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Welcome to my adventures. Happy reading!

Driving Thor Thor

Every breeder will get a dog that they’ve bred who needs to be returned.  Every.  Single.  Breeder.  Reputable, responsible breeders want the dogs that they’ve bred returned – our contracts stipulate this, we espouse this, and we anticipate this.  It’s likely why I’ve never placed a dog outside of the USA.  So, it happened with Mr Thor, who I affectionately call Thor Thor.  His former owner returned him to me due to a change in their family living situation.  And that is OK.  That’s my responsibility as a breeder – to care for them when the family entrusted with them cannot.  It doesn’t matter the reason, nor am I going to make the former owner the villain.  The former owner did the right thing by honoring our contract and returning the dog to me.  

Luckily, through my network of other Pharaoh Hound owners, I was able to find a more closely located person to foster Thor until I could either get to him OR place him.  First, Thor has an amazing temperament and quickly adjusted to a busy foster home with several breeds of dogs and cats.  Second, his foster Mom is a godsend – a true animal lover who dropped everything to pickup Thor and readily agreed to care for him until the right home was found.  Third, he’s an easy keep – fits in with everyone, sweet, cuddly, and quite the ham.  

He was lovingly cared for over a period of three months, while I searched for the right home.  A few fell through due to timing or not being right.  Then, out of the blue, a lovely lady I met at coursing with Thor’s Daddy, Cayper, contacted me.  She has had Pharaohs for many years, and currently has 2 females.  Just speaking to her on the phone, I knew she was perfect.  And she did too!  We set a plan in motion to get Thor from the East Coast to Denver, and she’d drive up from Arizona to pick him up.  I flew into Boston and met his foster Mom to kick off the journey.  It was a long drive, and true to form, Thor made it easy by snuggling with me, sleeping in while I worked and had meetings, tolerating long days in a rental minivan inside his kennel, and just being agreeable.  He loved the Wendy’s chicken nuggets on the road.  When we finally made it home, he easily fit in with my 4 boys – not an easy feat when three of them aren’t neutered.  Calyber was fairly certain we got him his own playmate.  They raced around the yard, played with every toy in all the toy boxes, and woofed down dinner.  Then, he jumped right on the bed, with all of his relatives, to settle in for the night.  

His new Mom picked him up yesterday and that darling boy was smitten.  They’re off to Moab before headed home.  He’s going on quite the US driving tour.  Have fun my sweet Thor Thor.

Why Rescue is Everyone’s Job

As a breeder of Pharaoh Hounds, but also a long-time rescuer and dedicated dog lover, I fully believe rescue is everyone’s job.  

Over the busy 4th of July weekend, when I should have been hanging out with my boys, relaxing, getting home projects completed, and catching up on sleep after a busy work week of travel – I dropped everything to participate in the largest Pharaoh Hound rescue operation in the history of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.  

Some background: I spent 10.5 years as the Director of Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, fostered over 400 Weims and Weim-wannabes during a 15-year period, and prior to that fostered kittens.  I’ve had a handful of Pharaoh Hound fosters over the years, and those don’t stay long since we have approved homes waiting in the wings to adopt the rare dog that needs a home.  

The rescue operation: 6 people descended upon the scene in the South, 5 of us breeders – all of us ready and willing to help.  We took in over 20 Pharaoh Hounds as part of the largest rescue operation in our history.  It is immaterial how this situation transpired, as ultimately we were able to help these dogs in need.  I flew in and drove back – a whopping 23 hours, straight through, with my precious cargo.  The majority of the rescue operation were puppies: 3 litters ranging from ages 5 weeks to 8 months; we also rescued 3 adults with 2 going back to their breeders, one of whom was on-site for the rescue.  It took us 3 hours to intake the dogs, assess their various medical needs, photograph them, and then decide where they were going.  Every person there took foster dogs, some dogs went to veterinary care immediately, others went to temporary foster homes.  Yes, it was difficult to witness, and emotionally exhausting, but in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived that is to have succeeded.”

My thoughts: I was asked by another breeder, not in Pharaoh Hounds, why on earth would I help out when it wasn’t my problem.  I found that question odd – I have deep experience with rescue operations, and felt called to help.  I am on the Board of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America as well as an active member of the rescue committee.  I have the resources, time, and wherewithal to help.  And, moreover, a situation of this magnitude called for many hands on deck.  As breeders we could and should help.  It is our moral responsibility.   

Update on the foster pups: These four precious babies that I brought home are thriving.  One is already off to a foster-to-adopt home.  The other three will be leaving this weekend to their foster homes.  All of these dogs will need a lot of vetting, and they will all be spayed and neutered.  They are thriving and if anything it is a testament to their will to survive.        

Why Rescue is Everyone’s Job

As a breeder of Pharaoh Hounds, but also a long-time rescuer and dedicated dog lover, I fully believe rescue is everyone’s job.  

Over the busy 4th of July weekend, when I should have been hanging out with my boys, relaxing, getting home projects completed, and catching up on sleep after a busy work week of travel – I dropped everything to participate in the largest Pharaoh Hound rescue operation in the history of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.  

Some background: I spent 10.5 years as the Director of Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, fostered over 400 Weims and Weim-wannabes during a 15-year period, and prior to that fostered kittens.  I’ve had a handful of Pharaoh Hound fosters over the years, and those don’t stay long since we have approved homes waiting in the wings to adopt the rare dog that needs a home.  

The rescue operation: 6 people descended upon the scene in the South, 5 of us breeders – all of us ready and willing to help.  We took in over 20 Pharaoh Hounds as part of the largest rescue operation in our history.  It is immaterial how this situation transpired, as ultimately we were able to help these dogs in need.  I flew in and drove back – a whopping 23 hours, straight through, with my precious cargo.  The majority of the rescue operation were puppies: 3 litters ranging from ages 5 weeks to 8 months; we also rescued 3 adults with 2 going back to their breeders, one of whom was on-site for the rescue.  It took us 3 hours to intake the dogs, assess their various medical needs, photograph them, and then decide where they were going.  Every person there took foster dogs, some dogs went to veterinary care immediately, others went to temporary foster homes.  Yes, it was difficult to witness, and emotionally exhausting, but in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived that is to have succeeded.”

My thoughts: I was asked by another breeder, not in Pharaoh Hounds, why on earth would I help out when it wasn’t my problem.  I found that question odd – I have deep experience with rescue operations, and felt called to help.  I am on the Board of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America as well as an active member of the rescue committee.  I have the resources, time, and wherewithal to help.  And, moreover, a situation of this magnitude called for many hands on deck.  As breeders we could and should help.  It is our moral responsibility.   

Update on the foster pups: These four precious babies that I brought home are thriving.  One is already off to a foster-to-adopt home.  The other three will be leaving this weekend to their foster homes.  All of these dogs will need a lot of vetting, and they will all be spayed and neutered.  They are thriving and if anything it is a testament to their will to survive.      

There’s no badass merit badge

…but there really should be one.  Over 10 years ago, I bragged about having an open salpingo-oophorectomy (plus an orange-sized tumor removed) and then driving 4 days afterward, then 2 weeks later: running agility and of course, because why not, driving to/from Omaha in competing in lure coursing, and picking up my latest foster dog.  This time, with this surgery, I resigned myself to resting and not overdoing it.  I remember ripping my sutures last time, and did not want to go through that again.  This time, the incision is larger, and the surgery required at least one overnight hospital stay.  This time I’m also older, a decade older, which my Doctor loves to remind me, if only to caution me from doing too much too quickly.  And, this time will be different – I have set aside time to recover and get back on my feet.  Mostly, anyway.  I have a work trip two weeks to the day after surgery, so I am committed to being upright and OK by then.  The reason for this post is I was reminded by the night nurse that I didn’t get a merit badge for walking around the entire hospital floor less than 5 hours after surgery.  No, there wasn’t going to be any reward, tangible or otherwise, for completing my self-imposed milestone.  I did manage to go for a walk, with a walker.  I accomplished getting up, with help, and walking.  It took a long time.  But I did it.  And I only walked half the floor before needing to go back to my room.  It was a small victory, without reward.  Yet, those steps towards my recovery, a few hours after an open hysterectomy, made the difference in getting discharged today.  Onwards and upwards, with a healthy dose of rest in-between.  And, yes I’m still a badass.  

#100by70 – the new goal

Since I’m nearly at my goal of 60 countries by age 50 (#60by50) – and I’m a few years from 50 — it was time for a new goal.  I’ve heard from many people how my travels have inspired them to get out there, set a goal, finally throw caution to the wind and book that trip!  It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and just Netflix and chill.  Or get sucked into your normal routine, caught up in the day-to-day, and not make time to take a break.  I challenge you to break free – get out there – go see this amazing, beautiful, exciting world.  What’s the worst that could happen?

The new goal is 100 countries by age 70!  It’s doable, and achievable.  Sure, I could stop work, cash in the 401K, and knock off all the countries on the list in a year or so.  But, I love my work, my boys, my life here.  In-between home improvement projects, and dog events, and work trips – fitting in these travel goals just gels.  Finding airfare deals to far-flung places such as Mongolia or Suriname, and seeing if the timing works with my life – that is part of the fun.  Getting an email that details the perils of travel or lists CNN’s latest “hidden gems,” sparks my interest.  Reading through people’s adventures or catching a glimpse of a picture of somewhere I have to go – adding to my ever-growing list of places to visit.  Then, integrating the travel into my life is the adventure and planning makes it part of everyday life.  

Jose Ignacio – WOW

I wish I could transport back to this magical place, Posada Ayana, in Jose Ignacio Uruguay.  A resort filled with beauty, serenity, and the most lovely people.  Sure, the journey was a bit tenuous with a nearly missed flight due to passport control taking almost 2 hours to reach the gate in Buenos Aires – luckily we made the flight as nothing is efficient with flying in Argentina.  A short 35-minute flight should be relatively uneventful, it was anything but due to severe thunderstorms, an aircraft that had pieces of the internal furniture falling apart, and a bounced landing of a 737 – yikes.  Once we landed, immigration took mere minutes, as did the luggage, and we ventured to get our rental car at Hertz.  As a long-time Presidents Circle member (thanks to all my work travel), my overseas car rental experiences tend to be quite good.  I was treated well, told we received a free upgrade, but that sadly only manual transmission sedans were available.  Spoiler alert: I can’t drive a stick!  That’s ok – I do enough driving stateside – so off we went.  The “upgrade” we received was nothing short of bizarre – not only was there nothing automatic or electronic in the car aside from the radio, it lacked CarPlay which would make navigation a major challenge.  The window crank, the lack of power steering – all became hilarious over time.  We had a 30 minute drive well-past midnight to make it to our hotel in Montevideo in the DRIVING rain – which made the poor excuse of windshield wipers quite laughable.  The tenuous journey lasted an hour, yet we made it unscathed.  We stayed at the lovely aLoft in an upscale area of Montevideo for the night.  Then, in the morning we took off for the 2.5 hour drive north, along the Uruguayan coastline, towards Jose Ignacio.  It was a beautiful drive and an even more stunning destination.  

One of the most amazing things about our seaside resort, Posada Ayana, was the sunscape installation.  Neither of us had ever heard of it – and I will write a post about the surreal experience as well as meeting the Austrian owner of the resort.  Our room was phenomenal, the resort was breathtaking, and the sunsets even more so.  A much appreciated experience despite the rental car and traveling horrors.  I will be back to this awesome resort!

The Sting of Disappointment

One of the things I’ve learned from this pandemic is that the sting of disappointment is lessened with each subsequent incident.  Sure, I was looking forward to crossing the Maldives off my bucket list.  Yes, I was thrilled with booking an over-the-water bungalow complete with a pool for next to nothing (thank you Marriott points!)  Plus, I was excited to travel on a 17.5 hour flight to Bangalore – direct flights are the best.  And to cross 2 countries off my list so early in 2022 – another point of excitement.  Yet, when the flight was cancelled, one leg at a time, I wasn’t as disappointed as I thought I’d be.  Perhaps with each cancellation I’m simply numb to it.  Besides, there’s a lot more important things going on in the world.  And, having just been to Peru, I could use some downtime at home.  Moreover, this is just a blip and I’ll get there someday!  Matt, otoh, was thrilled as the prospect of a long flight didn’t thrill him.  Our couple friends that we were destined to travel with were understandably disappointed.  One thing I know is that there will always be a flight deal and a plan that works out.  Perhaps letting go of expectations is the true way to happiness.  

Be Your Best Advocate

I tell this to anyone and everyone who will listen – be your best advocate!  Demand help.  Put yourself first.  There’s a deep reason behind this, and while I’m largely private about my illnesses and struggles as the sick kid…  I feel this is so vitally important for everyone to hear.  

October 12, 2012 was the date I found out I don’t have cancer.  Thank the lord!!

After battling doctors to find one that could help me, and suffering for four months, I underwent surgery to remove an ovarian tumor.  It was 5cm in diameter and luckily it was benign.  However, had I not had it removed, it would have ruptured and caused more harm.  

Recovery was easy (for me) since I went back to work in 4 days and ran agility two weeks later (despite doctors orders for an eight week rest and no driving.)  No one keeps me down for long!  I even drove to Omaha to go coursing and pickup a Pharaoh Hound rescue named Siris the same weekend I ran agility.  

I know I am very lucky and beyond blessed to be here.   I strive to do something each day that scares me.   Time is precious and I try not to waste it.  

Listen to your body.  If your doctor isn’t helping you, find another one.   Be your own advocate.   And be loud.  Your life is worth it. 

Let’s Normalize Traveling with Friends

If you’ve followed my angst over traveling to Africa, you’d know that it was a last minute addition of my friend Curtis to join me.  

Since inquiring minds want to know, here’s some answers to your questions.

1.  Am I still married?  Yes.  And no I’m not leaving him or dating – it was cute to get some messages inquiring though.  

2.  Who’s that dude?  His name is Curtis, he lives in Montana, and he’s the partner of a very dear friend of mine.  

3.  Have you traveled together before?  NOPE!  It’s a big, huge gamble to travel with someone for 13+ days and not know whether you are compatible travel companions.  But, I’ve known Curtis almost 15 years and have stayed at his house countless times — he’s stayed at mine countless times, including when I’ve been out of town.  We have mutual respect, a shared love of animals, and of course we are both crazy dog people.  

4.  Why?  It has been Curtis’ dream since he was a young child to see Africa and go on Safari.  The timing, opportunity, and cost were right. 

5.  How did it go?  OMG – it was awesome!  Curtis was so helpful with me (see post on my illness before the trip), he was FUN!!, we laughed SO much, and guess what?  He’s Jack Hanna – no, seriously.  He knew every animal and all about them.  I’m still in awe at the depth of his knowledge.  Best of all Curtis was OK with my organization, planning, and schedule.  My vacations are often called amazing races… and this one was no exception.  

Back to the title of this post – we seriously, as a society, need to normalize traveling with friends.  Let me start: it is OK to travel with your friends.  Go as far as you can, on as many adventures as you can, and just dive in!  Life is meant to be shared and lived in community.  Also, stop judging people.  I’m not a bad person/wife for traveling.  My husband didn’t want to go, and that’s OK too.  It is NORMAL for married couples to have other interests and still be married.   Sharing my adventures with my friend were wonderful.  If travel renews your spirit, like it does mine, then do it!  

In closing, get out there!!  I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and we are already planning the next one.  

To Go or Not To Go

Is that even a question??  Well, yes, sometimes it is.  Here’s the backstory: September 6, 2020 I received an alert from Scott’s Cheap Flights that a plane ticket from DEN to Nairobi (yes, Africa…Kenya to be exact) was $490 round-trip, on United.  Yep – sign me UP!!  Of course, I just had to check it out and then I started playing around with dates, and what ifs – what if I did an open-jaw ticket (fly into Nairobi and fly out of Dar es Saalam…Tanzania, or Uganda, or Zimbabwe – the possibilities were endless.)  I read-up on travel restrictions related to Covid and quickly decided I’d stick with Kenya and maybe Tanzania.  Then, I thought about dates and checked the plane tickets I had with United for trips that were canceled.  One of the tickets was for $650, and coincidentally that was the price for an open-jaw in July 2021.  Doing a bit more researching, I narrowed down the flights I preferred, booked a stop-over stay in Zurich for 2 nights, and used that ticket for not a single penny more. It’s weird how somethings work out.

I reached out to some traveling friends to gauge their interest, but let’s be real – I WILL go by myself and I enjoy solo travel.  I’d prefer to share this amazing experience with someone who desires to go here and can participate in the planning.  One of my friends did, and she booked her ticket too.  Same itinerary & schedule.  Plane ticket booked, travel buddy secured, now to the planning.  There’s nothing I love more aside from traveling than planning said travel.  And boy do I love planning – spreadsheets, PowerPoints – I am ALL in on research and options.  I set about the planning process with my friend and she shared her input… we made a tentative itinerary, but didn’t book anything non-refundable because these questions still remained: would we even be able to go?  Will anything be open?  Will we get vaccinated by then?  

Fast-forward to January 2021 – vaccines are on the horizon (I got mine in Feb.), but Europe is still closed to US citizens, and that includes Zurich.  United ended up canceling that portion of the flight, so I called the 1K desk to rebook through Frankfurt.  That was easy enough, but my friend decided she no longer wished to go and canceled her ticket, getting a refund.  Fine with me – it was full-speed ahead on planning.

Now it’s May and 2/3 of the trip is booked, including the non-refundable portions of the safari lodges.  I’ve scheduled my yellow fever vaccination and appointment to secure my malaria pills.  Things are rolling along but it feels like something is missing.  I’m excited yet a bit perplexed by that “missing” feeling.  

I’m questioning do I go?  Do I not go?  Of course I’ll go!  But???

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