As you've probably caught on from countless social media and blog posts, etc., Buddy is pretty special to us. We sort of inherited him after Eric's stepdad, Rufus, passed away exactly one year ago today. But Buddy has been a big part of our lives since we moved out to the log house property in Battle Ground, Washington in 2015.
I remember when we'd visit (before moving there), he'd always be around to greet us and escort us up to the house. Always very chivalrous. ;-) It was love at first sight.
During our time living there, we saw Buddy (and Buddy saw us) through many transitions, including the death of Eric's Mom, Carol. After Carol passed away, Buddy seemed to act out in kind of dramatic ways. He had a habit of chasing cars on the country road (his herding instinct, I suppose) and it was Carol who would try to curb that instinct, literally. She would take him out to the side of the road and every time a car would pass, she'd have him lie down.
With Carol no longer there, and Rufus unable to really keep a good eye on him, Buddy began getting into trouble, which wasn't really like him. There were a couple of foot and leg injuries that required medical attention (and the dreaded cone of shame), but the worst was a car chasing incident. Without going into the gory details, Buddy actually bit a moving tire and lost a canine tooth and part of his jaw. Super traumatic for all of us.
Eric and I nursed him through those events... and in the process, Buddy nurtured our broken hearts about Carol. Our mutual endearment deepened.
When it came time to leave the log house, we had to make a decision about Buddy. We weren't certain this crazy travel trailer life would be the best for him (not to mention some challenges for us). But we also couldn't see leaving him... and Rufus' family was very encouraging about us having him. We were bonded. And as anyone with a pet knows, that kind of bonding is a sacred thing.
Buddy not only took to this adventure like a champ, but he is sort of our happiness gauge/guru. And he seems very happy... and healthy. He loves being with us, like the pack animal he is. We are family, for sure.
Lately, he has been hanging around the truck a lot (our tow rig). He loves that truck. There's a doggie hammock for him in the back seat and he sits up high and proud watching the road and taking in the scenery. He even nips at cars passing by (like a game of Pac-man, lol) and barks at them on occasion. Always working.
I think he's ready to continue the traveling. We've been in one spot for almost three months now, and as wonderful as it's been, there hasn't been nearly as much "truck time" for him. We can't wait to show him some new terrain. OK, let's face it... the pooch is our mirror and WE can't wait to venture out some more and explore. Lots to sniff for all of us. ;-)
Hope you enjoy this little video... an ode to our mascot, Buddy Sattva the Sundog. He really does help us stay present... in the moment... and aware of our energy. His sensitivity to our emotions is definitely an "energy gauge" for us. Here's to you, Buddy! Thank you for choosing us. <3
PS - Thank you for being here! We share a lot more "behind the scenes" of our adventure and music making in our Patreon community. It's a crowdfunding type of platform that, for as little as $5 per month, gives you access to exclusive content AND helps support our mission! If you are so inspired, please visit our Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/montgomeryjones
I remember when we'd visit (before moving there), he'd always be around to greet us and escort us up to the house. Always very chivalrous. ;-) It was love at first sight.
During our time living there, we saw Buddy (and Buddy saw us) through many transitions, including the death of Eric's Mom, Carol. After Carol passed away, Buddy seemed to act out in kind of dramatic ways. He had a habit of chasing cars on the country road (his herding instinct, I suppose) and it was Carol who would try to curb that instinct, literally. She would take him out to the side of the road and every time a car would pass, she'd have him lie down.
With Carol no longer there, and Rufus unable to really keep a good eye on him, Buddy began getting into trouble, which wasn't really like him. There were a couple of foot and leg injuries that required medical attention (and the dreaded cone of shame), but the worst was a car chasing incident. Without going into the gory details, Buddy actually bit a moving tire and lost a canine tooth and part of his jaw. Super traumatic for all of us.
Eric and I nursed him through those events... and in the process, Buddy nurtured our broken hearts about Carol. Our mutual endearment deepened.
When it came time to leave the log house, we had to make a decision about Buddy. We weren't certain this crazy travel trailer life would be the best for him (not to mention some challenges for us). But we also couldn't see leaving him... and Rufus' family was very encouraging about us having him. We were bonded. And as anyone with a pet knows, that kind of bonding is a sacred thing.
Buddy not only took to this adventure like a champ, but he is sort of our happiness gauge/guru. And he seems very happy... and healthy. He loves being with us, like the pack animal he is. We are family, for sure.
Lately, he has been hanging around the truck a lot (our tow rig). He loves that truck. There's a doggie hammock for him in the back seat and he sits up high and proud watching the road and taking in the scenery. He even nips at cars passing by (like a game of Pac-man, lol) and barks at them on occasion. Always working.
I think he's ready to continue the traveling. We've been in one spot for almost three months now, and as wonderful as it's been, there hasn't been nearly as much "truck time" for him. We can't wait to show him some new terrain. OK, let's face it... the pooch is our mirror and WE can't wait to venture out some more and explore. Lots to sniff for all of us. ;-)
Hope you enjoy this little video... an ode to our mascot, Buddy Sattva the Sundog. He really does help us stay present... in the moment... and aware of our energy. His sensitivity to our emotions is definitely an "energy gauge" for us. Here's to you, Buddy! Thank you for choosing us. <3
PS - Thank you for being here! We share a lot more "behind the scenes" of our adventure and music making in our Patreon community. It's a crowdfunding type of platform that, for as little as $5 per month, gives you access to exclusive content AND helps support our mission! If you are so inspired, please visit our Patreon Page: www.patreon.com/montgomeryjones
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