No, that's not a typo! I went to see the move, Marley & Me today. I didn't want to see it because I read the book and knew how it was going to end, but I went anyhow with my mom and niece, Sydney.
I thought that they did a good job, but when Marley got older and sick, I had to leave the theatre. Luckily I had my sunglasses because tears were streaming down my eyes. It reminded me too much of my Harley.
Earlier this morning, Harley ran away. I think she just doesn't hear the warning from the electric fence anymore. I don't even think she realizes that she's venturing too far anymore because she happily returned. When Harley was a puppy, if she got free, she would keep running and the chase was on. She thought she was going to find something better, but there is no one who would love Harley more than me!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Aging Harley
Her Eyes
Poor Harley stares at me with cataracts in her eyes. I'm not even sure how much she can really see.
Her Hearing
Harley is losing her hearing too. If she has her back to me, and I call her, she doesn't hear. Sometimes I have to send Daisy outside to retrieve Harley. She barks at her and herds her back into the house.
Sometimes when I come home, she's so sound asleep, she doesn't even hear me come in. That's so unlike Harley!
She also would follow me all over and now, she sometimes doesn't even realize that I've left.
Stability
One evening I was taking a bath (and Harley LOVES to take baths with me, but she doesn't like to take baths herself!) when Harley tried to get up at least 5 times, but she kept falling down.
I've also noticed that she stumbles up the stairs now too.
It's so sad to see her deteriorating.
Poor Harley stares at me with cataracts in her eyes. I'm not even sure how much she can really see.
Her Hearing
Harley is losing her hearing too. If she has her back to me, and I call her, she doesn't hear. Sometimes I have to send Daisy outside to retrieve Harley. She barks at her and herds her back into the house.
Sometimes when I come home, she's so sound asleep, she doesn't even hear me come in. That's so unlike Harley!
She also would follow me all over and now, she sometimes doesn't even realize that I've left.
Stability
One evening I was taking a bath (and Harley LOVES to take baths with me, but she doesn't like to take baths herself!) when Harley tried to get up at least 5 times, but she kept falling down.
I've also noticed that she stumbles up the stairs now too.
It's so sad to see her deteriorating.
Sous-Chef
I've been baking a lot lately, and Harley has taken on the role of Sous-Chef. She is so happy when I cook or bake. It makes me want to bake every day. She stays right by me and she loves testing whatever I make. Then, she rolls around on the floor in the family room as happy as can be.
This is one of the times when it reminds me of Harley as a young pup.
This is one of the times when it reminds me of Harley as a young pup.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Staying Home With Harley
Since my position was eliminated at Hewitt the other day, Harley has become quite annoying. She stands behind me and cries, so I think she wants to go out. Then, she comes in and does it again. She is very needy.
I wish that Harley could talk because I'm ready to scream!
If she continues to do this, I'm going to shut the office door.
I thought that Harley would enjoy having me home, but she follows me around like a little puppy and cries as if she needs something. I hope once I'm home a little longer that her behavior stops.
I wish that Harley could talk because I'm ready to scream!
If she continues to do this, I'm going to shut the office door.
I thought that Harley would enjoy having me home, but she follows me around like a little puppy and cries as if she needs something. I hope once I'm home a little longer that her behavior stops.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Harley Loves.....
Car Rides
Harley has always loved going for rides. She is very aware of her surroundings and likes checking everything out. Harley knows when to hold on (for instance, if we are turning, or slowing down, etc.). She is a very skilled passenger.
Christmas & Birthdays
Harley loves presents. She loves to open her presents herself. I like this trait about Harley because my first dog, Tammy, used to like to open her presents too.
Harley has always loved going for rides. She is very aware of her surroundings and likes checking everything out. Harley knows when to hold on (for instance, if we are turning, or slowing down, etc.). She is a very skilled passenger.
Christmas & Birthdays
Harley loves presents. She loves to open her presents herself. I like this trait about Harley because my first dog, Tammy, used to like to open her presents too.
Toys
Harley has way too many toys. I named each one, and believe it or not, Harley knows what the names are. If I asked her to get "Teddy (Teddy is long gone now)," she would get Teddy. If I told her to get "baby socks," she would get baby socks. Harley is very smart. I know that a lot of studies say that dogs don't know words, but I don't believe that. Here's another instance where my mom thought I was crazy until she witnessed it for herself.
Harley eats all of the stuffing out of her animals, which makes them very ragged.
Daisy
Even though we were concerned that Harley wouldn't like my mom's new puppy, Daisy, she really does love her. When they first named Daisy, my dad said, "Harley, please don't eat the Daisy!" LOL Harley and Daisy act like most siblings....they have a love/hate relationship. Daisy knows when to back off when Harley is really serious about not coming near me or whatever her issue of the day may be.
On the other hand, I have witnessed them snuggling up together or licking each other, which is so cute!
If one has to go to the Vet without the other, oh boy! They cry and cry. They do not like to be left alone.
Frosty Paws
Frosty Paws are frozen ice cream treats for dogs. They are $4.00 for a box of 4 and Harley just loves them. When I come home from the store, she will rummage through my bags in search of some Frosty Paws. She doesn't care if it's the middle of winter either. Harley loves her Frosty Paws and I spoil her rotten by getting them way too often.
Water Sprinklers
As annoying as Harley's barking can be when the sprinkler is out, it is also hillarious to watch her. She has a good ole time running through the sprinkler and biting the water. One time, the sprinkler system accidentally went off at 5:00 a.m. and one of the neighbors was taking out her garbage and witnessed Harley having fun in the sprinkler. She wasn't mad, fortunately. She wanted to tell me that it was the funniest thing she ever saw.
Snow
Harley loves to run and play in the snow. She's my little snow bunny! It's fun to watch her run around like a nut!
Kitties
Ever since we lived at the cottage, Harley has loved kitties. There were a lot of wild cats and Harley tried to play with them. Since Harley was on a leash, she didn't have much of an opportunity, but she tried. She particularly liked this one that I named Samantha. Samantha thought Harley wanted to eat with her, but Harley thought she was a toy!
The Screen House
On nice summer nights, Harley enjoys sitting out in the open screen house with me. Sometimes she will even jump up and sit next to me on the wicker couch. She likes to look for kitties in the yard. One particular cat from the farm behind us is named Patches and Harley likes to keep an eye out for her.
Sydney & Sam
Sydney & Sam are my niece and nephew and just a couple of kids that Harley really loves. Harley only likes kids if she has known them since they were babies, which is one of her really quirky ways.
Chai Tea
If I come home with a Starbucks Chai Tea, I better save some for Harley. She will actually point to it to tell me that she wants some.
Her Mom
Harley is a mommy's girl. She gets separation anxiety when I leave her. And, if I bring the suitcase out, she gets quite upset. She holds a grudge for about a week after I return from a trip.
Harley likes to lean against me when we're sleeping. She's such a good snuggle-bunny. The best is when Harley knows that I'm not feeling well. She's always there, but she doesn't bother me.
Birds
The strangest thing ever is when Harley barks up towards the sky when a bird flies by. This is something that she started doing as she got older. I know that she's a hearding dog, but she should really try to heard animals that are on the ground.
Harley has way too many toys. I named each one, and believe it or not, Harley knows what the names are. If I asked her to get "Teddy (Teddy is long gone now)," she would get Teddy. If I told her to get "baby socks," she would get baby socks. Harley is very smart. I know that a lot of studies say that dogs don't know words, but I don't believe that. Here's another instance where my mom thought I was crazy until she witnessed it for herself.
Harley eats all of the stuffing out of her animals, which makes them very ragged.
Daisy
Even though we were concerned that Harley wouldn't like my mom's new puppy, Daisy, she really does love her. When they first named Daisy, my dad said, "Harley, please don't eat the Daisy!" LOL Harley and Daisy act like most siblings....they have a love/hate relationship. Daisy knows when to back off when Harley is really serious about not coming near me or whatever her issue of the day may be.
On the other hand, I have witnessed them snuggling up together or licking each other, which is so cute!
If one has to go to the Vet without the other, oh boy! They cry and cry. They do not like to be left alone.
Frosty Paws
Frosty Paws are frozen ice cream treats for dogs. They are $4.00 for a box of 4 and Harley just loves them. When I come home from the store, she will rummage through my bags in search of some Frosty Paws. She doesn't care if it's the middle of winter either. Harley loves her Frosty Paws and I spoil her rotten by getting them way too often.
Water Sprinklers
As annoying as Harley's barking can be when the sprinkler is out, it is also hillarious to watch her. She has a good ole time running through the sprinkler and biting the water. One time, the sprinkler system accidentally went off at 5:00 a.m. and one of the neighbors was taking out her garbage and witnessed Harley having fun in the sprinkler. She wasn't mad, fortunately. She wanted to tell me that it was the funniest thing she ever saw.
Snow
Harley loves to run and play in the snow. She's my little snow bunny! It's fun to watch her run around like a nut!
Kitties
Ever since we lived at the cottage, Harley has loved kitties. There were a lot of wild cats and Harley tried to play with them. Since Harley was on a leash, she didn't have much of an opportunity, but she tried. She particularly liked this one that I named Samantha. Samantha thought Harley wanted to eat with her, but Harley thought she was a toy!
The Screen House
On nice summer nights, Harley enjoys sitting out in the open screen house with me. Sometimes she will even jump up and sit next to me on the wicker couch. She likes to look for kitties in the yard. One particular cat from the farm behind us is named Patches and Harley likes to keep an eye out for her.
Sydney & Sam
Sydney & Sam are my niece and nephew and just a couple of kids that Harley really loves. Harley only likes kids if she has known them since they were babies, which is one of her really quirky ways.
Chai Tea
If I come home with a Starbucks Chai Tea, I better save some for Harley. She will actually point to it to tell me that she wants some.
Her Mom
Harley is a mommy's girl. She gets separation anxiety when I leave her. And, if I bring the suitcase out, she gets quite upset. She holds a grudge for about a week after I return from a trip.
Harley likes to lean against me when we're sleeping. She's such a good snuggle-bunny. The best is when Harley knows that I'm not feeling well. She's always there, but she doesn't bother me.
Birds
The strangest thing ever is when Harley barks up towards the sky when a bird flies by. This is something that she started doing as she got older. I know that she's a hearding dog, but she should really try to heard animals that are on the ground.
Mischievious Harley
Harley was bascially a very easy puppy. She was crate trained and loved to sleep in her crate....it was her home (it was also gigantic). One time I could tell that Harley was going to throw up and I was so afraid she was not going to make it outside, so I ran her into her cage. From that point forward, she would always go in her cage if she was going to get sick!
Gym Shoes
As I prepared the night before to go to Shipshewana, IN, I put my shoes out before going to sleep, so I'd be ready in the morning. While I was sleeping, Harley ate the backs off of my shoes. I think she figured that I wouldn't be able to go!
She really wasn't much of a chewer, but this was one of those times.
Vaccuum Cleaner Cords
Another one of the times that Harley decided to practice her chewing skills was when she ate my vaccuum cleaner cord (while the vaccuum was still plugged into the wall). She not only did this once, but twice! I don't know what the appeal was, but Harley likes to bark at and chase the vaccuum too. She's lucky that she didn't get shocked!
Ant Trap
One day when I was home sick from work, Harley decided to eat an ant trap. Naturally, I thougth she was going to die, so I rushed her to the Animal Hospital, where Dr. Bob helped us out. Dr. Bob even called the manufacturer and found out that it wasn't anything to be concerned about (especially since the ant trap was pretty old). Whew! I was relieved, but no rest for the weary. (Thanks, Harley! It's always nice to see Dr. Bob...he's hot!)
Chocolate Candy
I had a housewarming party and Harley was just a puppy. When everyone left, she became very wound up and was running around the house like a nut. I quickly discovered that she ate a whole bowl of chocolate candies that I had out. She was like Rick-ochet Rabbit!
Pizza Delivery Boy
When the Pizza Delivery boy unexpectedly walked into the entryway, although Harley was barking ferociously at him, she nipped his leg and ripped his jeans. Talk about a terrifying moment for a dog owner/lover. The kid's parent called and wanted proof that Harley had all of her shots, etc. I consulted with a lawyer at work and he said I didn't have to provide anything and shouldn't, but since I already spoke to her, to go ahead. Luckily, that was the end of that story.
Raccoon Leg
Harley excitedly came to the door with a raccoon leg in her mouth. That explains why Daisy came in trembling right before her! Harley thought she won a prize!
Gym Shoes
As I prepared the night before to go to Shipshewana, IN, I put my shoes out before going to sleep, so I'd be ready in the morning. While I was sleeping, Harley ate the backs off of my shoes. I think she figured that I wouldn't be able to go!
She really wasn't much of a chewer, but this was one of those times.
Vaccuum Cleaner Cords
Another one of the times that Harley decided to practice her chewing skills was when she ate my vaccuum cleaner cord (while the vaccuum was still plugged into the wall). She not only did this once, but twice! I don't know what the appeal was, but Harley likes to bark at and chase the vaccuum too. She's lucky that she didn't get shocked!
Ant Trap
One day when I was home sick from work, Harley decided to eat an ant trap. Naturally, I thougth she was going to die, so I rushed her to the Animal Hospital, where Dr. Bob helped us out. Dr. Bob even called the manufacturer and found out that it wasn't anything to be concerned about (especially since the ant trap was pretty old). Whew! I was relieved, but no rest for the weary. (Thanks, Harley! It's always nice to see Dr. Bob...he's hot!)
Chocolate Candy
I had a housewarming party and Harley was just a puppy. When everyone left, she became very wound up and was running around the house like a nut. I quickly discovered that she ate a whole bowl of chocolate candies that I had out. She was like Rick-ochet Rabbit!
Pizza Delivery Boy
When the Pizza Delivery boy unexpectedly walked into the entryway, although Harley was barking ferociously at him, she nipped his leg and ripped his jeans. Talk about a terrifying moment for a dog owner/lover. The kid's parent called and wanted proof that Harley had all of her shots, etc. I consulted with a lawyer at work and he said I didn't have to provide anything and shouldn't, but since I already spoke to her, to go ahead. Luckily, that was the end of that story.
Raccoon Leg
Harley excitedly came to the door with a raccoon leg in her mouth. That explains why Daisy came in trembling right before her! Harley thought she won a prize!
The Early Days
Harley was 3 months old when I got her and she was a Border Collie/Fox Terrier Mix from a farm in Indiana. My mom got her from Kay's Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights.
Bandit
My sister picked up Harley's brother a few days later and named him Bandit. At first they did not get along because Harley was immediately jealous of him. We had to sweet talk Harley and they finally became fast friends. They loved to jump into Grandpa's lap or chase each other around. Then, my sister decided that the didn't want to keep Bandit and she gave him away. She never loved dogs the way that I did.
Possessive Harley
I wasn't sure how trained Harley was, so I ran to the store and gave her free reign of the cottage. When I returned, the only unusual thing was that Harley tried to drag my dress coat up the staircase. That's when I first discovered that Harley always wanted to have something that belonged to me near her. As weird as it may seem, she likes to take a sock or my shirt and even my underwear (gross, I know!). And, don't try going near her if she has it either.
Nap Time
I used to wrap my arms around Harley and take naps with her on the couch. We loved those special times snuggling together.
My Singer
Whenever I cleaned house, I liked to listen to music. I quickly learned that Harley could sing! She would howl to the music and it was sooo cute. She used to make me laugh. When I would tell my mom about the things that Harley would do, she thought I was crazy.
Baby Socks
Harley never liked kids very much, but she had a fettish for baby socks. I would pick up baby socks for her at resale stores and she liked those better than toys. One year I bought her some as a Christmas present and while I was watching T.V., Harley took the wrapped baby socks from underneath the Christmas tree, took them upstairs to our bedroom and opened them. She was as happy as could be!
Jerry
Jerry was the neighborhood boy who would help me do household chores including yard work. Jerry always rode his bicycle over and he would tease Harley through the door. Harley never liked Jerry and to this day, Harley still does not like bicycles (or motorcycles - so, wrong Harley for sure!).
Bandit
My sister picked up Harley's brother a few days later and named him Bandit. At first they did not get along because Harley was immediately jealous of him. We had to sweet talk Harley and they finally became fast friends. They loved to jump into Grandpa's lap or chase each other around. Then, my sister decided that the didn't want to keep Bandit and she gave him away. She never loved dogs the way that I did.
Possessive Harley
I wasn't sure how trained Harley was, so I ran to the store and gave her free reign of the cottage. When I returned, the only unusual thing was that Harley tried to drag my dress coat up the staircase. That's when I first discovered that Harley always wanted to have something that belonged to me near her. As weird as it may seem, she likes to take a sock or my shirt and even my underwear (gross, I know!). And, don't try going near her if she has it either.
Nap Time
I used to wrap my arms around Harley and take naps with her on the couch. We loved those special times snuggling together.
My Singer
Whenever I cleaned house, I liked to listen to music. I quickly learned that Harley could sing! She would howl to the music and it was sooo cute. She used to make me laugh. When I would tell my mom about the things that Harley would do, she thought I was crazy.
Baby Socks
Harley never liked kids very much, but she had a fettish for baby socks. I would pick up baby socks for her at resale stores and she liked those better than toys. One year I bought her some as a Christmas present and while I was watching T.V., Harley took the wrapped baby socks from underneath the Christmas tree, took them upstairs to our bedroom and opened them. She was as happy as could be!
Jerry
Jerry was the neighborhood boy who would help me do household chores including yard work. Jerry always rode his bicycle over and he would tease Harley through the door. Harley never liked Jerry and to this day, Harley still does not like bicycles (or motorcycles - so, wrong Harley for sure!).
How Harley Got Her Name
Well, I was a little upset about having to get rid of Denver and my mom just going out and picking out any old dog, so I said that I should just name Harley "Grinch" because she "stole Denver's Christmas!" That wasn't a very nice thing to say, but that's how I felt at the time.
That didn't last very long at all. Harley stole my heart.
I went through a whole list of names including Banjo, but no one liked any of them. Then, I decided that since I liked George Strait and his movie, Pure Country, that I would name Harley after one of the characters in that movie, who was a girl named....HARLEY!
Everyone assumes that Harley is named after the motorcycle, but that is so not me!
NICKNAMES
Harley has also developed many nicknames such as Harley Barley and Bar Bar or Willie (for Silly Willie) or Mooshetta (I don't know what that means, but it's her special name.....she's my Mooshetta!).
That didn't last very long at all. Harley stole my heart.
I went through a whole list of names including Banjo, but no one liked any of them. Then, I decided that since I liked George Strait and his movie, Pure Country, that I would name Harley after one of the characters in that movie, who was a girl named....HARLEY!
Everyone assumes that Harley is named after the motorcycle, but that is so not me!
NICKNAMES
Harley has also developed many nicknames such as Harley Barley and Bar Bar or Willie (for Silly Willie) or Mooshetta (I don't know what that means, but it's her special name.....she's my Mooshetta!).
The Day I Got Harley
I had to give my dog, Denver, to another family because he was not the type of dog who could stay home for so long alone. He needed more attention that I could give him.
Since it was around Christmas, most of the shelters didn't have too many options. I did find one dog that I liked, but the poor guy was a male and I don't ever want another male dog.
My mom called me at work and told me that she found a dog for me at the shelter and asked me to pick it up on my way home. I was shocked when she told me that it was white! I never had a white dog in my life and I never expressed an interest in anything except a brown dog (like Tammy, Muffin, or Shelby).
IT WAS MEANT TO BE
Harley was meant to be mine from the beginning. Although she didn't like my mom & hid under the desk the whole time until I picked her up, she immediately liked me. It was a long drive home and she just sat in the front seat next to me. I even remember that I had to stop at the store to pick up a card and Harley (who was not yet named Harley) just sat there and behaved (unlike Denver, who would have eaten the steering wheel off the car).
Since it was around Christmas, most of the shelters didn't have too many options. I did find one dog that I liked, but the poor guy was a male and I don't ever want another male dog.
My mom called me at work and told me that she found a dog for me at the shelter and asked me to pick it up on my way home. I was shocked when she told me that it was white! I never had a white dog in my life and I never expressed an interest in anything except a brown dog (like Tammy, Muffin, or Shelby).
IT WAS MEANT TO BE
Harley was meant to be mine from the beginning. Although she didn't like my mom & hid under the desk the whole time until I picked her up, she immediately liked me. It was a long drive home and she just sat in the front seat next to me. I even remember that I had to stop at the store to pick up a card and Harley (who was not yet named Harley) just sat there and behaved (unlike Denver, who would have eaten the steering wheel off the car).
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Words to Describe Harley
Throughout my blog you will learn about Harley in more detail and how these descriptions fit her in so many ways.
A Tribute to Harley
Harley is my special friend and my wonderful and quirky Border Collie Mix (she's also part Fox Terrier).
Harley is getting up there in age (she turned 13 this past September) so, I wanted to start writing about our special friendship because I know it will be even harder for me once she is no longer with me.
I am writing to remember, but also to share. I hope that you enjoy some of my special moments with Harley!
Harley is getting up there in age (she turned 13 this past September) so, I wanted to start writing about our special friendship because I know it will be even harder for me once she is no longer with me.
I am writing to remember, but also to share. I hope that you enjoy some of my special moments with Harley!
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