Dear Journal,
Today was another splendid day with Jennifer. Jennifer is my leader, sister, and best friend. She makes me very HAPPY! In the morning, I came out of my crate and Rolled Over on the carpet. I like to pretend the carpet is grass and leave my scent all over it. Sometimes Jennifer laughs at me, and that makes me HAPPY! When she smiles or laughs, my heart feels warm and my tail wags.
Then we went downstairs. I ran QUICKLY to demonstrate how strong and athletic I am. I am a super fast dog!!! Jennifer ate breakfast and looked at her bright rectangular screen. She calls it her laptop. She looks at her laptop a lot, and it makes her laugh and cry. Sometimes Jennifer's friends appear in the laptop and talk for a long time. I don't understand how they got inside there, and I become very confused and tilt my head.
After breakfast, we went outside for morning patrol. I spotted three squirrels in sector 9, but I only barked once, because Jennifer does not like me to bark. She says "no Eliot" and "that's rude" in a low voice. She does not know that squirrels are EVIL and plotting to take over the world. I have to protect her by scaring them off with loud and manly barks!
Jennifer gave me 5 treats before she left for work. I was very HAPPY to eat them!!! After I finished, I remembered that Jennifer left, and I cried for a while.
Then I went to the back door and looked out into the distance. I thought about the important, overarching questions of life Jennifer often asks me. "Should we go for a walk?" "How was your day?" And most of all, the question people ask me whenever they come over: "Who's a good boy?" These are wonderments and issues I ponder when I am alone. Who is a good boy? Will I ever find out?
After that, I chewed my peanut butter bone, and I was very productive. Then I was tired, so I slept on the couch. When the sky became dark, I heard sounds outside that mean: JENNIFER IS BACK! Every time she returns, I greet her at the door with my task of the day. Today I brought her my peanut butter bone, and she was very impressed. I am a super good chewer!!! I stared carefully at her face to figure out her mood. Her eyes were tired and happy, which means she had a good day!
Jennifer put her things down, and I hugged her for a long time. Then she sat on the floor. I Rolled Over so she could pet my tummy. It felt GOOD!!! I like to put my Paw on her shoulder. I also Sat very straight, crossed my arms, and held my head high so she could scratch my neck. I am a very dignified and handsome dog.
Then, Jennifer wanted to play. She threw several of my toys (including the fuzzy ball) around the room. This is strange. She wants me to bring the toys to her, but why does she throw them away in the first place? I am training her to stop this habit by ignoring her when she throws things. She is improving slowly. My favorite game is Hide and Seek. I am super good at it!!!
During evening patrol, there were no squirrels, but I saw one cat and two small humans in sector 4. I marked 16 rocks, bushes, and fire hydrants. Jennifer collected my poop in a bag.
After we returned, I was tired and wished we could go to bed. But I waited several hours for Jennifer to finish her tasks. I am a very patient dog. I Sit close to her and stare at her face. That way, I know what she is feeling. This is very important, because my task is to protect Jennifer and make her happy.
Tonight, Jennifer's laptop made music. I am a sophisticated dog and enjoy music. I love Bartok, Elgar, and Beyonce. When I hear these songs, I Sit straight up and focus very hard. Sometimes Jennifer and I make music together. She plays violin, and I sing. I am a very loud singer, because I am very passionate!!!
I took a nap until Jennifer said, "Let's go upstairs." I ran QUICKLY upstairs to the bedroom. I am a super fast dog!!! I grabbed my teddy bear and flung it into the air, to demonstrate how strong I am!!!
While Jennifer took a shower, I went into my crate. It is very warm and smells like me. Ever since my first day living with Jennifer, I slept in this crate. Before that, I lived in another crate in a different building, with no blankets or toys. I had dog friends, but I did not have a human to protect or love. I was very confused and empty, because I had no job or name. Because of Jennifer, now I know my name is Eliot! My job is to protect and love Jennifer! My whole life is Jennifer. And I know I am cute, smart, and the Best Dog, because Jennifer tells me that every day. I am so lucky!!!
After Jennifer got into bed, our room became dark and I fell asleep. I had many lovely dreams about playing and snuggling with Jennifer.
Love, Eliot
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Running for Newbies
Last year I wrote an entry about buying a property for the first time, with suggestions/tips for prospective homeowners as clueless as me, and I got feedback (even from strangers) that it was a helpful read. So this year, I thought I'd share my experience of running a half-marathon, for those who have never done a running event but might consider trying. Actually, the time period for both activities were quite similar--I looked at houses for about 2.5 months before picking one and closing, and I trained for about 9 weeks before marathon day. Ensuing stress and necessary courage to follow through on both occasions were also comparable.
My rather meager running history began in middle school PE, where I remember doing something called the 20-minute run (basically everyone ran around the field nonstop for 20 minutes), and it was nothing short of torture. After finishing my required PE credits in high school, the only running I ever did was away from bugs or toward food. During college, I joined the YMCA next to school because they had individual TV's on their treadmills. Once in a while, I'd run outdoors along the Charles River or through Boston Common because it was super pretty...also, as far as I know, running is the cheapest and quickest way to stay in shape.
After moving to Michigan, 4 miles was the length of my basic run. The thing is, like a typical older child, I'm kind of competitive. My competitiveness toward other people can be curbed, especially when it's obvious they're better than me, but competitiveness toward myself often gets out of hand. Basically if I do an activity more than once, it's SUPER important that I improve each time...I don't know why, that's just how my brain works. Last spring, Detroiters were blessed with one week of unbelievably perfect weather, and deciding to make the most of it, I went on daily runs and increased a mile each time, so by the end of the week, I had reached 8. Experienced runners say this is rare, to jump from 4 to 8 miles in 5 days, but I had no idea...I was simply so happy to be outside and so determined to get better. Unfortunately, the next week I sprained my ankle and couldn't run for several months. During that period of rest, I told a friend about my random burst of exercise, and she said seriously, "If you can run 8 miles, you can do a marathon!" (Apparently the starting length for a beginner's training program is 8 miles.) That got me thinking...was it possible that someone like me could actually run a marathon???
Eventually I forgot about it, especially since it took forever for my ankle to heal, and I hadn't run in ages. In late July, I heard about a fundraising organization partnering with the Detroit marathon to provide clean water for impoverished people in Africa. It seemed like a sign, and after a LOT of wavering and nail-biting, I finally signed up for the fundraiser and a half-marathon (it was too late to start training for a full).
For those who want to train but don't run regularly, the beginning will be brutal. There's a phase when you get endlessly multiplying blisters, and a phase when you're just so friggin sore all the time. Both seem like they'll never end, but they do eventually subside. The first pair of shoes I bought didn't fit correctly, so I got jogger's toe (aka subungual hematoma, where one of your toenails turns reddish-black/purple from excess contact with the front of your shoe). It's a bit scary if you've never seen it before, but after a few days, it shouldn't hurt, and as long as you keep it clean and switch shoes, you're fine. As the length of your runs increases, you'll encounter other issues, like chafing on the inside of your thighs if you wear shorts, and having to carry water on your runs. A handheld water bottle with a pouch for a phone (from REI) worked for me because I don't mind holding something while running, but most people get some sort of belt with waterbottle-holders.
It's good to refer to training schedules online, but in the end, just observe your body and adjust accordingly. I wouldn't recommend purchasing a schedule or following one exactly unless you have NO clue what to do. A lot of schedules are too time-consuming, in my opinion. After the first few weeks, I figured out what my body was capable of and made my own schedule based on that. I'm a big proponent of more effort/less time regarding exercise, so I only ran 2-3 times a week (1-2 short runs, 1 long run). Short runs=3 miles, long runs=anything more. My prep went something like this:
Week 1= 3 mi. + 5 mi. + 3 mi.
Week 2= 3 mi. + 6 mi. + 3 mi.
Week 3= 3 mi. + 7 mi.
Week 4= 3 mi. + 8 mi.
Week 5= 3 mi. + 9 mi.
Week 6= 3 mi. + 10 mi.
Week 7= 3 mi. + 11 mi.
Week 8= 3 mi. + 9 mi.
Week 9= 3 mi. + 5 mi. + 3 mi.
I'm not advocating this plan, but it worked for me. I figured out the minimum amount of short runs I needed to get through a long run later that week. If you run too often, you'll be too tired for a good long run, but if you don't run enough, your body can't handle the sudden long stretch. By the way, you're not "supposed" to do the full length of a marathon until the day of the event. This is very antithetical to musical training, with all the dress rehearsals, run-throughs etc. But somehow it worked; never underestimate the power of adrenaline.
A few tips that helped me-
1) After every run, soak your feet in lukewarm water. It feels good and washes away sweat/dirt ASAP. I also had minty cream that I put on my feet/ankles after showering.
2) Focus on one goal at a time. First I simply concentrated on surviving each long run. Then it was increasing my pace during short runs. Then it was running earlier in the morning (marathon starts at 7am, with arrival time around 5:30am).
3) Find out app. what temperature it'll be on the day of your event and run at least once in similar conditions, in the clothes you plan to wear.
4) Compile a good playlist. Unless you're one of those superhuman runners who don't need music, this makes ALL the difference. Some of my favorites:
Beat It/ Michael Jackson
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough/ Michael Jackson
Mambo/ Tropkillaz
Baby Baby/ Tropkillaz
Run The World/ Beyonce
Krazy/ Pitbull
The Anthem/ Pitbull
Move Shake Drop/ Pitbull
Live It Up/ JLo, Pitbull
I Feel Good/ James Brown (Fatboy Slim remix)
Uptown Funk 8-)
On To The Next One/ Jay-Z
Get Loose/ T.I., Nelly
You Can Do It/ Ice Cube
B.O.B/ Outkast
Shots/ Lil Jon, LMFAO
Sexy Back/ Justin Timberlake (Drastik remix)
Turn Down For What/ DJ Snake, Lil Jon
Most of these songs I don't like at all unless I'm exercising. Like "Shots"...the lyrics are despicable! But if I tune out the words, it's actually quite a good song. (Weirdly enough, I do the same thing to enjoy opera/lieder, although that's because the lyrics are in another language.)
5) Having a cause/charity to run for is key. I don't think I could've gotten through those 9 weeks with only myself as motivation. But with every selfless donation, every kind word of encouragement, and every individual I was able to help, I gained energy and purpose and joy (!) to run a little bit faster/longer. :)
My rather meager running history began in middle school PE, where I remember doing something called the 20-minute run (basically everyone ran around the field nonstop for 20 minutes), and it was nothing short of torture. After finishing my required PE credits in high school, the only running I ever did was away from bugs or toward food. During college, I joined the YMCA next to school because they had individual TV's on their treadmills. Once in a while, I'd run outdoors along the Charles River or through Boston Common because it was super pretty...also, as far as I know, running is the cheapest and quickest way to stay in shape.
After moving to Michigan, 4 miles was the length of my basic run. The thing is, like a typical older child, I'm kind of competitive. My competitiveness toward other people can be curbed, especially when it's obvious they're better than me, but competitiveness toward myself often gets out of hand. Basically if I do an activity more than once, it's SUPER important that I improve each time...I don't know why, that's just how my brain works. Last spring, Detroiters were blessed with one week of unbelievably perfect weather, and deciding to make the most of it, I went on daily runs and increased a mile each time, so by the end of the week, I had reached 8. Experienced runners say this is rare, to jump from 4 to 8 miles in 5 days, but I had no idea...I was simply so happy to be outside and so determined to get better. Unfortunately, the next week I sprained my ankle and couldn't run for several months. During that period of rest, I told a friend about my random burst of exercise, and she said seriously, "If you can run 8 miles, you can do a marathon!" (Apparently the starting length for a beginner's training program is 8 miles.) That got me thinking...was it possible that someone like me could actually run a marathon???
Eventually I forgot about it, especially since it took forever for my ankle to heal, and I hadn't run in ages. In late July, I heard about a fundraising organization partnering with the Detroit marathon to provide clean water for impoverished people in Africa. It seemed like a sign, and after a LOT of wavering and nail-biting, I finally signed up for the fundraiser and a half-marathon (it was too late to start training for a full).
For those who want to train but don't run regularly, the beginning will be brutal. There's a phase when you get endlessly multiplying blisters, and a phase when you're just so friggin sore all the time. Both seem like they'll never end, but they do eventually subside. The first pair of shoes I bought didn't fit correctly, so I got jogger's toe (aka subungual hematoma, where one of your toenails turns reddish-black/purple from excess contact with the front of your shoe). It's a bit scary if you've never seen it before, but after a few days, it shouldn't hurt, and as long as you keep it clean and switch shoes, you're fine. As the length of your runs increases, you'll encounter other issues, like chafing on the inside of your thighs if you wear shorts, and having to carry water on your runs. A handheld water bottle with a pouch for a phone (from REI) worked for me because I don't mind holding something while running, but most people get some sort of belt with waterbottle-holders.
It's good to refer to training schedules online, but in the end, just observe your body and adjust accordingly. I wouldn't recommend purchasing a schedule or following one exactly unless you have NO clue what to do. A lot of schedules are too time-consuming, in my opinion. After the first few weeks, I figured out what my body was capable of and made my own schedule based on that. I'm a big proponent of more effort/less time regarding exercise, so I only ran 2-3 times a week (1-2 short runs, 1 long run). Short runs=3 miles, long runs=anything more. My prep went something like this:
Week 1= 3 mi. + 5 mi. + 3 mi.
Week 2= 3 mi. + 6 mi. + 3 mi.
Week 3= 3 mi. + 7 mi.
Week 4= 3 mi. + 8 mi.
Week 5= 3 mi. + 9 mi.
Week 6= 3 mi. + 10 mi.
Week 7= 3 mi. + 11 mi.
Week 8= 3 mi. + 9 mi.
Week 9= 3 mi. + 5 mi. + 3 mi.
I'm not advocating this plan, but it worked for me. I figured out the minimum amount of short runs I needed to get through a long run later that week. If you run too often, you'll be too tired for a good long run, but if you don't run enough, your body can't handle the sudden long stretch. By the way, you're not "supposed" to do the full length of a marathon until the day of the event. This is very antithetical to musical training, with all the dress rehearsals, run-throughs etc. But somehow it worked; never underestimate the power of adrenaline.
A few tips that helped me-
1) After every run, soak your feet in lukewarm water. It feels good and washes away sweat/dirt ASAP. I also had minty cream that I put on my feet/ankles after showering.
2) Focus on one goal at a time. First I simply concentrated on surviving each long run. Then it was increasing my pace during short runs. Then it was running earlier in the morning (marathon starts at 7am, with arrival time around 5:30am).
3) Find out app. what temperature it'll be on the day of your event and run at least once in similar conditions, in the clothes you plan to wear.
4) Compile a good playlist. Unless you're one of those superhuman runners who don't need music, this makes ALL the difference. Some of my favorites:
Beat It/ Michael Jackson
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough/ Michael Jackson
Mambo/ Tropkillaz
Baby Baby/ Tropkillaz
Run The World/ Beyonce
Krazy/ Pitbull
The Anthem/ Pitbull
Move Shake Drop/ Pitbull
Live It Up/ JLo, Pitbull
I Feel Good/ James Brown (Fatboy Slim remix)
Uptown Funk 8-)
On To The Next One/ Jay-Z
Get Loose/ T.I., Nelly
You Can Do It/ Ice Cube
B.O.B/ Outkast
Shots/ Lil Jon, LMFAO
Sexy Back/ Justin Timberlake (Drastik remix)
Turn Down For What/ DJ Snake, Lil Jon
Most of these songs I don't like at all unless I'm exercising. Like "Shots"...the lyrics are despicable! But if I tune out the words, it's actually quite a good song. (Weirdly enough, I do the same thing to enjoy opera/lieder, although that's because the lyrics are in another language.)
5) Having a cause/charity to run for is key. I don't think I could've gotten through those 9 weeks with only myself as motivation. But with every selfless donation, every kind word of encouragement, and every individual I was able to help, I gained energy and purpose and joy (!) to run a little bit faster/longer. :)
Friday, April 24, 2015
Little Women
This is the best book I've read in a while, so I couldn't resist making an entry of literary quotes. I think the best works of art/entertainment are simple, free of pretentiousness, and from the heart.
She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty.
Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts, rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.
Beth...clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself.
"Teddy, we never can be boy and girl again; the happy old times can't come back, and we mustn't expect it. We are man and woman now...I'm sure you feel this; I see the change in you, and you'll find it in me. I shall miss my boy, but I shall love the man as much, and admire him more, because he means to be what I hoped he would. We can't be little playmates any longer, but we will be brother and sister, to love and help one another all our lives, won't we, Laurie?"
He did not say a word, but took the hand she offered him, and laid his face down on it for a minute, feeling that out of the grave of a boyish passion there had risen a beautiful, strong friendship to bless them both.
"I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!"
She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty.
Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts, rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.
Beth...clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself.
"Teddy, we never can be boy and girl again; the happy old times can't come back, and we mustn't expect it. We are man and woman now...I'm sure you feel this; I see the change in you, and you'll find it in me. I shall miss my boy, but I shall love the man as much, and admire him more, because he means to be what I hoped he would. We can't be little playmates any longer, but we will be brother and sister, to love and help one another all our lives, won't we, Laurie?"
He did not say a word, but took the hand she offered him, and laid his face down on it for a minute, feeling that out of the grave of a boyish passion there had risen a beautiful, strong friendship to bless them both.
"I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!"
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Too Much Tchaikovsky
For the past three weeks, DSO performed twelve concerts of all Tchaikovsky--six symphonies, three piano concertos, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and various other overtures/concertos etc. On the first day, we "rehearsed" three symphonies in four hours. In retrospect it's kind of funny, but during that moment I wanted to travel back in time and punch Tchaikovsky in the face. (Just kidding. But seriously.)
After a while, I started noticing some upsetting changes in my behavior. Most of the time, I remained my usual self--simple-minded Jennifer, frequently confused and prone to excessive laughter. But as the Tchaikovsky marathon forged on, I found myself becoming increasingly oversensitive. I shed tears of joy when the Warriors beat the Spurs (FINALLY), bawled during every Ellen commercial where she gives stuff away (I wouldn't even know the back story, I'd just watch her presenting giant checks to overwhelmed audience members and burst into tears)...and I legitimately cried at least three times while having lunch with a friend last week. To be fair, she was telling me a very dramatic story, but still. It's been embarrassing and exhausting.
Even worse, I began developing an alter ego in my head, with some strange compulsions:
1) To spend hours in front of the mirror, loathing myself and lamenting countless regrets
2) To complain in run-on sentences (while secretly relishing the sound of my voice and the sheer drama of dissatisfaction/misery)
3) To march around majestically, wearing a huge fur coat and carrying a scepter
4) To don a gown in the style of Disney princesses and waltz gracefully around a fancy ballroom
5) To sneak outside and tiptoe through the snow in my pajamas to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy
6) To relive those high school days of star-crossed young love and bemoan the tragic dichotomy between perfect unadulterated affection and bad timing
7) To drown my sorrows (and the frigid weather) in vodka
8) To try over and over AND OVER to approach my lover and confess my feelings, but losing confidence every time and retreating back to my small dark corner of despondent heartache
Thank goodness the Tchaikovsky festival ended today, before I lost all sanity and jumped off a cliff or something.
In all seriousness, overlooking his flaws as a composer (and probably as a person), the strongest impression Tchaikovsky made on me during these last few weeks is how sad he must have been, and how sorry I feel for him. Anyone who writes such music must have experienced despair to the depths of which I cannot even fathom, let alone endure.
Poor guy.
(And yet, 1812 Overture always succeeds in making me less sympathetic toward him.)
After a while, I started noticing some upsetting changes in my behavior. Most of the time, I remained my usual self--simple-minded Jennifer, frequently confused and prone to excessive laughter. But as the Tchaikovsky marathon forged on, I found myself becoming increasingly oversensitive. I shed tears of joy when the Warriors beat the Spurs (FINALLY), bawled during every Ellen commercial where she gives stuff away (I wouldn't even know the back story, I'd just watch her presenting giant checks to overwhelmed audience members and burst into tears)...and I legitimately cried at least three times while having lunch with a friend last week. To be fair, she was telling me a very dramatic story, but still. It's been embarrassing and exhausting.
Even worse, I began developing an alter ego in my head, with some strange compulsions:
1) To spend hours in front of the mirror, loathing myself and lamenting countless regrets
2) To complain in run-on sentences (while secretly relishing the sound of my voice and the sheer drama of dissatisfaction/misery)
3) To march around majestically, wearing a huge fur coat and carrying a scepter
4) To don a gown in the style of Disney princesses and waltz gracefully around a fancy ballroom
5) To sneak outside and tiptoe through the snow in my pajamas to visit the Sugar Plum Fairy
6) To relive those high school days of star-crossed young love and bemoan the tragic dichotomy between perfect unadulterated affection and bad timing
7) To drown my sorrows (and the frigid weather) in vodka
8) To try over and over AND OVER to approach my lover and confess my feelings, but losing confidence every time and retreating back to my small dark corner of despondent heartache
Thank goodness the Tchaikovsky festival ended today, before I lost all sanity and jumped off a cliff or something.
In all seriousness, overlooking his flaws as a composer (and probably as a person), the strongest impression Tchaikovsky made on me during these last few weeks is how sad he must have been, and how sorry I feel for him. Anyone who writes such music must have experienced despair to the depths of which I cannot even fathom, let alone endure.
Poor guy.
(And yet, 1812 Overture always succeeds in making me less sympathetic toward him.)
Thursday, January 29, 2015
TBT
Earlier this month, I was chatting with a colleague backstage before a concert, and he mentioned that he's been in the orchestra since 1966. After the concert in which we played Beethoven 7 (a piece that's VERY familiar...even if you've just heard it for the first time, it will feel familiar by the end...), we were putting away our instruments, and he burst out, "Isn't that the most amazing symphony!" Then he proceeded to enthusiastically describe all his favorite parts of the piece. And I thought: After half a century of playing in the DSO, during which he's probably performed Beethoven 7 a hundred times, he's still proclaiming how much he loves it, with the sincerity and gusto of a child discovering it for the first time.
That reminded me of a moment last year, when the same person and I bumped into each other during break after rehearsing Beethoven 5 (if possible, an even more familiar and often-performed work). I was in a pretty good mood, and when he asked how I was doing, I couldn't help exclaiming that I LOVE Beethoven 5. Then I added something like, "I'm not crazy about the conductor, but I'm just going to enjoy the music." He smiled at me like I'd won the lottery, patted me on the back, and said, "That's the key."
Which in turn reminded me of an entry I wrote in here about five years ago...
September 30, 2010
What Feels Good
If I made a Top-10 list of the things that make me feel good, somewhere near the top would be playing a great concert. Tonight was the first NEC orchestra concert of the year, and it felt good. First of all, Jordan Hall was literally full to the brim...I counted maybe five or six empty seats. Second of all, it was like a football stadium, with all the cheering and roaring, even before we played a note. But most of all, the energy generated in each piece was so tangible and present, like a ball of fire coming from the players, being spread to every corner of the hall, and bouncing off the audience back to us. It's a kind of energy you only get from "youth" orchestras...this wide-eyed, passionate, even overzealous eagerness to share the music. I like to look around when I'm playing in orchestra, and these are some of my favorite snapshots: a man in the front row with his eyes closed and a smile stretching across his face the entire time; the kid next to him with a huge afro nodding along to the music as if it were rap or heavy metal; a wave of string players with their faces and bodies swaying to a whirlwind of sound; and little smiles between stand partners.
Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself how amazing it is to be able to produce sound. I've been playing violin for so long, it's easy to take this luxury for granted, but just think--with your two hands, you can create a medium of expression encapsulating ideas that have spanned centuries. Out of your instrument can come sounds that draw the darkest secrets and strongest feelings from deep within a listener's mind. And into your instrument can pour all the emotions and experiences that have been stored in your body after a lifetime of living...it's a miracle, really, if you think about it.
If, by divine will, I am able to do such a thing for the rest of my life...well, I pray I will never ever take it for granted.
Monday, January 12, 2015
My New BFF
Meet Eliot!
He is a three-year-old border collie I recently adopted from a nearby animal hospital. Our meeting was a stroke of luck, because I had actually visited the hospital to consider a different dog. When that didn't work out, several other dogs were brought over to meet me, and Eliot was the last of the bunch. (His original name at the hospital was Mr. Bones, but I was like "uh no" and he never responded to it anyway.) Immediately when he entered, he was a little beam of sunshine, taking a speedy sniff around the perimeter of the room before promptly coming over to greet me with a big goofy smile.
After two days, I got to bring him home, and I named him Eliot after my favorite author (George Eliot). Eliot is, for the most part, a mature and sophisticated dog. He is a gentleman, chivalrously pausing before every doorway so I can enter first. When we go on walks, he slows down every few steps to glance up at me and make sure I'm still there. He also generally follows me everywhere, even if he's sleeping and I'm just walking a few steps to get a tissue (I've been sick)...he'll spring up and accompany me to the tissue box and back before returning to his nap.
He has some weird feline characteristics...for instance, he's really good at that thing cats do where they rub up against you with an arched back while passing by. If I'm sitting on the ground, he'll do a twisting motion and land face-up in my lap with his paws curved elegantly in the air. Sometimes if we make meaningful eye contact for a length of time, or if I stand next to him petting him for over a minute, he becomes overwhelmed with emotion and stands on his hind legs to give me a hug. It's not like a normal dog jumping up to greet you--his front paws actually wrap around my waist, he rests his head on my stomach, and he stays in that position for a long time.
While he's usually pretty gentle and serene, he has his call-of-the-wild moments when he becomes very excited and enjoys jumping up and doing twists in mid-air. Eliot is also very smart, and I think he has a lot of potential, especially since border collies are indisputably declared the most intelligent breed of dogs. (I signed him up for training classes, so we'll see how that goes.) He started recognizing his new name on his first day home, and he learned "paw" after only three tries...maybe he had learned it long ago with a previous owner, but even so, he recalled it really quickly. He also does this thing where he holds a ball in his mouth and thrusts it so it goes bouncing across the room. Then he'll sit and stare at me with an expectant look on his face until I bring the ball back to him. I stopped playing this with him though, because I realized it's kind of demeaning to be fetching balls for my own dog.
One of the best things about Eliot is that he actually enjoys taking medicine. He's had to take pills and liquid medicine the past few days, and he's so cooperative...he's also very accommodating when we're about to go outside. He sits at my feet and waits for me to put on all my outerwear, and then gives me his paw to hold while I'm attaching his leash. I'm not quite sure why he's always giving me his paw, but it's very cute. :)
Apparently the animal hospital where I met Eliot rescued him from another shelter, where he was listed as "urgent" (about to be put down). I'm almost positive that Eliot had at least one former owner, since he's so well-behaved, and I'm guessing he was surrendered because he's quite high-maintenance. Border collies require a lot of attention and mental stimulation, and not many people can handle that. I probably didn't choose the most easygoing breed for my first dog, but our personalities are matching pretty well so far, and he's teaching me many things, most notably unwavering patience for all things good and ready/joyful forgiveness for all things bad.
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