Take Spring With You

The ultimate ride along.


(driving to detroit for bravobravo!)

World's Best Dog: An Update

The past week has been a tough one. But through the good care of our vet and our abiltiy to adapt quickly, Madison is feeling better.

While I am not a doctor, I do see signs that whatever was troubling her has passed. The spells where she would shake and not be able to walk have not returned.

What remains is a very weak dog. She is not as fast as she was prior this bout so we still do not know what to expect.

We do understand she is geting older and no pill can stop or change this fact of life.

It has even been funny to watch how she will ac like an old lady who refuses to take her medicine. It actually takes two of us some days. I have given in to making chicken balls to give her at the end of her treatment.

But tonight at this very very late hour I want to take a moment to thank all those who have called, written emails, and sent notes of support. A big heartfelt thanks to those who's generous tokens offered up so freely remind me of the goodness still found in this world. I have been so fortunate to have such good people (and pets) around me.

Cheers!
Tommy

Tommy for Vendetta

I have been thinking for days how to respond to the powerful film, V for Vendetta.

In the end, I have been speechless but really torn up over this powerful film that I highly recommend seeing in the theatre.

So yesterday after reading the public pulse comment in The Grand Rapids Press I think this letter says it all. See this film!

Harmful about homosexuals

I am responding to Philip Lewis ("Pushing gay agenda," Pulse, March 24). Mr. Lewis objected to the supportive position which the movie "V for Vendetta" takes toward homosexual people. First, homosexual people were targeted by the Nazis and exterminated in the camps. Therefore, their similar depiction in the movie is legitimate -- hardly "absolutely ludicrous." I have several gay friends, all of whom knew from childhood that they were different and have had to endure the shaming and bruising of language like Mr. Lewis' for their entire lives: "deviant," "vile," "sewer water," "damaging to society," "not natural." This kind of talk is profoundly hurtful to many people, including children. Finally, regarding Mr. Lewis' concern: "Where is it going to end -- with another Sodom and Gomorrah?" I offer this: A gay male couple lives near to me. They have an incredibly beautiful garden. My elderly father and I often walk by and admire it. Whenever we catch one of the men in the yard, they are always exceedingly kind and conversational. They are an asset to the neighborhood. Mr. Lewis would be greatly relieved to hear that of all the people I have observed enjoying the garden, not one yet has become a pillar of salt.

GEORGE BARTNICK/Grand Rapids
from the Grand Rapids Press, May 1
Letter to the Editor

Only Because It Has Been On My Mind....

The way I see it, unless you are a native American, chances are someone in your blood line once was an immigrant.

Maybe as we enter into dialog these next few weeks, we really should be careful how we treat our fellow immigrants and try not to get too greedy with our freedom.

This country was founded on the backs of hard working folks who simply wanted a better way of life. I think that is what the lady of the harbor would want us to remember.

Cartoon by Paul Best

World's Best Dog Resting At Home (Day 4)

Madison had an OK day. While most of it was spent sleeping, when she was awake she enjoyed the arrival of chicken meat balls.

But we are having a hard time with the pill situation since she has figured out we are adding medicine to her chicken balls.

See, even my dog wants chem-free chicken.

Later we were sitting in the front room when she jumped up and walked to the bedroom. We just thought she was tired and wanted to go to bed but instead a few minutes later she reappeared with her favorite orange football in her mouth.

It made us have a bit of hope that she was not in too much pain if she felt the need to herd.

Things were going fine until she threw up. It was yellow which is not the color I was hoping. I actually wanted no color but the clear water she continues to drink thorughout the day.

So we all just took it easy on Sunday. Michael was able to get away for a while today to get some art completed.

When he arrived home I whispered in her ear, "Michael's home."

Her sleeping little face perked up as she jumped up and was moving at a record senior dog pace with rapid tail movement. It was a nice way to end the day. There is nothing better in this world than a smiling dog to greet you when you return home.

I am not sure if these updates will continue on a day to day basis since the work week begins tomorrow. I just thought it would be a nice format to update you on her health. I will also be posting other notes and comments as usual. I just needed a break

We are prepared for the worst but also have hope we can keep her comfortable until that time arrives.

Isn't funny how these little creatures work their way into our lives. I really cannot look in her eyes without a sense of wonder. This dog has changed my life in so many ways.

I really am who I am because of Madison.