Born Feb 25th, 1999 -- Stella Bella, My Littlest Bouvier

Sunday afternoon, Sun Feb/21/2016. Dr. Dale Krier is gone. Stella is gone. Ziggy is Prince of the hill. I'm still King.

Meet Dr. Gail Krier, an ironic name given her specialty: mobile geriatric and end-of-life veterinary care. Ziggy liked her when she came to visit Sunday, five days before Stella Bella's 17th birthday.  

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Around noon, Saturday, February 20th, Stella came trudging into the kitchen which meant she wanted to go out so I opened the door, watched her stretch, look around somewhat casually, then carefully amble down the 2 shallow steps onto the grass. She liked to make this trip by herself so I usually followed her progress through the windows. For some reason, I didn't this time. 

Stella's walk was a short one: after bathroom activities, taking a left, walking along the side of the house, another left, up the terrace steps, back into the house. This does not take long. Sometimes, along the way, she would stop to bark at the neighbor's black, midget dog. Otherwise it was an uneventful little stroll. 

But when I sensed this day's trip was taking a little too long, I went out to find her standing unsteadily, dazed, facing the wrong direction, lost, swaying from front to back. Clearly she had had some kind of catastrophic episode. Heart attack? Stroke? Brain tumor? A week ago, her blood values had been perfect. 

Not wanting to startle her, I approached her sideways until I was able to reach out & touch her. Somewhere in her depths, despite her condition, she seemed to recognize me. I could swear I saw a sigh of relief. 

I attached Stella's black and white polka dot lead, and ever so gently, led her onto the right path. She followed me into house, to her safe spot where I sat on the sofa right next to it. This usually comforted her enough so she would lie down.... which she did, in slow motion, onto her side, falling into a deep sleep. 

Hours later, her body clock announced it was feeding time & Stella came to the kitchen, very weak & limping badly. But she refused food & water. She refused a pain pill wrapped in smelly, delicious, Boar's Head genoa salami -- sliced thin. So I reversed her path where I sat on the sofa again & Stella lay down again. There I remained. There she remained. 

Through tears, I grew to accept that this was to be the end so I left a message for Dr. Krier, notifying her of Stella's situation and, via text messaging, we decided that, since Stella was resting comfortably and apparently not suffering, we would wait for the morning unless there was an emergency. 

I spent the night with Stella, checking on her condition many times during the night. Her breathing was so shallow. 

5:45am, Sunday, February 21st: Ziggy wanted to go out so I took him for a quick walk while Stella snoozed. But on my return, I found Stella standing blank & lost just a few feet from her safe space. Again her internal clock told her it was time to go out. But she couldn't make it so I coaxed her back to her padded area where we both remained until Dr. Krier arrived later in the morning. 

When Dale (Dr. Krier) arrived, after hugs, we sat around and talked; everyone knowing what was before us. She pointed out what a blessing it was when our canine friends let us know it was their time, making it easier for us to do what we had to do. I suppose but it is still tough. 

I remember the first time Truman & I met Stella with Kathy Dawson in Baltimore MD. Stella was terribly shy. Constantly anxious, it seemed we could never make her feel totally safe even over the ten years she was with us.

At first, she buried her biscuits for a later snack when no one was looking. She hollowed out spaces behind bushes around the house where she could hide. All her life with us (starting at age 7) and continuing for the next 10 years, she always required a safe space; a crate, a corner, a sofa. When, finally, she couldn't jump any more, we spread towels & pads & blankets on the floor between the sofas where she would feel safe and that's where she lived for the last two years. 

Stella never played, never wagged her tail, never kissed, never walked toward me but I could always count on her being behind me. 

She never took treats from strangers & towards the end, even required that I put treats on the floor for her to pick up at her leisure. From the start, Sophie always respected Stella but Ziggy got his 'what for' when he got too frisky with her. Sometimes she barked at a stranger approaching the house -- usually me. I'd like to think it was a happy, welcoming bark but I doubt it.  

Stella never got over the traumas from the first six years of life -- whatever they were. I'm told she was used as a brood bitch in a Missouri puppy mill. Supposedly, she birthed 6 litters and the only time I saw her really excited was when a vet tech friend stopped by with her rescued Chihuahua and Stella thought it was a puppy. 

But she traveled with me to Bouvstock & other Bouvier events where she never let me out of her sight. She hiked with me & Sophie in Ridgefield's parks -- Sophie leading, Stella following.  

She joined us at restaurants with outdoor venues for lunches or dinners. She hung out with me when I dipped my toe into local politics and ran for selectman. She helped me hand out pamphlets in front of Stop 'n Shop. She got used to riding in the car after a rough start of peeing & drooling on the back seat. She loved the snow. 

In the ten years she was with us, I never heard her whine or cry out in pain. She never demanded anything of us. But we tried our best to give her everything we could. I hope now, finally, she's at peace. I know her official kennel name but I prefer to think of her simply as 

Stella Bella  

Feb 25, 1999 - Feb 21, 2016

Winterscape Series 1, 2014

Rotten Teeth

Stella Bella, 13.5 yrs young

For those of you who have older Bouvs (or even younger ones, for that matter) please take care of their teeth. If you don't brush them daily -- even if they have bones -- tartar builds up, infections occur, etc.

I can relate to you that Stella Bella -- age 14.5 -- is having a rebirth of sorts. 

No, she has not lost her lifelong caution & insecurities BUT she is now running (arthritically), is somewhat more excited about treats & wants to be out & about more since 6 rotten teeth were pulled from her mouth. 

I held my breath when I decided to have this done and & I am VERY glad I did !! As we all know these guys are quite taciturn, can take a lot of pain w/o complaint & I feel so guilty about what was clearly a failure on my part to realize Stella's discomfort over what must have been a long period. 

It's just that it's so damned hard to read her as there is so little to read in her reactions in the first place but I definitely see a difference in her behavior now. 

Yes, it is an added cost. Yes, your Bouv does have to undergo some form of anesthetic. But if if you decide to do it, be sure to discuss a course of antibiotics with your vet before the procedures. 

I pass this on to you all as a cautionary 'tail'. (For more Bouvier tails click here.

Hugs to all your Bouvs.

Stealth Bouvette

Meal Time

Harem

Relaxing in the second decade of the 21st century

It was a beautiful day & I decided to visit my favorite cheese shop for a Parisienne sandwich (on a baguette) to be accompanied by a bottled French blood orange seltzer drink. 

With lunch in hand, I walked to a small patio area -- under two extremely old and tall white pines -- where there are a few tables with blue umbrellas. No one was else was around.

There was a gentle breeze & the grasses surrounding this little sitting area moved with the wind.

I took out my smart phone (a Samsung S3), clicked an icon, leaned in and said to the phone "listen to BB King". 

"Ding" it replied within seconds and presented me with five choices where I could listen to B.B.King. I selected the Spotify Radio service which immediately began broadcasting a B.B. King tune. 

I propped the smartphone up against my eye glasses which were on the table and listened for a few moments, then un-wrapped my sandwich, set it on a white napkin on the white table. Next I twisted the cap off the blood orange / seltzer drink & set that down next to the rest. 

And I sat for a while just listenting to the blues,  feeling the breeze. 

After a while I started munching on my sandwich, interspersing it with a few sips of red/organge colored drink. 

Half way through lunch, the music faded, an incoming phone call replacing it. It was the service center announcing that my car was ready for pickup. 

"Thanks", I said and ended the call as the sounds of B.B.King returned.

Carol called to say "hi". 

With lunch digested, 2 calls completed and a B.B. King radio concert under my belt, I was ready for the afternoon. 

I did feel the absence of Stella Bella & Sophie, my Bouv girls who are usually with me. This day I had to leave them home & I missed them. 

Finding Focus

Stella Bella Looking Fabulous @ 13.5yrs

Hiking in Hemlock Hills With My Girls

The Girls

Sophie & Stella Bella's Big Adventure

This morning Carol and I took only Stella on an errand, leaving Sophie behind for the first time. The Soph was not happy & a bit confused by the happening.

However, the sweetest thing occurred upon our return. 

Carol let Sophie out of the house. As usual, she charged full tilt to greet me, but this time only offered up a very quick hello & then ran off to Stella to smell where she had been, see if she was ok and to muzzle her a little. It was very touching.  ONLY after that did Sophie return to me for the longer, usual greeting ceremony. 

Later we took both girls to lunch with us. There's a nice restaurant named Toscana with a lovely, shaded patio where they know us. The girls join us at the table, get their own water bowl served to them & we lunch w/o incident as they are both incredibly well behaved. And if  there's anything suitable, they  get  left overs. Today they got some Chicken Paillard.

And today, being a special day, we followed lunch with a trip to Deborah Ann's -- the local sweet shop & ice cream parlor -- where Carol had her scoop of vanilla on a sugar cone, I had my toffee ice cream with  some hot fudge & Sophie had her own small dish of soft vanilla. Stella Bella just wasn't at all interested. 

As it's a bit crowded in the back of my little car, I've noticed that Stella does not make a move to jump into the back seat until she hears me tell Sophie to "move over" which she does.  Then & only then, does Stella join her 'sister' which barely works out but for short trips it's ok.  We get lots of looks, finger pointing, smiles & laughs around town.

However, there's definitely some gymnastics going on back there: Sophie sometime sits on Stella, Stella walks under Sophie to get to the other side & more. But there's not even a murmur of discontent. They are a great pair. Whoever said bitches can't get along with each other? 

My friends refer to me as Jan and his harem. Lucky me.

Stripped Naked

Truman was a very special fellow (Stella Bella in the background)

Stealth Bouv

Me & the girls on our way for a walk & ice cream

April Bouvs

Sophie > Diary of A Southern Belle 6

Well it's been three months since I came to Ridgefield, Sophie might say if she could speak English.But she doesn't. Instead she talks dog and does it quite often with little provocation, thinking she is really communicating with us. In fact, I can actually hold a conversation with her. It goes something like this:

Are you a good girl? “Woof”.

Do you really think so? “Woof, Woof”

Do you want a biscuit? “Woof, Woof, Woof”

Wanna go for a walk? “Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof” (accompanied by extreme butt wiggling and jumping around).

Well, I may not understand her words but I sure understand the sentiment.

We've settled into routine and our own understandings about who's who and what's what. I get to go out the door first, Stella gets to eat in peace, I can doze a little longer by saying “later”, I don't get whacked with a paw for another chest scratch if I say “no more”.

We have watching the gate at about 5am to make sure the newspaper delivery car drives away.  We have the sunrise's bubbly greeting when we appear for breakfast (actually that's usually Carol). Then there's nap time in one of several spots: the sofa, the pomegranate Sherpa bed, a rug, the window seat or the hard wood floor (I haven't figured that one out yet).

After my 2nd cup of  coffee, an offer for a trip to the cottage / office is time for some enthusiasm because it means a small biscuit for her and Stella. Of course the office is only 300 feet away from the house but no matter, in the course of that trip, there are several stops to see if there are any really stupid squirrels waiting to be had.

Nope. OK.... I'm coming, I'm coming..... and we all troop into the office for more Bouv naps while I twiddle away at my computer.

But Sophie does checks the property periodically through the picture window next to her bed.  And if she spots anything, she follows it from window to window until I let her out for a quick & futile chase. But, boy, can she move fast.

It is funny to watch Sophie & Stella moving in concert. Sophie moves like a fully extending race horse, thundering down the track while Stella trundles along on those stubby little legs of hers. Nevertheless, Sophie keeps an eye on Stella.

Before coming into the house, Sophie will invariably turn around to see if Stella is following. And I noticed something really interesting at the dog park a few days ago.

(At this juncture, let me just say I don't really like dog parks but I have been taking Sophie (and Stella) there to observe Sophie's interaction with other canines.)

If I stand in one place, Sophie protects that territory so her only interaction is “Get away from my space!” which she expresses quite convincingly with a very hard, un-blinking stare just ooozing tough karma. Next a growl if that doesn't work & finally a limited chase to clear the area – the minimum to accomplish what it takes.

But you see, Stella never shares our space. She occupies her own space at a respectable distance from us so I watched, with some bemusement the other day, as Sophie kept an eye on Stella's space too, chasing off  'anyone' who got near her sister. It was very sweet.

Otherwise, Sophie is not into “playing” with the other dogs. Though attentive, she won't run with the pack. She won't chase a ball but she does hang out, sitting or lying before me. And she doesn't cause trouble unless trouble comes to her first. But, in all cases so far, I'm able to control her behavior with very slight modifications to my voice. (Generally, I only whisper commands). It is, however, clear to me that her priority is to guard me.

This became even more evident, by contrast, when I arrived to the Dog Park one day when no one else was there. And to my surprise, both Sophie & Stella quickly left my side, spread out and did a complete tour of the park's perimeter, turning only occasionally to see what I was up to.

On the other hand, riding in the back of my little beemer is a different story. It's quite confining. Stella (my autistic Bouv) MUST lie down in the back seat. Sophie, every alert, likes to sit so she can stick her head out the window or simply watch all the passing 'stuff'. Admittedly my car is NOT the car to transport two Bouvs in for long distances but it can be made to work for short distances & I've let the girls figure out how to manage the limited space.

So this morning, with Stella was in a particularly stubborn mood on her way to the body maintenance salon, she decided to stretch across the entire back seat. Poor, uncomplaining, Sophie was left to stand gingerly on the edge of the seat as I carefully drove to our rendezvous. But half way there, Sophie had had enough so she sat down on Stella. There was no skirmish or outburst but Stella got the message & sat up to give Sophie room. Ahhhh, the girls. I love the way they interact with each other.

One other quick observation that has nothing to do with anything. Truman was our food vacuum cleaner. Stella couldn't care less. But Sophie is our bowl cleaner. She licks ALL bowls clean and I do mean clean. They look like they've come out of the dish washer. And sometimes after dinner, I put our soup or dinner plate on the floor so Sophie can polish off what little is left. (These are not really fattening left overs as we eat very healthy.)

To end this edition of Sophie's Diary the way it began -- that is with communication -- I must relate the following:

We had finished eating dinner, had placed the plates on the counter & had left the kitchen to do something. When Carol returned to the kitchen, Sophie was sitting, staring at the counter where the plates were. As Carol walked in, the Soph let out a loud bark, still looking directly at the dinner plates. Only a real dummy could have misconstrued that message. And so it goes.....

Y'all come back now, ya heah!

Diary of a Southern Belle - Recall 17 Days After Adoption

Diary of a Southern Belle - Hello Sophie 17 days after adoption.