tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56651327052247611102024-02-07T03:44:08.764-08:00My Life with TommyI fed him a couple of burgers at the original Tommy’s on Beverly and Rampart. Next thing I know I’m calling friends to say “I have a pit bull in the back seat of my car!” Later in a flash I glimpsed a resemblance to Tommy Lee Jones…Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-56079747740399021172013-12-10T20:39:00.001-08:002013-12-10T20:43:43.281-08:00Saving Hahamongna - Hands Across the DamHands Across the Dam is happening this Saturday at 11am. You can get more info at Petrea Burchard's blog, <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2013/12/too-big-dig.html" target="_blank">Living Vicuriously</a>.<br />
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You really ought to come. If you're lucky you'll get to hold Tommy's paw.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy and the Peacocks - that'd be a good name for a band, wouldn't it? </td></tr>
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Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-28907519643038431602013-05-27T22:03:00.001-07:002013-05-27T22:03:41.475-07:00Tommy Against Monsanto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Please don't make me put my head through that hole."</td></tr>
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Don't think I didn't think of it...Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-87283415309279584362013-05-20T19:38:00.000-07:002013-05-20T19:48:57.633-07:00We're All Still HereThankfully, the windows at the back of the house are covered in wicker shades, so Frieda had something to grab onto when she clawed her way to safety on the roof.
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I’d carelessly left the back door open and Frieda had slipped out, when Tommy, who'd been sunning himself on the back patio, charged at her, plowing right past me, though I'd flung myself across his stout body, tearing my jeans and scraping my knee. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frieda & Louise</td></tr>
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Phew! That was a close call. I shudder to think what would’ve happened had Frieda attempted to scratch her way up glass.
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I put Tommy in the house while Frieda’s yowl echoed through the neighborhood. I couldn’t see her but I followed the sound of her cries across the roof to my neighbor’s tree. I went inside for a tall stool (note to self: must buy ladder), and by the time I’d returned she stood at the foot of the back door, meowing to get inside.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise & Ramona</td></tr>
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I feel bad that Louise gets to roam the living room and bedrooms, while Tommy is barricaded in the kitchen and garage, but I'd feel worse if I ended up with a dead cat.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise & Ramona</td></tr>
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And really, Tommy's life isn't <i>that</i> bad. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPPvU79O5PesARORNBtNFjU2RzRCnVgGt4v7uBG1zdTnNrZ1w0AFTkdu80DUasrfzMxxRJwN6oh8JoNTPAaP4XTXQPmsSyEeknfLo2tqdTGQ0p5kGUV3a3E50el8lutUD84xWASCKAZo6/s1600/Tommy+Suns+Himself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPPvU79O5PesARORNBtNFjU2RzRCnVgGt4v7uBG1zdTnNrZ1w0AFTkdu80DUasrfzMxxRJwN6oh8JoNTPAaP4XTXQPmsSyEeknfLo2tqdTGQ0p5kGUV3a3E50el8lutUD84xWASCKAZo6/s400/Tommy+Suns+Himself.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He Who Needs No Introduction, but just in case you're new here, meet Tommy.</td></tr>
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<br />Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-41889269305997237032013-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:002013-01-01T21:36:16.357-08:00I've Become One of Those People... ... who dresses up her dogs. <br />
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In my defense, we've had some real weather the past few weeks. It's been cold. <br />
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And you may think the pitties are tough, but they have delicate sensibilities. <br />
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They easily catch a chill. <br />
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We've had rain too. <br />
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And Tommy hates the rain.<br />
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Hates it even more than wearing his yellow rain coat. <br />
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Happy New Year! From my pack to yours...Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-82694827953936142852012-11-07T14:36:00.000-08:002012-11-07T14:36:38.608-08:00Just One Thing, Mr. President<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You really think one dog's enough?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_fzngVJk_dotR4m1T6p9RIbLZ_JN_MnFcEjDcLObKpLzAMo0SgjJ9uiWmJ009Wn4w1me2CH8qH4nNF4bOQPC31Lie7pY6b0LqxVjyk3VE4GxxvbaUqOhwR9fcVjhFqJCJxqzz4s48aEf/s1600/2012-11-07_11-59-58_763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_fzngVJk_dotR4m1T6p9RIbLZ_JN_MnFcEjDcLObKpLzAMo0SgjJ9uiWmJ009Wn4w1me2CH8qH4nNF4bOQPC31Lie7pY6b0LqxVjyk3VE4GxxvbaUqOhwR9fcVjhFqJCJxqzz4s48aEf/s400/2012-11-07_11-59-58_763.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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I beg to differ.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-57314032357402445982012-10-30T21:03:00.001-07:002012-10-30T21:03:46.616-07:00Men at Work <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D1VWrxgoqu1SlI6G8lhbxQrwTuWnfxJqxxEwDamRgZWzge5Gz8xFAkRSCdHgWisWYF3bxDj9-iU86b_2nSoTLbCvIeUS5on0gpvGVmjbqlFkvpm_sP-r1VIR8ZOWE6A5FsHRiY9Ng6e8/s1600/Tommy+Yes+on+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3D1VWrxgoqu1SlI6G8lhbxQrwTuWnfxJqxxEwDamRgZWzge5Gz8xFAkRSCdHgWisWYF3bxDj9-iU86b_2nSoTLbCvIeUS5on0gpvGVmjbqlFkvpm_sP-r1VIR8ZOWE6A5FsHRiY9Ng6e8/s400/Tommy+Yes+on+37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tommy and I stepped over electrical cables as we looped through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gen._Charles_S._Farnsworth_County_Park">Farnsworth Park</a>. Mount Curve was lined with trucks and abuzz with activity. I love how a production adds Hollywood sparkle to the neighborhood, but let's be honest: a big part of the allure is the handsome men behind the scenes.<br />
<br />
I considered striking up a conversation but was too shy. As we walked by, I played out the line I could've said, chastising myself for not having the nerve. But another opportunity awaited: up ahead three guys leaned against the back of a pick-up truck.<br />
<br />
I boldly approached and said, “Guess who my dog is named after.” <br />
<br />
“Charlie Sheen.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl9XzClLwCloj1KsxDArIsg-3DSikjNj9sGWpdRqI-TI0ABop6ko61B8A-U_GYmO4jCycQEIIXQaoSYFKzqrTRzu5ADGjXRbJUoBiErJDckU_-0ZgjAlWwd5AkM0sevta4c8xKsCHX6WA/s1600/charlie+sheen+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl9XzClLwCloj1KsxDArIsg-3DSikjNj9sGWpdRqI-TI0ABop6ko61B8A-U_GYmO4jCycQEIIXQaoSYFKzqrTRzu5ADGjXRbJUoBiErJDckU_-0ZgjAlWwd5AkM0sevta4c8xKsCHX6WA/s400/charlie+sheen+to+go.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Tommy were a Charlie, I might call him "Chuck."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He didn't miss a beat!<br />
<br />
"Look at him," I said. "He looks just like the actor he's named after."<br />
<br />
The Charlie Sheen guesser struggled. It seemed to really bother him he couldn't think of Tommy's namesake. "God, there are so many of them. Give us a hint."<br />
<br />
"He has three names," I offered. <br />
<br />
"Jean-Claude Van Damme."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaXzKQlu8tTUco_l6Y3t4hdk8KQDqNHoIxhxgGYBFIn1eN0UPxk_bd20muaQAvSt6EeoIn1xoBHZjIAdi0ojl9z8izez929FMS_JohuFDLAFJl1Lz483zRqDtRFISoNgqm303il3RRh1c/s1600/jean+claude+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaXzKQlu8tTUco_l6Y3t4hdk8KQDqNHoIxhxgGYBFIn1eN0UPxk_bd20muaQAvSt6EeoIn1xoBHZjIAdi0ojl9z8izez929FMS_JohuFDLAFJl1Lz483zRqDtRFISoNgqm303il3RRh1c/s400/jean+claude+to+go.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine me calling Tommy "Jean Claude"?!</td></tr>
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The youngest, too hip to even look up from his phone, said a name I didn’t recognize.<br />
<br />
"You have to look at him. He looks just like this actor."<br />
<br />
The hip dude looked at Tommy.<br />
<br />
Tommy sat at full alert, expectantly looking at me. Then at the three men. Then back at me, as if to say, "Who's giving me the treat?!"<br />
<br />
Too busy flirting, I ignored him. The guys looked at me with blank stares. They'd given up.<br />
<br />
"Tommy Lee Jones," I finally said.<br />
<br />
"He really does look like him!"<br />
<br />
A few more guys walked up. The Charlie Sheen guesser called after them, "Guess the actor her dog is named after!"<br />
<br />
"Danny Devito!"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OzXqS2kVp4uNx7f6gyuggZBWnNruIK8Pdx29A3HlYrocIGQdCAZMYricbbCtNb9Bk71zfgDdPcnzNMQNokgqjzQeqCfdnkoE8XtaJEJcmJpNlrm9fX4yCBKr3xCcx6AiZXZq7PxYEY2E/s1600/danny+devito+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OzXqS2kVp4uNx7f6gyuggZBWnNruIK8Pdx29A3HlYrocIGQdCAZMYricbbCtNb9Bk71zfgDdPcnzNMQNokgqjzQeqCfdnkoE8XtaJEJcmJpNlrm9fX4yCBKr3xCcx6AiZXZq7PxYEY2E/s400/danny+devito+to+go.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy as Danny? I don't think so. But Vito could work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They were shooting “<a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/sunny/">It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia</a>,” so it was an understandable guess.<br />
<br />
Tommy was frustrated. I cut the game short.<br />
<br />
"Tommy Lee Jones," I said.<br />
<br />
Raucous laughter erupted from this crowd of good-looking dog lovers.<br />
<br />
One guy asked if Tommy was friendly and as he moved closer, Tommy jumped toward him in his wild buck kind of way. He'd had enough of being ignored.<br />
<br />
"Whoa! He even acts like Tommy Lee!" (Apparently the actor has a reputation.) The guy stepped back.<br />
<br />
That's my Tommy: he lures them in and he chases them away.<br />
<br />
On another note, let's for a moment forget that Danny DeVito cheated on his wife and applaud him for participating in the video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB1xHFwSYIg">The Right to Know: Vote Yes on Prop 37</a>. Or, as someone put it recently: we just want to know what's in our effin food!Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-71273090894282333862012-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:002012-10-24T08:23:53.118-07:00Camelot Where Tommy Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCine-c9eOdRJa6HWZwE33Ge7qrlxkmtKsN_B7bzDjpVYothqigOBCSBYIvZ35g6LVto2iJP3ghGdCZIohqlAomOKWOJ_gFdfOyQFRurho6d5u-DPuOnjJGlf5fT5XHyXCgsDAR3dMoxoz/s1600/tommy+askance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCine-c9eOdRJa6HWZwE33Ge7qrlxkmtKsN_B7bzDjpVYothqigOBCSBYIvZ35g6LVto2iJP3ghGdCZIohqlAomOKWOJ_gFdfOyQFRurho6d5u-DPuOnjJGlf5fT5XHyXCgsDAR3dMoxoz/s400/tommy+askance.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabulous Petrea Burchard over at <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/">Pasadena Daily Photo</a> is holding a contest in support of the much-anticipated publication of her novel, <em>Camelot & Vine</em>. <br />
<br />
The contest is called <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/camelot-where-you-are.html">Camelot Where You Are</a>, the idea being that Camelot is everywhere. Tommy and I like a contest just as much as the next guy, but where were we to find a Camelot by us?<br />
<br />
Well, turns out there's one near my old neighborhood at <a href="http://new.camelotkids.org/">Camelot Kids Preschool</a> in Silver Lake. <br />
<br />
The photo above is not the one we entered in the contest. Visit <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2012/10/camelot-where-you-are-24-susan.html">Pasadena Daily Photo</a> (Wednesday, October 24) to see it. Then go back over the weekend to vote for your favorite Camelot photo of the week. <br />
<br />
I won't tell you how to cast your vote (that's downright un-American), but let's get real: how could any Camelot top the Camelot where Tommy is?! Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-4682692699243200482012-09-03T22:00:00.001-07:002012-09-03T22:00:35.190-07:00Tommy Takes a Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn2QrDEICRgUyXBI5fUcmOybIRl6eUnAQ7pdEPHb0jVUMbCiOn1pieQu6DwvK0X1VWuk6i2SUeH9kZNKvsgny8b6vlW_hU_ZFV9mzF3za-pz4kcOZJ6V2QBBQf_990d89F3bKmjUdn2yE/s1600/IMG_0865%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn2QrDEICRgUyXBI5fUcmOybIRl6eUnAQ7pdEPHb0jVUMbCiOn1pieQu6DwvK0X1VWuk6i2SUeH9kZNKvsgny8b6vlW_hU_ZFV9mzF3za-pz4kcOZJ6V2QBBQf_990d89F3bKmjUdn2yE/s400/IMG_0865%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitt_Romney_dog_incident">this story is old news</a>, but I couldn't resist such a photo opportunity. Tommy was happy to oblige.</div>
<br />
On another note, look at how big Tommy's head is! We take the summer off, and he comes back looking like an oversized apple-head Chihuahua. No more cleaning out the cat bowls for you, Tommy. Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-84403559033343657952012-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:002012-06-17T07:39:53.247-07:00Men in Black 3, Starring Tommy Lee Jones<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpTm16ym9dwKrQitZbvQUu9MVMlhAW9jKpVPR0DEeoGhe3xNATnO_KwzGPAvCzZlELF30Sq2On5JRPSriOUD_reccF5hv6cvJowBAfW4ToYJOyqdT9RdBMPY7Z1a8-IzABpeH53tahu8H/s1600/Tommy-Men-in-Black-3-glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpTm16ym9dwKrQitZbvQUu9MVMlhAW9jKpVPR0DEeoGhe3xNATnO_KwzGPAvCzZlELF30Sq2On5JRPSriOUD_reccF5hv6cvJowBAfW4ToYJOyqdT9RdBMPY7Z1a8-IzABpeH53tahu8H/s400/Tommy-Men-in-Black-3-glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tommy Lee Jones plays the mature yet still studly Agent K. <br />
<br />
Mr. Jones is not quite sure how he feels about Josh Brolin playing Young Agent K, although he does admit there's a slight resemblance. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Y-ZkNBxB56SDgrvG5mKfFC3aAbZE_Ww36f9tC5pBbEQkqWS0BL_nOptc6o91KOSaCS0RQCSCrOR2Wz9He9vWc04muEgSPWRElMFCanjE989vkEA3jUnHjKTu_MGaCDbxBwS3Vid3DgMY/s1600/Tommy-men_in_black_3_still-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Y-ZkNBxB56SDgrvG5mKfFC3aAbZE_Ww36f9tC5pBbEQkqWS0BL_nOptc6o91KOSaCS0RQCSCrOR2Wz9He9vWc04muEgSPWRElMFCanjE989vkEA3jUnHjKTu_MGaCDbxBwS3Vid3DgMY/s400/Tommy-men_in_black_3_still-.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Will Smith is a fine actor, but you can't deny that Tommy Lee Jones steals this scene. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ6NGqGh1dFYds28fMl9F08Xnz7Mcdu03b19W4Msfr0Fpid-BYCSu58MyMKyCkCsPP8Q8kGIuaWjQBZYhOicrEAk_wvbxH7n0H2eaPW51QhwNzylb-t19_xBm5Q8FVJCbDH0J1EipCZjX/s1600/Tommy-Men-In-Black-will-smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ6NGqGh1dFYds28fMl9F08Xnz7Mcdu03b19W4Msfr0Fpid-BYCSu58MyMKyCkCsPP8Q8kGIuaWjQBZYhOicrEAk_wvbxH7n0H2eaPW51QhwNzylb-t19_xBm5Q8FVJCbDH0J1EipCZjX/s400/Tommy-Men-In-Black-will-smith.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tommy Lee Jones wonders why his Zap Gun is smaller than Will Smith's. Who's the star of this film anyway? <br />
<br />
<i>Photo enhancement by the multi-talented Veronica Ferrantelli of <a href="http://www.thedogrescuers.com/">The Dog Rescuers</a>. </i><br />
<br />Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-44363888648821726032012-05-22T20:52:00.000-07:002012-05-22T20:52:35.517-07:00A Big SplashWhen I walk Tommy down my street, the neighborhood kids run up screaming, “Can I pet your dog?!”<br />
<br />
If I’m not in a hurry, I acquiesce, but only after I have Tommy in a sit-stay with my foot on his leash (added protection against him jumping up), his attention glued to me as I shower him with treats. <br />
<br />
When I give the kids the okay to pet him, they descend on him, petting and patting the poor pooch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykZKfO4q2MaQcNJpVd4uK6gB8qO3VAu2JJq-t52zHX6J2NyDMM5iRMa9BC84UjTe0MQt5aEUxO0MkvlkVUd-_1ReXv5pq0HT7jLaqF_Hpuyy73kPDqtfBtaVtiZ0U0Qd5ywJ2YznDQZQL/s1600/IMG_0265_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykZKfO4q2MaQcNJpVd4uK6gB8qO3VAu2JJq-t52zHX6J2NyDMM5iRMa9BC84UjTe0MQt5aEUxO0MkvlkVUd-_1ReXv5pq0HT7jLaqF_Hpuyy73kPDqtfBtaVtiZ0U0Qd5ywJ2YznDQZQL/s400/IMG_0265_1.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken a couple of years ago in a Burbank park. <br />
Note I should be stepping on Tommy's leash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tommy’s a real trooper, but one time a kid was too rough, and Tommy jerked his snout into the kid’s face. The kid threw his hands over his nose.<br />
<br />
I was horrified. Had Tommy bit him?! The kid stared at me wide-eyed, his hands still covering his nose. Was he about to burst out crying or was he just stunned by Tommy’s sloppy exuberance?<br />
<br />
The kid was fine (phew!), but it was a scary reminder how important it is for me to manage Tommy out in public. Unfortunately this slipped my mind when I brought Tommy to <a href="http://litfestpasadena.org/">Pasadena Litfest</a> a couple of weekends ago.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8GQorghGeUGRPTwi2Sv7kKC9lZN3Zr8_8L4b5PX1vfhUnbjhRl1PSEdeH3tn1DnlwbyttmLtAB6EsrzNygp1YOiA83CaGowQww7iZgjtPgd31dlH_disggTjgx-gNzDeBrIrRAZJRgfQ/s1600/Petrea's+Tommy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8GQorghGeUGRPTwi2Sv7kKC9lZN3Zr8_8L4b5PX1vfhUnbjhRl1PSEdeH3tn1DnlwbyttmLtAB6EsrzNygp1YOiA83CaGowQww7iZgjtPgd31dlH_disggTjgx-gNzDeBrIrRAZJRgfQ/s400/Petrea's+Tommy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tommy made a big splash. We ran into the fabulous Petrea Burchard of <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/">Pasadena Daily Photo</a>. She's got a soft spot for Tommy and took the above photo of him.<br />
<br />
Women cooed over his good looks at the <a href="http://crepenaround.com/">Crepe 'n Around</a> food truck. The Pasadena Humane Society adoption coordinator admired his exemplary behavior.<br />
<br />
One bookish dog lover stopped to tell us all about her pittie mix. As I made polite small talk, I noticed a middle-aged hipster in a shiny shirt and striped pants walking in our direction with a huge smile on his face. He had a bit of the crazy about him. Was he smiling at me? Was he headed toward us? I smelled trouble.<br />
<br />
"I love your dog," he said and knelt down to Tommy's level to give him some love. I got a whiff of alcohol. Tommy didn't mind. He slobbered all over his face. I tried to hold Tommy back. The guy said, "I don't mind. It's okay." But then Tommy's kiss turned into a love bite, right on the guy's face. Yikes!<br />
<br />
The hipster stood up. I apologized. He laughed it off but as he walked away he said, "I'm going to sue you if you don't buy one of my books."<br />
<br />
I laughed and contemplated following him to check out his book. Then I came to my senses: Tommy and I hightailed it in the other direction.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-72223284617083550692012-05-13T21:38:00.000-07:002012-05-13T21:38:12.469-07:00Lucky DogA few weeks ago Tommy made a great pit bull ambassador at Pasadena's <a href="http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/">Doo Dah Parade</a>. He traveled through the crowded sidewalk with his tail wagging.
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He posed for pictures.
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He drank water out of my coffee mug.
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Rewards came in tortillas tossed from a float.
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Unfortunately I'm a bit of a hard ass about his diet, and I nipped that tortilla with the snoot loop.
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But Tommy got the last laugh. He scarfed down two tortillas before I could stop him or snap a picture. Lucky dog.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWk5DJISomH8AfhPqnfqQPA8diYkqS9dAMySKBBpo6Fyl6QFYbLc57BPGhvHgQUKf_Tkql_JqzbjrIxq5d5lck9LlbiTtD4Bqm_IXw_D9gec_1L-8xu7-ZsyNFdHc83qlYOS8l49OnSf5/s1600/tommy+looks+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWk5DJISomH8AfhPqnfqQPA8diYkqS9dAMySKBBpo6Fyl6QFYbLc57BPGhvHgQUKf_Tkql_JqzbjrIxq5d5lck9LlbiTtD4Bqm_IXw_D9gec_1L-8xu7-ZsyNFdHc83qlYOS8l49OnSf5/s400/tommy+looks+up.JPG" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-86666949979436816542012-04-08T21:32:00.001-07:002012-04-17T21:29:10.001-07:00I’m a PondererIn the mid-90s I and my then-boyfriend left Seattle on bicycles, heading north on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke-Gilman_Trail">Burke-Gilman trail</a>. We cut across Washington, traversing five mountain passes along the <a href="http://www.cascadeloop.com/index.php?page_id=218">North Cascades Highway</a>. The ride was exhilarating and painful (my mantra as we muscled up the inclines was “never again, never again”). After pedaling through Idaho, we made it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountains_and_mountain_ranges_of_Glacier_National_Park_(U.S.)">Glacier National Park</a>, where we powered over Rocky Mountain peaks, then continued across Montana to <a href="http://www.havremt.com/">Havre</a>, smack in the middle of the state. <br />
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Pretty impressive, huh? Here's another version of this story, also true: <br />
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In the mid-90s I and my then-boyfriend set out from Seattle to bike cross-country but we only made it to the middle of Montana, where we holed up in a Havre hotel for three days watching bad TV and scarfing down Dairy Queen Blizzards before hopping on an Amtrak train to New York. <br />
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Doesn't pack the same punch, does it? It’s all about how you frame the story. <br />
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I’ve been thinking about that as I ponder creating a profile for the online personals. How did I come to live with two pitties? What's life with Tommy and Louise like? What version of <em>that</em> story do I tell? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHyVfTZRTMk5eJipPAaq2bcsWtYPSSMzZi0sL7HLX4e-VPyU3OgCYDvwvudm9pxlhEH9dw797N812LhOeFpoHToloXjqEnMTxctvbJ3fCtZa3WJ3xtHZh9JCqipx-uRgLR99d5U2t9ORM/s1600/tommy+in+a+backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHyVfTZRTMk5eJipPAaq2bcsWtYPSSMzZi0sL7HLX4e-VPyU3OgCYDvwvudm9pxlhEH9dw797N812LhOeFpoHToloXjqEnMTxctvbJ3fCtZa3WJ3xtHZh9JCqipx-uRgLR99d5U2t9ORM/s400/tommy+in+a+backpack.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-25584087099335206022012-01-31T21:05:00.000-08:002012-01-31T21:05:34.953-08:00Is It Harder to Find a Good Man or a Good Home for a Pit Bull?When I met a guy last summer, I took it as a good sign he made me laugh. I took it as a bad sign he lets his dog wander around the neighborhood unattended. He bragged that his dog hides behind bushes when animal control, summoned by an irritated neighbor, arrives. <br />
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Not exactly a good candidate to help manage the two pitties. Apparently the guy agreed: he's disappeared, which is fine. I knew he wasn't the man for me. So who is? <br />
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Well, Tommy is the gold standard. He's handsome, smart, funny, and he adores me. <br />
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It'd be a good start if a man possessed Tommy's exemplary qualities, but that's not easy to find, especially at my age. In less than a year, I'll turn the same age as Sally O'Malley. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aiehDcVZ-vA?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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It's not easy to find a good home for a pittie either, even one as beautiful and sweet as Louise. <br />
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So what do you think? Will it be harder for me to find a good man or a good home for Louise? Because the search for each continues. (Of course it's possible I won't find either, but I'm going to try to be positive here.)Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-24655473532144977922012-01-23T16:40:00.000-08:002012-01-23T16:40:33.341-08:00The Perfect StormOn October 31, I walked Tommy & Louise together by myself. A leash in each hand and a bag of treats hanging off each hip, I showered the dogs with goodies whenever another dog (walking by or barking from behind a fence) sent Louise into a tizzy. <br />
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My thinking was as long as I could walk Tommy & Louise together on my own, I could keep Louise. <br />
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I continued to walk them like this without incident, cavalierly defying my trainer's emphatic warnings against doing so, until the morning of November 29, when the perfect storm sparked a full-on fight in the middle of the street just around the corner from my house. <br />
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The following evening, the wind storm tore into town. The photo above shows Tommy in front of a pile of debris in Farnsworth park a few days later. His snoot loop broke in the fight so you get to see his gorgeous mug in all its naked glory. <br />
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He looks sad, doesn't he? Maybe he was stressed from being without electricity for days. <br />
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I haven't walked Tommy & Louise together since. Sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-76373119048112134252012-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:20:26.318-08:00Occupy HahamongnaI snapped these pictures of Tommy on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena just after Occupy Wall Street started in September. <br />
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At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the Occupy movement. It seemed vague and directionless. What was it trying to accomplish? <br />
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But as the movement evolved I began to empathize with the sense of outrage that sparked it. <br />
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Our society puts a high value on free speech, as it should, but what is the point if that speech falls on deaf ears? What is the point if those in power ignore it, no matter how loud the collective outcry? <br />
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Tomorrow Occupy protestors will march at the tail end of the <a href="http://www.tournamentofroses.com/TheRoseParade.aspx">Rose Parade</a>. Joining them will be people against the massive, devastating <a href="http://oilsandstruth.org/">tar sands project</a> in Alberta, Canada. <br />
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I'm excited that the movement against environmental destruction is joining forces with the movement against economic injustice. <br />
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So why Occupy Hahamongna? <br />
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Pasadena plans to build soccer fields in the <a href="http://www.savehahamongna.org/habitat.htm">Hahamongna</a> watershed, despite years of eloquent, passionate opposition from the community. <br />
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The majority of Pasadena City Council members seem unmoved by the many voices raised to save Hahamongna. Maybe it's time to <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2011/11/28/111128taco_talk_mayer">take it to the streets</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTqScrcIeCcsY5TFDIDZMFpDW_XivhDUiDSB-SARgcm-LuoHSTzd1zBFlhArmdMPnpg1qVCJPwLB1f_JXOr961PHzdOQrJuvs_0hT4Jpasnkx0wMzF2catYD9GISuSBq1qbplx_M29Cyu/s1600/march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTqScrcIeCcsY5TFDIDZMFpDW_XivhDUiDSB-SARgcm-LuoHSTzd1zBFlhArmdMPnpg1qVCJPwLB1f_JXOr961PHzdOQrJuvs_0hT4Jpasnkx0wMzF2catYD9GISuSBq1qbplx_M29Cyu/s400/march.jpg" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-19868202004443725872011-11-25T09:48:00.000-08:002011-11-25T09:48:55.388-08:00Random HighlightsTommy and Louise march in support of Occupy Los Angeles last month. Deirdre the Brit puts them up to it... <br />
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Louise graduates from J9sK9s obedience class. She gets a star for perfect attendance and comes in first in agility competition. I'm so proud...<br />
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Tommy makes a good co-pilot. My neighbor says, "He sits in the front seat just like a person." <br />
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Louise makes herself right at home...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2TtaeaqpAzDQjkOtQaMnSZPtzFEo2PAZVb3MYHps6WOOMNZbcIcwCGt9sjXYI55AyaMWZeZYenafIB-dukpA64oFWmVQElkmk-B_j-m3R0tVrZJSoxaPNTS7b7fquLqWFY5Mb_uSzIng/s1600/close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2TtaeaqpAzDQjkOtQaMnSZPtzFEo2PAZVb3MYHps6WOOMNZbcIcwCGt9sjXYI55AyaMWZeZYenafIB-dukpA64oFWmVQElkmk-B_j-m3R0tVrZJSoxaPNTS7b7fquLqWFY5Mb_uSzIng/s400/close+up.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Let's face it: She's a permanent member of this pack. Tommy is not sure what to make of this... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzXGf1mfYRd3IYjraKXgfZ2yGypv1WArefshqUovql8J_o93bqVEMrt635FsZb3lTIGnmUMrhZCEk9q3fa1BbfGEJ0nvA3TpmnBh2E2czYuN4vRMqWeCQ_tTRjf8hwUVmXyJOGXDKxyFV/s1600/Tommy%2526Louise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzXGf1mfYRd3IYjraKXgfZ2yGypv1WArefshqUovql8J_o93bqVEMrt635FsZb3lTIGnmUMrhZCEk9q3fa1BbfGEJ0nvA3TpmnBh2E2czYuN4vRMqWeCQ_tTRjf8hwUVmXyJOGXDKxyFV/s400/Tommy%2526Louise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-13996583829282262012011-10-25T05:52:00.000-07:002011-10-25T05:52:09.456-07:00Sweet LouiseA few weeks ago a kind, elderly couple fell in love with Louise after watching this video that the fabulous Veronica of <a href="http://www.thedogrescuers.com/">The Dog Rescuers</a> made (everytime I watch it I get choked up, so if you're mushy like me break out the Kleenex):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uGYTblC7B3Y" width="420"></iframe> <br />
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They were so excited to meet Louise and desperately tried to win her over. She sat for them and ate their duck jerky treats (how gourmet is that?!) but each time retreated to my side. She never let down her guard. <br />
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When they left I was relieved. It wasn't a good fit, and, no surprise, a part of me doesn't want to let her go. Still, I have to at least try to find her a great home.<br />
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Louise is also listed with <a href="http://www.mollysmuttsandmeows.org/">Molly's Mutts & Meows</a>. A wonderful photographer named Poly made a video of her, too:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6Rx-O2G1AuE" width="560"></iframe> <br />
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We went to <a href="http://www.racefortherescues.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=477908">Race for the Rescues</a> this past Sunday. Louise walked around the Rose Bowl with 4 other pitties. She did great. Lots of people fell in love with her beauty, but still no adoption bites. That's okay. I'm not in any hurry.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-35129055059658228742011-10-06T23:25:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:25:44.647-07:00Art & MacaronsI had the good fortune to attend <a href="http://www.artplatform-losangeles.com/attending-the-show/la-mart/">Art Platform – Los Angeles</a> last Friday night. <br />
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As I sipped vodka in the VIP lounge (I have well-connected friends), I caught eyes with Albert Brooks, who stood a few feet away. I broke into a spontaneous smile, which he returned. <br />
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My girlfriends and I buzzed about him while we sampled hors d'oeuvres off passing trays. Then we went to look at art. <br />
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The art, from all over the world, spread out over a giant warehouse space. I lagged behind my friends as we explored row after row of art. <br />
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Up ahead, a server held out a tray of macarons to passersby. My friends each took one as the server waltzed in my direction. <br />
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There was one macaron left. As I reached for it I got a glimpse of Albert Brooks and his lovely wife strolling just behind the server. Albert Brooks’ eyes scanned the tray where my hand grabbed the macaron. I was busted.<br />
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I held up the green macaron and blurted out, “I took the last one! Do you guys want it?” <br />
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“Oh, no, no,” they mumbled, shaking their heads. They smiled as they continued to walk, looking at art, perhaps searching for more macarons. <br />
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I should have asked if they wanted to adopt Louise. You never know.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-10165389352736230542011-10-02T08:54:00.000-07:002011-10-02T08:54:50.481-07:00Louise at EllouiseOne recent Sunday I took Louise to a <a href="http://www.ellouisehairsalon.com/Spoken_Word.html">spoken word event at Ellouise</a>. I wasn’t sure if I'd be welcome with a pit mix at my side, so I loitered at the entrance when a red-haired woman with a mission approached. <br />
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I braced myself to be shooed away, but instead she asked, “Who is this beautiful child?” She referred, of course, to Louise. <br />
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The animal lover vibe was clear, so I laid out Louise's story thick and quick. We were invited inside.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dHHgCNcw-xzYBWqoyeB2vIX5Rg2evJqjy6aAYii717rPyMp7b1dTpePBXUuIcBX4zzwsOd4ZDOgEqP4VQ91ubfkwUYRM6GczFl1Hfh3NC5af_vi3wYzME9Rcj2bYF-nbquBNADsF5ron/s1600/louweezy+crowd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dHHgCNcw-xzYBWqoyeB2vIX5Rg2evJqjy6aAYii717rPyMp7b1dTpePBXUuIcBX4zzwsOd4ZDOgEqP4VQ91ubfkwUYRM6GczFl1Hfh3NC5af_vi3wYzME9Rcj2bYF-nbquBNADsF5ron/s400/louweezy+crowd2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The place overflowed with teens. The red-head was Ms. Hunter, high school English teacher to most of the readers as well as to many who filled the seats. Students got extra credit for attending, and they showed up in droves. <br />
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Ms. Hunter paraded us in front of the crowd saying we all had to find Louise a home. <br />
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People packed the house. Extra rows of chairs were brought in. Kids sat on the floor. Louise and I were treated as honorary guests, with a VIP seat just by the entrance.<br />
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Poor Louise was overwhelmed, but she stayed curled at my feet the entire evening, which lasted over 2 hours. We stuck around to hear local Altadena poet <a href="http://lindadove.com/">Linda Dove</a> read. It was worth it. <br />
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Louise didn't find her forever home that night, but I have a good feeling about these poetry readings. Animal lovers abound. Louise made a big splash. She'll attend the next one. Such a good girl. Tommy wouldn't last five minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMkNpjieXYqSHECRM7W4gOgoNSFfyyrhPfhBCmPrqLcTq8gTSbspD27TV8_9nEAdsy1bwzgjjUrXTRD2BkKsTlcjqJDPYqG_ZHn9-KUbgDGU0nCiWCpRvz2UUFwQNBMLx-z5qgoOnhvxX/s1600/louweezytmyfeet+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMkNpjieXYqSHECRM7W4gOgoNSFfyyrhPfhBCmPrqLcTq8gTSbspD27TV8_9nEAdsy1bwzgjjUrXTRD2BkKsTlcjqJDPYqG_ZHn9-KUbgDGU0nCiWCpRvz2UUFwQNBMLx-z5qgoOnhvxX/s400/louweezytmyfeet+073.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-23969549688488439152011-09-25T21:52:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:52:46.902-07:00ProgressWhen I mill about the living room and dining room, Louise respects the baby gate and stays in her kitchen den. A knock on the front door, however, sends her flying over that gate like a gazelle leaping through the savannah. Her athleticism is impressive, but it means I have to be on my toes when managing the Tommy and Louise dynamic. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXesKMC_NwBXO9CJGGO5BZ21vATCqMWysiBqXRHZ3BbAMs2x8e47T8WjMvCXyDqU3ul_wObr_jq1ZUvSqRaWt-IK38vtFI-J1c5JTsxrZcIVVLchDh7NXHrZ3iXqi9EnUVsAZXPK3PWYUL/s1600/red+rug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXesKMC_NwBXO9CJGGO5BZ21vATCqMWysiBqXRHZ3BbAMs2x8e47T8WjMvCXyDqU3ul_wObr_jq1ZUvSqRaWt-IK38vtFI-J1c5JTsxrZcIVVLchDh7NXHrZ3iXqi9EnUVsAZXPK3PWYUL/s400/red+rug2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise rests after a flying leap into the living room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last month when I stepped into the living room from the bedroom, Tommy and Louise stood at high alert. I gasped at the sight of them causing their heightened energy to erupt into a fight. <br />
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But that’s old news. <br />
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When Louise flew over the gate last week, I calmly walked toward the back door, calling Tommy to put him in the yard. But when I opened the door it was Louise at my heels. <br />
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Tommy? He’d run and hid under the dining room table. <br />
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I call that progress.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-80587132774769719602011-09-16T20:39:00.000-07:002011-09-25T16:41:31.947-07:00Louise’s Official DebutI’ve been too busy and tired to blog, my brain in a fog each time I tried. But this update is long overdue and I have big news, so here it is. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc7cgtXmIfqwvBclf-ueWW9yPSx1MyKWTPu0qNhmcyJN0hP9busBIiqJHfMd0Rz8SEJC35JkuDKWkGcAjGOFOxlqd5P_PhMjqSSD65z05SIl-2pBq3ulEFGJE9tW9zythHgK5iy-MjhUC/s1600/that+ear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc7cgtXmIfqwvBclf-ueWW9yPSx1MyKWTPu0qNhmcyJN0hP9busBIiqJHfMd0Rz8SEJC35JkuDKWkGcAjGOFOxlqd5P_PhMjqSSD65z05SIl-2pBq3ulEFGJE9tW9zythHgK5iy-MjhUC/s400/that+ear.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awful picture, adorable dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The sweet, smart, lovable Louise is officially up for adoption.<br />
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It pains me to think of giving her up but Tommy the King is just not keen on sharing the throne, not even with a queen as beautiful and fabulous as Louise.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaePm76WseokhxPnHrysOow0KeABPAk1u_n1R2AXug4xuVGtdJyvYXTdXLKKkM5nREHeVcTy16mY5xhUMAge4M43F7DQ97n70S5zj-RF6W5Rg9KJC9fnoDEVXlY3qxNj3B64YisketQRiZ/s1600/2011-09-13_15-31-48_918-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaePm76WseokhxPnHrysOow0KeABPAk1u_n1R2AXug4xuVGtdJyvYXTdXLKKkM5nREHeVcTy16mY5xhUMAge4M43F7DQ97n70S5zj-RF6W5Rg9KJC9fnoDEVXlY3qxNj3B64YisketQRiZ/s400/2011-09-13_15-31-48_918-2.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It won’t be easy to find the perfect forever home, but she has a team of good people interested in her fate. Karin Bugge wrote about her over a week ago in Altadena Patch: <a href="http://altadena.patch.com/articles/finding-an-unadoptable-pit-bull-a-home">Finding a Home for an 'Unadoptable' Pit Bull</a><br />
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Sorry I didn't send out the news when the article first published - I'm behind on everything - but you can still leave a comment. In fact, it would be great if you did: it will give the piece more visibility. <br />
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Tomorrow I start pulling out all the stops on the Adopt Louise publicity campaign. Stay tuned.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-6865971790714576142011-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:002011-08-31T08:24:43.591-07:00Nature vs NurtureAfter Louise displayed her fierce athletic prowess, I discussed options for fixing the fence with Ernesto, my gardener-cum-handyman. <br />
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No option would be cheap, so I decided to wait, as I hoped to train Louise not to aggressively react to Italia. <br />
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"It doesn’t matter what you do. Nothing will keep your dog from getting through that fence."<br />
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Hmmm… what does that mean? <br />
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"You can’t change her nature. It’s in her blood." <br />
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I disagreed but Ernesto raised an interesting point: certain behaviors are driven by nature. Though I might be able to manage Tommy’s powerful prey drive, I don’t think I could ever stamp it out so that he doesn’t want to chase and pounce on a squirrel. But are Louise's issues in her nature? <br />
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Before Ernesto left, I reminded him to check in with me before going into the backyard on his next visit. <br />
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"Of course. Your other dog, he’s okay. But the new one, I have to be careful of her." (He hadn’t yet seen Louise, but formed his opinion based on the Tasmanian devil story.)<br />
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He parted with these words, "That dog is like me: dangerous." <br />
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A few days later, Ernesto looked surprised when I came into the yard with Louise. <br />
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"My neighbor has dogs just like her." <br />
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I learned his neighbor lived on El Sereno and Woodbury, which sounded familiar. Hadn’t I just read of a drug bust there? <br />
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“An FBI SWAT team detonated flash-bang grenades about 5:30 p.m. Thursday as they forced their way into a home at El Sereno Avenue and Woodbury Road, officials said.” (You can read more <a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2011/08/fbi-sheriffs-deputies-serve-na.html">here</a>.)<br />
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Yep, that was the house with the dogs that looked like Louise. Ernesto and his teenaged son had watched the drama unfold from their front lawn. <br />
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I’ve driven by many times, but I haven't seen the dogs. And I haven't detected a hint of recognition from Louise, no whining or cowering in fear, no heightened sense of arousal. <br />
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Whatever Louise’s past, she clearly has a defensive posture around any threat, perceived or real, from another dog. Can I train that response out of her? <br />
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Jenina came by on Saturday and gave me some tools for counter conditioning. I’ll write more in an upcoming post, but here’s a hint: our session was all about Tommy (well, almost - chewed post compliments of Louise).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9_4WVEqRv-9S7vzQrCoSujPmvbJoxiU2kwsQeMt3JWzkP_xrA2RaQPXlIoxrfnmfDbCiYqxE4qyBUMNpsITYC8raVfJ0TCseFGUVKZqFEEm8c9A_Fs23q_Y5wxKbWNko1IPQmo1P4q0j/s1600/chewed+post.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9_4WVEqRv-9S7vzQrCoSujPmvbJoxiU2kwsQeMt3JWzkP_xrA2RaQPXlIoxrfnmfDbCiYqxE4qyBUMNpsITYC8raVfJ0TCseFGUVKZqFEEm8c9A_Fs23q_Y5wxKbWNko1IPQmo1P4q0j/s400/chewed+post.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-63602216121680085152011-08-21T22:35:00.000-07:002011-08-21T22:35:31.865-07:00IssuesOnce in a while Tommy surprises me with an impressive zen attitude, like when he lounges on the patio ignoring Italia, the neighbor’s German shepherd, barking through the hole in the fence—a hole, I might add, that she created. <br />
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Unfortunately, Italia is a trigger that sets off an aggressive response in Louise. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sAbqjQo1ErY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Hear that whining? That's Louise on a leash by my side. <br />
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A few weeks ago, when Italia stuck her snout through that hole and roared, Louise flew over the patio fence and shot straight up into her face in two seconds flat. They fought a quick, fierce battle through that hole, tearing into each other with terrifying sounds. I thought Louise was going to climb through that hole and wreak havoc in my neighbor's yard.<br />
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Somehow the fight ended and I got Louise into the house. She was back to her sweet self, but my view of her changed slightly. Holy moly, she's got a bit of the Tasmanian Devil in her. She's not really alpha, but she's extremely reactive to any provocation from another dog. <br />
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The dogs stayed at <a href="http://www.starcrestkennels.com/">Starcrest</a> in side-by-side kennels while I was out of town. I picked them up yesterday, and Louise cowered when she saw me, trembling outside my car just as she had at the shelter. She warmed up as soon as we got home, but her distrust of people is another issue. <br />
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Next Saturday, I have a training session at my house with Jenina Schutter from <a href="http://www.smartpawstraining.com/index.htm">Smart Paws Dog Training</a>. When I described the problems, she said it sounded like Tommy was an insecure leader, "the worst kind of leader, same as with people." What an astute point.<br />
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So, we have a house full of issues. I wonder if I should go back to therapy. Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-66970637117007319722011-08-01T07:21:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:21:11.816-07:00Is Louise My Foster Dog?<!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><div class="MsoNormal">Last week Aleksandra, whose wonderful blog, <a href="http://loveandaleash.wordpress.com/">Love and a Six-Foot Leash</a>, chronicles adventures with dog fostering, emailed me and asked why I foster. I responded, “Am I fostering? I’m not sure!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And my ambivalence continues. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tommy and Louise have had two fights. She’s not as submissive as I thought. Tommy is a bully and she fights back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It's been challenging. I keep the dogs in different rooms. My house is like a zoo: the cats in the three bedrooms, Tommy in the living room, and Louise in the kitchen. I walk them separately. When I return from a 45-minute walk with Tommy in the morning, I set out to walk Louise. In the middle of the day when it’s hot, I let them take turns in the yard. The routine is exhausting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But there’s positive news, too. My friends have generously given their time to walk Louise while I walk Tommy beside them. And the dogs get along great on these walks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHyHg5j1NPFf8ILwqZqHLmbhvk8luXjsT98hpmoir-yLch4ty95X34QOdXVvszahU0sb_cYS-DILvsRarQicgPyjSd4lRjuPF7NPA_ljSyWbnYY4EJBZ3O9r2TUMoDjCLqXfpVMGYX1EY/s1600/T%2526L+rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHyHg5j1NPFf8ILwqZqHLmbhvk8luXjsT98hpmoir-yLch4ty95X34QOdXVvszahU0sb_cYS-DILvsRarQicgPyjSd4lRjuPF7NPA_ljSyWbnYY4EJBZ3O9r2TUMoDjCLqXfpVMGYX1EY/s400/T%2526L+rest.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Louise is as sweet as can be with me. She's like a duck who has been imprinted by my presence. She adores me. I adore her, too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Still, this way of life is not sustainable. I need to be able to walk the dogs together by myself. I need to get them to the point where they can be in the same room without fighting. I'd hoped they'd be best buddies, but maybe it'll never come to that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm going to hire a trainer who can help me manage them, and I'll just have to wait and see whether she and Tommy can live in the same house without making me insane. If not, I'll find her a great home. She's a fantastic dog, eminently adoptable, so I'm confident a kind person will fall in love with her as I have. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite my uncertainty, Louise and I got featured on Love and a Leash's post about dog fostering. Check it out: <a href="http://loveandaleash.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/dog-fostering-its-infectious/">Dog fostering – it’s infectious!</a><br />
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If you're a local, can you recommend a good trainer? </div>Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665132705224761110.post-81979607380105319042011-07-25T23:08:00.000-07:002011-07-25T23:08:48.922-07:00Louise in her Bonnet<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CaMiQ-6giYc?rel=0" width="425"></iframe><br />
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The memory card on my camera filled up just as I was saying "good girl!" But see how she snaps to attention? I think she lived with a stern human. At least she learned some manners.<br />
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The bonnet is actually old news; she managed to weasel her way out of it over the weekend. Her wound has healed enough so I didn't bother putting it back on.<br />
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Sunday morning I discovered she also chewed the edge of my brand new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papasan_chair">papasan chair</a>. She's definitely feeling better. Now she's like Tommy when I first got him, with boundless energy I need to help her burn off.<br />
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While I showered, she started chewing the bottom of the kitchen cabinets. I had to go out to the westside for a few hours so I put her in a crate that I bought for Tommy and never used. She wasn't happy but I didn't want to return to my house in shreds.<br />
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The adventures continued, but I'm too exhausted to write about them. Soon.Susan Campisihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255628787592008617noreply@blogger.com32