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A peaceful Jog with my friend Fortis
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10711
1
19 June 2010 - 6:35 pm
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As Fortis sat at my feet today panting heavely under the stress of a hot and humid day here in Texas,  I had a most disturbing thought. Ears cropped, tail docked and now missing a rear leg just below the hip, my poor Fortis, not much left for me to take or for you to give. And the story goes……….

It was common for Fortis to go on short 5k jogs with me. He loved it. Sometimes he would wear his pack loaded with H20, treats, poop bags, and of course his favorite water toys. His best buddy back then was Ely a German Short hair that I'm sure convinced Fortis that he was a bird dog as well. We would jog at Town lake which has a trail system that runs along the riverbank. The trail can be very crowded with joggers, walkers, cyclist and the like. On this hot summer day as we made it to the half way point I stopped, as was customary, to allow Fortis to drink some water and take a dump if needed. Well, he needed and let me tell you when Fortis takes a dump it ain't no laughing matter. After scooping the pile up and before I was able to place it in his pack and return to the trail we were approached. Now I don't want to stereotype but seeing as I am a "redneck" I might come across that way. She was attractive, late thirties, wearing designer shorts, top, socks and shoes that I'm sure were made from the most technologically advance materials known to man. Did I notice what appeared to be make-up and maybe even hair spray? Oh, let's not forget about the jewelry. It's a must for a workout you know. Must be from Barton Creek I thought.

 I was always eager and happy to talk about my boy Fortis and yes he attracted much attention. Plus what else would a dressed for the run way jogger want with me! The comments and questions were the usual ones at first…. What a beautiful boy he is, will he bite, can I pet him, what breed is he. he so well trained etc…. Now remember I'm at a full sweat, my dog wants to go and I'm standing here holding a reeking poop bag that probably weighs 5lbs all the while talking with this  thirty something want-to-be prom queen. Don't take me the wrong way. I love most all people but there was just something about this lady that was rubbing me the wrong way. I just couldn't put my finger on it. And then it happened and in an instant I knew what it was. She was NOSEY and playing me like a cheep fiddle. I don't like to be played.

Now comfortable that she had me right where she wanted, she revealed her true agenda. Why do his ears look like that she ask? And his tail, where is his tail? Oh you poor boy trying to gain Fortis' approval. Not happening lady, I thought. I knew where this conversation was headed. This wasn't the first time this had happened. I live in  Austin after all. In any case I did my best to educate her on the breed and why Fortis had his tail docked and his ears cropped. I told her it was for hunting purposes and the safety of the dog. She asked me if I was a hunter and I  said no.  I couldn't kill a flea. Damn why did I say that. I was trying to tell her that I didn't care what Fortis' ears and tail looked like. It's just the way he came to me from the  breeder I said. When she suddenly blurted out you just want him to look mean and scary. Ok, now I'm pissed off! I want to get back to my jog. Fortis is tired of standing here and this lady won't shut up. I ask Ma'am, is there anything more you would like to add. She thinks for a minute and says no but (but, but what i thought yell)  I want you to know I don't approve.  Did you ask him if he minded if you chopped his ears and tail off. Lastly, she said I just think it's cruel that's all.

Before heading off down the trail. I very respectfully ask her if she would mind if I ask her a question. She answered sure in a very confident tone so pleased with herself. I asked Ma'am do you have any children. Yes, two wonderful boys and their darling little sister Hope. What are the boys names I asked. If you don't mind, how old are they? Oh, she's going now. Travis just started high school and his older bother Ryan will begin studies at the university this fall. She seemed so proud of her achievements as a parent. I said you  seemed to love them very much. Of course  she said. I replied, one last question please…looking firmly straight into her eyes I asked, are your boys circumcised and if so did you asked for their approval first? Not a word came from her mouth as she turned and started to walk away. But I'm not finished I shouted, it hurt like hell lady. I remember and I have never forgiven my parents.  You should be ashamed of yourself was the last thing I  said laughing to myself.

Fortis and I finished our Jog that day and went on many more without instance. So today as Fortis sat at my feet no longer able to go jogging, I wondered what that nosey prom queen would say now if she saw a tripawd, half eared, no tailed Fortis and I jogging down the trail!!! Just wondering. big-blink

I'm aloud to babble here correct? I hope this wasn't offensive to anyone. I'm truly sorry if it was.

Fortis and Fortis'Dad

 

 

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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19 June 2010 - 7:21 pm
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keep Austin weirdoh-my

Kudos on the quick and appropriate response.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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19 June 2010 - 9:24 pm
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Quick come back!

 

Those darn animal activist!  Oh wait - I'm one!  But I limit myself to neglect/abuse.  And I do try to persuade people to adopt.  But I hope I'm not rude.  Even I was almost willing to break my own personal rule of adoption and go buy a golden retriever puppy for Comet before Rocket  (aka monkeybutt).

So, my advice to animal activist -keep your mouth shut except for neglect and abuse.  (and of course - we all know how I feel about tying up a dog - it falls into my neglect category!) 

So good for you Brett for defending yourself.   She had no right and I'll 100% agree with you! 

Plus, wouldn't ears and a tail add another 20lbs to our big hamster? laugh  (Use that at your next confrontation...we dock and clip to reduce their weight!)

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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19 June 2010 - 9:59 pm
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Babble on! Especially if all your stories are as good as this one!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

krun15
5
19 June 2010 - 11:12 pm
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I'm sorry Brett but I am TOTALLY offended-

 

How on earth can you justify calling a 5k jog SHORT?!?!?!?!?  And with a pack too?

As a recovering athlete, who gets Christmas Cards from my Orthopedic Surgeon, I must speak out.  Sure, there was a time when I could tie my shoes without injuring myself, but no longer.

I am sore and limping after I DRIVE a 5k.

I am sorry to be so blunt, but this evenings Advil has not kicked in an I am a bit sensitive.

 

Karen  

 

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
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20 June 2010 - 8:44 am
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HAHA!  Great story!  In your FACE prom queen lady!!!  I hope you felt really smug little-devil

 

<3 Laura and Jackers

10711
7
20 June 2010 - 6:14 pm
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cometdog said:Those darn animal activist!  Oh wait - I'm one!  But I limit myself to neglect/abuse.  And I do try to persuade people to adopt.  But I hope I'm not rude.  Even I was almost willing to break my own personal rule of adoption and go buy a golden retriever puppy for Comet before Rocket  (aka monkeybutt).


I like the weight thing Cometdog. I will keep it in my pocket for my next enconter! Oh, FYI- I can hug a tree with the best of them and you never know you just might see me on "Whale Wars" someday.

 

big-grinkrun15 said: I'm sorry Brett but I am TOTALLY offended-  


 Karen, I'm so sorry for offending you wink.  Your sore after driving a 5k. That's hilarious!

10711
8
20 June 2010 - 6:59 pm
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I got to thinking about my long long…….(i hope not to boring ) story that I  shared with you guys yesterday and decided that it was time for Fortis to hit the same trail and to go for a swim in Town Lake (it's really a river).

 I have been very reluctant to risk letting Fortis overdo it for fear that his remaining leg will totally give out. It's been a real balancing act trying to give Fortis enough stimulation and exercise. I know that it probably sounds terrible of me but I think I would rather the cancer take him than be forced to make a quality of life call because the rest of his body has had enough. I'm sorry If this seems cruel or cowardly of me. Maybe it is, I don't know at this point.

With Fortis' and all his paraphernalia packed we loaded up in the Touareg and headed on down to the jogging trail. No jogging for Fortis of course but he did get to "hop a long" his favorite part of the trail. I had to lift him up over a few obstacles but for the most part he did great. We made it to the river and oh what a blast he had playing, swimming and visiting with all the other folks. Fortis swam up to a canoe where a father and his little girl were eagerly awaiting to pet him. He always loved swimming up to the kyacks and conoes hoping for a pat on the head. I was almost in tears (don't tell, but I was) today as watched him having such a great time.  What a father's day gift! When we got home I  immediately went to the Tripawds store and bought a swimming vest made by RuffWear.

FYI–Unfortunelty we didn't see the "prom queen lady". Thanks for listening. smile

Fortis & Brett

Edmonton, Alberta
Member Since:
11 January 2010
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20 June 2010 - 7:00 pm
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Way to go telling off that nosey prom queen!! 

Great story! 

Catie -

Birthday – November 4 2003

Amputation – January 13 2010

Crossed the Bridge – June 2 2011

 Catie Caitlin 

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
Member Since:
28 November 2008
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20 June 2010 - 7:20 pm
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Fortis is a very lucky boy.  Glad you guys have one another.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

Arizona
Member Since:
28 September 2009
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20 June 2010 - 8:32 pm
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Loved the story, loved your response to the prom queen and loved that with Fortis by your side your had a wonderful fathers day!  Thanks for sharing the story with us.

 

Jo Ann & Tasha

Tasha 8 years old, First cancer diagnosis 6/26/09, Last cancer diagnosis 9/26/09, Amputation 10/01/09, Loving our girl moment by moment.

Tasha lost her battle and became my Angel on May 4 2011. Forever in my heart….

Member Since:
10 March 2010
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20 June 2010 - 10:33 pm
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oh thank you for the best laugh I have had in ages!!  way to go!!!

I can imagine the lecture you would get if she saw his LEG GONE!!!!!  Be thinking of a good one for that...just in case you see PQ (prom queen) again!!  

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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21 June 2010 - 8:44 am
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Brett, those are both terrific stories! The prom queen run-in is something that would have happened in Humboldt or San Francisco, where we used to live. Only she wouldn't have been a PQ but wouldda been wearing dreads and patchouli.

Nervy!

Can't wait to see Fortis swiming, you'll have to take some pics. Thanks so much for ordering it from here!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
22 December 2009
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21 June 2010 - 11:37 am
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I've also been accosted for Harley's tail ... or lack thereof.wink

Amputation on 11/10/09, due to Histiocytic Sarcoma in left elbow. Angel Harley earned his wings on 06/24/10.

My heart lives at Rainbow Bridge
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28 November 2008
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21 June 2010 - 12:00 pm
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People make general assumptions based on the cover of the book - or in this case the dog.  Duke has a docked tail, but it had to be docked because he wagged it so viciously he kept splitting it open and it wouldn't heal before he opened the sore again.  They finally decided to dock it and end the problem.  I guess he would fall into the 'bad' dog category too if you judge the dog by the cover.

Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul.  Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.

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