Change in Media Plans

Sassy guarded the Town Car limo when

I went inside a store to shop. Only one window worked all the time, so she sat in the back to retrieve her cone from McDonalds.

I decided to set aside the Parables of Jesus book and concentrate on Jesus' Titles of Majesty - My Good Shepherd. The idea behind the second one is having a graphic - new or old - for each of the 50 titles, each from a KJV Scripture. I will finish with an essay about the Good Shepherd, but it will be Norma A. Boeckler's book. 

I was startled to find I already had 1600+ views on the God, Grace, and Gardens page, where I keep completed Vimeos. My plan had been to add Vimeos about books and other topics, because we are now a video - not a reading - generation. "No man can serve two medias at once." I will rekindle that plan. We have a great set-up for producing and saving videos. 

Another reason to switch to video is having less short-term memory, especially when writing requires one's entire cranial memory library to be humming at full speed all the time. 

Writing will continue with the sermons written out completely and Ichabod posts bewailing the state of Lutherdom. I may produce a booklet of memories about Sassy Sue.

 I taught Iberia bank staff to have treats ready for Sassy at the drive-through. If they were slow, she used the mike to express her needs, at full volume. Everyone inside the bank jumped a foot, and they laughed, giving her three treats from that time on. That may have led to their closing, replaced by Armstrong Bank and teeny-tiny little treats.

Sassy Sue - The Three-Legged Dog Who Sang and Made the Dog Park Dogs Jealous

Sassy was the only dog at the park who could catch the orange squeaker ball and bring it back to my hands, the dog owners clapping, the jealous dogs trying to get the magical ball. 

I taught her the "Cattle Dog Blues," and she once got a house loaded with dogs singing the chorus with her.

Sassy had to go to the vet today, because her kidneys no longer functioned. She was 15, a rescue, very old for a German Shepherd mix.

I was telling one lady, years ago, that Sassy was a very special dog. She said, "My dog is very special too." I asked, "Does your dog have a blog?" She replied, "No," so I said, "Sassy does."

 Norma A. Boeckler took this photo. Sassy was watching all the action at the dog park.

Sassy Has a New Friend - Lady

 

 Sassy was the ball-catching athlete of the dog park, wowing all the owners and making the other dogs jealous of the magical orange ball.

Ranger Bob rescued a dog shivering and unidentified at the cemetery he visits (his mother and Army Ranger step-father).

I named her Lady Luck, and Bob shortened it to Lady. I will get photos up in a few days.

Sassy is gentle with all dogs and cats, and Lady is very smart, gentle, and obedient. The starving dog routine is now a duet.

Ghost Plays Tag with Sassy

 Sassy has a white mussel now. She normally goes to the front to guard the garden and look for Ranger Bob.

Sassy wanted to go outside in the backyard, so I let her out. Soon I heard a " Wuff! Wuff! Wuff!" It was so gentle that it did not sound quite like a dog. Sassy issues orders with sharp, indignant barks.

I peaked out the backdoor, suspecting it was Ghost (her stage name, to avoid costly lawsuits). She is the beautiful white puppy who invited herself into the Rose Garden when I was sitting on the ground and working with some plants. Ghost seemed to know the coast was clear, the family would not pursue her. We had a little talk and Ghost rewarded me with kisses, licks, and a place on her dance card. The family wanted her back but did not want to trample the garden. After all, I grow real weeds. Ghost went back and everyone was happy.

Ghost is quite large and slender now, with long silky hair. She wanted to play tag with Sassy, and they both jumped around, feigning attacks, and had fun in spite of the fence. I will do some things in the backyard, and Ghost is likely to insist on some talk, petting, and perhaps tennis ball chasing.

Sassy Sue Is about 14 Years Old

 

Sassy: Still Waiting - 

Foster Owner's Story

 This rescue photo of Sassy captivated us.
I wanted another Cattle Dog after we lost Sackett to cancer. Sassy Sue is now about 14 years old.

From Sassy's Foster Mother
I stood on the curb at my house and watched my current foster dog, Moxie, drive away with her new family. Moxie watched me from the window of the car, looking confused. At that moment I felt waves of emotions wash over me. First, happiness, after all she had found her forever home. Next came the sadness, tears began to well up in my eyes. I was about to lose a part of my family. And finally, relief. I sighed deeply as I began to think about how me, my husband, and our dogs would spend a much appreciated break from the demanding work of fostering dogs.

I smiled as I headed back to the animal shelter where I work. But as I walked through the door at the shelter my smile faded. There she was: my new foster. I knew it from the moment I saw at her. She was on the floor, curled up in a fetal position, tail tucked completely under her, her eyes wide with fear. She was shaking and every now and again she would let out a little yelp. The man on the other end of the leash continued talking to my co-worker but his voice was just noise to me. I was completely focused on this scared, wonderful, little girl that needed my help. I began to wonder what her life had been like. Did she like children? Did she like other dogs? Did she like to camp or hike or swim? I knew that the answers to these questions would come soon enough, as I had already decided that she would come to stay with us. I quickly snap out of my daze when I noticed something wrong with her back right leg.

I manage to ask, “What’s wrong with her leg?”

“Oh she got kicked by a horse in April,” he replied.

“April? But this is August,” I muttered.

“I know, but we just couldn’t afford the medical care,” he replied.
Such a common answer in my field of work but for me heart wrenching to hear. I began to fear for this little dog’s well being and worry about what the future might hold for her. I scooped her up and took her to the shelter vet right away. The x-rays revealed a compound fracture that had been healing improperly for several months and the doctor informed me that the leg couldn’t be saved. I buried my face in this beautiful little dog’s fur and began to cry. Tears of joy? Tears of sadness? I’m not sure which it was but I suspect it was a little of both.

Sassy, at the very young age of a year old, had her leg amputated later that week and came home with us a couple of days later for a long road of recovery. She was amazing! She put all her trust in us and ran that long road to recovery in a very short amount of time. She quickly learned to walk using three legs, and then how to jump onto the couch using three legs, and then how to jump into the bed using three legs. She continued to amaze us when she chased the other dogs around the park, went on long walks with her foster doggie siblings, and went swimming at a local lake. But we knew that she would be just fine when she went hiking with us and literally had a tantrum when Mark tried to carry her up a very steep hill. She was going to do it by herself. That has pretty much been her attitude during the whole ordeal, it Sassy’s way or the highway.

Mark and I consider ourselves very lucky to have met Sassy and to be able to care for her. For all the things that we may have taught her during her stay with us, she has taught us just as many. Among her lessons: perseverance, trust, confidence, the ability to overcome, and the ability to smile when things aren’t so great. All lessons that each and every one of us should practice. I know that those waves of emotions will wash over me once again when Sassy finds her forever home, but that’s why I do it. Fostering can be the best and the worst feeling. But every time she looks up at me with those big brown eyes I know she is grateful for what I was able to do for her and I look forward to the day I stand on the curb, tears welling up in my eyes, watching her drive away with her new family, with that incredibly silly grin on her face.

 Early on I asked Sassy to guard the car while I ran into a store or the post office. She always took the driver's seat and loved the attention. When driving, she sat behind in the Town Car. Her window worked best, so she got special attention at drive-throughs and part of my cone. She signaled her need for the rest of the cone by tapping me on the shoulder. Her Sassy Sue and Friends blog has almost 50,000 views.

 Sassy tolerates her Voyager. She likes rides, especially ones that stop at a McDonalds. We sing together as we go. She barks the chorus.

Sassy Invents the Double-Lovey - All On Her Own

 Norma A. Boeckler took this photo at the dog park when she visited us.

Sassy had trouble jumping up on the bed as she got older. She could do it most of the time, but she liked being encouraged. I even put my foot near her tail to encourage her. She did her, "Rar, rar, rar!" warning bark but did not mean anything by it. She is known for being gentle but very loud.

She kept making fake attempts at jumping up one night, and I got angry. Then I sat down and petted her, telling her how much we all loved her. She gave me a gentle little lick of affection.

 Sassy jumped, ran, and fetched better than the four-legged dogs.

That - I learned to my sorrow and laughter - was the beginning of the lovey needed for the jump. She no longer jumped for any reason but pushed her chest up against the bed, looked up, and grinned at me for a lovey. That had to be fairly wordy and effusive in language about her many friends, her gentleness, and her love for everyone. 

So that immediately became a requirement. Her fake run turned into parking her chest against the bed. When we took off the legs of the bed - for her - she continued pushing her chest against bed and grinning. I took that as the new expectation, but I was wrong.

Soon Sassy began to park her chest against the corner of the bed. I thought maybe she was saving time. No. After that was done, she pretended to get her fun going, but pushed her chest in the same place again. She began giving me really big grins for this. (I gave her an M.A. - honoris causa - in adult education - for training me so well. The honorary doctorate will come later, I am sure.)

Tonight I tried to get her to jump after the first lovey, at the corner of the bed. She wiggled around and stopped with her chest against the bed again - big grin. She likes a longer bout of petting for the second time, and she wants an elaborate discussion of her merits, friends, and awesome reputation. I get a second gentle lick for being such a good student at her academy.

 People loved seeing Sassy in the back seat, with me as the chauffer, in the Lincoln Town Car. It was a beautiful, smooth, dependable car that went 205,000 miles for us and then provided transportation for a friend's mother.

 

Sassy got snarly about needing to go outside, so I obliged her. She came back in, had breakfast, and fell asleep. We had a freeze last night, so the house feels like a walk-in freezer at Tyson's. She decided the bed-warmer was better than the carpeting for her beauty rest.

The Lutheran Librarian says, "Our pets teach us the games they want to play." So true. Someone was chiding me about "still helping Sassy up on the bed." No, that is a game she invented when the legs were still on the bed. She could easily jump up on the bed but she liked to make a game of it, sitting there and smiling at me. Making the jump got harder and I did cheers to get her running up to the bed and jumping. That was so much fun that one day she made 10 attempts in a row. I sat on the bed and petted her. (That is the old part of her game.) She wanted pre-jump petting after that.

We took the legs off to make it easier for Sassy. She continued the tickle jump game. I had to nudge her with my foot to make an attempt. She snarled and barked at the offending foot and made the jump. I cheered and she barked triumphantly, "Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark." Her six-fold bark means she is really proud of herself.

I had to do this while on the phone. "Are you still spoiling her, even though the legs are off the bed?" I had to explain, "She loves the game, so I have to go along with it."

Likewise, Sassy was craving attention when I was on the phone with the Lutheran Librarian. I explained my extra duties while talking, and he said, "My cat is in my arms demanding attention, too. I understand."

 Sassy amazed people with her ability to follow directions at the dog park. The more they cheered her ball chasing and catching, placing it gently in my hand, the more crowd cheers she earned. She is more sedate now and more likely to give orders than obey them. 

Sassy's New, Dry Outdoor Bed

Four times we went after the blackberry patch, twice hacking away the growth and twice putting a blanket of mulch down to discourage a rebirth. I had a helper, which kept the finishing date within this calendar year.

Sassy tells me when she wants to go outside, often after her meal. She often stays out a long time, which may be her time checking over the yard and neighbors. She never stops being a guard dog.

Sassy loved the harmless spill. She walked into the view to enhance the fun.

She used to sit behind the garbage barrels, hidden from sight. I got used to that, but ever since the restoration of that berry patch, I find her sunning herself on top of the thick layer of mulch, newspaper, and cardboard. The Sassy Patch is sun-soaked with some shade from the house and tree. The patch is always warm and drier than the rest of the backyard.

Doubtless she also likes to scratch up her next. I said to her recently, "Sassy, you have been scratching up your nest on the bed for 10 years. Isn't it soft enough yet?" She grinned, came over to me, and kissed my face." How does one discipline such a sly companion and mischief-maker?

Army Ranger Bob and Sassy - A Special Day

Army Ranger Bob came over with a special package. He had a complete Meals Ready To Eat (MRE - also called Meals Rejected by Ethiopians). His friend at work got one, so he decided to demonstrate its use and share some Ranger stories.

Sassy demanded her usual round of treats - Milkebone first, then a few training treats, then some cinnamon crackers. Normally she tells off Bob for not feeding her enough and various other deficiencies. She also looks at him with her loving eyes and allows him to give her a tummy rub. Her end game is to stretch on the floor and listen to his stories.

This demonstration, complete with many stories about Army training, had a special meaning. Bob said as he was leaving, "I drove Mike's body to his grave, one year ago, today." He was feeling the loss all over.

He left home at 16 to give his mother one less mouth to feed and Army money to help her along. Since we moved here and got to know Bob, he lost his mother, his Army Ranger step-dad, and his brother. Mike was almost helpless at birth, but his family helped him become an able-bodied man who could work and earn a living of sorts. Mike was retarded but he could offer observations that were on target, very wise and considerate. He called Chris "Mama" and loved to talk to her. He believed in Jesus.

Mike and Bob did all the nursing care for their bed-ridden mother and step-dad, never sorry they had to do all that work. They were glad to, and certainly were models for others to follow. They loved the poverty food their mother fixed them, like wieners and beans with cornbread.

Our congregation helped pay for the funeral and burial. Bob found he could haul the casket himself (Arkansas law) and dig the grave down in their hometown cemetery - so he did.

He said, smiling recently, "There is one verse I really like from the Bible."

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

He lives it, himself.

Sassy Tales

Sassy enjoys company. She is a great guest and host.

Sassy had a sleep-over with Army Ranger Bob this week. They were back early (for him) on Monday morning. She must have enjoyed her stay, because she almost went back with him. Everyone loves Sassy, except Tiny, the ferocious Chihuahua who guards the Four Esses.

 Tiny has this reaction when Sassy warns him to stop being so cute with me. They made enough noise to wake the neighborhood.

We have had some cold mornings, but John and Patricia come out in the cold to see Sassy. The big question is whether Sassy will love up husband, wife, or neither. It is easy to see that Sassy is playing with them, so they laugh at her stubborn coldness. A burst of laughter prompts Sassy to bestow her gentle kisses, always listening for a reaction.

 German road-block. Sassy gets attention by filling the passageway with her stretched-out body. Kitchen? Why not stretch out in front of the fridge? Dominating the space is a win, all by itself.

Coffee is magical for Sassy. She has made pour-over coffee time her chance to request some Johnsonville brat slices. This began with my shocked look when she was in the kitchen before the sun was up. Now she quickly changes her expression from hopeful to big, self-satisfied, and smiley. If she is sleepy, the smile takes a few more dramatic gestures and backward hops.

Sassy understands that I want fresh, hot coffee before we walk. She has ways to motivate me and to show her impatience:

1. The paw against my leg - the lightest touch tells me she is present and ready to walk, at my convenience. She may murmur a little.
2. A gentle swap means it is time, but she will wait a bit.
3. The command-demand cycle begins with dragging a paw across my kneecap. (Once it was my fragile and sensitive stomach, and she laughed at the result.) People should consider a dog's ability to smile, laugh, scowl, pout - they are masters of management.
4. If the first kneecap scrape is ineffective, the next one is a double with more force and a definite, impatient scowl.
5. Christina was awake and watching when I said, "Wait for the triple scrape."
6. I closed my eyes and became still. Sassy delivered the final warning, DEFCON 1 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! - three forceful kneecap scrapes and a furious look. I burst out laughing, which only proved that I am malleable. Sassy and I left soon after for the walk.

Charming Sassy - The Three-Legged Wonder Dog

 Norma Boeckler took this photo at the dog park. Sassy gave me a special kiss on the cheek whenever I said, "Let's see the dog park."

Dogs were certainly created to be companions, and Sassy Sue is the epitome of man's best friend. She could have been shy, which is typical of Cattle Dogs, but she looks for friends everywhere. She is protective, smart, and easily trained - like German Shepherds - but also reverses roles and trains us.

When I tell people she is very special, they often respond with "My dog is very special too." I ask, "Does your dog have a blog?" That leaves them stammering.

I teach adult education most of the year, and I find Sassy a natural in her abilities to train others, especially me. Most dogs fall into natural habits, such as how they respond to certain activities, orders, food, and fun.

Sassy is unpredictably volatile. One night she will wiggle up to us on the bed for affection before going to sleep. That can include falling sideways into me and giving me kisses while being petted. But she can also turn her back to us and whimper about being neglected. Then we repeat the yanking drama.
"Come here for some love, Sassy."
Bark, bark.
"If you don't come here, I will have to yank you."
I touch Sassy and pretend to pull her 1/2 inch. Her eyes bulge.
"OK. Move! Move!"
She gets up and moves toward us one inch.
"Oh come on now, Sassy. You can do better than that."
She gets up close and collects on petting, compliments, laughter, and scritches. Animals are bad in spelling and grammar, so scritches are scratches on her forehead, chin, and ears.

This morning Patricia came out to see us at 7 AM. She loves to see us, and her yard is where Sassy looks for treats. When we leave, Pat is supposed to get some love. Sassy will be affectionate one day and indifferent another. This morning Sassy kissed both of Pat's hands and stayed for a third round of kisses, smiling shyly. We laughed at her change of heart. The last time, a few days ago, Sassy refused to show any response.

If we have guests, Sassy jumps into their bed and checks them over before letting them sleep. She has learned not to force herself on people, but she never forgets a friend. Anyone who loves Sassy can expect a morning hello, too.

Sassy's ears and eyes are very expressive, and she watches our expressions closely. The paw in the air is designed to make me laugh, because that is her mock sign of distress, to get attention. It could be used on the nearby metal shelf, but simply waving it in the air - at an angle - is enough to signal a priority request. Yes, I know dogs and pets lift a paw for "moar" - "moar food, moar pets." But this pawing of the air came out of her discovery that scratching the antique table - and then the replacement shelf - would get a fake reaction of horror. That startled and scared her at first, but when she realized I was having fun, it became her little signal with a mischievous smile.

Sometimes the evening quiet is disturbed by her broken-hearted barks. "What's wrong with Sassy?" Christina asks.

"Her staff has disappointed her. She is not angry, just disappointed. Did I forget something?" I ask as if I know nothing.

"Frosty Paws?" Sassy's eyes light up and her ears seem to grow in size and receptivity. Her reactions are varied:

1. More broken-hearted barking, because we forgot.
2. Expressions of delight and fun. 
3. Melting over the corner of the bed and looking toward the kitchen with great sadness and longing.

She is willing to go to sleep after one teaspoon of ice cream, but it is never truly bedtime for her until she gets that tidbit.

 Sassy is always ready for a ride somewhere.

Do Dogs Change Behavior as They Grow Older? Yes, Sassy Is Definitely More Mischievous

 Sassy's missing leg, amputated because of a horse kicking her, is the result of neglect from long ago. We adopted her because we could see her personality on the website featuring rescues.

Someone wrote a story about dogs changing their personalities as they grow older. Yes, they lose their puppiness, but Sassy seems to have more of those appealing qualities than ever before.

For example, she enjoys her little pranks. I was watching the news when she decided to put her claw on my stomach. She communicates with her paws a lot. This time she slowly dragged her claw on my skin. I yelped and she laughed. She does not just grin, but really laughs at the fun. My wife Chris said, "And you laughed." Yes, of course, but I am blamed for encouraging her. That was a one-time trick.

 Sassy tolerates her Voyager but loves the Town Car limo.

She returned to getting my attention with strange noises. I look up and wonder if something is malfunctioning. I looked up twice before I noticed it was the claw plucking at the metal shelf.

Some other claw tricks are:

1. Batting my leg lightly, which calls for something I should do.
2. Making the touch a little stronger each time.
3. Dragging her claw across my kneecap with some force.
4. Triple-dragging her claw, looking fiercely at me.
5. I often ignore that at first and say, "Watch Sassy." I know - it is my fault for encouraging her.

Once she has established friendship with someone on the block, she sits down on the sidewalk, in their way, until they pet her and talk to her about how sweet she is. I said to one, "You made her day." She said, "She made my day." If they are brother and sister, both have to pet her and compliment her.

One couple demands "love" from Sassy before we go. They cup a hand and Sassy pushes her soft muzzle into it, licking the hand. At that point she backs away and barks sharply. "Do you have something to do?" Bark! Bark! "Do you have an appointment?" Bark! Bark! Bark!!

Sassy is friends with a lot of dogs who bark at her and play tag a bit through the fence. She loves to get three pit bulls barking at her, so she only needs to be nearby to hear them on alert. She loves to walk "innocently" near their wooden fence to start a ruckus. She watches me because I discourage it. That is just as much fun for her as seeing her favorite huskies and shepherds. She has overdone this at times, so she acts like it is just another stroll in someone's  front yard.

Sassy walked into view to be in this photo. Our granddaughter went over backwards and held the pose, laughing and unhurt. Sassy upstaging her made it even funnier.

Sassy Yips for Her Cone

Ranger Bob laughs when we drive by, because I am the chauffeur and Sassy is my passenger in the back seat, barking out the open window.

Like any child, Sassy picks up on words that suggest something she enjoys. Yesterday I hinted at a trip for medicine and "should I bring back a quarter cheese plain"...Sassy's face turned toward me and she grinned her closing grin, "You are taking me along, aren't you?"

When I confirmed the trip, Sassy was all over the place, barking and bouncing around in joy. She likes the Town Car especially, because her window opens and she gets a ton of attention at McDonalds. The ice cream machine has been down, so I went with some worry about the main reason for going: not medicine, not groceries, not a sandwich, but The Cone. I eat the top part and she finishes, something we have done since rescuing her in Phoenix, about 10 years ago. There we went for bottled water and a sugar cone. Eating the cone meant having taps on my shoulder - from the back seat - to remind me that my passenger wanted her share.

Sassy was wound up for this trip. When I ordered, her face was out near the screen, making various canine sounds of impatience. Yes, they had cones! Yip. When I approached the window to pay, Sassy's favorite cashier was grinning at her. We spoke about the cone situation and Sassy began high-pitched yips of delight. The cashier loved the display.

Sassy turns an ordinary trip into an event. It usually ends with a Sassy story, and she enjoys hearing about her adventures, told to her mom in great detail. Morning walks are similar. People come out of their homes to see her, and she pauses at favorite homes to see if anyone is up and about.

Sassy refused to sit next to the McDonald statue alone.

 A stranger offered to take our photo with Ronald, so Sassy complied.

For Those Who Love Sassy the Cyber-Pet

 Long ago, Sassy was rescued and treated for her damaged leg. She did not want help walking anywhere. This is a photo from her foster family in Arizona.

 I took Sassy to the park in Phoenix every morning.
In Arkansas, she was perfect at catching her orange ball and bringing it back. The people at the dog park clapped for her catches, so the other dogs were jealous and wanted her magic orange ball.

Sassy gets fan-mail from blog readers. She is called the Cyber-pet by some and readers want to hear more about her. She is half German Shepherd and half Australian Cattle Dog. ACDs are also called Heelers and Queensland Heelers.


Her German Shepherd side is intensely loyal and protective, intelligent and independent in her thinking. The ACD side is also known for intelligence, independent thinking, but especially for talking and singing. When I make up a song and sing it to her, Sassy howls and barks with me, especially when her name is in the lyrics.

People adore her and make a fuss over how gentle and sweet she is. She expects that. They also laugh when she bosses me around. She barks at me for talking to neighbors on walks.
"Are you in a hurry today?"
"Bark!"
"You have an appointment?"
"Bark! Bark!"
"You have to go now?"
"Bark! Bark! Bark!"

Children observe, "You have a bossy dog."

Yesterday Sassy stepped out for her early evening walk, went on full alert, and began barking loudly. We saw the oldest Ess girl sitting on the porch. One reason to bark was - she was Sassy's first good friend on the block. Then Ess 2 took over and doted on Sassy. Now Ess 3 makes a point of petting Sassy while the baby Ess 4 giggles and laughs. Their names all start with S, so we call them the four Esses.

The barking was so loud because Ess 1 was holding a kitty. Sassy loves them and is very gentle, but she thinks barking loudly at a cat will endure her to the kitty. Sassy homed in on the cat and eventually touched noses with her. We laughed about how Sassy used to chase her black cat onto the roof of the house. But later, the same cat latched onto Sassy's thigh for getting near her kittens. Sassy was unharmed, except for her dignity. That took place during a yard sale when we were all milling around and Sassy got between the kittens to be given away and the mother cat.

Sassy listens closely to the voices of those who meet her. We found one new neighbor who was late for work but anxious to pet her. Sassy felt that love sat for her moment of adoration. "What a sweet face. I'm so glad I met you, Sassy."

Ranger Bob leaves water out for all critters, and Sassy stops by for a drink every morning. She pauses and listens for noises inside the house. She is happy to call Bob outside to fuss over her. They are the best of pals and the primary reason we commissioned a J. C. Penney portrait of her.

Ranger Bob often talks to her like a rough, tough sargeant, but he can do no wrong in her eyes. She can hear the real Bob, who buys food for stray cats - even for the one that annoyed him by generously marking his bedroom window. Bob said, "He let me pet him while he was eating."

Three-legged in this case. Tragic?
No, we got Sassy from that horse hurting her leg and the family abandoning her.

Sassy Walks, Talks, and Balks

Some people, who have no trouble with false doctrine, are pained to read posts about Sassy, the Cyber-Pet. Yet there are those who do not have a dog but love to read about our three-legged wonder-dog. This post serves two purposes, to annoy the under-worked and poorly educated (from Mordor), and to please the fans of Sassy Sue.

We walked at 6 AM today, and I used the inclement weather (only 72) to do some weed trimming. Sassy often sits in the grass, in the middle of the garden, or on the driveway to supervise. I looked around for her and saw that she bulled her way through the front door, only partially shut.

We often see Pat and her husband John. We were too early for them today. Her favorites are Ranger Bob and his brother Mike, who fuss over her. "She is so spoiled," Bob says as he feeds her treats. She greets him like a long-lost owner, even though we see him several times a week. She barks loudly, her favorite way of greeting friends.

Sassy is an effective manager. She slows down behind me to explore her favorite places. Sometimes she wants to cross the street on her own. Then we have a dog-whisper talk. I hold her head gently and speak softly. "You have to ask to cross. You know that." If she pulls away, I talk longer. Afterwards, she jumps up to lick my hand, asking to be restored and reconciled. I tell her what a great dog she is, how much everyone loves her.

Sassy uses her paws for a lot of communication:

1. A very light tap - Reminder of a task that needs to be done.
2. A gentle paw scrape - Time to get that done. I tell Mrs. Ichabod to wait for the next stage when I close my eyes.
3. Three very firm paw scrapes - Her patience with me is ended, and I get her arrogant German Shepherd look. I get her regular food - her crunchies.
4. Waving the paw in the air - that turned into our mutual joke because I found it so funny. She used her claws to make noise on an antique table, then on a metal air filter. When I laughed about it, she did it with a big grin each time, now in the air because her filter machine and table are too far away. The paw is for treats. She does it to Bob in another room, too.
5. Tapping us for her night-time routine. Sassy taps me, then Chris, for petting and talking. We tell her how much everyone loves her and how much we enjoy her. She grins and soaks it up for five minutes, then goes to sleep at the foot of the bed.
6. Holding down our hands. If we are doing a good job petting her, Sassy uses her paws and legs to hold us in that position.
7. The gentle knee-scrape at dawn. Sassy thinks that when Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of Morn, appears, she should be enjoying her walk. 
8. Sassy also pouts for attention. She sits with her back towards us and looks toward us a bit, to see if we still love her. "Want some loveys?" She barks and moves up to get some petting, tummy rubs, ear massages, and pep talks.

"Resist the Beginnings" - Lenski/Pfotenhauer

Sassy's best friend at the drive-through window suggested Frosty Paws for her. I bought the pet iced milk, saw how it was made, and switched to Great Value ice cream packets. Sassy loved it from the start and we continued to serve GV as Frosty Paws.

Sassy made it clear that it was a daily night-time ritual, so we began an evening drama with her. She shows a certain amount of discomfort and murmurs a bit. We debate what the problem might be. Finally we discover it. "Frosty Paws? Does she want Frosty Paws?"

Sassy's response varies. Last night she smacked the bed with her paw and grinned, then looked out the door so I could find where the Frosty Paws were located. Once we discussed it with company in the living room. Sassy yelped from the bedroom, yes - she wanted it now.

Every so often, the product name makes her drop her head onto the bed - she is ready for it. We can get kisses and loveys from bringing the subject up. Once discussed, she is confident I will deliver one teaspoon for her. I sing various product songs as I carry it from the kitchen. Mrs. Ichabod always serves.

Frosty Paws, Frosty Paws, Gotta Have Some Frosty Paws
Guess who's here to scoop it and deliver?
You can have your Frosty Paws, get a lot of Frosty Paws.
Have some fun and get some loveys too.
Aw-woo-woo-woo.

 Resist the beginnings? We have had nothing but fun with this.

Three Men and a Tool Shed

 One year ago, Chris took her first walk post-surgery. Her latest triumph is an A1C of 6 (perfect) at the diabetic specialist's office. Sassy has her own fur coat, but Mrs. Ichabod made her wear a sweater, because...cute.

Ranger Bob (a retired Army Ranger) opened up a storage shed on his property and found it mostly filled with things to jettison. He said, "Do you want a shed?" He and Mrs. Ichabod decided that the place between the Elderberry bushes was best, and I conceded.

He said, "My brother, Jerry, and I will take it apart and carry the parts over when the weather is better." Ranger Bob floated an idea. "We could carry it in one piece," so I volunteered to make it a fourth. Without contents or a floor, the aluminum structure was easy to carry, though I hoped for no videos appearing on the Net. The roof came over next, from two doors away.

Soon the roof was attached again, the shed resting on a bed of concrete tiles from the original site. Rebar will hold it down better, though it never took flight in our previous wind storms.

That is quite a gift, most would say. But no, Bob is coming over to seal the joints, paint the outside, and repaint the metal roof. He already cleaned the interior. He loves our pour-over coffee and his recent coffee-maker upgrade, so deals are often worked out over cups of fresh pour-over brew. Sassy loves him so much that she heads for his home on the corner, every time we are out, in hopes of being assailed as Fat Dog and Chow Hound while she gets some treats.

Sassy the Sweet
I posted about Sassy's mildly ornergy moments. Yesterday she barked at Mrs. Gardener's son-in-law, basically her happy to see you bark. They went inside, but the grandson came out to pet Sassy.

Sassy wants to kiss children, so her barks and rapid head movements spook them a little. He kept petting her methodically and talking to her. She reached over and gave him her special long, slow, loving licks. He loved that and began working over her ears. "You have a dog?" He did, and he knew how much they enjoy ear work.

Sassy Sasses Three Dogs, Leading to a Mass Escape
This morning Sassy went over to three dogs behind a fence to sass them. They erupted in ferocious barks and soon pushed the gate enough to come out to her.

I guessed they would have a quiet meet and greet, and so they did. Each dog was a bit hackled, cautious, but non-aggressive. So there I was with Sassy and three loose dogs - no sign of the owners.

I went into the front yard, pointed at the gate, and said, "Go back home. GIT!" The biggest one looked guiltier than Comey at a meeting of The Ethical Society. He walked in, hanging his head.

I made eye contact with the next. "Go HOME!" and pointed the way. He walked in. The youngest wanted to enjoy his freedom. I glared at that one and said, "Move it. NOW!" He did some small circles, so I raised my arm again and pointed the way. He trotted in, and I locked their gate. To save face, they barked ferociously -after being locked in like wandering lambs.

 Norma Boeckler photographed me and my supervisor at the dog park.

Angel Wings Sent a Message

Hi Pastor,

We read your blog today saying somebody berated you for writing and blogging about your dog. Low blow; such a mean spirit. We want you to know that we quite enjoy reading the Sassy stories, as she is our virtual pup (we have no pets); and we love reading about roses. Some pastors blog about dogs and roses; other "pastors" blog and vlog about their AR-15s, tactical shotguns, and 100-round magazines. Such is life.

It's OK that you didn't mention folks in the South that also follow your sermons. No hurt feelings here - LOL.

 Sassy provided security at a Moline luncheon
for MHS 66 ladies.

Sassy Sue's Goodnight Routines

I post about our three-legged wonder dog Sassy Sue so her foster parents can read the post. I promised photo updates for them, and I know they look for them, from time to time.

One of the Fox Valley sourpuss pastors complained, "He even writes about his dog." If one of them would visit a library or bookstore, it would become apparent that writing about dogs is just as popular as reading about them.

Sassy has an unusual bedtime routine. We are with her about 22 hours a day, and she is a real talker. She makes a lot of different noises and loves to have fun with us.

Sassy is half Red Healer and half German Shepherd.
She goes through the vocal range of both, and the super-smart independent nature of both breeds.

Sassy Initiates 
Sometimes, she comes up to us on the bed and taps me with her paw, grinning. That is my signal to pet her and tell her what a great dog she is, how many people love her. Then she turns to Chris and does the same thing. Settling down, Sassy falls asleep soon after.

 Sassy lost her leg from a horse kicking her and her family's subsequent neglect. The rescue society provided her operation and recovery time.
Everyone loves her gentle, loving face.

Bad Staff Evals - Sassy Is Upset
On other nights Sassy begins making low, complaining sounds. "What's up with Sassy?" I tell Chris, "Staff evaluations are in, and they are not good." Chris says, "Did we fail you again, Sassy? Miserable howls follow. So we go through things we should have done - food, walk...Frosty Paws. The mention of Frosty Paws ice cream for pets has Sassy barking loudly. Apologies follow and I promise to get the Frosty Paws.

Sassy is kind enough to show us where the food is, so she points with her nose - out the door toward the kitchen, the path to Frosty Paws. I use ordinary ice cream, and Sassy gets one teaspoon per night. But this is a non-negotiable demand, as they say, and it must be delivered for a night's sleep.

Her Head on the Bed
Another way Sassy goes to bed is to get her head under my hand, grinning at me as I pet her. She keeps her head flat on the bed and enjoys her head being stroked. We work over her ears, which really delights her. We also discuss her day and the friends she has made. She loves to hear Sassy stories and gets quite animated about her best friends.

 Every dog at the dogpark was jealous of Sassy's fame
with the ball and her retrieval of it, placing it in my hands.
We sang a song about that, and she howled for the chorus.

Must Make My Bed for the Night
Sassy may drop off to sleep in one corner of the bed, but she often needs to scratch up a nest for the night. She scratches on covers with manic glee. We keep a layer of thick old covers there for that purpose. Pillows may fly and blankets may fall off. Sometimes we stop her, but then she starts over. Sometimes she just stops and falls down in place.

 Our granddaughter held this pose while I got the camera,
but Sassy came into the frame for the laughs.
No one was hurt.

Making Us Laugh Out Loud
Sassy's funniest moves have developed over the years. She decided to scratch on an antique table to get my attention. Once she realized how funny I thought it was, she scratched and grinned me. That gesture meant, "I need something from you."

When the table was moved, she used the room air filter. We repeated the shock and then enjoyed the humor of it. When the filter was out of her reach, she began raising her paw and scratching in the air, a gesture so hilarious that I laughed every time.

Likewise, Sassy has done what all dogs have accomplished. She managed to get rewarded for going outside and coming back in. At first she glared at me until she got a tiny treat, standing still, glued to the kitchen floor. Later I promised a treat if she went to see her mom in the bedroom. So I waited in the bathroom to see what would happen. Each time Sassy stayed just inside the bedroom door and peered out to see if I was getting her treat. I tried not to laugh, but the Reaganesque "trust but verify" was too funny. I peered out my doorway each time - and still do - and see her looking out of hers.

Sassy has been called The Chauffeur
because she waits in the driver's seat and visits through the open window.