Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Hi. It’s Monte again, giving Rich a break. You can read my other articles here.

* * * * *

Rich says he borrowed my regular space yesterday. That’s fine, since dogs don’t know about dates and stuff. But I’m glad I get one more chance to talk to you, because this one thing has been bugging me.

Becky and Rich talk a lot about love. It confuses me.

They tell each other, “I love you,” and they both tell me they love me.

Rich says he loves riding his bike. Becky loves fancy coffee. And they tell people I love to chase tennis balls.

So let me see if I understand—Rich feels the same way about his wife, his dog, and his bike. Does that make sense?

Am I the only one who has a hard time figuring out what “love” means?

Here’s what I think. I think they use the word “love” so much that it almost doesn’t mean anything.

There’s something else I hear a lot. People keep saying that I show them what love is really about. That’s nuts—I’m a dog. But since they seem to think I know about love, I figured I’d list some of the things that make them think I know about love.

I don’t judge people.

When someone new appears, I check them out. If they’re nice, I hang around. And I give them lots of chances to be nice, because new people mean more chances to get petted and scratched.

I don’t care what they wear, or what they look like. I can’t figure out why that would matter.

I’ve observed that it takes time for some people to like me. That’s okay—I’ve got lots of time, and if someone ends up being my friend it’s worth it.

Seems like humans decide whether they’ll accept someone before they get to know them, sometimes before they even meet. That makes no sense. How can you know until you get to know them?

I forgive.

Rich and Becky do stuff I don’t like. Sometimes they leave me at home by myself, or they feed me late. Rich takes off on his bike without me.

Today this new guy named Dick showed up, and they let him sit in MY back seat. That’s been MY seat for eight weeks, and this new guy gets half of my space. He’s a really nice guy, but I like to stretch out.

But stuff like that happens. What’s the point in getting angry?

So as soon as I can, I wag my tail and show them it’s okay. And they scratch my ears and seem relieved that I’m not upset.

Everybody wins.

I serve.

Now let’s be clear—I’m a dog. I do stuff for treats. But isn’t it cool that I get what makes me happy by doing stuff that helps people?

I like doing stuff for Rich, even when he forgets to give me a biscuit. You’d think people who are much smarter than me could figure out that it feels good to do something for someone else.

# # # # #

I might be missing something—after all, I am only a dog. But that’s some of what they seem to think love means.

What do you think?

Please leave a comment here.

* * * * *

Notes from Rich:

• Over at Bouncing Back I posted a WONDERFUL video. I think you’ll be glad you dropped over and for a look.
  
• Today we’ll pass the 1500-mile mark. Look for photos tomorrow.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Does He Bite?

Hi. It’s Monte again, giving Rich a break. You can read my other articles here.

* * * * *

We’re in another new place called the South.

I don’t know what that means—it’s just another place with unique smells to check out. But I have noticed something I don’t like very much.

People keep asking Becky and Rich if I bite.

It started a few days ago. Strangers began to shy away like I’m dangerous or scary or something. And even people who seem to like me are slow to approach, asking Becky or Rich if I bite.

What a weird question. Of course I don’t bite! Why would anyone even ask that? In my whole life I don’t think anyone’s ever asked that.

Oh, I do bark once in a while, but that’s just my way of saying hello and playing. A dog’s gotta let folks know who’s in charge, right? But I’ve never bitten anyone.

Why would someone ask that before they’ve even met me? Frankly, it kinda hurts my feelings.

I guess dogs must be different here. Some people still fall all over me, but it’s not the same.

I’m glad I don’t live in a place where people are afraid of me. I think it must be awful to have fear as a first reaction to something new.

I think people here must be afraid of lots of things. Maybe this is a scary place. Maybe there’s a reason to be scared that people know about, something I don’t understand because I’m just a dog. I always just trust people; it feels yucky to be with people who are suspicious and afraid.

They hide it most of the time, but if they’re afraid of me they must fear other stuff.

I think that’s sad.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Teamwork

Hi. It’s Monte again, giving Rich a break. You can read my other articles here.

* * * * *

I’m trying to figure out my role in what’s happening.

You all know we’re doing this thing called Rich’s Ride. For me it’s not that big a deal, because I just do what I always do. Rich and Becky tell everyone we’re a team, which I think means we each do something different to make something happen. But I’ve been wondering how I contribute to the team.

I might have an idea—or as close to an idea as a dog can have.

The other night we went to this restaurant where they throw rolls at you. This is a dog’s dream, because there were plenty of crumbs on the floor. Big crumbs, too—actual chunks of stuff.

Anyway, this nice lady walked over and started talking to Becky, admiring how beautiful I am. This happens all the time just about everywhere we go. She scratched my ears and rubbed my butt, and I thought she was great.

But then something different happened. The lady took out something she called a “checkbook,” wrote something, and tore out a paper and handed it to Becky.

Of course I don’t know anything about writing and checks, but Becky was delighted and I liked that. She thanked the nice lady and told her the gift would help feed hungry children. I have no idea how that works, but I’m in favor of anything related to eating. And I love stuff that makes Becky or Rich happy.

This has happened many times. Someone walks up to us and starts talking to us about how wonderful I am, and Becky uses the opportunity to tell them about what our team is doing. They get all excited, and while they scratch my head they hand Becky one of those checks or some money. Then Becky gets all happy and thanks them and tells them they’re helping hungry children.

I don’t think this would happen if I wasn’t here, so I guess that makes me part of the team. I’m happy to contribute, especially since I’m just being my adorable self.

This thing called a project must be a good thing. We get to do fun stuff that seems to make just about everyone feel good.

I wonder if all humans do this sort of team stuff. If not, I think they should. What’s better than doing things you enjoy with people you like and making everyone happy?

I wonder why we don’t do this all the time.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Get A Job

Hi. It’s Monte again, giving Rich a break. You can read my other articles here.

* * * * *

Last week I told you we’re involved in something called a “project.” I don’t really understand; I don’t think dogs do projects. But I it sounds like something I’d like.

Rich and I don’t go to school every day anymore. He apparently retired from his “job” there. I miss being with kids, and I think Rich does, too. I’ve heard him say he missed kids but doesn’t miss the job.

Apparently a job makes you show up and do what someone else tells you to do, even if it doesn’t make any sense. As long as you have a job you get money, which seems kinds like getting treats.

I’m glad I don’t have a job. I love getting treats and figuring out what I’m supposed to do for them, but I wouldn’t like having to do unpleasant tasks because I was afraid I’d starve.

Last week I told you how work and play are the same to me. It seems like that’s what happens with a project. You think up something big and important that needs to get done, and then you work hard to do it. Only the work is really fun, which is how I roll.

I like that idea—or I’d like it if dogs could have ideas.

Projects always seem to involve other people. Whenever Becky or Rich start a project, they get a team together. That makes sense. I can’t get my food out of the container, so Rich helps me. And sometimes Rich drops something and can’t reach it, so I help him. We’re a team.

That’s how projects appear to work. Everybody gets to do what they’re good at to help each other.

Jobs seem like you mostly do them by yourself. I wouldn’t like that; when I’m by myself I mostly just sleep. I wonder if people feel like that.

The thing that’s cool about projects is that something big happens. I don’t really understand, because dogs don’t think like that. That might be one thing I envy about people—they can plan and dream and chase their dreams. I’d like to be able to do that, I think. I mostly just chase tennis balls and Frisbees.

One thing I don’t get is that people CAN plan and dream, but most of them don’t seem to do it much. Seems like lots of them just settle for jobs and act like working on dreams is silly or irresponsible. Or they spend lots of time figuring out ways to avoid doing anything at all.

I love doing stuff, and I think I’d like dreaming up important goals and working on them. I’m just a dog, so I can’t do that. But if I could, I hope I wouldn’t waste such an important ability.

Here’s the kind of fun stuff you get to do in projects. Rich and I spoke to the Carbondale HS soccer teams before a big rivalry game. The players all rubbed my head for good luck.

Rich and Becky both did projects as part of their jobs (when they had jobs) and it seemed like that’s when they were happiest. They do projects all the time at home and we have fun. And we’re doing this big project now, which they seem to think is lots of fun even though they’re really tired every night.

So I think it must not be the work that wears people down. It must be jobs.

I’m glad I get to work without having a job.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Play Or Work

Hi. It’s Monte again. Thanks for the kind comments about my observations along this thing called a “project.” I’m not sure what a project is, but you can read my other articles here.

* * * * *

One thing I really don’t get is the idea of “work” and “play.” Rich and Becky always talk about them like they’re different, but they seem the same to me.

When Rich drops something, I love picking it up and giving it back to him. It’s fun, and it makes me feel good. They call that work.

When he throws a tennis ball, I love chasing it and bringing it back. I could do that all day. They call that play.

I don’t see the difference.

Humans seem certain that work shouldn’t be fun. When I pick up something for Rich I’m not supposed to pounce on it or shake it or anything. I’m supposed to just pick it up and quietly put it in his lap.

B-O-R-I-N-G!

Why not add some laughs? If the job still gets done, what’s wrong with turning it into a game?

I don’t get why you’d do something if you don’t want to do it. Personally, I’ll do about anything for a biscuit. Rich and Becky think they’re training me, but really I’m just having fun. I love getting treats, and it’s exciting to figure out how to get them.

I guess they think it’s “work” if it’s something they want and “play” if it’s something they think I want. If I was smarter I suppose I’d refuse to play; then they’d give me treats for everything. But dogs don’t manipulate like that.

Humans don’t seem to care about treats. I’ve heard them talk about something called money, but it doesn’t make sense. Why would you do stuff you don’t like to get something you can’t eat? Money must be really important, because they spend most of their time trying to get more of it.

I think we’d all be better if we did stuff we liked and didn’t worry about whether it’s work or play.

Rich is doing this “project” I don’t really understand, but I think it must be a pretty good thing. He’s working really hard, he’s always tired, and I think he’s having a lot of fun. It’s not like most of the stuff humans do—you can’t tell if it’s work or play.

That’s the kind of thing that gets a dog excited, even without treats.

* * * * *

Rich and I had fun doing an interview in Quincy. This reporter clearly understood who’s really the star of this show.

Rich and his friend Glenn took a thirty-five mile ride south of Hannibal today. I didn’t get to go along, but they said they had a great ride and saw some beautiful scenery.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Home

Hi there. It’s Monte again.

In the past few weeks I’ve heard Becky and Rich talk a lot about someplace called “home.” I don’t get it.

They talk like home is a place and we’re not there and they seem to miss it a little. And they wonder whether I miss it.

When they describe “home” they talk about the place where you’re comfortable and safe and where you know people. That sounds like where we are right now.

Most of what seems to matter about home involves people. And I’m with the people I care about the most, and there’s always new ones to meet and sniff and get tummy rubs from. It sorta seems like I’m in the place they call “home” as long as Becky and Rich are around.

When we’re in the place we usually live and Rich leaves me alone, I don’t like it. It’s familiar, but it doesn’t feel good. How can a place with no people to care about be “home”?

So when they miss home and seem a little sad, I just do what I always do. I get close and try to get them to scratch my ears. I like it, and it always makes them smile.

Seems to me that “home” isn’t a place. When you’re with the people you love and you’re taking care of each other, I think you’re at home.

But I’m just a dog. Maybe I don’t understand.

* * * * *

Here’s a video of Rich and me on a cool trail south of Savanna, Il. He didn’t give me as much camera time as I’d like, but it was still fun.

I hope you enjoy it.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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It’s going to be fun!

I’m doing a big project to share a big dream, and I’d love to have you along.
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Trust Makes Life Easier

It’s Monte checking in again.

We’re doing something called a “trip.” I don’t really know what that means, but I have noticed that lots of things are different.

I don’t have my nice cushy bed to sleep in. Don’t tell Becky, but that’s really not a big deal to me. But I am all about habits, and I’m sleeping in a different place every night.

Eating’s different, too. These days we get up at all sorts of times, and I don’t get breakfast right away. And at night we seem to eat a lot later.

And Rich takes me running in strange places. Doesn’t really matter, because he still has me leashed to the bike. I’d love to explore all those new locations, but it’s okay. I still like running with him.

So most things are different, but it’s all right. I know things will be okay, because I trust Becky and Rich.

They always feed me. I don’t know where the food comes from, but it’s always there. So if it’s in a new place or a little late I don’t get worried. I know they’ll feed me.

Same thing with sleeping—it’s weird to always be in a new place, but as long as they’re around I know it’ll be okay. And when Rich takes me running I just go wherever he goes. I don’t even wonder if it’s safe because I know he wouldn’t let me get hurt.

Becky and Rich talk a lot about something called God. I’m just a dog, so I can’t understand something that big. But if I did, and I really believed in Him, I think I’d trust God the same way I trust Becky and Rich.

Trusting them makes life a lot easier for me. I wonder why they don’t trust God like I trust them.

*  * *  *  *

Rich asked me to tell you that we had a great visit this morning with students at Luther High School in La Crosse. Then we dropped him in Lake City and he rode 49 miles back to Winona. Tomorrow he says we’re going from Winona to La Crosse.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

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Too Busy?

Hi. My name is Monte, and I’m Rich’s service dog, the good-looking one in all those photos.

Rich asked me to write some blog posts for him, so I guess I’m your official Thursday blogger for the next few weeks. Not exactly sure why—something about being “too busy” with some big project.

Since I’m going to be conversing with you, I have to let you in on a little secret, if you promise to keep it to yourself.

Rich and Becky think I don’t know what they’re saying most of the time. They’re wrong. I know exactly what they’re saying—even though most of it makes no sense.

Example—I don’t get “too busy.”

I’m always busy. I’m busy eating, or playing, or sniffing. Lots of time I’m busy sleeping.

But whatever I’m doing, I’m totally into it. Wherever here is, that’s where I am.

I don’t mess with past or future. I don’t plan or worry. I just do stuff, whatever it is, and I’m all-in.

So Rich says he’s too busy, but I think it means he’s choosing to do other things. Sometimes he tries to do ten things at once, but usually that means he’s just fussing.

He’d get more done if he just did whatever he was doing.

I never have too much to do.

Tomorrow when we go running, I’ll just run until I’m done. I won’t care how far or fast. If I’m tired, I’ll stop.

He’ll be watching that little screen with the numbers, measuring how far and how long. And he misses the interesting smells because he’s thinking about what’s next. I guess that’s how you get too busy.

Now I just wish he’d be too busy to remember that stupid leash.

Notes from Rich: He asked me to tell you he rode almost fifty miles yesterday, and today will be Brainerd to St. Cloud. 125 miles so far.

He also said his little GPS thing broke and he’s working on getting it replaced.

Update: GPS replaced. New links to Where’s Rich? below.

Please leave a comment here.

Where’s Rich? Today This Week

I’m doing a big project to share a big dream, and I’d love to have you along.
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