Foster went to the parlor yesterday--the Pooch Parlor, that is.
He's had some adjusting to do over the past three months with the addition of Bridie to the canine beloveds.
Puppies DO get a lot of attention, and that can be a bit demoralizing to the other dogs in the house.
Foster hasn't told me so, but I could see that he was just tolerating the new pup which, besides eating half the house, had eaten into his daily doses of affirmation.
So, early on, when Bridie and Liam would go to the dog run outside, Foster had the run of the house or the barn or any ol' place he chose to go.
I could see a marked change in his attitude, getting to be "top dog" and all.
Foster is not only "top dog"; he also is the "senior dog" among the trio.
Figuring senior dogs have earned a few perks, I made an appointment for him to be bathed, groomed and clipped at The Pooch Parlor.
When I dropped him off yesterday, it appeared that Foster was a bit worried about what was about to happen. From all reports, though, he did okay.
When I arrived in the afternoon, a squeaky clean, beautiful, handsome and happy Foster greeted me.
It appeared that he enjoyed his experience, and I told the ladies he'll probably come back again.
The Pooch Parlor is a fun and happening place in Ponderay.
Yesterday Sapphire's owner brought her German Shepherd to spend the day. This beautiful dog also knows how to stand at the counter doing receptionist duties.
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In other news, Willie's Bulldogs will play again tonight at the Idaho State Tournament after a tough loss to Preston.
Being a mom, I sent Willie a text right after the game, reminding him that his team has gained far more than just winning scores and season records from his mentorship.
I loved his answer. Willie texted back that "they were listening to us" and will probably do better tomorrow.
Talk about grace, and even more is evident in the story below where the reporter interviews both Willie and team members.
We family members are all proud of Willie and the positive example he sets for young people.
Great reminder from a coaching friend after a tough loss at the state tournament ...
"Don't forget, you made it there."
--Coach Will Love, SHS Bulldogs
All that said, I'm disgusted with the cruelty and callousness I saw on the Olympics last night.
Both the media and the adults surrounding the Russian figure skater need to step back and maybe reconsider THEIR priorities.
If the misery television viewers witnessed ad nauseum after the figure skating championships is an indication of what aspiration in the Olympics has become, I'll have none.
Of course, we all know, for media purposes and ratings, there needs to be a good narrative, with a lot of drama and conflict blended in as the story builds. And, of course, someone needs to be the enemy or the culprit.
Why must the "enemy" be a 15-year-old young lady guided by and disdained by adults who should know better?
These are kids---human works in progress.
Yes, talented.
Yes, skilled.
Yes, beautiful and at the top of their game in the highest level of competition, but they are still kids who deserve better than they got in last night's fiasco.
I believe that the combination of media coverage (definitely some overkill) and the poor judgment of adults, both in the media and in the skating world, created a disastrous and disappointing atmosphere in what should have been the crowning pinnacle of these skaters' lives, regardless of whether they won or lost.
Last night's coverage was nothing more than a spectacle exposing horrible aspects of humanity or lack thereof.
In my mind, what I saw last night left a black mark on the Olympic ideal.
In fairness, this behavior has not been evident in the other Olympic events, and we have witnessed the ultimate in graciousness---think Shaun White (definitely the "Wow" factor in grace).
Too bad for the figure-skating athletes involved and some tangible footage of why some of these world class athletes suffer from mental illness.
Some serious soul searching is definitely in order for all who contributed to last night's debacle.
Humanity and empathy should reign over all aspects of any pursuit in life.
And, I'm so thankful and proud that I have a son who shows and exemplifies just that with his student athletes.
Kinda goes along with the saying we teachers used to hear: they may not remember everything you taught them, but they will always remember how you treated them.
That said, I'll shut up.
Happy Friday.
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