for toooo long). Tosh was a true free spirit. If given a taste of independence, he would take advantage and push the boundaries. It is understandable, just not tolerable! Who wants to go chasing after a little foxy dog? He acquired selective hearing as well!!!! Urgh.

Getting back to the end of part 1; When the other shoe dropped.......it had to do with just this issue, boundaries. I had assumed that getting Tosh back home with me to Maui wouldn't be a problem, the long delay had been dropped years ago, and I had heard it was much easier and painless to bring dogs over--Well, not quite! Talking with a friend on the island, she mentioned that I had been misinformed!!!! Panic, Panic and more Panic ensued. I held up my high hopes, but it didn't last long; by the end of the two weeks since bringing baby home, the bad news had been confirmed: Dogs are only allowed entry into the Hawaiian Islands after a four month quarantine--either in the home State (at home after shots) or under lock and key in Honolulu!

 My heart sank. It felt like another death, I couldn't lose Tosh, not now, not after all our adventures together, and healing! He had helped me snap out a depression that was looming large after my Mom's unexpected death. We were such great pals, he put a smile on my face just having him near and I loved him so much. I cried bitter, hot tears--it was just too sad to bear. My daughter, her husband and my husband all sat as still as stones, Tosh slept. Who was it that said, "Ignorance is bliss?" --Well, I was miserable.

To top it all off, I also felt so shamelessly irresponsible-- what had I done to this poor little dog! Why had I not checked this stuff out to begin with...I was so sure it was OK. Where would he go....it was tragic! I started to go down, deep down into another depression. My dear ol ' cranky mother had just died, one of my best friends of 20 odd years had dropped me, I was supposed to be keeping up and taking my studies in Grad school seriously, and now I was losing my sweet little Tosh. It all felt hopeless. Until.....

It was suggested, by my saving grace, and dear amazing daughter, Ivy, that they would take Tosh, and either wait it out with him in Los Angeles--or keep him, if it all felt like the right thing. Really! Yes! Really. I realized then, at that moment that their was a god after all! And, her name was IVY!  Now, tears of joy and gratitude were shed, as we made the deal of a lifetime--Tosh had a spot to be, one that he already considered home, with my family away from home, the two angels; Sean and Ivy. They too, had formed a bond with the puppy during my stay with them, and knew he was very special. Their hearts had melted watching him and his antics those few weeks. It ended up to be a perfect match. Ahhhhhh......

Now, nearly four months later, Tosh has become Buddy and has a permanent home in L.A. He is very happy with his life there, and my daughter and son-in-law are loving and spoiling him to the max! I gave him over to them, I think they all have something to give each other. It was most likely part of the grand scheme anyways. Soooo......

I now have a Grandpuppy to go visit, my first! We are still very close, Buddy and I, and.... I have permission to treat him to all kinds of no- no's when I come. So far, I have been over three times, and it is always a delight to spend time with my dear doggie friend. Although, he does favor Granma (who wouldn't)--So, when I come to stay, I try very hard not to rub it in and make anyone jealous! It's a tough job. I love that little guy so much.....

Stay tuned, part 3 --the final chapter on The Peter and Tosh saga manana!

Buddy hoping to go on the trip home w/ gran!

                                                                                                                            xoJane