idle musings

I’ve had Maia for 9 months, and while sometimes I feel like there’s been no improvement, I know that’s not true. *I* have learned her triggers and her body language and most of the time can head her off before she decides to bark or lunge at anyone.

Today, though, I got to see just how much improvement there has been. I was in one of the soon-to-be tennis courts so that I could let Maia off leash, play some fetch, and do some basic training outside where there are distractions. Three guys came into the adjoining court that is only separated by a chain link fence from where we were, and started playing ball hockey. Maia ran at the fence and barked and did her “I’m actually really scary” lunge up and down but she came away when I called her.

Let me just say that again for emphasis. She left the scary situation and came to me on the other side of the court when I called her.

I decided to use this wonderful distraction so we worked on sit-stays and down-stays. We started way on the other side, then moved to about the halfway point, and then ended up only about eight feet from the fence. I had Maia sitting or lying so that she was facing the guys, who were yelling at each other, bashing their sticks around, and hitting balls against the separating fence.

Not only did she have her attention focused on me almost the entire time, just taking the occasional glance at the boys, she also only broke her stay once and that was my fault for giving her conflicting information. I am so proud of my special-needs dog! I am convinced that going to agility classes is contributing to the big leap forward in her ability to watch me and listen to what I want, and then to actually do it.

Today I ran the dishwasher, did two loads of laundry, took Maia to Spanish Banks, and managed not to nap. I think I will chalk today up in the ’success’ column.

My doc thinks it probably is my ACL gone again.

Fuckityfuckfuck.

I was walking Maia on her long-line down at the harbour today, and we were playing some fetch with a stick. I threw it for the fourth or fifth time and somehow the leash got tangled around my left leg so when Maia took off at full speed for the stick, my left leg got pulled right out from under me, my right knee took all the torque and went ‘pop’ just like it did two years ago, and I fell down.

Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck.

Seriously, is there a curse on me for this particular time of year? March 1st 2008 is the date of my original injury. Today is March 2nd. Very strange coincidence.

I’m currently lying on the couch icing my knee and hoping like fuck that I did not sever another ligament. Unfortunately, it felt exactly the same as when it happened the first time, and the pain is the same now. If I keep my leg straight or slightly bent, it’s fine, but I can’t twist it without pain. I can go upstairs slowly but normally, but going downstairs I have to go one at a time, like a toddler.

As if I needed something else to be stressed out about …

Bacon + eggs + hash browns + peppers + cheese + spices = big yummy hash fry-up

It’s been a most productive evening. I sandpapered the entire chair I am redoing – only the rough coat so far, so it needs the softer paper and then will be ready to paint. I cleaned my stove completely – we’re talking burnings, drip trays, the works. Baking soda is seriously amazing stuff. Next up is the inside of the oven … but I’m leaving that for another day.

Now it’s time to walk the dog and then go to bed. Bliss.

Maia had an amazing day at the agility trial. Calm, greeting people, being curious and friendly … who are you and where did you put my reactive dog? Actually, never mind – I like this one better!

Agility looks like so much fun when I see it done on a course – not that I didn’t already think that it was awesome from class but seeing all the parts put together and damn! I can’t wait until Maia and I get to the point that we get to go on a course!

Today’s to-do list:

• coffee with Sarah – completed
• yoga at 6:15pm – done! (and I’m tired!)
• baking-soda-and-vinegar the kitchen drain – completed
• clean last shelf in fridge – meh. putting it off until tomorrow.

Andy, enthroned on the La-Z-Boy at my parents’ house. He has let me stroke him a few times, and has not run out of the room in a panic. We are making progress!