RENT after party pics

I was sent these pics taken at the RENT after party that Borias and I went to. I had given up hope of getting them, since it's been a month, and figured the person lost my card. But tonight, opened my email to find them there! 

I think the photo of Anthony Rapp is when I was attempting the crack about Borias being a "dogstacle", that he thought I had said "popsicle". (What is this insane woman talking about ?? LOL). 

And boy, Adam is adorable in this shot, but i haaaate looking at myself! Ewww! I actually DO look a bit crazy in this. See, this is why I hate flash. So harsh! Borias looks a little demonic himself!

Well, here it is, for all to see. (Cringe.)

Access Challenges

obviously a Service dog...

I have an obvious, visible disability. Therefore, when out in the public with Borias, 99.9% of people assume he is my Assistance dog. Even when he's not working, people seem to know. So I don't put a vest on him that often anymore. A lot of people tend to disagree with this, thinking that that is just asking for trouble, and that it's a courtesy to the public to signify that your dog is working. 

OK, fair enough, I see the point. But again, being in a wheelchair, it's just generally a total non-issue. And if anyone is unsure, they ask, and are happy to take my word for it, especially after watching my dog, seeing how he's laying quietly by my side, and is trained. So it's always surprising when out of the blue, an access dispute happens. As did this past Friday, at a wine bar called Kensington Vine.

I was walking Borias from my house toward that area, which is a nice walk for us, and thought I'd find a place to grab a bite. There's not a lot to choose from, and I spotted this place after going to Starbucks, and thought I'd give it a whirl. Looked like a nice homey, neighborhood joint. I had a Sensation harness on Borias, while I continue to train with his excitement with cats. Plus, it's ergonomically better for him, with his back problems. There was a woman server outside, and she tried to stop me from going inside, saying something about Borias. I continued to go in, and looked at their happy hour menu.

Then a man came up, and I said I would like a table. He plainly looked hesitant, and I asked what the problem was. He said I could sit outside on the patio with the dog. I informed him he was my Service dog, and I can sit anywhere I choose. 

"Ummmm... well you'll have to give me some sort of demonstration".

Huh?? Was he really asking me to perform for him?? I looked at him in disbelief, and asked said that is really humiliating to ask, didn't he see that? 

Apparently not. He said usually these dogs have a vest on. Yes, I said, some do, but it's not required, and I have this walking harness on him right now. He clearly didn't believe me. He reiterated his offer to let us go out on the patio. So I said no, he is my Service dog, and allowed wherever I choose to go. I took off my backpack, and found my law card, and gave it to him. 

But he refused to read it. For the second time in one of these incidents, I was asked to read it to the person! More humiliation. I wasn't obligated to even show it to him! But I found myself reading it, (despite it being reaaaally tiny print, and wishing I had my reading glasses!) and pointed to where it said what I was explaining. Still no dice. 

So that left me with no choice but to call the police. I waited a few minutes, but it became obvious that I was just being ignored, like I was some crazy person being a pain in the ass. So I said I was going to call, and took out my cell phone. The woman employee said "This isn't right...he's trying to compromise with you".

I again tried to explain how this isn't a compromise, he's trying to segregate me on the belief that my dog is not legit. That it's my obligation to stand up for my rights. 

I went outside to make the call, and then called my attorney friend for some moral support. He's hilarious, and boosted my spirits. When I told him about his asking me to perform a task for him, he said "You want a trick? Here's one for you, it's called 'bite me'!" Ha ha! Well, that wouldn't be very professional. But it was funny. He told me to go inside, and try to explain that like my dog is an ambassador for owner trained dogs, I am also an ambassador for other handlers, and it's my duty to stick up for my rights for the next person in my situation. 

So I went in there, and attempted to say that, appealing to his sensibilities, and was met with a hand and "I don't have time for you". With that, he walked away. How unfortunate. I sat there in the entrance, and awaited the police.

That took about a half hour.

The officer was quite nice, and remarked how civil our dispute was, for being a dispute. He talked to us separately, and I went first. Gave him the facts. When the owner of the restaurant (yes, he was the owner! I also told him at one point that frankly, he should know the law on this) came back in, he had a big smirk on his face for some reason. Through the whole ordeal, he was exceedingly smug and patronizing. Which I found even more frustrating, with how much of an effort I was making at being diplomatic, and polite. 

Then we were talked to together, the cop making a second appeal to him (as he said). He had his Captain reassure the owner that the Health Department wouldn't shut him down if I was inside. So after all that, the guy said I could come in if I wanted. Though I didn't want to at this point. Would you? Plus, it was clear he still didn't believe me. I said that life might be easier if I had a vest on him, and he cut me off to say "Oh so you admit that he should have one on?"

Then he said he went online and saw that it is indeed a requirement of all Service dogs to wear one. Don't know where he read that, I said he probably pulled up some policy of a program out there. He was still giving me that smug, patronizing look. 

Yeah, I really want to eat there.  The neighborhood regulars staring at me, as if I'm another disabled person making trouble. 

I do feel a duty to fight this kind of discrimination and attitude. There's far too many people with disabilities who would back down, and leave in frustration. It's hard to stand firm, look the person in the eye, smile and demand your rights. (Thank you Harvey Milk).  So it's not over. I'm not sure yet exactly how I want to proceed. I can request a penalty, and injunctive relief, which would mean a change in policy, and something like a sign saying "Service dogs welcome". An apology would be the best. 

We'll see how it goes. 

I did find my tag from Animal Control, and put it on a clip to have on my keychain. It's hard to read, but it says CA Assistance Dog. Summer is coming, and at least that's identifying my dog in some way, that's not difficult to put on, or hot for him. I just don't like people to assume that I have this as some type of requirement, that I must show it to them. Unfortunately, there are some people who abuse the system, and are making it harder for us by trying to pass of pets as Assistance dogs. I'm afraid that will only make access challenges happen more and more. 

Party Animal

I heard about this great fundraiser opportunity for artists through a fellow dog photographer, Jill Beninato, and jumped in. This is for A Place to Bark, and animal rescue organization in Tennessee. We were to make a handmade art piece, 8X8", using whatever technique we choose, with the only requirement being that it have some handmade elements. The theme, Party Animal.

So I thought this would be cool to use an image of my party animal as my inspiration. In fact, I used three images, photos I shot of him 'dancing'. The project turned out to be quite challenging for me, and I had a couple foiled attempts. I decided to put the digitally manipulated image in the middle, and then paint on the outside. This is on gesso board. 

I hope I caught the spirit of the theme, and how much my boy fits in with it. Because truly, for him, life IS a party. Every day. 

These art pieces will be available to bid on sometime in the fall. Jill is working on a zine right now that will have all the images in it, plus info on A Place to Bark, and how you can get involved locally to help animals. All proceeds are for the charity. You can also check out her work, and updates on her blog here.

 

Happy Earth Day!

Hooray for Earth Day! 

This past weekend me and Borias went to Balboa Park to celebrate in their big earth fair. Though it was a bit challenging, being quite hot, and having already did the park run the day before. I worried that Borias' pads would be sore. He did dive for shade at every opportunity, but all in all, he did well. 

That is, after the first glitch of the day, as soon as we got there. We were coming out of the hallway to where the first booths were, and to our left was a patch of grass, and what at first I thought was a dog...but turned out to be a CAT! On a flexi, about 16 full feet from it's human. Borias sniffed at it, thinking it was a dog at first, too, I'm sure. Then he went butthead on me, and got into a scuffle. Fortunately I got him away in a couple seconds, but the woman-who had two cats wandering at the end of the leash and on the ground- screamed to control my dog. 

Hell. I didn't have TIME to right off the bat!

 Not to make excuses for my dog, but he IS a German Shepherd, and that prey drive kicks in faster than the brain sometimes. It's a bit much when a cat is right there, under his nose. Especially since he's been assaulted himself twice by rogue felines. His instinct is to react. This woman was all fired up and pissed that my dog went for her cat. I couldn't help it. I asked her what the heck she was doing walking two cats at an event like this, with TONS of dogs ??? She said no other dogs did that. Yeah. Yet! I'm pretty sure Borias wasn't going to be the last time that happened that day. To me, that's just asking for trouble. She said she had every right to walk her cats...

Does she not realize that not all dogs think cats are peachy? She was so offended that a dog could be that way. Hello? Her boyfriend came over, and acted equally outraged and shocked that a dog dare act in an unfriendly manner to their dear kitties. 

Jeeez..

Had I been able to see them before they were right under us, I could have had time to deal with it. At least the vendors there supported me, and also commented that she was pretty stupid to have them there. That certainly was a surprising place to see cats! I've seen a woman walking two elderly ones before, but that's off on a path, not in a huge event with SEVENTY THOUSAND PEOPLE! And hundreds of dogs. 

So we were off with a bang : / I had my camera with me, but didn't take as many photos as last year. I was too tired, frazzled, and hot. I did get quite a number of him, cooling off in the fountain. And then that one of him recycling a water bottle. That was a big hit, his carrying that thing around. Everyone was commenting on the recycling dog ha ha. 

As you can see, he started young ; )

The Prez's "Bo"

How cool is that? The President has a "Bo", too. Though I usually end up calling Borias "Bo-Bo", out of habit. Trying to break it. Though this Bo is really stirring up some major controversy! 

For the record, I believe heartily in adopting and rescuing pets. However, I am not of the belief that things are always so black and white. Some believe that "responsible breeder" is an oxymoron. It's just not the case. Borias comes from a very, very responsible breeder. I know of many who are as well, who don't breed often, don't do it for money, and even rescue their own breed. They breed for the betterment of their beloved chosen breed. 

Borias comes from working lines. He wasn't bred to look pretty in the show ring (though I think he's gorgeous ). He was bred to fulfill the wishes of the originator of the breed, Capt. Max von Stephanitz, to be a great working dog. From Schutzhund lines. This is an awesome sport, in which the German Shepherd Dog was intended to do, as a test of breed worthiness. Dogs who are suitable for breeding have to be highly qualified first, healthwise, temperament wise, and working ability wise. Now, if everyone breeding followed the stringent guidelines like are in place for working GSD, that would be awesome. 

I don't understand the criticism, when the Obamas were clear that they needed a dog who was compatible with a child with allergies. Plus, he was a gift from a beloved friend. He's altered, and is getting training. All of this is highly responsible and a good example. There are going to be people who want a purebred dog, with certain personality traits. Like I adore GSDs. There's a few other breeds I like, but I can't imagine having anything other than a GSD. 

What I think is horrific, is the amount of people who get puppies through pet stores, or the internet. Like ordering something overnight, getting shipped. Puppy mills are finding new sources of buyers this way. Horrible. Back yard breeders, who just think it's rad to breed their dog to make a few bucks, with no regard to health or temperament, or where the pups are ending up. That bugs the hell out of me. I can't stand reading Craigslist pet ads, or the newspaper. People are charging all sorts of money for cross breeds! Ughhh. 

I just think there's a place for people who continue on with the many wonderful breeds there are, particularly those who have a function. People who do herding with Border Collies, the various Ring Sport breeds and such. Agility people look for certain characteristics, and breed for that. None of this is going to contribute hugely to the pet overpopulation problem. It's a drop in the pan next to the other folks I mentioned above. 

So let's give our President and his family a break here. He did was was right for his family, and looks like he got a great dog. And they gave him a very cool name :)

Woofstock

Last Saturday the annual event put on by Canine Companions for Independence, Woofstock, took place in Balboa Park. I go to take photos of all the dogs, and see what vendors are there. I'm a bit ambiguous about CCI...obviously I think it's great to train dogs to help people with disabilities, but there's a few things that bother me about them. For instance, they breed a lot of dogs, of which a small minority actually make it through to working. They also don't use the most positive methods for training their dogs. Plus, they're so huge, many people perceive them as THE Service dog organization, and they get a lot of funding. Hence, many small Service dog orgs don't get that much. One that I volunteered for at one time went under, which is really a shame. They rescued dogs, and used positive reinforcement methods to train them. 

But anyway, this even is fun. Many dogs dressed up in 60s regalia. It's interesting to see the contrast between the pet dogs there, and the working dogs. I try not to be too critical, but it can be annoying when someone allows their dog to drag them, on a flexi, up to any other dog. Especially when the owner isn't even paying attention. There was one guy who was following behind his large dog that was rushing up to literally every dog quite aggressively. I said "you're just letting him go up to whatever dog he wants to," and he said "...yeah". Like, and? No clue. Not every dog enjoys a strange dog rushing up and getting in their face. It's just poor manners. 

There was a vendor admiring someone with a young puppy, and I heard them say that you shouldn't take them out anywhere and meet dogs until they get all their vaccinations. Just had to interject on that one. Socialization is of the utmost importance prior to a puppy being four months old. Sure it's not a good idea to take them to dog parks and such, but to meet other dogs with good temperaments, and get out and see LOTS of different things is critical. The way to build up immunity is to actually get exposed to things. If you keep a dog, or human for that matter, in a bubble, the immune system won't get a chance to build up and grow stronger. There's a lot of information out there about how vaccines are actually detrimental to a dog's health, too. But of course, that's quite controversial still. 

When Borias was a pup, I erred on the side of caution, and just did a couple more vaccines, instead of every 3 weeks. Still, one of them caused a reaction, and he got super itchy, his face swelled up like a balloon, and I had to rush him to the ER vet. Scary. With exception of one Rabies vaccine at 1 year old, I have not had any more given to him. 

I ran into some friends I haven't been in contact for awhile there, too. One is a super gal who has a few Malinois, and now a new Dutch Shepherd pup, who's a real pistol. She just loves the bad boys! I do, too...to a point. I like a little edge, she likes a whooole lot ha ha. She's a very skillful handler, that's for sure. This youngster is a major wild child, don't let the face fool ya..

Then I ran into Mark, who had Bandit the Biker Dog. He was the cutest Harley riding Boston Terrier, who sadly passed away last December, and left a huge whole in Mark's heart. It must be torture to go to these events without his sidekick! I hope he gets a new friend soon. I caught this photo of him getting some love from a Boston, which really touched me. I think he's about ready :)

And my vote for grooviest pup has to go to this guy! Isn't he adorable??

I was tired out after just two hours of photo taking, and pushing through the grass. Plus dealing with my boy, going through second adolescence LOL. He can be quite contrary sometimes. I think he's jealous of me taking photos, because I'm not giving my full attention to his Highness then. So he does stinker things to distract me, and hence get attention. What a fart. Wouldn't trade him for the world, though!

communion in the tower of song

Leonard Cohen is the master. The man with the golden voice. A creative and authentic crafter of words. A legend.  

 I never dreamed I would be at a Leonard Cohen concert...let alone three rows away from the man. Truly, a blessing. And a bit of serendipity...

I found out late that he was touring, and I immediately set out to see about going. Being in a wheelchair can make going to concerts and shows a pretty big obstacle. First, there's the monopoly that sells all the tickets, and has a disturbing indifference to customers with disabilities. Getting locked out of presales, ADA seats being sold to able bodied people, (I was even given the boot from a venue when a couple showed up with tickets to wheelchair seats they had bought the day tickets went on sale), and paying high prices to be put in the back of the section. But out of those slights has come some very cool experiences. 

I found a forum for Leonard, where there was a thread about this type of thing, and I posted there. This was just five days before the concert. I was seriously starting to worry. No wheelchair seats anywhere to be had, and prices were pretty expensive for me. Then I received an email from someone who said they wanted to help me, and were doing their best to see what they could do. At the very last minute, no less. My predicament was passed on directly to Leonard's manager, I learned!  Amazing, considering how vast the net is, that things turned out how they did. 

The person helping me and I both literally found out the day of the show that I was going to be able to go. I wasn't sure if I could have a companion-my mother-go with me, and didn't find out until I picked up the ticket. I called her and said it was a go, giving her just little over an hour to get all the way downtown! She's not very familiar with Leonard's work, but being 66, I figured some would ring a bell. I thought it would be quite meaningful to share the experience with her.  She's kicking ass in a second round with breast cancer, that came back after 14 years. It was cool she could be there with me.

I really want to thank Mr. Cohen's manager. For taking the time out of what must be an insanely busy and taxing schedule to do that for a fan. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be bestowed with such amazing seats. I feel so tremendously appreciative, and blessed. I could see Leonard's expressions, gorgeously lit with a multitude of striking colors, the faces of the astounding band...I was awestruck. That was a gift I shall treasure and remember the rest of my life. 

I laughed, I cried, I boogied in my wheelchair. This was the greatest show I have ever seen...and this is a gal who went to see U2 ten times a few years back, and got sang to by Bono while he held my hand! His words pierce the soul with a poetic truth. They can be quite dark, bleak, yet there's a thread of hope that emerges. I love what Bono says of him in "I'm Your Man", that in that darkness, Leonard finds the colors in the black. When he sings "There's a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in"...it digs profoundly in the deepest place of my soul. 

It was a magical night. 

And a heartfelt thanks to the generous folks who made this happen for me. 

Make My Day!

I snapped a pic of Borias looking up at a few pigeons on a building. It's so funny when he notices them, and gets all riled up. As if he's saying "C'mon down here! Let me at ya! Make my day!" And it's so cute when his eyes are turned upwards. So he'll hold his leash, look up, growl and start shaking the leash. Bouncing up and barking at them. 

My poor Bobo has some blisters on his front pads again.  I'm back in worry mode, which admittedly doesn't take much. I'm trying to think positive, but when I see signs this significant, it's hard to. All we did was go for a walk along Coronado boardwalk, where Borias wanted to go fast. I let him for a very short distance. Then the next day, I walked him down to a favorite breakfast joint, just about a mile from my place, and I found how much he had blistered. 

We took a bus home. 

His spinal cord really must be shrinking, from the compression. So more and more his weight shifts forward, putting more stress on his front end. Muscles, joints, and now pads. This is a hard pill to swallow, with such a huge part of our relationship being how he loves to run with me. Is this the end of that? Forever? 

I am ordering some stuff that toughens pads, and protects them. Maybe because he hasn't been doing a lot of "mushing", they've gotten more soft. I doubt it, though. He's walking differently. I'm just so surprised at how little it took to wear them down this time. I'm also looking for booties that aren't as thick as the hiking kind. Something simple he can wear that won't make him trip over them. I can imagine when Summer comes, with the hot pavement, it's going to be more difficult. 

Makes me really have to think about where we go, where I park, and the routes we take. It's so difficult to avoid rougher terrain, like pebbled sidewalks, asphalt and such. It's all over the place. I used to be able to park somewhere, and go running around to the various places we were going to. I'm even having to leave him in the car sometimes, like tonight, getting some stuff at Ikea and Lowes. Feels so strange to be without him. 

It's like a part of me is missing. 

Do I accept this, and learn to adapt...or should I pursue more opinions, do more research on options. Wish I knew the answer. Of course my inclination is to search out an answer. Based on experience with human doctors, I've found that sometimes you don't get the best information. There's many, many of them who practice old, tired methods, that aren't always the most effective. Or even make things worse. 

Perhaps teaching veterinary schools have something new on the horizon. Borias is only eight...such a young eight. So enormously full of life- he wants to be on the go. There just must be an answer out there. 

Spring Flexi Fling

Got some photo captures of my guy goofing off with his flexi that I thought I'd share. Sorry about not posting in a little bit. Trying to catch up on work. Doing an art project for a charity called "A Place to Bark", which should be cool. (Course, for Borias, every place is a place to bark!) The theme is "Party Animal", which fits for him, so I'm using some of these shots in the piece. I'll post when I finish :)