Can't hide from nose of a dog.

I had done a bit of Christmas shopping, and hid a bag of goodies in the cabinet of my laundry room. Included, was a new toy for Nesta. Dog toys must come with a special "dog" scent. Nesta found the cabinet, opened it, and stole his toy. My favorite part is when he nudges the door so it won't shut on his head. A Shiloh being a Shiloh...

Almondine, Forte, Tinder, Baboo, and Essay

Having just finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, I just must simply blog about it. Nesta can chime in anytime. For me, it was one of those books that changes us. We can all agree that I am one of those weird dog people. (Clearly with too much time on my hands) But this book will touch you even if you are "a cat person". And hey- it's an Oprah book. I somehow missed the hype with Oprah and would like to hear the comments of the masses in a 10th grade Lit class style forum. I shall google it later.
Spoiler alert: Don't read on if you haven't read it.
I cried when Edgar found Almondine's grave. No correction- I sobbed. I sat nervous and upright while Edgar tried to find the glass bottle. I wanted to kick Claude. I wanted to sleep in the woods with Tinder, Baboo, and Essay. And as a good catholic school girl, I also have to wonder about the symbolism, foreshadowing, and appearance of characters. Why did Edgar take Tinder, Baboo, and Essay into the woods? Why not Opal? What was the significance of engine 1655?
Can humans create a more evolved dog? Or is it us that require a touch more evolution? Does Nesta really have the ability to make choices? Is he a happy dog or would he rather be foraging for turtle eggs?

Ball

Jumble

Jumble Thoughts:

1. Nesta and I went to a dog park today. Never again. Nesta hid by my side and wanted nothing to do with romping and chasing-only leaving my side to greet some human women. (Loves the ladies) While Nesta laid at my feet, a pitbull approached, lunged and attacked Nesta. In a tizzy, I grabbed the dog by his neck and threw him off my baby. The pit scratched my face drawing blood. With blood running down my face, I grabbed Nesta and rolled. Kind people around tried to help. Nobody copped to the aggressive dog. Loser dog owner. No more dog parks for us.

2. In the year that I've had Nesta, never ever have I seen him show aggression. He has not once beared his teeth and I've never even heard him growl. (And Lord knows, we spend a lot of time together.) He has met plenty of dogs that were not as gentle, been attacked twice. Not even so much as a snarl or a nip. Such a lover.

3. Shepherds just know. Why are Shepherds so attracted to each other? There must be a sacred secret Shepherd bond. While Nesta is not adverse to playing with all dogs, he will select another Shepherd (even a Shepherd mix) to befriend. At the dog show, Nesta knew exactly that Pete and Molly were kin. He only watched Shepherds- Both GSD and Shiloh. There are of course several Shepherds at Search & Rescue. They sit together. They chase together. They bark together. I know another Shiloh that will only play with Nesta. (Refuses to run with his lab brother.) Maybe it's the ears. Maybe it's the smarts...

4. Too many scary movies. As I sat in the October night, hiding for Spence last night, it became painfully clear to me that I have watched too many scary movies. Alone in a corn field (next to an insane asylum) with no radio, flash light, or phone- I was convinced that Malakai from Children of the Corn was sending his minions to collect me. Thought I saw Jason and Michael Myers lurking behind a tree. Swore I heard Raegen and Damian chanting in the distance. I armed myself with a large pile of green walnuts. Nothing says "Stay away evil doers!" like hurling a walnut. Thank goodness Spence is so good at his job. Relief came with that working dog jingle bell and the panting of a happy K9! Love that Spence boy.