An Artist’s Musings by Susan Schaefer

All About the Dog

It seems that my days are filled up with the dog. What is Chace doing? Does he need to go outside? When has he last had a pee or poo? Is he bored? Has he had enough exercise? I wonder if he is happy here?

Over 10 years ago we said goodbye to Cheyenne, our shepherd/collie cross who I rescued from the SPCA in Regina Sask. He was a super dog. He came into my life when I needed him. I was living on an acreage in southern Sask. and I needed a friend. He became my constant companion. He wasn’t perfect. He ripped through many screen windows, until I realized the problem. He had been locked up for the first 6 months of his life and he was having no more of that. He would rather stay home, and lay on the deck outside of my house, then be inside the house. He made many friends in the Qu’Appelle Valley and he grew into an awesome dog.

After we said goodbye, it took many years before I could think of getting another.

With my 60th birthday fast approaching, I soon thought, “If not now, when?” Folks say never get a puppy that might outlive you. Whoops I better get on it.

The search was on for that perfect dog. I wanted one smaller in size, awesomely cute, medium energy – one that we could grow old with. After much research, I decided on a Mini Aussi Shepherd.

We found a breeder close by and we made an appointment to go and see some puppies. We knew that we wanted a male pup so we held a couple, but they were all very busy. Then in the back of the pack, there was another puppy, standing by himself, just looking at us. I said “What about that one?” We picked him up and he immedi - ately went to sleep in Jeff’s arms. Ahhhh....he was the one. On Nov. 2, 2019 we brought Chace home. Needless to say the first couple of months were very busy and stressful as we were getting to know each other. Once we had a trainer come in and help us, (not sure who he trained) we got into a nice rhythm. I’m not saying that we haven’t had a few struggles and still do, but when people ask me how Chace is, my response is “he’s perfect!”

Chace enjoying the micro clover lawn

Chace has brought us so much joy and funny moments, especially during the lockdown, that now we can’t imagine him not being part of our lives.

In the back of my mind I always seem to have a book or two that I would like to write. This one would be called “Things I’ve Learned from my Dog.”

Here are a few things: - when you are tired – sleep - when you are hungry – eat - take time each day to play and run around - say hi to the neighbour with vigor – even if you just saw them 5 minutes earlier - take long walks at the beach, stopping to smell the flowers

Perhaps some day I will get to writing that book. But for now, my dog wants to go play. ~