Thursday, July 19, 2012

We've Got Rhythm


~Toby~

I don't know about you, but I’m a schedule person.  I like schedules, rhythms to my day and to my week.  When those are changed I end up feeling out of sync until I can get back into that rhythm.  Some people refer to this as 'balance.'  I try not to call it that because if you could see me on a daily basis, you'd know that's not what I have--Instead I go for rhythm.  Each day, each week and each month has its own rhythm.  It’s up to me to make adjustments and find the rhythm and flow.

Our dogs are good examples of lives that have rhythm and they often help me to find it.  We do the same things each day, almost always in the same sequence.  This rhythm even finds its way into meal time.  When we feed the dogs, their bowls are all put down in the same order every single time.  Each dog knows where they eat, and will wait in that spot. Added  to their daily rhythm, our dog walker comes about the same time each day--On days when we're home, at around 12:30, the time 'Christy' usually comes, they become restless and want to go outside for a walk. The dogs know when it's time to play and when it's time to relax and take a nap.
~Annie~
I think our daily rhythm and has really helped the new comers to our household adjust--Sandy is the latest example of that.  Being totally blind he has had to make a lot of adjustments and learn a lot of new things.  THANKS to your suggestions, he's learned the rhythm of our routine.  Sandy knows by sound (and probably smell) when we're getting the meals ready.  And because we've taken him to the same place each time, he waits patiently in that spot for his bowl to be brought to him.
Sandy has also learned his way around the outside yard and can now easily find his way back inside.
Inside the house, Sandy easily navigates the floor plan.  Yes, he will still sometimes knock over a floor fan and get caught in the curtains or behind a door, but not as often as he did at first.
When Sandy first came, I have to admit that I only focused on his being blind.  But he and I have gotten into that rhythm and I have gotten to know an endearing and affectionate senior boy, who just happens to not be able to see, and who has found a place in my heart and our home.


48 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post Kim. I am so happy to hear Sandy is getting along well.

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  2. I love that Sandy had fit right in. I someday hope to foster and maybe own a special needs pet. You got more than rhythm, you got style!

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  3. bless you and your home and your patience and love. :)

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  4. we're all creatures of habit/rhythm

    Glad Sandy is settling in.

    I'm back to blogging again,

    Gill in Canada

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  5. Wonderful how Sandy and you have all adjusted and made a happy home. Morgan keeps me on a schedule... she is the one who tells me it is time for a walk or time for meals. Well... I guess that since she can't herd sheep getting me to do things is her job!

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  6. Sandy looks like a very special dog. I'm glad there are kind people like yourself to give love and comfort to animals like Sandy. -------Shannon

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  7. They all have such sweet faces. Thanks to you and all of the love you give them, they all adjust to your wonderful home and family.

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  8. I'm sure the pack has really helped Sandy to adjust...

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  9. "Who could ask for anything more?"

    You are one special Mama!

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  10. Wonderful post! Happy tears...reminds me of how we often see only the disabilities in others. Please write about Lucas.

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  11. I'm a rhythm person too, and my dogs have always joined in. They know when it's hike time and let me know.

    I bet a consistent rhythm really helps your new dogs to adapt. I am so happy that Sandy is doing so well. He looks so loving and adorable - I want to hug him!

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  12. Love this post. How sweet. I am the same, but I call it routine. When my routine changes I complete fall apart. Well not completely. I wash on sundays, clean the 3 bathrooms, my bedroom furniture and iron on mondays, and on tuesday I sweep and mop. On fridays I do the same thing but not as intense.
    Roscoe is also routine, walk in the morning at 5:45am, breakfast at 8am, goes outside to play and do his things, then nap, and every night at 8pm he goes for another walk, by 9 or 9:30pm he is dead asleep until the next morning. It is good that he is on this routine, but weekends he wakes us at about 7am to tell us we are late. LOL. Routine is good but sometimes bad.
    Sandy seems like such a good dog. I am sure he has taken a special place in your heart.
    ANA

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  13. This was a beautiful post...we too have a rhythm. It's funny how they know the difference between my "play clothes" and work clothes!! I think they know us better than we know ourselves.

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  14. I'm lovin' that Sandy. What a champ he is and you Kim, an amazing trainer/coach/and friend.

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  15. So glad to hear Sandy is adjusting so well. Our Goldens keep us on a schedule as well. Everything must be in the same sequence at the same time. It's amazine how they learn every cue and follow our behavior.

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  16. There is no-one in this world I would rather give a senior to than you Kim. You are so amazing and awe inspiring.

    Thank you for sharing that passion with us.

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  17. Hello Kim, you are an angel, thanks for giving these loving dogs a wonderful place to live,bless your heart!!! Love them all, blind or not, each is so special,Hugs Francine.

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  18. Hi Kim
    Guess what? I am in tune to "the rhythm too"!
    It is so amazing how "what time it is" can be felt in hunger pains,, and we tell the world we are hungry!
    We just knew that Sandy would fit right in. He looks so mellow and kind, but most of all he looks like he knows he is loved!
    The butterfly is gorgeous!
    love
    tweedles

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  19. Glad to see Sandy is doing well and fitting into the new pattern and rhythm! You gotta have one, or else, everything spirals into chaos! Have a good weekend! And great post!

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  20. Love this post....and yes, dogs love the rhythm of a routine household just as we do. Routine creates security.

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  21. Its wonderful to hear how well your dogs are doing. But I have to admit, I'd only be surprised if they weren't!

    At one time we had three dogs who wore watches and kept me reminded of what should be happening. One senior and two juniors. What fun that was!

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  22. Kim, you never cease to amaze me how you have to be so busy having all those dogs along with everyday chores. It's nice to hear how you put your daily routine to a rhythm..never thought of it that way but you're right.
    When I feed, I also put the bowls out in the same order every time.

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  23. Nice post Kim!

    Wish we had any kind of rhythm at our house. Since DH has been laid off everything is "whenever". It has come to the point that I don't know what day it is.

    I'm glad that Sandy is working things out, blind doesn't mean stupid. Think he must be pretty smart!

    XXX Sharon

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  24. living with a little blind girl oursleves, we have followed your posts on Sandy and how he is doing. Todays post waas mst enlightening. wE are so glad he is moving along.
    bert and my vickie

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  25. If it weren't for my pets I wouldn't have a rhythm and for that I am thankful. Having my threesome has helped me get into a routine of feeding, walking, resting, and sleeping and I don't know what I'd do without this rhythm.

    I didn't know much about Sandy until I read this post and I think it is wonderful that you gave him a chance to learn how to use his other senses to help him find his way through the house, etc.

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  26. Aww, my heart is filled with joy knowing Sandy has adjusted to in your home. May he continue to get in the rhythm of things.

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  27. Hi Kim, What a wonderful post. I'm so thankful that Sandy is with you because I know you'll love him like no one else. I'm glad he's adjusting to life at Golden Pines. Beautiful pics as always. Have a great weekend my friend.
    Noreen & Hunter

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  28. What a heart warming post Kim! All your pups seem to bring something special to your life. I love it!

    I like routine in my life. Not very often do I like switching it up! Haha!

    Wishing you and all your furry friends a happy beautiful weekend!

    xo Catherine

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  29. Thank you for a wonderful post, Kim. It is so uplifting to hear Sandy's special story and delight, with you, in his progress.
    Sending lotsaluv to you and all the pooches.
    MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  30. so glad Sandy is settling in!
    xoxo

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  31. Your dawgs are a lucky bunch of puppies to have you in their life!

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  32. Our dogs definitely know there schedules. They get antsy when the schedule adjusts. So glad Sandy is fitting in!

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  33. We do many of the same things here. With a large pack it helps to keep order. We feed at the same times and in the same order and everyone has his or her own spot. I usually do things by birth order so I don't forget anyone.

    I think our routines have helped make Sebastian's transition easier.
    Sue

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  34. We are so happy that Sandy has picked up the GP back-beat. Great pictures, and an excellent description of how the GP dynamics are so unique. Have a great weekend at home.
    Best from KT and Easton

    > It's got a back-beat you can't blues it, any old time you use it.

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  35. Great post Kim. We're happy to hear that Sandy is adjusting.

    Woofs
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  36. Ahhh...I'm so glad Sandy has settled in so well and he looks really happy. A lucky boy the day he came to your household - and you were lucky too.

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  37. We here are definitely creatures of habit. I like your thoughts on rhythm. It makes sense when everyone is flowing the same. I'm so glad that Sandy is adjusting so well. Have a great weekend! :)

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  38. I used to dislike routines but since I gave uo work to educate my son, I am beginning to realise that having a schedule actually can give you more freeedom in the end. Glad Sandy is doing so well. Monty Dog (he's 13) is a bit of a worry at the moment as he won't eat his proper food and yet seems to be scrounging all day for other things. He's all shakey around his back end too. I can't bear the idea of losing him. xxx

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  39. I'm big of schedules...even though I'm not very good at sticking to them, not when they're my own at least. I am very good at being on time for work though and do okay for appointments most of the time.

    On another note, I love, love, love the picture you got of that butterfly!

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  40. So glad Sandy is settling in . You can see the cataracts in the eyes. There is nothing a blind dog likes as much as an ordered routine .

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  41. Yes routine! Any slight change can be somewhat disconcerting and jumbling...Sophie has us all trained into her routine and vice versa we think. The mind and body feel stronger with a schedule, one that is unbeknownst to all appears and works...have a grand routine-full w/e all!
    Ron

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  42. I got rhythm I got music ~ Sounds like Sandy is getting the music back in her heart knowing where to wait for the food bowl.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  43. So happy to hear that Sandy is settling in- he looks like such a lovely old boy xxxx

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  44. So happy to read that Sandy is doing well, she's a trooper !
    I like routine, not one for unexpected trips, just the steady hum of life and it's daily blessings.
    Looks like you had a wonderful trip, loved the pictures, my kind of holiday :)
    ~Jo

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  45. So very very true! Our dogs definitely know the schedule and strangely enough our chickens do too. We had a blind cat and we were very careful to keep a routine (and never move any furniture) to make things easier on the little guy.

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  46. I love your new header,Kim.
    Sandy looks so happy & you can tell he appreciates the rhythm in his new home.I love what you do for these dogs,it so shows on their faces,phyllis

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!