As Hoss and Dan go through life together as "Boxer and Human", they will occasionally keep you updated on their journey in life together.
5/26/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...Doggie Clothes |
| :
|
Dogs wearing clothes....I just don't get it.
A collar is as much "clothing", I feel, that any dog should wear. Use your imagination as much as you want with a COLLAR..... but don't put clothes on your pet.
It's hard enough just being a dog without some crazy person playing "dress up" with you.
Who started this anyway???
Why would anyone take a perfectly happy canine and subject him to wearing an ensemble that a.......well....a dog wouldn't be caught wearing!
Why do these people do this?
For instance...
I have a an acquaintance that dresses her dog. When we see the little gal, all dressed up in one of her many outfits, she looks so sad.
It's as if she's embarrassed to be put into this situation. She looks so pitiful.
I don't know if she doesn't think the outfits accentuate her figure....the colors don't enhance her eyes...she just doesn't like the outfit...
But I do feel the little dog is saying...
"Why me???? Who does this woman think I am? How would she like it if I dressed her up in some ridiculous get up....a "Klingon" wardrobe perhaps??? And made her go out in public!!!"
Why would anyone do this to something they claimed they love.
I DO believe in "Live and let live"....but...people...come on...if you feel you must dress something...send your donations to kids in Somalia...kids in South Carolina...feed the poor...adopt a child that needs the help and clothes. Help humanity....and ......GET A GRIP!!!! YOUR DOG DOESN'T NEED CLOTHES!!!
Visualize this....
Hoss wearing a "tutu"(and doing a ballet move on his back legs)....Hoss in a three piece suit ("And here is Hoss on the runway now...wearing this summers newest ensemble....")...jeans and a sweatshirt (complete with a NASCAR baseball cap)....overalls (he'd have to have a straw hat and a straw sticking out of his mouth)...jogging suit (with a bandanna)...a swimsuit (use you imagination). You see what I'm talking about?
Dogs are nudists....to a degree....they ALREADY HAVE A FUR COAT!!!!
I don't know....I just couldn't sleep at night if I did this to Hoss. Mainly because I feel...it's just wrong....a waste of money.....and last but not least....
I can just see Hoss with my throat in his mouth....wearing that tutu!
And I would deserve it!!!!
Hoss says..."Hey!" |
5/26/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...It's All About Perception |
| :
|
Have you ever met someone that appeared to be one way and after you knew them a while, they weren't at all the way you initially thought they were?
Most everybody has. It kind of makes you doubt your judgment.
People are a lot harder to judge than animals. People can have a hidden agenda...use you for their needs....and cast you aside.
We will call these people the "users".
Users have their own interests at heart. They don't worry or consider anyone else. They take advantage of you and then think themselves smarter than everyone else because their shady ways have provided an answer to their needs.
I've met some of the users....will probably meet more....and don't care for them.
They are so superior to everyone else.....I meant that to sound sarcastic....when they are really the low life's of civilization....I didn't mean for that to sound sarcastic. You ever notice....the people we have the most trouble with are the ones that think they're better than everyone else?
Well...the point I'm trying to make is...dogs are not like that.
They have no hidden agendas....they don't care how much you have, or don't have.
They don't care about your position in society.
If you are kind to them...they'll be kind to you.....usually. If they're not ...it's because "man" has trained them to be confrontational. And it's probably the users doing the training.
Hoss's love for our family is unconditional.
He's there to greet us after a day at work.
He wants to be near us, so he lays at our feet while we watch TV.
He follows us when we go outside wheather to work or to play.
He gets in the car to be with us on a trip....not caring where we go.
He barks as to warn us when an unusual noise or someone different approaches that he doesn't feel comfortable with.
Hoss doesn't ask for money, clothing, to use our stuff, nor does he pass judgement on our decisions about how to handle our lives.
He is truly a member of the family we can all count on with no strings attached.
Hoss has the values that many users lack....dependability, unconditional love, honesty, caring, and so on.
I only wish I could trust more people the way I can trust Hoss.
Now watch...after all this bragging on him....I'll go home and he will have left me a "present" in the floor.
Oh well....nobody's perfect!!
Hoss says..."Hey!" |
5/26/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...And the Cheeseburger! |
| :
|
I've tried a lot of foods. Some I still eat....some I do not.
In all our lives, the food we eat is "a matter of taste" (sorry....it was too easy!).
I grew up eating biscuits, gravy, eggs, hamburgers, spaghetti, hot dogs, milk shakes, colas....root beer....I love root beer to this day...all kinds of stuff that today is considered taboo for human consumption.
Even now, when I know this food is not good for me, I still splurge and have biscuits and gravy at our Local "Cracker Barrel".
When I bring this up to certain people, they gasp in horror at what I'm putting in my body.
Like it's their business?!?!?!
If they want to eat grass and live to be a thousand and not know what a good steak tastes like.....have at it....it's none of my business....but don't treat me like a criminal because I don't eat from your menu.
I'll see you at the "Cracker Barrel" with all my heavy set friends enjoying the food and what life we have left.
Hoss has a very selective pallet. He only likes Purina Puppy Chow. Don't get me wrong...there are a lot of treats he likes ...but...mainly...it's "Puppy Chow".
One day...my wife is out of town...my boys are out doing their thing...my daughter, son-in-law...and grandkids, are all busy....I have no human friends...so I decided to take Hoss out to eat. Hoss...my only friend. An evening of Hoss and Dan...doing what we like best....eating!
I remember years ago with my fist dog, Bo, I would often take him with me to get food. If I had a cheeseburger...Bo had a cheeseburger. If I had a taco...Bo had a taco, and so on.
I thought I would start this tradition with Hoss.
First let me say...no two dogs are alike! You may remain the same ...but NO TWO DOGS ARE ALIKE!
Visualize this...
Hoss and I are in the Vette, wind blowing in our hair...headed to hamburger heaven. I could just see it...Hoss was going to love this.
We get to the fast food "restaurant"...Hoss watches as I order a cheeseburger for me and a cheeseburger for him (his had no condiments..bread,meat, & cheese...that's all).
I should have known how this was about to turn out when he wanted to "go off" on the girl bringing us our food.
Now..I've paid...got our food and Hoss is eagerly awaiting his new treat.
I could hardly wait to give it to him.
I tore it into six small pieces and made sure he had swallowed each small bite before I gave him the next.
He was loving it. Hoss's burger was all gone and now it was time for mine.
I took one bite...Hoss looked at me with a strange gleam in his eyes and proceeded to "hurl"..."vomit"..."regurgitate", this burger, that he seemed to enjoy so much, all over the inside of the Vette.
I'm grabbing napkins...food sacks...towels...anything I can grab to help stop the puke from going all in the car.
Didn't work. Long story short...what was good for Bo...was not good for Hoss.
What a mess....and what about MY cheeseburger....I couldn't have eaten if I'd wanted!!!!
NO TWO DOGS ARE ALIKE!
Funny how Hoss can eat a bug...grass...sticks...leaves...and never even get the trots...but give him a good old American cheeseburger and he loses his lunch!
I guess Hoss's body was telling him to stick with the "Puppy Chow"! Wish mine would say ....."Stay with the fruits an vegetables".
Wouldn't matter...I'm wouldn't listen anyway!
Catch you at the "Cracker Barrel" real soon!
Hoss says..."Hey!" |
6/7/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Ball Player |
| :
|
I've always liked baseball. Played when I was a kid...played in college...and coached kids for about twelve years.
Most of my coaching years the team was the "Bulldogs". We always seemed to have a team to be reckoned with.
We went to "state", I think it was four times, won and placed in MANY tournaments, and loved every minute of it....even when we lost a few close ones.
I got as much out of it as the kids. Something about it kept me young.
I had a tryout for the Kansas City Royals about 1970.....didn't go....thought I was too small. Duh???? If I had it all to do over.....
So the point I'm trying to make is....I know a little about baseball. Throwing a ball...catching a ball.... hitting a ball....you know.....baseball....athletic stuff... A JOCK!!!
Anyway.....Hoss loves any ball he can get (I knew I loved this dog....right from the start). He loves to catch any ball I'll throw.
I wish I'd had him on one of the teams I coached (there were times I could have used him...can you imagine his speed running bases???????).
He loves to tear the cover off of baseballs.
He loves to, somehow, get the air out of basketballs and carry them around in his mouth.
Soccer balls he can't get air out so he noses them all around the backyard and barking at them at the same time.
Footballs.....he totally destroys!
Remember "Rin Tin Tin"? The "All American Dog"? Well....when it comes to chasing a ball, Hoss will give even old "Tinny" a run for his money.
I could honestly run Hoss to death playing fetch with a tennis ball. He will not stop! Like Lenny in "Of Mice and Men"....."Throw it again Dan.....throw it again!!!"
I am amazed at his capability to catch a ball while he is in mid air while twisting and turning his body in ways that hurt me to even watch, but he does it and returns the ball to me....ready to go again....and again.....and again. You get the message.
Here's the thing.....when he and I play ball in the house, the ball always seems to go under the couch, or chair, after a while, and that causes Hoss so much frustration (and me too). He can't reach under far enough to retrieve his ball. He lays on his side doing everything he can to stretch himself to accomplish his goal.
When he finally realizes it's not going to happen...."Where's Dan?" He comes to me and does that talking ting I told you about in an earlier message.
I get more exercise than he does! Down in the floor...reaching.....on my side reaching.....moving the couch.....reaching.....moving the chair.....reaching.
Don't get me wrong....it's worth it ....and I do it!
But you'd think any creature, that's as much a "JOCK" as Hoss is.......
WOULD LEARN HOW TO MOVE THE COUCH AND GET HIS OWN BALL!!!
Hoss says..."Hey!!!"
|
7/18/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Third Son We Never Had |
| :
|
I'm a morning person....as I've stated earlier.
I always try to start my day off with positive thoughts (it doesn't ALWAYS work out that way...but I at least try!).
I've also heard throughout my life how animals take on the traits of their owners. You know....looks, actions, etc. (or is it people take on the traits of animals?...anyway...)
Well...Hoss is no exception. He is starting to be more like me every day...or is it I'm starting to be more like him....I'm so confused at this point...anyway...
I like getting up in the morning, taking my shower and getting my day started. When I'm up....I want all to be up. Hoss does too.
I shower, shave, brush my teeth, dry my hair, dress, have my coffee, plan my day and then get ready to execute that plan.
Hoss does none of these...but he will take every step I take, wait outside the shower until I'm through, watch me intently while I do the "grooming" thing, sit beside me while I drink my coffee and put his head in my lap waiting for his morning attention.
I've noticed lately that when I'm completely dressed and ready to go to work, he seems a little out of sorts.
It's like he knows I'm about to leave and not be back for a while. His big old eyes have this sad look to them as I head for the door finally. Sometimes I feel guilty about going to work.....crazy...huh? If I could take him to work with me, I would!!!For anyone to say boxers aren't smart makes it apparent that they have never had a boxer.
You can just almost tell what they are thinking by the looks they give.
After I leave for work each morning, my wife tells me, Hoss then turns his attention to her.
She's usually still in the bed getting every minute of "shut eye" she can when my cohort in "morningism" starts to work on her.
He goes into the bedroom, puts his two front paws on the side of the bed, looks her right in the face and starts talking to her. That low, rumbling growl he does when he is trying to get some point across. She talks back to him trying to find out what he wants (which is usually to go outside or he wants a "goodie" or he just wants morning conversation). Then she'll get up, take care of his needs and start her morning process to go to work. He takes every step, sits by the shower and then as she puts it"gives the most pitiful look" when she is about to leave.
Now this is coming from the woman that said"we don't need another dog!" Hoss has definitely made himself a part of our family. (We showed her!)
I wonder what he's doing all day.....is he missing us...does he wonder where we are.......did we leave him enough food and water...is his bladder about to burst...has he left us any little "presents" around the house?????
But... when we get home every day, he seems to have weathered the "alone storm" quite well.
Hoss is always so glad to see us. He has to have some immediate attention when we walk into the house.
I only wish others were as glad to see us as he is when we've only been gone a few hours.
Hoss just wants all to be well in the world.....the world of Hoss that is!
Hoss says "Hey!"
|
8/18/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Sleeper |
| :
|
Naps are my wife's hobby. She loves to take a nap...anywhere...anytime!
Hoss has started to act just like her.
He has two beds in the house along with two couches and various chairs he loves to sleep in
I've never seen an animal that can sleep anywhere he lays down.....and can be "out" in just seconds.
And you talk about a deep sleeper....I can mess with his ears, jowls, rub on his head, and him never move.
But let the doorbell ring and he's up and at the door....crazy...huh?
If my wife or I am on the couch, laying down, watching T.V., he has to be as near to us as he can get. He likes it best if his paw is touching somebody. I guess it makes him feel secure.
I'm that way too. My foot needs to touch my wife....I guess it's so I know she hasn't come to her senses and left in the middle of the night.
I really don't have a story about Hoss and how his sleep habits have gotten him into trouble or anything funny, but I DO wonder what is going on in that brain of his while he is asleep.
Is he chasing the ball?
Is he swimming in the pool?
Chasing ducks?
Riding in the Vette?
Eating?
Sometimes it just a pleasure to watch another creature relaxing in a deep sleep, knowing that all is well for those moments.
I think I'll take a nap!
Hoss says "Hey!" |
8/18/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Choker |
| :
|
Have you ever just been in a hurry, had a sandwich in your hand, been on the run and just gulped it down....and nearly choked to death?
I'll be first...yes I have!
I knew better. My parents brought me up to always chew my food and not swallow anything whole....but you know how it is....you're not paying attention...you're in a rush.....you don't have anything to drink but decide, "It's no big deal....I've not choked to death so far in my life!"
I haven't choked to death...but other people have!
It was serious enough for Mr. Heimlich to refine a maneuver for us idiots that are just too busy to stop and do something as simple as slowing down and having a drink or chewing our food properly!
Besides.....we really look stupid as we are gagging on a piece of food.
I know.....I shouldn't make fun of someone that may be very close to death in this manner....but think about it...someone's eyes bulging out...veins popping out on their neck and forehead....turning different colors of red...reaching out for God knows what....stumbling and falling all around while gasping for breath........
If we were to see this on TV, we'd be cracking up.
Although, after reading over this....it's kind of scary.
I've tried to talk to Hoss about gulping his food....he just will not listen.
I honestly believe he'd try to swallow a bowling ball if he could.
OK...here's the deal.....
My wife was vacuuming...I was at work....and my oldest son just happened to be out by the pool.
Hoss was trying to cough up some obstruction in his throat and just fell into the pool...passed smack dab out!
Luckily, my son saw what had happened and dove in to save him.
In a panic, he came running in the house screaming that Hoss was limp, lifeless and his eyes had rolled back in his head and he may be dying.
But...thank goodness...when he and my wife arrived at the back door, Hoss was coming around and trying to stand up.
After a few minutes he was back to being the Hoss we all know and love...but it was a tense few moments.
After hearing how it all happened, and I can't express the excitement in my son and my wife's voices properly, I am so thankful for my son being there to save a member of our family.
God does know what Hoss means to us and had positioned my son to be at the right place at the right time.
I have since told Hoss to chew his food!
Does he listen...does he hear....does he know how close to death he came......probably not!
But I have noticed me chewing my food a little more than usual!!!
Slow down and chew your food!!!!
Hoss says "Hey!" |
8/23/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Boat Captain |
| :
|
A few Days ago my wife and I decided to take the boat to the lake….just us two. This is a very rare occasion since we usually always have someone that wants to go with us.
So I get the boat hooked up, my wife has the food basket ready, we’re getting ready to walk out the door and there stands….Hoss…head cocked to the side like he’s saying, “You’re not going without me….are you?”
Hoss had never been in the boat before…not that we didn’t want to take him but as I said, we’ve always had someone to go with us an the boat is a twenty foot ski rig…not a lot of room for six or seven people and a good size Boxer.
Anyway….I’m thinking….”It’s just us two going….why not break him in with us and just see how he handles it”. My wife agrees, so…Hoss is off to the lake for the first time.
He jumps in the back seat and lies on the beach blanket and gets ready for the forty minute trip.
I’m imagining him riding in the front of the boat with that regal stance he has from time to time, with his jowls blowing in the breeze, and he’s just loving it!!!
An imagination is a funny thing ….
Anyway….we get to “The Dam Store”, the actual name of the store by the lake, a little place we stop to get drinks, gas, etc and also a place when the kids were younger loved to say the name and let their friends freak out (“Hey dad….are we gonna’ stop by the Dam Store?”), and as I’m getting out my bride let’s me know, in a panicked voice that Hoss is “hurling” all over the beach blanket. There was noting I could do…..so I let him finish hurling. We rinsed the blanket off, got our necessities and continued on. Surely now that he had gotten over being car sick he’d be OK?!?!?!
The boat is now in the water and it’s time for my wife and Hoss to board…..it’s not going to be that easy. Oh…my wife was fine but old “pukey” had decided he wasn’t too sure about all of this. I had to get out, pick him up and basically fight with him to get him in the boat.
Finally……….the moment I’ve waited for….I hit the gas and we’re off!!!!!
I can just see him jumping up on the front seat any second now…with that great “manly” pose he does…..RIGHT!
Sickly was lying down in the back like he was miserable. I’d never have thought it….my dog gets seasick!!!!! He was pitiful. It was all he could do to just lay there like a dead piece of meat.
Finally we find a place to stop and get out for a while. My wife and I fix us a little place to sit and sun and let Hoss “rest” for a bit……..but suddenly….his feet hit the sand….
And you’d have thought Benny Hinn had put a healin’ on him. He was running, barking, jumping in the water, swimming….having a blast!! We watched him having the time of his life for at least thirty minutes…..never stopping….always into something. A bundle of energy! It was hilarious!.
He was WELL!!!!!!
On the way back to the ramp to leave….finally…..he did “the pose”!!!!!!
I was so proud!!! A hood ornament on the front of my boat…..just imagine…..
He acted like all was right with the world…with jowls and ears blowing in the wind….leaning forward…looking all “buff”!
Hoss had overcome!!!!!!
He slept all the way home….and hasn’t been sick since!
I hope to teach him how to drive the boat next!!!
Hoss says, “Hey!”
|
8/23/2009
|
| :
|
hoss...The Choker |
| :
|
Have you ever just been in a hurry, had a sandwich in your hand, been on the run and just gulped it down....and nearly choked to death?
I'll be first...yes I have!
I knew better. My parents brought me up to always chew my food and not swallow anything whole....but you know how it is....you're not paying attention...you're in a rush.....you don't have anything to drink but decide, "It's no big deal....I've not choked to death so far in my life!"
I haven't choked to death...but other people have!
It was serious enough for Mr. Heimlich to refine a maneuver for us idiots that are just too busy to stop and do something as simple as slowing down and having a drink or chewing our food properly!
Besides.....we really look stupid as we are gagging on a piece of food.
I know.....I shouldn't make fun of someone that may be very close to death in this manner....but think about it...someone's eyes bulging out...veins popping out on their neck and forehead....turning different colors of red...reaching out for God knows what....stumbling and falling all around while gasping for breath........
If we were to see this on TV, we'd be cracking up.
Although, after reading over this....it's kind of scary.
I've tried to talk to Hoss about gulping his food....he just will not listen.
I honestly believe he'd try to swallow a bowling ball if he could.
OK...here's the deal.....
My wife was vacuuming...I was at work....and my oldest son just happened to be out by the pool.
Hoss was trying to cough up some obstruction in his throat and just fell into the pool...passed smack dab out!
Luckily, my son saw what had happened and dove in to save him.
In a panic, he came running in the house screaming that Hoss was limp, lifeless and his eyes had rolled back in his head and he may be dying.
But...thank goodness...when he and my wife arrived at the back door, Hoss was coming around and trying to stand up.
After a few minutes he was back to being the Hoss we all know and love...but it was a tense few moments.
After hearing how it all happened, and I can't express the excitement in my son and my wife's voices properly, I am so thankful for my son being there to save a member of our family.
God does know what Hoss means to us and had positioned my son to be at the right place at the right time.
I have since told Hoss to chew his food!
Does he listen...does he hear....does he know how close to death he came......probably not!
But I have noticed me chewing my food a little more than usual!!!
Slow down and chew your food!!!!
Hoss says "Hey!" |
9/15/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Sad Mood |
| :
|
My wife and I have been married 25 years. That’s quite an accomplishment in today’s society.
For years we had planned to go to Hawaii on this momentous occasion. So we did!
Our boys stayed home and with their busy social schedules, we asked a friend to stay at the house to help keep things in order and going smoothly. This also included taking care of the “Hossanater”… which is a full time job in itself.
We head to Hawaii. Arrive at our beautiful hotel, the “Outrigger Reef”, which I highly recommend, check out the shops and restaurants in the area around the hotel, come back to the room and pass out….there is something to this “jet lag” thing. Being five hours behind….or is it ahead….I’m so confused…is something to deal with when calling or being called from home. Anyway…we call home and the boys say Hoss is not happy. He was fine for a while but just started lying around, not wanting to play, not being his usual active self. They said he….”He misses you!”
We stayed the entire week. I mean really….I love ol’ Hoss but… I’m in Hawaii, 25th anniversary, beautiful wife, a much needed break…we’re not coming home! But the numerous times we called home it was always the same message…”Hoss is sad…he misses you.”
I couldn’t imagine Hoss being sad and just lying around not being his normal rambunctious self. I just didn’t think it was in him to be upset that we were gone.
Trip’s over. Our youngest son picks us up. We arrive home. Now usually when the door opens Hoss goes crazy. He is usually so excited. Jumping around…shaking that bootie…wanting to let us know he’s glad we’re home.
But…not this time. The door opened and there he was, in his favorite chair with his head propped up on the arm, just laying there like a dead piece of meat. He looked like a drunk with a hangover.
Then….he focused…saw who we were…and suddenly…with a burst of energy…he shot out of the chair and proceeded with the greeting we had all grown to expect. My son said “He’s baaack!”
I don’t care what anybody says…dogs have some of the same emotions humans have….this proved it!
Since our return, seldom has Hoss left my side. At this moment he is sleeping beside me, with an occasional snore, waiting for my next move in which, I guarantee, he will wake up and take every step I take today.
That’s OK. He’s one of my best friends and we both enjoy each other’s company.
I wonder how I’d act if he went to Hawaii for a week? Oh well….
Hoss says…”Hey!”
|
10/29/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss...The Sick Puppy |
| :
|
Hoss…The Sick Puppy
Have you ever been sick and not been able to tell anyone how you feel?
Imagine going to the doctor….sick as a dog (sorry) and just being able to whine about your situation!
“Well Mr. West….what’s your problem today?”
Whine…whine.
“I don’t understand Mr. West….is it your stomach” whine, whine …”head….sprained ankle”…whine, whine “hemorrhoids….ear ache…arthritis…dandruff….”, well you get the picture. Without our language skills we’d be in a mess!
Hoss has been sick. To put it simply…he was impacted….you know…PLUGGED UP!
Hoss had not been himself for about two days. Sluggish, not wanting to play, not wanting to eat, just wanting to lie around. This was not the Hoss we knew.
Thank God for a good vet.
Picked Hoss up…had to put him in the truck… and we were off for his first visit to the Doc….other than regular checkups and shots.
This time he was SICK!
After Doc took x-rays….we saw the problem. Plugged up like a cork in a bottle!
Doc said to leave Hoss and all would be well in a few hours.
Hoss is home now. He’s still not quite himself. He just sits around taking it easy. Not eating much. Not wanting to play yet but he is better. He WILL walk now.
Our house is just not as happy a place without Hoss clowning around…but I feel he’ll be back to himself soon.
Thanks Doc!!! I had no clue what was wrong!!! All that schoolin’ you went through was worth it!
Hoss says, “You ‘da MAN!”
|
12/19/2009
|
| :
|
Hoss and Christmas |
| :
|
Hoss has been a part of the family for over a year now and he’s experiencing his second Christmas with us.
I love Christmas. Family, friends, food! It’s just a great time of year! MOST people seem to act a little different.
They are more caring, more loving, more understanding. We all need more of all of these.
I DON’T understand the people that want to take Christ out of Christmas! If not for Him there would not be this time of year. His birth and life should be celebrated every day and we should carry this attitude, we start to acquire along about middle November, all year long. Christ did!
Hoss is being brought up in a Christian home. I’m not sure what God allows Hoss to understand. He seems to understand many commands. He sometimes cocks that head to the side as if to say….I’m not sure about this. He may be a lot smarter than I give him credit for. Hoss understands there’s a lot going on around here that is not “usual”.
A tree in the house…what’s up with that???
All these pretty packages underneath the tree…what’s up with that???
Lights on all these houses…what’s up with that???
Food, food, food…smiles…smiles…smiles…smells…smells…smells…music…music…music…kids…kids…kids…attention…attention…attention!!! Hoss loves all these things!
I don’t know….if Hoss can realize these things and know all of the goodness they bring…why can’t all HUMAN BEINGS??? A simple creature, created by God, understands how to act and what is going on better than most people.
We should all learn a lesson here. Hoss loves our family unconditionally! Humans should follow this example…love your fellow man….UNCONDITIONALLY! If Hoss can do it…humans should be able to.
Thanks Hoss for the example!
Merry “Christmas” to ALL from Hoss & Dan
|
May 6, 2009- We have a pool. A good size, in ground pool. To anyone that says, "Pools are too much trouble"..."Pools are too costly"...apparently they didn't want a pool to begin with. As for me and my family....we can't wait until it's that time of year we can dive in and swim, rest on the floats, bar-b-que outside and relax in our own paradise. It's great to be doing yard work....get hot...and realize the remedy to your problem is the hole in the backyard with the water in it! You just dive in and relax until you remember you have to finish the yard work. I have often wondered what Hoss thought we were doing with this water in the back yard. Saving it?? Using it for drinking water?? Do we secretly, at night, drive these large metal things, that everybody rides in, into these small ponds to get them clean?? What does Hoss think? what do these people use this area for? He found out Friday, May the first, 2009. The weather has finally started to warm up some and my oldest son knew it wouldn't be long until we "moved outside" for the summer. With his kind heart and a & a twenty dollar bill, he offered to clean the pool for me. Great!!! I wasn't going to have to do it and he needed the twenty. He put on his swim suit, hooked up the cleaning apparatus, got in the pool and started doing the first cleaning of the year. "Naw...it's not too cold...you get used to it" was his answer after my obvious first question. Since the pool was in capable hands, I went to the garage to do some other chores...checking every once and a while to make sue everything was O.K. My son's girlfriend came over, got in the pool and started "helping". Hoss....of course....was policing the area and wondering what was going on in the big drinking bowl....why were these humans in the water??? According to my son, Hoss kept acting like he wanted to come in....but wasn't quite sure how to accomplish his goal....it looked like fun to him.... "The humans are laughing and smiling....it's got to be fun"...he must have thought. My son, the one that says Hoss is his best friend, decided enough was enough. Hoss wanted in....he should be able to get in!!!! The girlfriend comes running to me saying I was needed at the pool...I was freaking out! When I arrived...my son was grinning from ear to ear. Hoss was swimming! No panic in his swimming style. He acted so cool....like he had been doing it for years. He would swim to my son and then back to the deep end and back. I'm telling you...he was having a blast! He's going to have a great summer. After his first swimming lesson, which lasted about an hour, we dried him off, gave him some dinner.....and watched him pass out by my favorite chair. He slept like a log! Hoss is so smart.... Can't wait to teach him to dive!!!! Half gainers...full gainers..swan dives....cannonballs...jack knives...... and next........THE OLYMPICS!!! Sorry....I got a little carried away!
Hoss says..."Hey!"
May 6, 2009- Hoss and Dan: May 5, 2009- Hoss...the Instigator My family hates me in the mornings. I immediately get up to take my morning "wake up" shower. After that I'm ready for all residing with me to rise and shine. If my boys are still asleep, I go into their rooms singing "Good Morning"....a perky little song from "Singing I The Rain". I've done this for years....and everyone, but me, HATES this song....but it's a tradition that I just can't seem to quit. I want to be with everyone and want them to start the day with the same gusto I have. But all people are different....so I've been told many mornings. Hoss and I are a lot alike. He feels like, when he wants to play...everybody should be ready to play. When he is ready to eat....everybody should be ready to eat. When he's ready to nap....everybody should be ready to nap. And so on, and so on, and so on. After working my usual ten hour day, I like a few minutes of peace when I get home. Hoss doesn't see it that way. I know...I know...he doesn't understand....he's been waiting all day for me to get home and wants some attention. I always give in....he's going to see to that. When I plop myself down into my favorite chair Hoss will come to me, gently takes my hand in his mouth and pulls me up to accomplish whatever goal he has on his agenda....whether it may be a "goody"....going outside....me throwing the ball...and so forth. When he wants to sleep....he wants to be left alone but when he wakes up, he wants everybody to be up and ready to play with him. Sometimes I feel sorry for the "others" at my house. They just don't get it. Get up....do what must be done...and get it over with. Hoss is a lot like me....I'm tellin' ya'! I've heard that after a while people start to take on the traits and looks of their pets. In mine and Hoss's case I can see this happening. His attitude is a lot like mine. His drooping eye reminds me of me....although I got the alteration from a car wreck and his is natural. He has more than one color of hair...brown, white, and black...in my case....brown and gray. And we're both as handsome as can be (I MUST say this because no one else will). Hoss likes to play ball....hey so do I!!! Hoss likes to swim.....me too!!! He loves to eat....all you've got to do is look at me and tell where I stand in that area (I'm the only guy around that wears a vest that has stretch marks). Hoss likes to ride in the Corvette...I bought the car so that tells you how I feel. We both love my wife and family. We both like milk....his with "Puppy Chow"...mine with "Cinnamon Toast Crunch". There are others to numerous to mention. So you see...we are a lot alike. If I could only teach him to sing "Good Morning"!!! Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 29, 2009- Hoss...the dominator? To a degree! Hoss has become the leading "man" at our home...as far as pets go....to a degree. You see, we have two other pets...Blondie, part Pom and part Cocker, and Gadget, a tiny Pom. Both female. Gadget is about nine and Blondie is about eight....Hoss is nine months but dwarfs them in size. He looks as if he were Gulliver in the world of the Lilliputians. It was so funny when we adopted Hoss. The others were cautiously playful but dominant over the new addition to the family. They would play with Hoss but occasionally get a little rough. They would knock him down...roll him around...basically ...let him know who was in control. I told the two females to be kind because Hoss's day was coming. Remember the saying..."All dogs have their day"? Blondie and Gadget, pre Hoss, basically stayed outside.....not when it was too hot or too cold, but they were far more accustomed to the back yard than the inside of the house. (They at least owe that to Hoss....they are all inside pets now) They got plenty of food and exercise and had learned how to take care of themselves in the outside environment. I think of it as "Moutain Man verses City Man" Blondie reminds me of an aunt I had...single, overweight and bossy. Gadget on the other hand, is passive and just happy to sit in your lap and be petted. As a puppy, Hoss was last in eating, running, catching the tennis ball....just about everything. I can remember how Blondie would go get the tennis ball every time and the look of desire for that ball in Hoss's eyes. Blondie would occasionally go get the ball and drop it in front of Hoss as if to say..."See...I will let you have it from time to time....if you act right!" My...how the "pecking order" has changed...to a degree. Hoss now weighs about sixty pounds and towers over the others. He believes the balls belong to him, he eats first, has them beaten badly in the running game, but still has that puppy mentality along with being the clown he is. He CAN become a little too obnoxious with the girls and sometimes he must be put in his place. Visualize this... Hoss wants to play. Blondie doesn't. Hoss chases Blondie around the house for ....let's say maybe a minute. Blondie gets tired of being messed with. She decides...enough is enough!!! Gets loud...gets vicious...and gets Hoss!!! It's hilarious to see this little, cute miniature cocker put this big Goliath of a dog in his place. Hoss's ears drop down...tucks his "nub" as close to between his legs as it will go...realizes he just might get hurt here...and relinquishes his being dominant to the more experienced. I don't know...I can sort of relate...I think my wife lets me act as if I am in control until she's had enough... Anyway...when the puppy grows out of Hoss and he becomes the "manly man" of the pet world at the West home, I'm sure the girls will be put in their places...but until then...he and I are kind of in the same situation....we will both put on a good front....but we know who is really in control. I don't know how Hoss really feels....but I kind of like it the way it is...that is....me being in control....to a degree!!!! Know what I mean?!?! Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 29, 2009- Hoss...the dominator? To a degree!
Hoss has become the leading "man" at our home...as far as pets go....to a degree. You see, we have two other pets...Blondie, part Pom and part Cocker, and Gadget, a tiny Pom. Both female. Gadget is about nine and Blondie is about eight....Hoss is nine months but dwarfs them in size. He looks as if he were Gulliver in the world of the Lilliputians. It was so funny when we adopted Hoss. The others were cautiously playful but dominant over the new addition to the family. They would play with Hoss but occasionally get a little rough. They would knock him down...roll him around...basically ...let him know who was in control. I told the two females to be kind because Hoss's day was coming. Remember the saying..."All dogs have their day"? Blondie and Gadget, pre Hoss, basically stayed outside.....not when it was too hot or too cold, but they were far more accustomed to the back yard than the inside of the house. (They at least owe that to Hoss....they are all inside pets now) They got plenty of food and exercise and had learned how to take care of themselves in the outside environment. I think of it as "Moutain Man verses City Man" Blondie reminds me of an aunt I had...single, overweight and bossy. Gadget on the other hand, is passive and just happy to sit in your lap and be petted. As a puppy, Hoss was last in eating, running, catching the tennis ball....just about everything. I can remember how Blondie would go get the tennis ball every time and the look of desire for that ball in Hoss's eyes. Blondie would occasionally go get the ball and drop it in front of Hoss as if to say..."See...I will let you have it from time to time....if you act right!" My...how the "pecking order" has changed...to a degree. Hoss now weighs about sixty pounds and towers over the others. He believes the balls belong to him, he eats first, has them beaten badly in the running game, but still has that puppy mentality along with being the clown he is. He CAN become a little too obnoxious with the girls and sometimes he must be put in his place. Visualize this... Hoss wants to play. Blondie doesn't. Hoss chases Blondie around the house for ....let's say maybe a minute. Blondie gets tired of being messed with. She decides...enough is enough!!! Gets loud...gets vicious...and gets Hoss!!! It's hilarious to see this little, cute miniature cocker put this big Goliath of a dog in his place. Hoss's ears drop down...tucks his "nub" as close to between his legs as it will go...realizes he just might get hurt here...and relinquishes his being dominant to the more experienced. I don't know...I can sort of relate...I think my wife lets me act as if I am in control until she's had enough... Anyway...when the puppy grows out of Hoss and he becomes the "manly man" of the pet world at the West home, I'm sure the girls will be put in their places...but until then...he and I are kind of in the same situation....we will both put on a good front....but we know who is really in control. I don't know how Hoss really feels....but I kind of like it the way it is...that is....me being in control....to a degree!!!! Know what I mean?!?! Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 24, 2009- Hoss the collector: I've always heard that raccoons are "collectors". They pilfer through anything to find treasures that would only be apparent to them. Hoss must be part raccoon! He collects pine cones, sticks, socks, shoes, t-shirts, cans. He doesn't chew them up....he just ......collects them! Keeps them in a pile in the sun room (until I notice them and clean them out). Does anybody else's pet do this? He brought a dead bird in the house this morning to add to his collection. I saw what it was, said "Drop it!" and proceeded to dispose of his prize. He looked at me as if to say"Hey!!!!!! What's up wit this?!?! I go to the trouble of getting stuff and you take it away!!!!" Sorry Hoss....keeping a dead bird around is not an option. (Remember....Hoss can read and might be checking this out!) I put my coffee cup, full I might add, down by the fireplace one morning, forgot about it....next thing I knew....Hoss was bringing my empty cup into the bed room....again, as if to say, "This one's empty...get me another cup!" Yeah......that's what I need ....Hoss buzzed on coffee....addicted to caffeine. It's not like he doesn't have enough energy. I can hear it now...."It's costing me $300 a month to keep my dog from going into 'DTs' because he doesn't get enough coffee!!!" So...NO...I do NOT recommend coffee for pets. No doubt...his picking up things has its benefits. Visualize this.... I'm finished with my shower, robe on, brushing my teeth, and in walks Hoss. I notice he is waiting for me, out of the corner of my eye....finish my teeth...and turn to speak to Hoss. I notice something shiny in his mouth. I knew he didn't have the money to have "bling" put on those teeth of his, so after closer inspection, I see it's my watch band!!! Hanging perfectly centered, out of his mouth. Was he trying to to tell time....couldn't figure it out and decided to eat the watch? Was he bringing it to me so I could put it on? Was there a hidden meaning....something to do with 'Time to go outside'...'Time to get a treat'...'Time to play'? Anyway....I didn't panic..."Drop it!" and he did....but the look he gave me was priceless. That head cocked to the side is just too cool. If he robbed a bank and turned that head to the side the way he does.....I'd have to forgive him! (If he robs a bank???.....oh....just forget it) I'll keep on the look out for more surprises and hope he grows out of this but even if he doesn't....he's worth the trouble. But....if he'd have swallowed that watch and tried to "pass it back to me" later (you know what I'm talking about).....I believe I'd have made Hoss a new collar with his own sanitized time piece on it! Hoss says "Hey!"
April 22, 2009- Hoss chewing: I'm not a canine so I don't have a clue why they like to chew so much. I guess it feels good. I've never been a big "gnawing" kind of guy...you know...tobacco, gum,etc., and probably never will be, but Hoss loves his chew toys. In the past, I've had pets that caused me to lose shoes, shirts, baseballs, baseball gloves and even had a lab chew up my best bat...along with other things! When I look back, most all my dogs have had a chewing fetish. When we got Hoss, he was a little fellow. He didn't seem to have much of a problem wanting to chew. As he got a couple of months older, I noticed he had taken a liking to a small piece of rawhide. He would sit and chew for hours. I'm thinking ahead now....so I bought him a bag of 20 large rawhide, rolled up, chews. Now that he's a "teenager"....he loves 'em! I'll tell him to go get his bone, it looks like a bone all rolled up, and he will search until he finds it. He will bring it to me, for me to hold, so he can just gnaw away. He will sit, stand or lay there just chewing away, as long as I hold the "bone". Hoss has been great! No chewed up furniture (I worried about that,,,my wife just bought new furniture), no chewed up guitars (I have a collection of 13), no electrical cords.....nothing!!!!!.....until April 20!!!! In all fairness, it wasn't all his fault. You see, it happened like this....
A few weeks ago my oldest son and I went to get my youngest son a birthday present. We were in the "Vette" being cool and going to the mall. All was well. We picked out what we wanted for the birthday boy and continued looking around. My son started trying on some fancy sunglasses...found a pair he said would look cool riding in the car.....long story short....I bought him the glasses. He thought I was so cool to just buy him something on the "fly" like that. He loved those glasses. Wore them every day...and I think....sometimes at night. The glasses were cool.....the key word here is ...."were". Well...on Monday my son does not go to school and was going to do some things around the yard for me. He left his glasses and Hoss in the sun room .....together. I don't know if Hoss had tried to wear the glasses and they wouldn't fit correctly and he got mad about it, if the glasses said something smart to him....I just don't know. But I do know....the glasses were chewed up and Hoss had this "How do I get outta' here" look on that big boxer face. I think it's been called a "sheepish" look. I explained to my son....Hoss just didn't understand...he's just a puppy at heart and puppies do things they can't explain sometimes....just like young boys...like the time he broke the window and wouldn't tell me ....or the time he drove my new screwdrivers in the dirt with a hammer.....or the time he got a speeding ticket and waited until court date to tell me about it...and the time..."OKOKOKOKOK DAD....I GET IT!!" was his reply. Every creature on the face of the earth makes mistakes....and the ones that don't think they do are the biggest idiots of all. Hoss is smarter than those people....he at least knew he had done wrong...and tucked his nub and took off! May son has since forgiven Hoss...his "best friend". They are the best buddies again and I hope they have both learned something. Hoss, I hope, learned to chew only on his bone. I hope my son learned that "things" don't make you happy.....relationships do! Even if it's a relationship with your pets....in his case....best friend. Life is short....focus on the positives....laugh as much as possible... Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 22, 2009- Hoss the protector: I've always considered myself to be a "manly man". You know...John Wayne...baseball...football...water skiing...boxing...hunting...Clint Eastwood...and so on. There are many other qualities that are too many to mention that makes a man feel his testosterone is constantly peaking. So you see, being a "manly man", I'm very protective of my family and would go to the limit to protect them. So, I've really never thought of having to protect myself....much. Here's what happened.... One day Hoss and I were riding around in my new Corvette. I'd always wanted a Corvette. Took me 57 years to get one...but that's another that has nothing to do with Hoss so I'll continue with this one....there we were...Hoss an me letting the wind blow in our hair....soaking up some rays....chillin' on some tunes...and...just being ....cool! Hoss has a different attitude when he rides in the Vette. It's like he knows the difference between it and the truck. In the truck he just lies down in the front seat....like he doesn't want anyone to see him. In the Vette, he sits straight up checking everything out. What's that all about????? I feel I'm letting him down when we have to go somewhere in the truck! Anyway, I had the window slightly cracked, not enough he could fall out but enough to get that big head into that crisp, cool wind. His ears and jowls blowing in the wind. He was loving it. After riding around for a while I figured I'd fill up before I went home. I pulled into the nearest Exxon and proceeded to fill up. Since there was no air to blow in his face, Hoss decided to rest a few minutes and laid down for a short nap. While pumping my gas, a stranger, more red neck than I am, walked over and started talking about my car and wanted to "check it out". He walked around....making kind comments about the color, body style, year, so on....you know...stuff us red necks talk about. When he had circled the car, apparently without looking, he leaned over to look in the drivers side. It was as if a light switch had been flipped on....and Hoss was the light. Hoss, as we say in Walls Mississippi, had a "comin' apart". I've never seen a man back up as fast as "Bubba" did! After a few expletives, and something about having to do some laundry when he got home (think about it), he decided he had seen enough of my car....and Hoss. He hot footed it back to his truck and hit the road. I finished with the gas and slid my proud behind back in the car. Hoss was sitting up looking at me as if to say..."Was that alright?" I rubbed him on the head and under his neck to let him know all was well, cranked up, lowered the window and he returned to the "wind in the face" thing, as though nothing had happened. It's good to know someone has got your back! It's kinda' like I've got a bodyguard!!! Hmmmm.....if I could only teach him to drive....I'd have a chauffer too! Hoss says "Hey!"
April 22, 2009- Hoss The Clown: I consider myself to have a good sense of humor. I try to find humor in most everything. I visualize things in a different way than most. This is why, having read the books about boxers that state they are "clowns", I have to agree. Sometimes it's subtle and sometimes I think Hoss should be a stand up comedian in the "dog world". Hoss is definately a clown. I guess this is why he and I are a good pair. He's a clown and I like to laugh. What is it about "wheels" that drives him nuts? Doing some yard work the other day, I found out he hates the wheel barrow! Detests the pressure washer (it's on wheels). And he can't stand the lawn mower. Hey...I just had a thought....is it the wheels or is he against work??? He constantly followed me barking, lunging at the tool I was using and showing his animosity towards all these necessary tools. It was hilarious. He's such a tough guy.....I meant that sarcastically. Maybe he felt I was being forced to stop his attention time by these loud, obnoxious tools ....with wheels...and wanted to let them know his feelings. When I finished, he followed me back to the house with a spring in his step as if to say, "It took a while but I showed these 'wheels'". It was as though he was so proud! It's funny though...he likes the blower!! He loves me to blow the grass off the drive. He likes to run up to the blower, stick his mouth on the end of the blower and let his "jowls" flap in the breeze. Once again...it's hilarious! Visualize..... Hoss is a very possessive clown. He has his routine. Every morning as I'm getting ready to go to work, he has to be in the bathroom, laying on the rug waiting for me to come out of the shower. Then he sits, waiting patiently for me to finish with my morning grooming habits...watching every move. Occasionally cocking that head side to side as if he is wondering what I'm doing. As I'm dressing he waits and looks at me as if he knows I'm about to leave....the sad face. Then he follows me to the door, waits for his goodbye pat, and looks at me as if to say, "I'll be waiting right here for you when you get back." Don't ever let someone tell you animals don't have facial expressions! And sure enough...when I get home, there he is jumping, shaking, excited to the point you'd think he'd just won the "dog lottery". No one has ever wanted to be around me this much since I first conned my current bride into associating with me....bless her heart...she didn't know what she was getting into! I guess, in her own way, she got a clown before I did! And remember me telling you about that woman that said, I'm not writing a check for that dog"? You know...my wife? She has had to admit....she loves Hoss. He shakes that rear end when he sees her and can't wait to get some baby talk and lovin' from her. Well...she bought some new furniture. No animals on the couch or new chair!!!! She doesn't even like it if my boys or myself lay on the couch....but let her get her "snuggie", and get all comfortable, and it never fails....here comes Hoss. Next thing you know he's laying right next to her, with is head laying on her hip and receiving the lovin he desires so much. I only wish I could be in that position!!! What's up with that?!?! I put my feet on the couch and get the evil eye! Well....whatchagonna do? I'll just keep my mouth shut, do the yard work, sit in the floor, and take the affection I can get from my bride and Hoss.... I should be thankful!!!!! I have both!!! A woman that's crazy enough to want me...and....a clown for a friend! Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 11, 2009- Names....they mean a lot throughout the lives of humans and animals. I'll never forget watching "WKRP in Cincinnati", when a guy dating Loni Anderson was talking to Less Nessman and Less stated he liked the guy's name..."Steel". Steel proceeded to tell Less that he believed that a person's name had a lot to do with the strength of a person.....and then asked Mr. Nessman's first name...."Less" was his answer. Hey.....I thought it was funny! Anyway, I believe this to a degree. When thinking of what to name my new pup, a number of names came to mind.....Slick...Duke....Spike...many more. I wanted something that would give the feeling of "manliness", strength, a solid secure name. A name that a red neck, manly man would be proud of. A dog has to have a cool name that fits him. I remembered when I was a child my uncle would call everyone...Hoss. He got the name from "Bonanza"....a T.V. show in the 60's that had three sons...Adam, Little Joe and Hoss. Hoss was a beast of a man but kind hearted until riled. Then the "red neck, manly man" came out. You didn't mess with Hoss Cartwright. As I grew older, married and had my boys, they told me one day that they knew when I was really upset with someone because I would call that person "Slick" or "Hoss". I had never really noticed this until they brought it up.....funny how kids figure things out. As we contemplated the name of our new family member, I threw out Duke, Spike, Tater (just to see if anyone was paying attention), Slick and Hoss. My oldest son jumped on Hoss like a starving man on a Big Mac. "You've got to name him Hoss!" After reflecting about my past and the fond memories of my uncle.....Hoss it was! A strong individual that could also be kind and loving, that grew on you as time went by. Hoss........Hoss......Hoss......see....it grows on you. It's not a sissy name. Or a name you wouldn't be proud of as a nick name....if you're a Mississippi red neck like me (I just couldn't name him "Bubba). Apparently Hoss likes his name too. He whips that head around whenever he hears it and always seems to have a smile on that beautiful boxer face of his. Hoss.......Hoss....it's a good name...I'm glad we chose it. He acts like a "Hoss"! I'm glad my uncle didn't call everyone ...."Hop Sing"! Hoss says...."Hey!"
April 9, 2009- I've been married to a beautiful, kind hearted, generous, gracious and she has to be partially blind (I'm talking about MY looks....it's a joke) woman for 25 years. We have three kids. My daughter she acquired by default.....de fault of my daughter's biological mom. Two boys....21 and 19. I know....I know....but they'll always be "boys" to me. Two dogs....and Hoss. I've had a little time to think about my position in our family. With my wife...I do as I'm told, don't argue, and do my best to keep her happy. You know the old saying " When momma is not happy....." blah, blah, blah. No matter what anybody thinks....it's true. I love her very much and she's worth the effort. My daughter....not too much trouble growing up. She's wonderful and is now married to a great guy....I couldn't have picked a better one. They have provided me with four beautiful granddaughters that call me "Daddy Dan". They love me regardless.... My oldest son has had his crazy moments but is my first son and has come a long way. He is now in "Barber College", "Beauty School"....whatever. He will do great at this....he's in school with a bunch of beautiful women that just think he's wonderful....although his girlfriend has some reservations about his female "friends". He's always had a way with the girls. My youngest son has a sense of humor that just won't quit. He moved out about six months ago and is now ready to move back home .....to save some money...at the end of April. He should have been a pro baseball player but it's his life and those things are his decisions. They are all taller than me. I'm "the runt of the litter. that's why when it came time to bring a new four legged member into the family....I went for what I know...short, cute, feisty and stubborn. That describes Hoss to a tee. Although Hoss has started to grow tall.....that's just what I need....a dog (yes I said it) that is taller than me. Any way, I have a few comparisons to my family where Hoss is clearly on the positive side. I know....I know.....the humans have advantages too but......hey....you're on a "Boxer" site. Read it and see if you don't agree with the few positive points of Boxers over family. All puppies and babies are cute (to a degree) but all you have to do with a pup is feed him and pet him. A baby cries for no reason sometimes....just has to have some attention. Hoss would lick me....big difference. Pups, within a few weeks, you can have house trained....babies you have diapers for months....years? Puppies play until they are just worn out and then ...pass out! Puppies will eat food that comes out of a 50lb sack. The most expensive "clothing" you buy for a puppy (unless you're some one that has more money than sense) is a collar occasionally. If you spend a little time with your pup each day.....no need for some expensive school. Your canine is always glad to see you. Some teenage years, for our children, they seem to detest us. And even my wife doesn't like to see me in the mornings when I turn on the light to get ready for work. Don't have to worry about Hoss insurance. Hoss won't lie to me. Hoss won't steal from me. Hoss has never asked for money....has your dog? Hoss has never asked for the keys to the car.....has your dog? Hoss never asks where we are going or try to tell me how to drive. No wedding to pay for! No "Rehearsal" dinners!!! Well......you get the point and I'm sure you can think of some others. Don't get me wrong....I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!! but sometimes you don't want to have to answer questions...you don't want to explain anything...you don't want to work...you don't want to be responsible for anything...you don't want to go anywhere...and so on. It's those times that I'm glad Hoss is MY dog!!!!!! There ......I said it!! DOG! But even though he is a "dog"....he's one of the best friends I've ever had. And if Hoss could talk....I'm sure he'd say "Hey!"
April 8, 2009- Hoss seems to have a positive effect on everyone he meets.....except my mom... and....Sophie....my 2 year old granddaughter. Bless her heart....she's scared of all four legged members of the family (I just can't bring myself to call Hoss a "dog"....well....I try to keep it to a minimum). My boy's friends just love to mess with him. I've got too many photos of all the guys and Hoss. My oldest son says Hoss is his "best friend". Everyone likes to see any thing Hoss can do and we are constantly working with him to teach him new things. He does know the difference between his ball,bone, toy and now I'm working on "Frisbee". I'll let you know later how that turns out. But this little message is about my mom and Hoss. I'll start with.......my mom.....she just doesn't like dogs....she has nothing in common with them...sees them as a non productive "member of the family", except when they are producing little unwanted presents....you know what I'm talking about. I don't know...I guess my dad burnt her out on the "dog thing". He wasn't much on training but just always had to have a dog. Maybe if he had worked with the ones he'd had a little more she might be different about it....but any way....she was determined NOT to like Hoss. "Why did you get another dog?", "Are you going to keep him outside?" "He's going to chew up your furniture!" so on and on and on. Two things you need to notice from these statements....the negativity .....and....she never called him by his name. She, apparently, thought I was going to repeat my father's training, or should I say, non-training, ways. Now let me say, I loved my dad very much...and if he were here today, he would love Hoss.....because Hoss does things my dad had wished his dogs would do. Billy West was a "dog guy"......couldn't stand cats. Anyway, mom would have nothing to do with Hoss. I don't understand why....he was as cute as he could be when we first got him but she was determined. "Don't bring him to MY house." "You ought not keep him in the house....he'll shed on your new furniture"...it was starting to get on my nerves. Here Hoss had done nothing to this woman.... that brought me up to "love all creatures", and she was not abiding by her own rules. I was starting to give up...Hoss was a few months old and my mom.....well.....she was wearing me down. Then it happened. It was as though a light switch had been flipped. Mom came in the back door, the door alarm beeps went off and there goes Hoss to investigate just barking all the way. Normally I hear mom saying, "GET DOWN!", "Don't jump on me!" things like that. But, I'm listening and I hear, "Hey Hoss....what you doing? You coming to meet me?" I said NOTHING! Mom comes in...sits in her favorite chair and Hoss follows her and lays down at her feet. I go to the kitchen to get us something to drink and when I return, mom is patting Hoss on the head and talking "baby talk" to him. What happened????? Did she just decide she liked Hoss??? Did she figure all her "suggestions" weren't doing any good????? Did she figure he wasn't going anywhere and she might as well cave and come to grips with Hoss? It was amazing.....I couldn't believe it. I wanted to know.....WHAT HAPPENED??? As she continued to talk to Hoss......God spoke to me....."Let it slide.....you do not need to know.....just be thankful!" For once ....I listened! It didn't matter how or why it happened. It was such a relief. Mom and Hoss are finally friends...... but here is where it just goes to show....I can't win. Now when mom comes over it's "Has Hoss been fed today?", "When was the last time you gave him a bath?", "He sure is sleeping a lot today...are you sure he's O.K.?" "Do we need to take him to the vet?", "What kind of food are you feeding him?".......I beginning to think....she thinks more of Hoss than she thinks of me!!!!! Oh well......who doesn't!!!!! Hoss says...."Hey!"
April 4, 2009- Well Hoss is now 8 months old as of April 3, 2009. He's grown so much. I feel he is now at the "teenage" stage. You know....long, lanky and knows it all. His voice has deepened and he sounds a lot larger than he is. He has many moments of braveness but this story is not about one of those. Don't get me wrong...I applaud his courage when our security system "beeps" and someone comes through the door and he goes berserk barking...he just wants to know who's coming in and let them know he's there. And one day he will be a force to be reckoned with.....but....he's still just a puppy at heart. For instance...on one of his many trips to the back yard, for relief, one day, he noticed that I had put some "yard art" in place. The item he noticed happened to be a three foot tall bear with a hat, a shovel and overalls. Kind of like "Smokey the Bear". Hoss went crazy! He would run up to it and bark....over and over and over again. it was hilarious to watch. Hoss didn't care for "Smokey" and Smokey was, as expected, oblivious to Hoss and his attitude. I thought this would cease after a few days but I was wrong. Hoss just didn't like Smokey and I'm sure he thought he was the winner of each confrontation since Smokey didn't reply. Something I must add at this time....with the flip of a switch I can light up my backyard as if it were a night game at Fenway Park. Keep this in mind. Visualize this.... One night I walked outside with Hoss so he could take care of business and without the lights on....he disappeared into the dark of night. After a few seconds of not seeing him I decided I should turn on the lights. I did and noticed Hoss was doing his business right beside Smokey. Hoss slowly turned his head to see Smokey....he freaked out....ears pinned back....taking off like a bottle rocket ( I think his feet barely touched the ground...as if to fly), he was immediately behind me. Such a scene had me worried about my protection plans for Hoss but my wife reminded me...."He's just a puppy." Hoss now, let's say, tolerates Smokey....the attacks have stopped. I am hoping this doesn't have an effect on the psyche of Hoss and he comes around about being dominant in a protection situation. As you can tell by my sense of humor, I feel I will need protection at some time in the future.....I plan on Hoss being just that...but right now I have to watch my mouth. After all...he's still just a puppy. A fifty plus pound puppy....but still mentally....a puppy! Hoss says..."Hey!"
April 1, 2009- Hoss can read!!! After acquiring Hoss, and having "canine family members" in the past (again "Dog" just doesn't seem right), I realized the sooner the training starts....the better. The first night I started working on "leakage" problems and where to complete this process. That's how soon I started with heading Hoss to the "Knowledge Bowl". He was very quick to pick up "sit, stay,lay, shake, bark" along with catching his snacks and he definately has the "leakage" problem down (if he needs to go outside, he will not leave me alone until he accomplishes his goal). He barks when he wants to come back inside and knows the difference between "Go get your ball" and "Go get your toy", and, and, and....."Go get your bone" (which is his leather chew toy). No joke...he knows the difference!!!! But the most amazing thing Hoss can do is.....READ!!! Oh yea....I can read your mind as you read this....."This guy is some kind of idiot....Hoss can read.....sure he can" (said sarcastically). You all think I need to get a grip in reality but I'm about to explain. Give me a chance before you pass judgment. Well, nothing is impossible with a boxer! A few days after Hoss came to live with us I purchased a couple of "Boxer" books...."How To Train Your Boxer"....."Boxers For Idiots" and a few more. After Hoss had perfected the majority of the tasks listed in the first paragraph, it was time to try some new things. My oldest son decided to investigate some new "tricks" and decided to actually read the training parts of these books (you see...Hoss has actually inspired my son to read a book....something he probably hasn't done in months...another reason to have a boxer). So....one day he gets a bag of treats, gets Hoss's undivided attention (food usually does it),and using large preprinted words....SIT......LAY.....BARK, on three different sheets of paper, he would say the word, hold up the appropriate sign and toss Hoss a treat when he did the correct command. He continued....keeping constant eye and signage contact, until he finally could just hold up the sign and Hoss would perform the command. My son was so proud. He couldn't wait for me to get home from work to tell me Hoss could read. I arrived, he performed the trick and I was so impressed! We showed everyone that came around that evening this amazing feat....so many times, I'm sure Hoss was tiring of the performances but his love for "chicken bits" far out voted his disdain for being constantly on "stage". He had it down! I was so proud of Hoss....and my son. It had been a long day for us all so we all went to bed....Hoss worn out...me, ready to dream of the possibilities for Hoss....and my son retiring with the great feeling of accomplishment. Great day!!! After a night of rest, I woke the next morning earlier than usual. Made the coffee while all were still asleep and my mind starts to work. I don't know....call me a comedian at heart, I started wondering how I could amplify the accomplishments of the day before. It hit me!!!!! I proceeded with my plan. After a few minutes of preparation, I go running into my son's bedroom yelling "Wake up....wake up....Hoss can read!!!!" He groggily said, "Yea...I know...dad." "NO....NO....you don't understand...get up you've got to see this!!!!" I firmly replied. He jumps out of bed and we both go to the living room where I have pre-positioned Hoss....there he sat...in my wife's favorite chair, in a "sphinx" position, with a book between his front paws...and this is the kicker....Hoss was wearing my glasses, with his head cocked to the side as if to say "So what's up?".....can you visualize this? After the laughter died down and my son realized he could go back to bed....his final statement to me that morning was "Dad....you're just not right." One thing I missed....I should have taken a photo!!! Well...nobody's perfect......but my dog can read!!!!
March 31, 2009- I acquired my Boxer, Hoss, from Shadow Ridge Boxers in October of '08. I'd had a friend years ago that had one, Duke, and all I could remember was how smart he was. He was a great dog....therefore when it came time for me to find a "buddy" ("Dog" just doesn't sound right for an animal as smart as Hoss) I remembered Duke. After getting Hoss to the house his training began. I slept with Hoss on my chest on the couch the first night....NO...my wife wasn't THAT mad because I had another best friend but I did it so Hoss and I could bond, I could attend to his "leakage" problems by showing him outside is the "place to go", and let him know he was secure and safe at his new home. The next morning as I got ready for my shower, I softly tossed Hoss into the bed with my bride of 25 years. Bless her heart...she was dead asleep. I hear "Don't.....STOP....quit licking my face...don't bite my hair......Dan.....Dan......DAN....DAN!!!!! Come get YOUR DOG!!!!" I stepped into the shower ignoring her pleas. As I completed my body cleansing, I stepped out of the tub, dried off, wrapped the towel around me and quietly opened the door. It was sickening! My wife had gone from this woman that in no way wanted anything to do with this "Dog"("Dog"....it just seems insulting to call a member of your family a "Dog") to a woman you would think had just given birth....."you are sooo cute...aren't you the sweetest thing....you are too cute to be named Hoss...give mommy sugar....". I knew it was a woman's prerogative to change her mind but this was ridiculous! However....my goal was accomplished. Hoss had come through with that puppy charm and I knew we had her. Since that first morning Hoss has become our protector, friend, and the best family member ever. Think about it....doesn't care about borrowing money, never asks for the keys to the car, no wedding or rehearsal dinners to pay for, no judgmental attitudes some family members have.....you get the picture. He loves us for being......US! Although he is MY "dog", he is smart enough to know who the boss really is! It only took him one night.....It took me years!!! In that way......Hoss is smarter than I am!!!!! I didn"t have a dog. My two grown sons had a dog each and we just had to put down my wife's kanine friend...Lady Bug. My dog, Bo, had died of old age about 10 years before. I was told "We will never have 3 dogs AGAIN!" I didn't have a dog.
On Thanksgiving last year our family met some friends in Gulf shores for a long enjoyable weekend. Our female friend, Sandy, was going to get a Yorkie on Monday....and she was not going to let me forget it. Evwry opportunity she got it was...."My puppy is going to sit in mu lap and.....Oh I'm sorry....you don't have a dog." if she did it to me once, she did it 500 times. We came home. Suddenly in the mail i was getting "dog" cards"....no signitures but things like "I want to be your dog" and "Please come and get me...I'll be your friend forever." Two or three card a week for a couple of weeks. I wanted a dog...but I didn't have a dog.
Leaving church we saw some cute puppies for sale from Shadow Ridge. My oldes son was with me and my wife. We just wanted to look...but there he was...the most rambunctious puppy of the bunch. "I'm not writing a chek for this dog" my wife said. "That's cool....I know how to write!"
I now have a dog, a buddy,and a friend that takes every step I take. Hoss is great. He has changed our lives. He is so smart....he sits,lays, barks, stays...all on command. He catches his treats,is housebroken,is very protective, loves my grandaughters....and can read. Trust me....he can read.
Remember my friend ....Sandy? Talked to her last night....her dog is "dumb as dirt!"
Thanks guys!!! Getting Hoss was the best money I've ever spent.
HOORAY! HOORAY!
I HAVE A DOG!!!! |