Dog-Ma, The Zen Of Slobber

Dog-Ma The Zen of Slobber – Signed Book Giveaway

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She definitely gets what living with rescued dogs nine of them! When Barbara meets her future husband, Ray, it is love-and dog-at first sight. Over the course of thirty-two years, seventeen relocations and nine dogs, their mutual love of dogs guides them on their unconventional path. Her own survival story underscores the story of how her dogs become survivors themselves. Each new dog adds its own dynamic to the family, sometimes upending it.

Gabriel — Woof woof, so Barbara, my mom believes that Dog Hair is a clothing accessory — what are your thoughts? Barbara — Oh, I totally agree. A little fuzz always adds texture to any outfit. Think of it as wearing a sweater with everything! For awhile when we only had black dogs, my wardrobe choices were easy. Then we rescued a Dalmatian and a Brittany at almost the same time.

That introduced brown and white into my wardrobe overnight. It was truly a fashion dilemma.

I worked in the fashion industry for decades. You know, now that I think of it, I never got a treat for that. Seems unfair, huh Gabe? Gabriel — The holidays are coming up, and some people are thinking of getting a dog or cat cough, gag, sputter as a gift for their children. Would you like to weigh in on the subject?

A great idea is to make up a gift certificate for a shelter in your area to give as the gift. Then the whole family can help in the selection process. If the kids pick out their own shelter pet they will be more likely to help with its daily care. Since you live with such a big crew, do you have any suggestions on how to talk him into letting mom get another doggie or two? Barbara —Tell mom that the batting of eyelashes always worked well for me! It can be very persuasive. Once dad got one new puppy kiss he would be under their spell.

Deciding to get multiple dogs is really a mathematical equation, Gabe. One dog creates the mess of one dog. Two dogs create the mess of four dogs.

And so on… If mom is willing to deal with the work, I say more power to her! If you become her little helper and keep the new ones in line, you will always be first in line for mom hugs and kisses. More playmates are always more fun! Gabriel — Baby Girl thinks that dog slobber is gross, but mom tells her to lighten up, and that dog slobber is great for the skin. Do you think that there might be a future market in dog slobber based beauty products?

Barbara — My thought is that dog slobber would be best used in the glue market. I find it better than super glue for most things. Cooper used to carry his food to our wood coffee table to eat. Yes, he thought he was a person, deserving of a proper dining spot. If he had a thumb, he would have liked fine cutlery, I believe. That slobber needed a jackhammer to get it off of the table. Morgan shakes her head and dots of red splatter onto the floor.

Her blue-clouded eyes sparkle as she gazes blankly in an undetermined direction. She cannot see her intended adversary, having been robbed of vision a year earlier.

Dog-Ma, the Zen of Slobber

Her snarls are guided by her nose; her anger guided by fear. As my muscles strain to maintain the distance between the combatants, I hope for a reprieve. I struggle to control one hundred and twenty pounds in one hand and twenty pounds in the other, tenacity compensating for the smaller stature. Deep claret tones slowly ooze through her long white, wiry fur. I can already see her eye beginning to swell shut, like a prize-fighter on a losing day.

Morgan is dripping blood. She shakes her head to ease the pain. Ray extricates Izzy from my hand, gently coaxing her to settle down. Izzy has only one mission: It does not matter that the Rottweiler is six times larger or has jaws that could crush bone. Failure is not an option.

Dog-Ma, The Zen of Slobber Interview

She is a terrier. They have much in common: Where they differ is in temper.

Izzy has no control over hers. When the anger switch flips in her tiny little brain, no one can turn it off. She is focused to a fault, her tantrums often triggered by the fear of her sightless world. She is ready to be released. She quiets easily and quickly. She is a gentle giant, not a fighter.

She bites only to defend herself. If her intent were to eliminate her assailant, it would happen in one quick snap of her jaw. She cannot understand why this monster was brought into our peaceful home. We were a happy family until Izzy appeared. She is the Anti-Christ.

She is pure evil. Our home has become a salient battleground with opponents always vigilant, wary of the other, waiting for the first sign of war. Finally, the opponents are separated, sent to their respective corners. Equanimity has settled in, not like a comforting blanket, but a static-filled one; on edge and ready to snap at the first sign of friction.

Dog-Ma, The Zen of Slobber – Spotlight and Author Interview

I wonder how our family became ensnared in this violence. There was a time when our home was a sanctuary of Zen-like calm, a respite from our hectic professional world. We rescued abused and abandoned animals, provided them with comforting shelter and loving care. Yet, here I sit on the kitchen floor, assessing the multitude of damage, wondering where we failed.

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