Everything is Out to Get Her

 

I finally remembered to take my daughter's Flip Video Camera on our morning walk. I caught Lizzie in action. Just when Lizzie's level of bravery seemed to be continually on the rise, a major setback has occurred. What caused this relapse? I can't be sure of all the reasons, but I DO know about one. One thing that I did so casually and without thought seems to have frightened my darling girl tremendously...what was this horrendous event? Well, I crumpled a plastic shopping bag, while she was in the same room! I was on the opposite side of the room with the bed blocking her from my sight. When I crumpled the bag to put it on the shelf (to recycle later) she darted out of the bedroom so fast, nails skidding on the wood floors. I went to her immediately and she was shaking like crazy. Following this episode she was terrified to come back into the bedroom. She did return with a lot of encouragement, but she's been on guard ever since. This was Tuesday evening.

Prior to this terrifying ordeal there was the sudden relapse in her use of the stairs. Specifically going down them fairly confidently to not wanting to descend them at all, or so hesitantly she stops on each stair and turns sideways. I have no idea what happened. I mean she is with me just about every time she uses the stairs and I have no recollection of anything out of the ordinary happening. She's gone up and down the stairs with me this morning and so far, seems much more confident.

We installed a ceiling fan in the office earlier this month. She didn't seem to pay much attention to it until a couple of days ago, when I was watching her while she ate. She seemed nervous while eating and shied away from her water bowl twice in just minutes. I noticed her looking nervously at the plastic storage drawers in front of her bowls. Ah, there was the reflection of the ceiling fan in the plastic AND in the water. Why hadn't it bothered her before? And why did she seem okay this morning?

Returning from our walk this morning something finally occurred that I knew was coming some day. Arriving at the back stoop where we enter the house Lizzie had stopped and was waiting for me to open the door, when all of a sudden she leaped back and under my foot as I was coming up the step. She continued in my direction and I went down on the brick steps, dropping the Flexi Lead. I was so frightened that she would run away that with surprising speed I rolled over and crawled the short distance to grab the leash handle. R-E-L-I-E-F when I had it in hand. She was freaked out and shaking uncontrollably. I sat there on the ground attempting to calm her down before we finally went inside.

We've had a couple of horrifying thunderstorms this week as well. Sunday's storm was so violent and so loud. The thunder booms shook the house and windows repeatedly. I don't coddle her during the storms, but just offer a calm and quiet presence for her to be near.

You couldn't tell by how relaxed she is now that she's a "Nervous Nellie." She looks perfectly calm and secure.

Well, her peace didn't last for long, as the sound of the tractor mower outside has sent her into a fit of worry. What horrendous daily occurrence is going to freak poor Lizzie out next?

A Lizzie Movie (video)

I finally remembered to take my daughter's Flip Video Camera on our morning walk. I caught Lizzie in action. I hardly have to worry about keeping up. She ain't exactly speedy.

Lizzie Meets the Neighbors

 

What type of neighbors are the most important to a dog than other dogs? On the way home from our walk yesterday Lizzie had a chance to meet up with the three large dogs from across the street, who were out with their humans for some exercise. When they first approached us Lizzie went behind me and sat with her back to my legs and more importantly, to the BIG dogs. While the humans were chatting, the big dogs patiently waited and Lizzie ventured farther from me. The big dogs laid down. Lizzie laid down (still behind me.) The female dog was more curious about Lizzie. I was remembering how grouchy Lizzie had been with the little Maltese earlier in the month, but she was behaving quite differently with these dogs. After a number of minutes she and the female introduced themselves, nose-to-nose with no growling or grumbling. What good girls! All-in-all everyone was on their best behavior.

Last evening I was settling in to my recliner to read. Lizzie's bed was next to me, where I could reach down to pet her. I was quite surprised when she sat directly in front of me and politely asked to come up. She hasn't done that since she first came and we were having thunderstorms nearly every night. I put a blanket on my lap and up she popped. She settled down immediately and stayed there for two hours! I had to shift quite a bit, as my legs were going to sleep, but even as I moved about trying to get comfortable, Miss Lizzie didn't budge. Several times she turned her head around, resting it on my shoulder and staring sweetly into my face. "How could you be any more adorable?" I asked her. She couldn't be is my answer.

We went out for our walk before 6:30 this morning. I don't know if it can be attributed to the fact that it was cooler or because she was just happier, but she did lots of "zoom zooms" this morning. Ears back, smile in place, and her legs racing like crazy. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Lizzie style. Whee!

Too Much of a Good Thing

 

Can a dog get burned out on receiving too much love? I wonder sometimes if Lizzie will get tired of us constantly bombarding her with affection, petting, and goofy talk. So far she seems to accept it all with a knowing calmness - knowing that she's the top dog. The little queen. The doggy light of our lives...

A more practical concern of mine is that she always remain calmly accepting of the treating of her eye. She was and still is so patient while I clean it and administer her ophthalmic drops. Her patience sure makes this necessary routine much more bearable.

Lizzie and the Rainy Day

Yesterday morning was the first morning since Lizzie's been with us that it rained. She's made great progress in regards to shying. She goes in and out of the doors without cowering most times, and while we're on our walks she hardly ever spooks and runs anymore. However, I was quite concerned about how she would react to an umbrella, when one was finally required. I am pleased to write that she didn't pay the slightest bit of attention to it. Not even when it opened quickly and with a swoosh. What a brave girl, Lizzie!

Even though it was very humid and buggy this morning, I made sure to tack on a few minutes to make up for yesterday's exercise deficit. I love when she gets those little spurts of energy and takes off running. Her ears go back and her smile gets bigger (yes, Corgis do smile!) and her little legs are so quick they blur. I tell her, "Zoom, zoom, Lizzie, zoom zoom!" It seems to motivate her. She's also learned to slow down before hitting the end of the Flexi-Lead...she's so smart!

When we got back I put her up on the table where I wiped some of the wetness from her underside, and then applied her monthly dose of Frontline Plus. She ate her breakfast (inhaled it really) and then followed me around while I did some chores.

She seems relieved when chore time is over and she's allowed up on the sofa. I can tell she loves it! It's one of my favorite times of the day too. She's next to me, where I can easily give her attention, while I'm reading, watching television, or on my computer.
I am so grateful for this little dog AND all of her precious parts...

Uncovering the Paper Trail of Delbert Hill

I've been trying to locate a paper trail on my great uncle, Delbert HILL since I started doing genealogy in 1997. My dad had little knowledge of his father's oldest sibling. You see, unlike his parents and siblings, Delbert never moved from Ohio. He grew up in Medina, Ohio, and was living there when he died at age 49. It turns out that Delbert died when my father was only 6 years old. Maybe that's why he knew nothing about him. Delbert's birth record listed him merely as "J.D. Hill." His name was also recorded on various documents as Jay Adelbert HILL, Bert HILL, Delbert HILL, and Jay Albert HILL. Oddly, he was recorded twice in the 1900 U.S. Census: on June 1 in Montville Township, living as a boarder, with the HODDINOTT family, and on June 21, in Medina Township, with his parents, John Delbert HILL & Charlotte Ellen KENYON, and siblings. I have not located him in the 1910 or 1930 Census, but with the last name of HILL and all of the first and middle name variations, he's a challenge to locate anywhere. When he registered for the draft in 1918, he and Hattie were living in Huron Township in Erie County. The 1920 Census shows Delbert, Hattie, and two children, Raymond A. HILL and Eloise C. HILL, living in Margaretta Township in Erie County.

Earlier this year I finally found Delbert's death certificate in the Ohio Deaths 1908 - 1953 Database at Family Search Labs. Once I had the death certificate I was able to locate his death notice and obituary using the Obituary Index at the Medina County Public Library website. The following week I had both of those notices but neither contained any mention of his wife or children. My cousin, Pauline, who also referred to him as Delbert, believed he died in the mid-1930s and remembered that his wife's name was Hattie. She also knew of their daughter, Eloise, whose husband presided over the funeral of Pauline's mother, Hazel (who was Delbert's younger sister) in 1952. However, Pauline didn't recollect anything about Raymond. I located the obituary for Hattie LITTLETON in 2009 and have made an abstract. I also acquired Raymond's obituary (02 May 1912 - 12 Dec 1979). Eloise married Rev. Melvin R. WALTER (21 Dec 1917 - 05 May 2004) on 10 June 1879 in Seville, Medina County, Ohio. (UPDATE:  5/20/2010:  Eloise passed away 20 Feb 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Her obituary abstract.)

I was told about a photograph of Delbert and hope to add it to the family history. I wonder, did he even refer to himself as Delbert? Maybe it was Jay or Albert or Bert...

(Click to view larger image.)

 

Birth Record

1900 U.S. Census (with Hoddinott family)

 

Marriage License/Certificate

1900 U.S. Census (with parents)

World War I Draft Record

 

1920 U.S. Census

Death Certificate

Obituary Abstract

Headstone for George E. HILL 1890 - 1903 (Delbert's younger brother). Delbert was buried here 13 Jul 1936 with no engraving done.

Related Link

• Geni Profile: Jay Adelbert HILL

(Updated: 13 May 2022)

Lizzie Gets the Works

The works meaning groomed to the max. I trimmed and filed her nails yesterday, which is a feat in itself given that the blade in my guillotine nail trimmers is quite dull. Thankfully the dog nail file is still in good condition.This morning I cleaned her ears using Veterinarian's Best Ear Wash and triple sized cotton balls. Corgi ears really don't get all that dirty, so a light and gentle swabbing is all it takes to keep their foxy ears in top shape.

After the ears it was tooth brushing time. Even though I have a triple sided toothbrush and a regular dog tooth brush my doggies have always preferred having their teeth done with a finger brush. Lizzie is no exception. It also helps that she LOVES the doggy toothpaste a lot.

Then it was time to use the undercoat rake and finally the gentle slicker. She particularly enjoys this part. I think she feels fairly safe and secure given that she's on plush non-skid rug on top of a sturdy table.

I carried her upstairs to the bathroom where I put her in the tub with a rubber mat and secured her with a nylon grooming noose to the imbedded porcelain handle on the shower wall. This was her second bath since she's been here, and things went much smoother this time. I use a combination of the hand-held shower head and a plastic quart-sized container to bathe her. The gentle hypoallergenic (soap free) dog shampoo cleans and rinses really well. This time she calmed down enough so that I was able to thoroughly massage the shampoo in and rinse it really well, including between the pads on her paws. I toweled her off and lifted out of the tub, where she proceeded to race about shaking wildly. She looked relieved that it was all over. (Whew!)

Back downstairs she was looking expectantly at the sofa. I don't want her thinking that she’s always allowed up on the sofa, but I felt that she deserved to after all of the "terrible" stuff I'd done to her this morning. She settled on her little blanket, where she started licking her wet fur and washing her face.

I tried to get video of her, but she quit moving as soon as I had my mobile phone ready to record. I ended up taking the photo above. Doesn't she look absolutely distraught over the whole grooming ordeal? NOT! Now our sweet Lizzie is smelling sweeter by far.

Recipe: Potato, Onion, and Salsa Casserole

The original recipe came from an organic foods website. I chose to use red potatoes, which have less starch than russets. Salsa is healthy and fat free, and I use soy cheese, which means no cholesterol or saturated fats! They go well with veggie tacos, burritos, taquitos, and even tostada salad.

Ingredients

1-16 oz. jar of salsa
1 tbsp. olive oil
1-5# bag of red potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. parsley, freshly chopped
salt and pepper, as desired
1 pkg. shredded cheese*
1 pkg. Seitan Cubes, sliced (optional)

*Daiya (vegan) Monterey Jack or Cheddar Shreds

Directions

1. Oil a large baking dish. Place ½ of the potato slices over the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Top with half of the onion slices and sliced Seitan if you choose. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, and dot with half the salsa. Place the other half of the potatoes, onions, and parsley over the first layer. Cover with the remaining salsa and parsley.

2. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about an hour, until potatoes are tender, and cooked through.

3. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and place under the broiler for just a minute or so.

Servings:  Approximately 8.

A Creature of Habit

 

I find most things about Lizzie to be adorable (smitten mom here), but she has established a particularly cute routine since she got her new Nylabone last Monday. Here it is:

Each morning when I sit down with my breakfast and raise the foot rest on the sofa, Lizzie jumps into her bed (her front end only) and pounces on her Nylabone. First she just pokes it, but then she grabs it and takes it over to the opposite end of the rug, where she drops it on the hardwood floor. She then slides it around with a paw before pouncing on it again.

After picking it up and dropping it several times she settles down to chew on it. The chewing lasts only a minute or so, but she has done this five mornings in a row so far. I really must take video of this little fun and game time.

Today is the one month anniversary of seeing Lizzie the first time. We're all so attached to this little dog already, and I feel particularly fortunate to have been blessed with another wonderful canine companion.

Lizzie's Grand Adventure

 

We loaded up the van and drove to Lynchburg, Virginia, last Thursday. Prior to that day Lizzie had only been on short jaunts. We fitted her in her pink harness and secured her with the shoulder belt on the driver’s side passenger seat. Once settled on top of her paw print blanket, she settles right down. She’s still not completely comfortable drinking out of the Buddy Bowl, but she’s taken a few laps of water on several occasions now.

When we first arrived at my sister-in-law’s house, Lizzie was terribly frightened. She spooked at everything and I could tell all she wanted to do was go hide under the bed in the room we use.

There are three cats who live there, and later several dogs came to visit. There was a lot of activity in preparation for a barbecue on Saturday. The many coolers were particularly frightening to her. I wonder what she thought they would do to her. A young Maltese, named Winston, brought out Lizzie’s grumpy side. A side of her that we had not yet seen. He was acting like a silly puppy and getting in her face, and she growled and snarled at the poor little guy practically non-stop.

The first two days she jumped at nearly every sound, but seemed to calm down considerably by the third day. I took her out for walks in the early morning, and she ended up being able to stay out from under the bed more frequently to watch the goings on. Although she was curious about the cats, she was well behaved with them. She didn’t eat well, but did eat some, especially when I coached her from nearby.

I made another nasty discovery while petting her on Friday evening…a tick on her right ear!!! I was able to remove it and promptly flushed it. I’m wondering if my Frontline Plus is defective or something. Sheesh. I’ve been thoroughly going over her since finding the fleas on July 1 and now a tick. Poor Lizzie!

On the way home on Monday we stopped at PetSmart, where I was able to take her into the store! (This is a big deal for me.) My dog, Tucker, was too aggressive with other dogs and subsequently was never taken inside. Lizzie was very calm and showed a polite interest in all the neat stuff on her level. I got her a Nylabone (her Gumabone was taken away when she started chewing pieces off of it), an Orka Jack Toy, and a Mini Easy Toss Ring.

She’s not taken to the Nylabone like she did the Gumabone, but we’re performing a great deal of silliness to entice her. She’s rolled the jack around and chewed on it a little and has totally ignored the toss ring. She’s such a quiet dog, but she does have her playful moments. She certainly gets a lot of praise from us when she shows enthusiasm for any of her toys.

She's so cute that we just can't leave her alone. She seems to take it all in stride though and shows great patience for us silly humans.

Ears That Hear It All

 

After living with a mostly-deaf dog (Tucker) for so many years, I am having to adapt to living with "She-Who-Hears-Everything." I think for a dog as timid as Lizzie having such keen hearing is detrimental to her peace of mind. Here are some examples of her hear-everything and be-very-afraid personality:

• She is terribly afraid of thunderstorms. She sticks her head behind me to hide whenever possible.
• She jerks out of a sound sleep frequently when almost anything is making noise inside or outside our home.
• When she's outside she's torn between being happy to be outside and being frightened by all of the scary sounds out there.
• During our walks, if she hears anything that sounds remotely like "squirrel" she is ready to "go get 'em!" Of course, once that chase is over she reverts back to her usual timid self.
• She's the first companion animal I've had that pays attention to the television. So much so, she is "done in" by all of the threatening sounds. (Witness her reaction to the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park—ears at alert, eyes bugging, trembling, squeaking, and trying to back into my lap!)
• She is a major head-tilter. She tilts her head very often. My husband makes lots of sounds just to get Miss Lizzie to tilt her head. Thankfully, during these instances she looks curious and not frightened.

Some days she has more of those curious dog head-tilts than the "scaredy-dog," eyes bugging, wanna run away reactions.

Wouldn't it be nice if she did mostly the first and hardly any of the latter?

Hopefully she will in time.

Lizzie Don't Want No Stinkin' Fleas

The other night I saw something on Lizzie's cheek and I thought I was hallucinating. Yesterday, I saw two "somethings" crawling on the surface of her coat. I knew THESE were not hallucinations but F-L-E-A-S! I literally have not seen a flea since 1995, when my two dogs, Sydney and Tucker, became infested while living in Oregon. (I remedied their problem with Adams Flea and Tick Dip.) I still can't believe that Lizzie has them. It HAS been 13 years since an animal of mine had them. The two I found wandering around on my sweet girl yesterday were pre-adults (dazed or dying already.) I dosed Lizzie with Frontline Plus on June 15th and then bathed her (with hypoallergenic dog shampoo) on the 17th. However, she was so nervous for her bath I was unable to do a thorough job. To tell you the truth I use Frontline to keep ticks off. I haven't given fleas a thought!  I still have two flea combs, and I'm thankful that her skin is mostly pink. That makes finding fleas much easier. She's been chewing and scratching. It looked like she was digging AT something, and not just itchy...now I know why!

Since her next dosing of Frontline isn't due for two weeks I'm not sure what to do other than search out and destroy them individually. Of course, I'm hoping it was just the two...yes, I know, I am in denial.

She had a good day yesterday. This morning she was literally running circles around me on her Flexi-Lead. She was so happy! It did my heart good watching that compact little body running with such glee. Seeing that cute little Corgi butt trotting ahead of me (I know I am supposed to be the leader, but she is not dominant in any way) is just so cute!

Her digestive system seems back to normal this morning.  She received her monthly dose of Interceptor this morning. She didn't vomit yesterday. Her eye hasn't had a lot of discharge of late. She has a great appetite and she follows me around the house like she has a job. Whee!

She loves her new food and treats. She loves her Gumabone and I think she is beginning to love it here with us. She is still flighty, but I really believe that she's settling in.