Abbey *** 1993-2009

The dreaded day finally arrived when we had to put our West Highland Terrier, Abbey to sleep. She came to our family as a 6 week old puppy in October 1993 to the wide smiles and enthusiastic excitement of our 2 kids, Oliver and MarKay. Abbey spent many happy years sleeping and cuddling with the kids, which was here favorite thing to do. She loved to be around people loved to sit on your lap and just cuddle. She wasn't hyper and was content to just sit around and visit.



Over the last 2 years her life changed dramatically. She developed cataracts and lost most of her hearing and just getting around from room to room was a slow process. She no longer could jump up on the hot tub and watch people walk by or go freely up and down the stairs. Walks on the golf course became shorter and less frequent and her pace slowed to a crawl. She no longer pulled us around on her leash and we sometimes had to carry her because she was just too tired. Her world got smaller and smaller, but she never complained. I think that is what made yesterday so hard.

I've never experienced the anguish associated with making a decision to end the life of an animal you love like a family member. I've spoken with countless of you that have expereinced this before and I now know the pain you have felt. It's not good at all. I have tears in my eyes as I type this and wonder why I'm putting my feelings in to words. I feel really, really bad, but I know it had to be done and she's better off, and out of pain.

Dr. Witty came to our home and gave her an examination upon his arrival. He felt she had either lung or bladder cancer and that she had maybe a few months, at the most. He said even though she did not cry or react like she was in pain, her inability to releive herself was painful and would only get worse, and her silent suffering would intensify. After a group hug and reassurance from each other that this was the right thing to do, we allowed the Doctor to proceed.

The procedure involved first administering a sedative that completely relaxed her in about 10 minutes. As the sedative took effect, we took turns sitting on her favortie couch holding, cuddling and kissing her as she fell asleep and we said good-bye. She was very calm during the entire procedure and seemed to be at peace. The final 2 medicines slowed her breathing and her heart and she passed very peacefully. The doctor said she was ready because the medicine reacted faster that he expected, so that gave us some comfort. But, she was gone.

Our hearts are broken and the house doesn't feel the same this morning. Second thoughts cloud my vision and I'm overwhelmed with sadness and emotion that I supressed yesterday. It know it was time and we did the humane thing, yet I'm selfish and we want her back. I know she'll forgive us and she's happy.

I'm sorry for such a downer post, but I just needed to get this off my chest. I'm a baby and I admit it. To all of you pet owners, please know that when you have to cross this bridge, my heart is with you and I feel your sadness.

Good-bye Abbey Dog.

Back in the Saddle

It's time to get going again. I've been off-and-on the last 3 weeks due to over straining my knee with hiking and spinning, but now I have to move on and get ready for Leadville.

This is the latest in the season I have started training in I don't know how many years so my anxiety level is a little high right now. If I'm feeling good in 2 or 3 weeks that will put the anxiety behind me and tell me all is well and don't worry. I'm starting my Base program tomorrow and will stay on that for the next 12 weeks, then I'll move into more specific training for the LT100.

I rode for about 1:45 yesterday on a flat road course and feel fine today, so I'm hopeful. I've got a new bottle of Vitamin N that should keep the swelling and pain down, so I'm covered there too. Now I just have to do it. Oh yeah, did I mention my % body fat is up about 2% and my weight is 7-8 lbs too high! Seems like I had a little too much food fun during my rehab, so that's being addressed right now too.

I hope to get down to Moab next weekend for some welcome, and well needed, mental readjustment sessions that always set my attitude on the right course. As for racing, the first ICUP event is March 7th in St. George so I'll attend that one and put in some quality training miles there. Being out of shape, I have no expectations but to finish so that makes racing more fun.

That's it for now and I hope to post more often and keep current on my progress, or lack thereof :>)

Leadville, Here I Come

Got my pretty gray postcard with the bright green sticker confirming my entry into the race on August 15th. I am beyond stoked and am excited to get training again. Now I have a worthy "A" race for 2009 and I couldn't be happier. Team Holley and Ellen Guthrie got in too. I'm waiting to hear from Tim Fisher who is absolutely consumed with this race. Good luck Tim.

I'm still in the cross training mode right now but with LT100 only 6 months away, it's time to talk to the Coach and get some direction. The first ICUP race is just 4 weeks away so that will be a humbling experience and will provide more motivation to git 'er done. St. George in early March is niceeeee. Looking forward to that one.

In the meantime, it's time to plan and kick it in gear.

A beautiful day for a hike

The temperature was perfect and the sky was clear, so I went outside and played in the mountains! Continuing with my cross training theme I decided to climb the hill at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. The goal was to reach the summit of what my kids call the "Toaster Towers". I've been told they're microwave towers that probably aren't being used anymore. Maybe someone can chime in and give a little historical background.

I went solo with a fanny pack, my ancient plastic ice climbing boots and telescopic ski poles. The nice thing about solo is I can get in my groove and move at my own pace. I got to the top in 1:37 and climbed 2220 feet. Coming down took about 55 minutes. I took it easy to protect my knee and had no problems at all. Excellent day :-)

Thought I'd try an artsey-fartsey shot.

The path was well defined for 3/4 of the climb/hike.

The orange lichen on the gray rock looked real cool.

Another artsey shot. I know, don't quit my day job.

This peak was used as a fire observation post back in the day.

Graffiti even gets up to 8,000 feet.


Looking at downtown SLC with Antelope Island in the background.

Funny Video

You've got to checkout this funny youtube video. It will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face. Pay attention to the clock in the lower left corner during the green car parking scene.

Enjoy.