Antigone Goes West: A Basset Blog

Revising the Book: Talking of the Puppy Mill

2011-07-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've not blogged in so long, I realize. The Adventure completed a year ago leaves me with out much to say, and leaves the Companion back to worries of finding a job. He has done so well with creating a job out of my book. Much to my nervousness.

We started writing the book last year, and he did really well taking dictation. You know communication with a human is always difficult, there are delays, and lots of misunderstandings. But through our travels and our love he has finally gotten to where he hears me. So I channeled the words to him. He typed it all, and looked at it over and over again to make sure it was ok. Then he sent it to a friend and she looked it over and over and over and made sure it was ok. then he started what he called the "Revision process." I said well that's fine with me, you are on your own there buddy. I've said it, I've told it, I don't need to do this all over again. Then he joined what he called a "writer's group." I have no idea what this is because i do not go. But I do know that he comes back every week, all excited about what they've said.

I don't know if they said it, or if he said it: but suddenly the stories I've told of being in the puppy mill aren't good enough. He wants more. More stories of being in the puppy mill. He says it's important. He says, that it will help put an end to the.

I've agreed with the understanding that I will never be asked to talk about it again.

Here we are working on the book. The thoughts of the puppy mill are really taxing on me so I lay near him and keep my head down in a restful pose.

Remembering Thanksgivings of the Past

2010-12-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

It has been nearly a Moon since I’ve blog. I must admit that I am a bit on the lazy side at times, but in this case I blame the Companion. He is working on my book making sure things like Themes and motifs and symbols are “all running through the book nicely.” His words not mine. For me it was enough to tell my story, our story that is. It was enough for me to bicycle across the country and relive the moments of my life that I had chosen to forget. Reliving my life in the puppy mill was bad and dictating that to the Companion were both enough for me. Reliving watching the Companion plan his death and dictating to him how I felt during that was enough for me.

But he says, we need to pull some things out more blah blah blah. If it makes him happy, then ok.

It has been a week since Thanksgiving and I feel like remembering this a bit. I feel like remember the Thanksgivings of my life.

There was no such thing as Thanksgiving at the puppy mill. It was a day like any other day, no cause for celebration. There was no energy of happiness or joy anywhere there. These Thanksgivings, as I look back, were times of sorrow and pain. Times of having puppies and watching them taken from me too soon and feeling that sorrow. Wondering who their companions were, and what had happen to them. Hoping that my next litter would be allowed to stay until their humans came and got them. But knowing it wouldn’t happen.

There are two Thanksgivings that stand out as wonderful times for me. The first one that he Companion and I went to visit his family. This is the last time he has seen them. We went down to see them by car, that his mom rented for us. This was in the middle of the depression, while his suicidal thoughts were less, they would come back from time to time. But I think the visit home was good for him. It did help if only to be away and surrounded by people who whould miss him if he did die by suicide. This is something he sees now, but at the time the depression clouded his thoughts.

For me that Thanksgiving was about realizing I had a family. The Companion’s family all loved me, and gave me lots of attention. The kids played with me a lot. Grandma wouldn’t let me on the sofa, so when she left the room I would sit in her chair. Dogs like to be on the sofa because it is soft, but your smells are there and we feel so close to you when we can lay with those smells near us. It is comforting to have the feeling that family is near by.

I got to eat so much food too. I remember that ham bone! Yummm! This is the family, except for granddad. He had gotten tired and left while we stayed on the beach and played with the camera some more.

Last year’s Thanksgiving was memorable too. We stayed with Jennifer for ten days! I got to rest as much as I wanted too. And had company with me when the Companion and Jennifer went out. Jennifer had a dog, who since then has gone to the bridge. What a wonderful life Jennifer gave her! Dogs need humans!

That Thanksgiving was in the middle of the journey! It was so wonderful to be out doing something to help others. I will never forget my feelings of victory, my feelings of joy that I had that Thanksgiving. I will never forget the smells of the Companion! The scent of the depression was gone and he was smelling like he’s old self again. This picture is of the newspaper article done about us. You can see Jennifer in the background. So much of the journey was about the Companion finding old friends, lost by time space. I think this helped him become grounded again, and has helped now while he continues to search for a job. He knows and feels deeply he has people to turn too, people who want him to stay around for a while.

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday! I hope you all celebrated it!

The Companion asked me to keep the details out of this blog today, because I give the details in the book. I’m thankful that I have written, and I hope we find an agent soon and get it published.

What We Are Doing

2010-10-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

We are still working on my book, but it is really finished. Sometimes the Companion pulls it out and reads in it, and finds something that isn't clear, and we work it out.

I noticed how he looks so proud reading it. I like it too.

We are looking for an agent to help us get the book published. This means the Companion has to do a lot of work. He is looking on line at similar books. Thee more he looks the more he finds. Who know so many humans had been touched by a dog? I'm not surprised.

So the Companion finds books that look similar, and then tries to find the agent for that book. Sometimes he finds it, sometimes not. But anyway. He's finding books and other authors with such beautiful stories. Right now we are reading two of them _Amazing Gracie_ and _The Art of Racing in the Rain_. Gracie he reads to me, but Racing he doesn't. He started reading it to me but I wasn't sure I agreed with Enzo on a few points. I don't need thumbs, nor care that I do not have any. Why so I can type. That's why I got a typist!

So we are looking for an agent, and the Companion says it should be a literary agent. Let us know if you have any leads for us to track down.

With the recent attention to suicides, I'd like to get the book published so others can know that hope is there.

Blogger Award from Pets Direct UK

2010-10-04T20:25:00.001-07:00

Today the Companion checked my email, and that I had won an award! I don't know much about it, but it seems that someone named John nominated me. This is why he awarded us the award.

# A Unique Blog From a Whole New And Interesting Perspective.
# A Useful and Unique Blogger Resource
# Great Literature and/or Informational Quality
# Helping the Preservation and General Well Being of A Specific Breed Type.
# Showing a True Love For a Specific Breed or Pet Type.

It is nice to get these kinds of things. I know that the Companion feels good when we get compliments or comments.

Aids Walk Portland 2010

2010-10-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today we did the Aids Walk Portland. Lots of fun!

First we biked downtown in a misty rain. It wasn’t so bad, we’ve been in worse. But I could tell the Companion wasn’t pleased. He always feels guilty about such things. There was little traffic today and we were alone on the roads most of the time.

I don’t like being in the rain, but a misty air can clean up the air. A misty air helps scents stay put and not travel away from a place. So I wasn’t really bothered by the mist as we were biking. Once we got to the meeting point, the mist stopped and it was fine.

There were lots of people and I was so excited to be there and give them all a sniff. The Aids Walk helps to support prevention, education and other things with HIV here locally. The Companion was happy about that. He wants to support organizations locally.

Would you be surprised to hear that his obsession with roadside attractions isn’t over? He saw this thing and couldn’t wait to get a picture of me in front of it. This was a big dog fetching a paper for his companion. I don’t care for fetching myself, but if other dogs like it, that’s ok.

We then started walking with a drum line leading the way. It was so loud, and I could feel the vibrations of the drums all over my body. This just got me so excited and I ran head of the Companion. I’d run to the left and right and back and forth. It was so fun.

But it was a lot of walking for a hound to do at once, 2.5 miles! At once! I was done! done! at then end. But so much fun! The Companion would giggle every time I ran in a different direction. I heard him say once, “I knew you’d have fun, but this much fun I didn’t foresee.”

Well it makes a body feel good when you do positive things!

This is me after the walk! So tired! So happy!

Pier Park, Oregon the Right Choice!

2010-09-06T16:11:00.001-07:00

Today the Companion and I got on the bike and went for a short bike ride to Pier Park. This little park is very close to us and i don't know why we've not gone before now. The Companion clams it is because I have to stay on the leash, but I think it is because he didn't know about it.

Well it is beautiful. We parked the bike and walked for nearly an hour through the park. It is so full of huge trees, I thought we were back on the Katy Trial. There is some kind of game that the humans play in the park, and many had their dogs walking with them. The Companion called the game Frisbee Golf. It looked fun to the Companion, and he said we would come back with some friends and play. For me this means walking around the park more slowly and getting a chance to stop and sniff.

We walked slowly today and I just loved it. there are several kinds of animals living there Mostly squirrels and birds, but some others too. I felt sure that rabbits had infiltrated the park, and my mission this light was to find out as much as I could. I'll do a few more of these missions, before planning a rabbit clearing.

One of the things I noticed from the Companion is a mixture of fear and thankfulness. Coming to Oregon the way we didn't was more adventure than hardship, more fun than stress. Oh we had some difficulty but in the end, I think we both miss the work we were doing. The Companion is still struggling to find a job, and the scent of fear was around him today. But as we walked through this incredible park, I could smell the thankfulness that we are in Oregon, and that we have found a new Forever Home. Everyone has been nice to us, and welcomed us, and make us both feel apart of the world. But for the Companion, this connection to others has helped him fight away depression. Oregon was the right Choice!

I am thankful too!

Meeting Local Artist

2010-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

So the Companion’s interest in Roadside Attractions doesn’t stop after he’s had a few Margaritas. No the definition of a roadside attraction is broaden.

On Sunday, after the car wash, the companion and I sat with some of the guys and had some food, and he had some margaritas. Then when we left to come home. We passed by this man, painting on the wall. It is a canvass and it is being used for a commercial. He had a deadline of the next day, and would be painting most of the night and morning.

Does this prevent the Companion from stopping and getting a photograph of me with the artist while he was working and have to finish the work quickly. Oh no, the Companion treated it like a roadside attraction.

I found it slightly rude. And I kept telling the Companion he was being rude, but he wasn’t listening. I think the Artist heard me and thought I was talking about him because he apologized for being rude and ignoring the Companion. Why apologize? He was working! The Companion was rude.

Still, I thought it was fun to meet a local artist. The Companion loves art and loves to go to museums. For his birthday one year he had a painting of his family done. But I wasn’t in it. He had commissioned it before I was adopted.

So I think he is always looking for an artist to do a portrait of us to memorialize our journey across the country. Which I never say this, but I am so proud of what we did. Reaching out and helping the others really helped the Companion get himself up and going again.

Now all we need is a job and he can find an artist to memorialize our journey.

To find out more about this artist go to: eatcho.com. I think I’ll start a new section called: My favorite artists!

Adidas, Veterans, Suds

2010-07-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the Companion and I went for a short bicycle ride down town. Now that he has taken me across a bridge, he is no longer afraid or nervous about doing it. He's a pro now. Well we went down a beautiful and not to busy road. In the middle of the down hill was this place called Adidas. With this huge shoes in front. Of course we had to stop and get a photo.

I wish he hadn't. Not that it was a bad statue, no I liked it. But it was on the down hill, and the wind was feeling so good!

So we were going to a fundraiser for the Veterans for Human Rights. This is a group that the Companion wanted to join. Although he's not sure what they do. What it is for him is meeting more people, being apart of a group that is doing something for others, and they are veterans. He is too. And I think this is good.

how different would it have been in Chicago, if he had these connections? How different would is life have been if he had volunteer from time to time. Now in Portland, I've been telling him, he has to be more involved in the community. And now that the book is at a place that he feels ok with it. He is doing that, he is volunteering. Since going down yesterday to meet the veterans, he has gotten some encouragement. One of the men works at the VA. They talked and he suggested to the Companion to volunteer at the VA.

This would be a great idea. He could get some references and he could meet some people and maybe get a job. There! Good idea!

The Fundraiser was a car wash done by shirtless men in sailor hots. The event was called Studs 'N Suds. I'm not for water, so i stayed in the back ground. There was a DJ and lots of people getting their car washed! Great time!

We then went to have some food at the restaurant who was allowing their parking lot to be used for the car wash. The Companion had a burger and got me some bacon!

Bacon!

St. Johns Brige, Dove Lewis

2010-07-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today was another great day! So sunny in Portland and so lovely. The Companion and I did something we have not done before. We went to Dove Lewis Animal Hospital to do some volunteer work. It was so fun.

First we had to cross the St Johns Bridge. We live in north Portland, but more correctly, St Johns. St. Johns was once its own town. We go for walks in town and sit and have coffee at the Starbucks. But I've never crossed the bridge before. Today we did. So fun. And after you get to the top of it you fly down the hill!

There are lots of bridges all over Portland. The Companion has biked across them a few times, but he has not taken me across them.

We went to Dove Lewis to volunteer. I don't have the right kind of digits, so I couldn't help. I just oversaw what was going on. Everyone in the office stopped and said hello to me and was really kind. We are going to go back on Monday.
Dove Lewis is Portland's Emergency Hospital doing critical care. They do things that very few are certified to do. The are open 24 hours, and the help people who can't pay with assistance.

But they do much more. They train dogs and cats and their humans to volunteer as therapy pets. Something the Companion things is not for me, because I don't do basic obedience. Well I don't care for obedience commands. At Dove Lewis you can go to group sessions to help you when your companion goes to the bridge.

Dove Lewis has a blood bank. Several dogs in the area come to donate blood just like a human might do. But I'm not heavy enough to donate, and I've had puppies before. So I'm not qualified. The criteria for cats is even harder, so when the find cats that meet it, they live in the hospital! How about that!

We will be going back on Monday. But I think we should go do some of the community programs so I can blog about them!

July 4th Celebrating Freedom!

2010-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend was July 4th! I went to a BBQ to celebrate! I had so much fun! I love human holidays, I always get lots of food. And food I don't normally get. I got ice cream and a hamburger, and some hot dogs! and not just small bites either. I got lots of food.

Why?

Cause the Companion said, "It's a holiday, its a celebration, and food is one of the best ways to celebrate. But not when someone tells you you can't have it, or you shouldn't. Today is a day celebrating Freedom."

That's what the Companion said we are celebrating Freedom.

In my book, I talk a bit about Freedom, it is a new word for me. Because I was born and lived in a puppy mill for my early life. And Freedom isn't something we enjoyed.

I am happy now that I am a house dog, with a sofa, and a Companion and I enjoy many freedoms that I never dreamed of when I was in the puppy mill. I want to remind and ask that as we move into this week and this Moon, that we think about all the animals that are not free, that do not enjoy the freedoms I'm enjoying and we support bring an end to puppy mills.

Please remember that rescues are helping this battle by taking in the dogs and giving them foster homes. This is how I found my companion. So you can help rescues too. As the economy continues to be bad, rescues are having problems. Their biggest problem is that we do not have enough foster homes and many dogs are being turned away. Please consider becoming a foster parent for your local rescues.

But to celebrate freedom I want to list the things I have the freedom to do now, that I didn't have in the puppy mill

I am free to sleep inside.
I am free to sleep on the sofa
I am free to get loving from the Companion.
I am free to feel the sunshine.
I am free to go on walks.
I am free to be alone.
I am free to sleep next to the Companion.
I am free to have good healthy food.
I am free to write my book.
I am free to ride across the country on a bicycle.
I am free to go to BBQs.
I am free to go to the vet (don't really like it, but I can do it).
I am free to know that life isn't supposed to be what it was in the puppy mill.

Happy 4th!

Here I am looking at the Companion wondering why he's not giving me more food. I knew there was more food in that house. But he sat and took a picture of me instead.

Sleeping

2010-06-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

That's what I'm doing! That's why I've not been blogging. I've been sleeping and the Companion has been working on my book!

Me and Paul

2010-06-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sunny Day in Portland, and that means a bit of bicycling for the companion and me. WE didn't start off without trouble though.

The Companion is convinced that the tires need inflating, so he did. A bit too much. We started out and with in two blocks--BAM!--big explosion. Back tire blew out. So we walked back to the house. And walked over to the bike shop and got new tires. For the front too. Seeing how we've been on these tires from day one, and have biked over 3000 miles on them. I think it is time for a change.

The we went for a bike ride. To see this "Life size statue of Paul Bunyan." Yes he told me we were going to see a "life size" statue of Paul.

I don't believe it. I do not believe that he was that tall.

But this is another one of the companions roadside attractions that he loves so much. Its a statue of a guy with an ax. Wow! But the companion was all excited. He said that since it was such an important person in American History it made up for it not having a sign that says 'roadside attraction'.

Well how about that.

here I am up close next to the feet. They are as big as the companion. Life size. Who does he think he's kidding.

I do like my new flag!

My Tooth, The Puppy Mill Legacy

2010-05-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

I've said many times that I put the puppy mill behind me and only thing back to when the Companion came to get me and take me to my forever home. As we work on my book, I have to think about those times some more. But, I also put them back in the past and move on from it.

Today, I remembers going to the vet for the first time with the Companion. The question that the vet asked the companion about my age. That's unknown. So the vet examined my teeth, and said, "her teeth are too bad, I can't determine her age."

in the puppy mill, we were not given good food, or any vet care. No vet care at all. And my teeth were really bad. The Companion's vet said, "She is going to have to have surgery on her teeth. The gums are receding." It wasn't something that we had to do right away, but would have to be done in a few years."

Today one of my teeth fell out. It was a back one. I'm not in pain. I feel good. it had been hurting me some over the past few weeks. Sometimes when the companion would hit it I would yelp. He thought I had an infection in my ears.

My tooth is because we are not important when we live in a puppy mill.

Something New!

2010-05-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Companion left for several hours today and said the was going to the store. He came back with some new shirts, and a big box. Then after he talked with Brian the roommate, he went into garaged. But he left me in the house. Brian would come in and out saying, it's still a surprise, you have to wait.

A surprise? It's not Christmas.

So I waited.

When the Companion came back in, he went up stairs to get a few things. Then he put my seat belt on me, and my bonnet. The bonnet and seat belt mean, that we are going on the bike. But we don't have a Contraption anymore.

Well now we do! the Companion has bought a brand new Contraption. It is yellow. I love the yellow, it matches my bonnet. It even came with a flag! I love the flag, but I think we need to get one that is white and has my picture on it! Here we are in my new Contraption.

But now he is of course talking about taking a bike tour around Oregon, or going to Seattle, or crossing Wyoming. I say we go home and visit is poor old mother and father. It has been three years nearly, since he has seen them. But he says, that might be too far.

oh its 3000 miles. Really that's too far. I'm going to push for a visit to see his family. Now that it is summer he can bike longer than 50 miles in a day, he can do 70 miles!

I say we go to visit his mom and dad!
Here we are on a bike trail in Portland! Look how pretty the grass is! I can't wait to smell the rest of Portland and Oregon!

Meeting Up with Bassets

2010-05-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Coming out west has been a great adventure for us. But the trip here is just the start. The real adventure for the Companion is to find a new life. He wants to change himself. This means doing more socially in the community. The Light before this light was the start of this in Portland.

We went to a basset meet up group. There is a group of people who discuss parks in portland, and meet at the same time so their bassets can meet each other. I liked it but some of those bassets were too rambunctious for me. They were very active and very playful. I enjoyed seeing the companion talking with the other humans, and getting and making new connections. Seeing the Companion looking for ways for us to do things together with others makes me feel great. It makes me think that he is really working on not being depressed.

Another thing that makes me really happy to see is that he is again writing. When we first met each other, he would write every day. But that ended when he was depressed. And Thanks to me and my book, he is back at it, and feeling wonderful.

When we were at the basset meet up, I met this handsome boxer bull dog.

Writing about the Desert

2010-05-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

In the desert, it is senseless to look outward to be engaged, the sky, the brush, the land are completely washed into one another leaving you no choice but to look inward to troubling and forgotten memories.

Tracking Warmed-up Hot Dogs

2010-04-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

This morning is not so rainy, so the Companion thought it would be fun for us to go tracking. This is me waiting on him to finish laying the trail so I can find that sock. He always wants me to find a sock.

Tracking is possibility the most fun ever! I get so excited when we do it. But I also get tired. It takes a lot of energy to follow a path. But about me finding and following the trail to the prize. I've got to sniff and follow the one trail that will lead to the sock, and a pile of warmed up hot dog. I love warmed up hot dog.

This is a game that uses my natural nose, and is fun. We play in the house to but not with warmed up hot dog, and not like this. Here he lays the trial, I find and follow. And along the way I get a bit of warmed up hot dog. Yuummmm. In the house, he tosses the treat and I have to find it. Some times its in the hallway, sometimes on the stairs, some times on the sofa. In the house I have to focus my nose on the treat, and find it. But since there no trail leading to it, I have to search all the areas and find it.

Here I am tracking. You can tell I'm tracking and not just walking because I've got my red Guardian Angel Basset Rescue leash on. You know how he is with the signals.

Today we did something new with our game. Today he turned a corner. I'm following the trail along the way going forward, suddenly it turned to the right, and went in a new direction. I handled it like a pro.

This is Assumption Catholic Church, at Assumption Village. It is two blocks from my house, and here is were we did our tracking, and I turned the corner like a pro. I'm so glad the Companion insisted I be in the picture. Aren't you?

On Writing

2010-04-27T10:25:00.001-07:00

I told the Companion about the comments about writing. This is what he had to say.

"Writing for me is rewriting. I'm a rewriter. I love the phase when I work with a text to shape it more, and to develop more themes and ideas. The first draft is always the hardest for me to accomplish."

So he started this morning reading the my story and reworking it. He does have a bit of a smile on his face. But lets remember what he said, that I posted on my fan page on face book, "I think this text displays my writer's aesthetic and is defiantly from my writing point of view." No more Project Runway for him. NO more.

There will be a war in this house if he uses tired phrases like, out of the box, and push the envelope.

First Draft

2010-04-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Oh poor Companion so tired. He left and went to Starbucks to finish the draft. He came back with a draft completed. As I hoped he would.

He came in, laid on the sofa, my sofa, and pulled the hoodie down and went to take a nap. I'll have to keep my eye on him, so that he doesn't get lazy. A completed draft is not a completed book.

Writing is Memory

2010-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

I sometimes think it was so long ago that my companion seat-belted me into the contraption, and we started out on the bicycle journey across the country. But it was only six moons ago. The beginning is at times cloudy, like the rainy days that started our journey. While other parts of it are in sweet sunshine, and the memory of it warms like the sun that streams in the window on the sofa I love to sleep and spend my days. The journey was not my idea, and one that I would have originally said no too. But having done it, having seen and smelled so much of America, I’m so glad we did it. I know the Companion feels really proud, and so do I: I’m proud of what we accomplished! But now its time to think back to those early days of journey.

It is time for us to write. To focus and to remember all the stories. The Companion, who prides himself on his memory, is having trouble. He's having trouble remembering so much.

It isn't that. It isn't that at all and he knows it. He knows that when he focuses his mind on remembering, he remembers well. But has he types, I can see changes in him, in his mood. It's not bad, its not even something I worry about. Well worry about too much.

He thinks of this work, as apart of our greatest accomplishment, as the final, the ending of the journey. And like when he diverted to go see Jenifer (150 miles out of the way) he diverts the work, so that he can continue to enjoy the journey.

Because, he felt most alive there alone with me and the bicycle. It was that purpose.

He is learning to find new purposes. Like pictured here: taking dictation. Type on!

A Thank You

2010-04-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

This week I received an email from another Dog who blogs. Scoop has a blog called The Daily Dog Scoop. Its really interesting. Scoop Blogs about so much concerning dogs.

Thank you for sharing our story with your readers! This is the best way to encourage others, I think. When humans talk to each other about these issues, suicide and animal rescue, others get involved.

Please be sure to go to Scoop's Blog and check it out. http://dailydogscoop.blogspot.com/. I've also included it in my favorite blogs list.

OH and by the way. If you are on Facebook, become a fan of me, Antigone Puppleupagus.

A Welcoming Oregon

2010-04-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

A few Lights ago, an article about us was printed in the Oregonian. This has happened a few times for us before. But this time, we didn't do anything: they came to us! The companion was really excited about it. The article was really nice and both the companion and I liked it.

Since the article was published we've been sent lots of lovely messages of welcome! The companion is feeling really good too. And I know his spirits are lifted. He's been happy a lot but I think he's feeling less important.

I think he misses the purpose we had while on the bike ride. For some reason he doesn't see writing my story as purposeful as the bike ride. I think he needs to get out more and move his body. I've encouraged him to do this . He would work on my blog more when he had been bicycling all day and now that he isn't he works less. Well that is going to change. He's not told you about Dove Lewis at all. My my my!

And he calls me the lazy bum.

But all the welcomes we have received has encouraged him again. And yesterday he got out and went for a run.

Why anyone would want to go running, I don't know. But he said he would enjoy it. But he's not always non crazy.

This picture was drawn by a welcoming Oregonian! She was inspired by our story. I like it, and the companion does too. He loves sketches. I think it looks just like me. The companion said to me: When an artist draws you, it is their greatest compliment. Its like dedicating a book to someone.

We are really touched with the warmth we are receiving here in Oregon. Thank you all for your warm welcomes!

The Companion however, has a few things to learn. One in particular: when I'm sniffing, I'm working, and I need my quiet, space, and most of all not be be dragged away from him, because you got some coffee to drink. Please! And he needs to remember how much we, me and the readers, believe in him.

He's so forgetful! And he needs to get me a new trailer! I'm tired of not bicycling!

Expectations

2010-03-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

I hope I'm living up to expectations.

I've been feeling odd lately, and I didn't know why. I get antsy some, and want to go out more than I did in Chicago. Well Portland is prettier! And when we walk around the neighborhood, its so much more quieter than Chicago, and there is less traffic so I get more intensive smells of what I want to smell. Then I come back and sleep! I like my sofa, and I like sleeping.

But then I wonder, what's going on? where are we going? Shouldn't we be doing something. I'm not used to this sitting around all day. And what's with the Companion? Sitting here with me.

and I've not seen the bike for a long time. He went out on it. I know he did, he told me he did. And he said: I don't like riding alone, I miss Antigone being there.

The companion things that I might just be missing the adventure. I think he is missing the adventure. I like being at home. But really, I kind of miss it. I kind of miss all the nice people we met, I miss all the new things we saw and smelled. I miss the work of bringing awareness to basset rescues.

It was really a great time!

I know he is working on the book, but we could use a few days out on the bike I think. I'd like to see more of this Oregon!

2010-03-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

There he is: Zac the Cat. Here he is on my sofa, stalking me while I sit next to the companion.

I don't enjoy the company of cats.

Just What I Wanted!

2010-03-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

I got what I wanted! This whole journey, I've dreamt of it, soft and warm and mine! all Mine! Oh the sofa! I love the sofa! And this one is now mine!
My blanket is on it, and that means its mine!

A sofa has to be one of your top ten, no three, things. Top two. The sofa! and this one is mine!

Our New Home

2010-03-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

This is our new home! The car is not ours though. We rent a room with Brian who is a new friend of the companion. He wanted a new roommate, and we wanted a room. There is a one draw back--Zack! Zack the Cat. Not pictured because he doesn't come out much. I think he's upstairs planning an attack!

. This is a pizza parlor in St. John's. That's what our neighborhood is called. The companion was of course excited to see this today. He said: it looks like it should be on Route 66. Boy does that bring back memories, he says. Did I ever tell you about how I bicycled across the country and went down Route 66.

I just looked at him and said: Really? Wow. I once traveled across the country on a bicycle and never pedaled once.

Who's the stud now?

Then we saw this sign, and the companion was totally excited. Back with Lewis and Clark he says. And then he mentions something about how we should bike the Oregon Trail.

Could be a new adventure around the corner.

A Correction!

2010-03-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder about the Companion. But the book will be: "Antigone Goes West: The Autobiography of Antigone Puppleupagus".

Yes autobiography. The companion is just the typist.

I'm glad this is cleared up.

My Biography

2010-03-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

The Companion and I had a talk today. He's not doing much but looking at the computer, checking for emails. He's waiting for some word about us getting a room. He's kind of not working and that bothers me. I was wondering how to get his attention when he stepped away from the computer and cleaned up some around the room. Then we went for a second long walk. That was my chance.

On the walk I had the talk with him about my biography.

I think it is time for him to type my biography. My story is definitely interesting. So I suggested we start at the beginning. The place I don't think about much, but did think about about it in the desert. The puppy mill. But be brief.

But then talk about the journey across now nine states! So the companion is typing up my biography. Right now we are calling it: _Antigone Goes West: The Biography of Antigone Puppleupagus_. I like it. It's got spirit, it's got soul.

The companion and I have a connection. It's strong. But during this journey, the companion has opened up, and can hear me better. He's going to be a good typist.

My biography! Antigone Goes West: The Biography of Antigone Puppleupagus. It has spirit. Adventure. Wow!

We Leave SF

2010-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

We left San Fran on the light before this light. The companion found us a ride in a van with three women all traveling to Seattle. We drove for a long time, and I had space to nap as much as I wanted too.

The ladies were like cool rockers. Thank heavens I wasn’t in the travel hat! They each have stories to tell about their lives. I enjoyed relaxing with them. The companion even took the wheel some. I was a bit nervous because it has been a long time for him to drive. And I remember his road rage in Chicago.

To my surprise, when we arrived at the hotel, the companion said: I was a bit scared driving into town.

He scared? He’s such a goofball.

Northern California was really beautiful. But I couldn’t focus as much as I can on the bike. It all goes by so fast. And I don’t really get to smell anything. I heard the Companion say today that he also missed the biking up here. It would have been really pretty.

But I can see he is thinking of other bike trips to take. But for now the challenge is looking for a place to live and getting settled in Portland. But I know the companion, and I know how he things, and I know how much he’s going to miss the bicycling, and I know how much he loved seeing the Pacific. I think it won’t be long before we are taking a weekend trip to see it again!

The Day.

2010-03-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today I woke, stretched. Had some breakfast.

Napped.

Went for a walk to Spike's.

Napped.

Then I had dinner.

Went for a walk to Spike's again.

Its been a rough day, time to turn in!

We Say Goodbye

2010-03-04T23:40:00.001-08:00

Today we biked back to San Francisco. It was a beautiful day for biking and the companion took his time. I didn't know we were returning to Sam and Rusty's house, but as soon as we arrived I was excited. I love that sofa.

We then rested for a little and went to Spike's. Brian joined us for the evening. This is his only free night so we won't see him again before we leave. I like Brian, and the companion does as well. Brian is very sweet and when he comes in or meets us, he greets me properly!

But we said our goodbyes. The companion is a little sad now. Somehow saying bye to Brian made him realize that the journey is completed. He's filled with pride and sadness.

And excitement!

Hat, Spike's, Portland

2010-02-28T11:36:00.001-08:00

Here I am without my hat. I look great with or without it. I like wearing it and I like not wearing it. But the Companion puts it on me for a reason: to help me know what is going to happen. If I am wearing the hat, I am getting in the contraption. If I am not wearing the hat, we are not. He said that once we find a home, I'll wear the hat just every now and then, on special occasions. Basset Waddles that sort of thing.

The companion has done things to help me feel stable on this trip. I am a rescue hound, and sometimes we get scared when we move around. The hotels have no secure smell, nothing I can lock on as "permanent" as "living here". And it gets me nervous. Then I bark.

The hat is one of the ways he helps me to know what is going to happen, and for me to feel secure.

We've been hanging out at Spike's. It's a cafe that we walk to almost daily. The companion loves it, really loves it. And there are lots of dogs around. We are always introduced! It feels good to be recognized as new and helped out.

What the companion likes there is the coffee and the people. He was talking on the light before this light with some of the guys. They were talking about Portland. Portland is our next place that we are going.

But the companion says; "we are going to living in Portland."

Portland is our going to be our new home. And all the guys at Spike's had such wonderful things to say about Portland. Beautiful. Modern. Young. Bike Friendly, and Dog friendly!

Sounds good to me!

Sunny San Fran

2010-02-25T17:24:00.001-08:00

Today started out cloudy but then got beautifuly sunny. We went to Alamo Park to meet with Amelia. She has a blog about dog in the city called Tails in the City. I've linked in my blogs box. But we arrived and waited for her, sitting on these steps and feeling the sun! I loved the sun! Plus there were plenty of dogs walking around and I could smell so many!

We are going to be in the bay area for another week. So here is a typical street in San Fran. See the hills. This is a nice one because it is long and not too steep. But it is steep. And when we turned off it we went straight up! Coming down them is a bit scary, I feel like I'm going to fall forward and out of the contraption. Thank Goodness (see grandmom I remembered) I had the belt!

The companion is a bit nervous about these hills I can tell. He bikes with the breaks and we go slowly down the hill. And he goes back and forth. I like that it helps me feel better.

We received this picture today. It is when we arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge. Look the companion looks so haggard!

Sofa, An Announcement

2010-02-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

We are currently staying with The companion's friends Sam and Rusty. They are both nice guys and Sam will take me out for a walk when the Companion is out. The sofa used to belong to Sam, but now it's mine. This is Sam and my sofa. Poor Sam, sad because he knows I won.

I like the feel of the sofa. I can lay around on it for hours. Sometimes I lay on the floor just to remind me how much I love that sofa. I've always been a fan of a sofa. Even bad sofas are likable. The companion is always worried about where we are going to live and a job.

I don't care where we live really. As long as there is a sofa. A sofa must be in the top ten, top three things in everyone's life.

It has been a few days since we arrived in San Francisco. A lovely, lovely city. So many dogs around and all so friendly. So much for me to smell in one or two city blocks. It was never like this in Chicago. I like the city and so does the Companion.

He was thinking yesterday about staying. Its so nice here why not? But after the debate, he realized that it would be a distraction from the goal and dream he has of living in the Pacific Northwest.

So while we might try to stay as long as we can, we will not be staying forever, and we will be going to Oregon or Washington soon.

I am now announcing that the blog and adventure is still going. We made to the Pacific and reached that goal! But now we have to find a home, and the companion has to find a job. A different goal, and one I still will blog about!

Arriving at Golden Gate Bridge, New Music

2010-02-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

I want to tell you about arriving at the Golden Gate Bridge some. Last night I was so excited to tell everyone we made it, and to celebrate it! I feel really blessed and so thankful for the companion I have!

The biking was in cool temps, with fog hanging over us. We went up some hills and down some hills, and some were steep and some were not. There was little or no wind so the companion maintained good spirits. We were on the road for a long while, and unlike when we biked in Chicago, the cars were polite.

In fact everyone is friendly here. Such a nice place….more on that later.

The road to the Bridge had to cross a mountain first and the companion pushed the bike a lot. He was nervous, and hopefully that someone in the media would call and want to interview us, catch us as we arrived at the bridge. But no such luck.

I was so proud to hear him say: Antigone the neglect of the media does not take away the success of this journey for us! We did it! We did it!

I think he is starting to hear me more.

San Francisco is city, and forest. So much so it’s hard to remember at times that you are in a city, with cars, and trucks, and houses, and people. And this trail is an example of the forest. No cars near by, sounds of the woods, smells of animals all over.

One thing I am smelling a lot, and this makes me really happy, is The Smell of a dog with a companion. All over the place I can smell where a lucky dog and companion have been walking. And I see dogs and their companions all over the place.

We arrived at the bridge, but didn’t cross it because of the fog. Joining us were Jon and Amanda. John learned about us yesterday as we were coming into town from an email from Golden Gate Basset Rescue. John was involved with Guardian Angel Basset Rescue years ago ! Small world

Amanda is the companion to Puglet and Dutch, fun dogs both. She is also working on a project bringing awareness for rescue dogs and advocating for us! We need more people like her! Here we are: Puglet, and Dutch and me. You’ll notice that Puglet is sitting on me. He is a total ham.

But I’m the star!

Today I noticed that the companion has turned the TV, and put on music. This means he is doing something like writing or working on a project, and he uses the music to help him think. Most of the time it is classical. Today is no exception. But what has happened is he has changed the piece he listens to most of the time on the trip.

He’s been listening to “Our Town” because he says we are visiting the American Town on our journey. We are seeing what is America. Today he’s put in something else, that I’ve never heard. And he will play it over and over and over. It will be on working the magic it does, and pull him into some emotion or memory.

The piece is somber, meditative, quiet, at times joyous. But mournful.

Amada had a talk with him yesterday about getting depressed at the end of the journey. This is the second time he’s had that talk. Mark in Fresno did the same. The companion mention when he finished his first novella. How he was so excited for a few days and then felt empty in side, because he didn’t know if he could ever poor himself into another novella.

When the mournful melody starts, he looks out the window or walks out on the balcony and looks down at the bay, the city, and just thinks.

Then he comes back, winks at me, pets me on the head, and gets to work again. But before he does he says: thank you.

The Pacific!

2010-02-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

We saw it! It was so huge! And I love it. I can’t talk much right now because it was so exciting to see the ocean, and to see the bridge.

But the fog kept us from seeing much of the bridge, it was still magnificent.

Not like the Pacific. Which we saw for the first time today!

Here we are: The Companion and me with the Pacific behind us! Champions! Pioneers! Frontiersman! Frontiersdog!

We took the picture and he started petting me the way he does when he’s emotional! He pulls me to him and puts our foreheads together.

He says: We made it! Can you believe it! You survived it! We did it!

We did do it and we loved it the whole trip.

Next Light We See the Pacific!

2010-02-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Wednesday, and the companion is in good spirits, but I know him, and he is nervous.

This is our last dark on the journey. While it is true we will be biking more, this is the official ending. And with any ending there is nervousness and sadness. I want to be close to him more today than I normally do

The companion I think doesn’t recognize his own abilities: his ability to face danger to face a challenge and over come it. And I think this journey shows that. And should convince him of it.

But I know him, and I know how he thinks. He will think not about the 3300 miles he did pedal, but feel guilty bout the 300 miles he accepted a ride. I’ve got to get him to change his thinking and to realize that what we have done has been great.

It is something I would have never had done on my own. It is something that was outside of my dreams. An adventure so amazing to me that without the companion I would not have thought about it.

Tonight as we sit in San Bruno waiting for the morning, I am thinking of my own history. Where I started and now here I am with the companion about to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time in either of our lives. Who would have ever dreamed!

Born and raised in a puppy mill. That was my life, the only life I ever knew before the companion. It is the life I put in the past and forget about.

Who would have ever thought that I would see so much of America. When I was in the puppy mill, all I ever saw was the cage. Sometimes we were let out, but not often. At that time it was a dream to lay in the grass in the sunshine. That was a far away dream, and now I get to do it a lot!

And now, I’ve been and seen so many places and things. I’ve been loved on by so many people. I feel so fortunate so happy. So thankful for groups like Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, for foster parents, and for companions who adopt us, and take us on a journey many humans wish they could do.

And along the way, I’ve been come a star!

When I was in the puppy mill, all of us dogs wanted a human. Humans would only feed us and take our babies away. We were not loved on, we were not taken to the vet, we were not recognized for what we can do.

I knew this before we started this journey, but I know it stronger now: I have a companion!

When the companion first started this crazy idea of going to the Pacific, I didn’t understand, I didn’t know what it would mean. But as we stand at the last day, I think it means this.

Not worrying about the rain
Overcoming Steep hills
Joy
Solitude
Enjoying the smells that just come
The Sun helps
Companionship

I can’t wait to see the Pacific in the morning. I hear it is huge! I’m so excited I might get wet. But don’t count on it!

The plan is to cross over to the Pacific side and ride along side of it and look and see it, then get to Crissy Field. We hope to be there around 1pm (but I bet we are late.)

I can’t wait to finish and meet the other dogs who are going to try to meet us at Crissy field.

And I’m excited to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and watch the Companion.

Animal Shelters, Ducks

2010-02-17T19:16:00.001-08:00

We passed through Palo Alto on our way to Belmont, CA. As we were biking along we spotted a sign about low cost spay and neutered services. So the companion turns in to get a look at the place.

What it is an animal shelter. And not like one of those where a dog has a deadline to find a home or they will be put down. No this one doesn't do that! So I loved it.

I support basset rescues, and all rescues. And I support Shelters like this one! If you are thinking about a dog, always go rescue! And shelters like this one are also good ideas. These dogs are sometimes strays, or abused in some way. Other times, they are abandoned for reasons like work, or children, or a new apartment that doesn't allow dogs. These are great dogs, and all of them need a home.

We then continued on, and of course got lost a few times. The companion was getting frustrated but I just relaxed cause there were some interesting smells.

Then here was a sign for Ducks.

Ducks!

Really? Really? We really need a sign for ducks.

Help, Mayor, Torture

2010-02-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

We biked again in green, and warm sunshine. It was so much fun, and the companion was loving it! The road was mostly downhill. While we were in town, Pleasanton, we biked with a nice woman. She was worried that the road we were going to take was dangerous. The road was curvy and narrow, lots of blind turns. But the companion assured her that we were going to get a ride in a truck down that road. And Golden Gate Basset Rescue picked us up right there at the intersection and got us to safety.

Addy and Steve drove out to help us, and take the companion to lunch. I know he had a good time talking with the because it was non stop chit chat! I slept on Addy’s lap so she and Steve could pet me. They were lots of fun, and showed us the sights around the area. But to the companions dismay, not one roadside attraction in the lot.

One point of interest to me was Sunol. In Sunol, Bosco the black dog was elected mayor in 1981. Mayor! It’s about time! I’m sure there were changes in that town for the best! These humans got it right. Would have been better if he were a basset, but still great times! They have a statue in his honor, and Addy and Steve took us to see it. Cool!

Then we arrived at Don and Lee’s house, where I was subjected to torture. The companion said I need it. He said: you need a bath Antigone. I said: you need a bath. And then I tried to escape. I’m not like other dogs that run away fast. No, I quietly walk away and ignore it. It will go away. But not today.

I don’t favor baths.

Green, a Strange Song, Eyes Lifted!

2010-02-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

Today we started out in Tracy. First: the companion puts me next to this tree, not a roadside attraction, to get my picture. He gets almost as excited about trees as he does roadside attractions. Look a Joshua Tree! But it's not a Joshua Tree.

I sigh.

Then off we went for a 20 to 30 mile bike ride today, across some mountains. The companion found us a motel in Livermore (20 miles) and one in Pleasanton (30). He said: if we get to Livermore with time to get Pleasanton we will go on more. He was worried about the hills.

The companion was ready for a hard day. However, he rested yesterday and he was stronger, and the mountains here in California are not the Rockies. The hills were rolling and pretty but not steep. There were some steep ones but not badly.

But what was nice was the hills! They are so green! All of them green, like spring. There was no wind, and the day was quiet. So quiet that we could hear the birds singing, and the frogs with a bass! The companion joined in with some strange song “And did those feet in ancient times walk upon England’s mountains green.”

What?

And that is all he knew. Soon he became quiet. And he climbed a hill or two, and let his thoughts relax. While he let his thoughts relax, and looked at the hills of green, I focused on the animals that were around or had passed recently. The smells were so clean, and clear. Oh boy, I had a good time today on those hills.

Then he stopped the bike and looked at me and said: today Livermore, then Monday in San Jose, Tuesday San Bruno, Wednesday San Fran, and Thursday our triumphant finish. We are four days away from doing something I never thought I would have been able to do. We are going to finish in just four days.

He was filled with so much hope and optimism! I was so happy to hear him like this today. And he wrote a lovely caption for this picture: “The hills are green with the greenness of spring: it is a fresh green, a new green, a green filled with the promise of good things to come: it is a green that fills your soul, it pushes out the deadness of winter, the darkness of depression, and leaves you looking up to the blue sky, highlighted with clouds.”

Amen: let’s lift our eyes up to the sky!

See what having a dog can do for you!

Merced, Mike, Merlin, and Companion

2010-02-12T22:29:00.000-08:00

We stayed an extra day in Merced because the Companion’s friend Mike invited us to stay with him. Merced is a lovely town, and we really enjoyed it there. The day before was rainy, and the news paper met us for an interview. The paper came out the day we were in Merced for fun. And many people noticed us and talked to the Companion.

I got lots of attention and lots of love!

We stayed with Mike for the night. Mike and Merlin, the evil cat that stalks me. In the middle of the night, Merlin jumps on the bed to see what I’m doing. Sleeping. Sniffs me some, then hisses and off he goes! Merlin! Cats!

Thanks Mike for a lovely time in Merced. And to Merced the town for being so friendly and reading your newspaper!

Now the companion. He’s odd again. And I know what it is. We are going to finish this bike tour in a few days. Less than a week.

And then?

That’s what makes him nervous. And I’m watching him closely. And I don’t know why. You know he’s pulled me this whole time. He’s biked up hills and down them. He’s fought head winds and rain. He’s pushed himself a lot! I get tired watching him!

I’ve got to tell him to stop panicking and getting nervous. To stop thinking about what will happen in a few days. And remember how many times on this trip he has panicked and everything worked out.

He’s going to be fine, but I need him to believe in himself some more.

Rain, PInk, Rainbows, Mark

2010-02-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

We biked in rain today. The companion was excited because he got to finally wear his rain gear. I think it’s too big for him, and too blue. He looked like a big blueberry. I kept calling him Violet Beauregarde! And he would sing: umpa umpa umpa de do!

He did a lot of singing this day. Some say looooooooooooove it is a river! His voice was nice and I could hear him. I like it when he sings like that, long melodic lines, and his voice is clear and deep. The companion was in a good mood even in the rain.

He might be growing up!

Rain came. Stopped. Came again. And stopped. We are out in the country again, and not in the desert. There were new smells for me. I was enjoying the day, even with the rain. The companion’s brother called and they talked for a while. During that time, we were chased by about ten dogs at various times. So the Companion would have to say: hold on! And he would sprint. He gets worried about the dogs cause they do get a little close to me.

I don’t understand why people don’t keep their dogs in the house. Then they can keep them safe, and others safe.

I did what I do to all barking dogs barking at me: stared at them.
The area we are biking is called a valley, and it is flat! And the road are straight. And there are orchards, and farms, and cows, and all kinds of things on each side. The trees are still in their winter sleep. Except for these cherry trees that are just waking up. The dark sky behind them caught up to us, and left us wet. But right here we were able to get his cute shot.

As he was talking to his mom, the companion found a rainbow! Oh the rainbow was so pretty. We stopped and looked at it for a while. I love the brightness of it! And how big it was stretched across the sky! His mom wanted the picture, but the Companion didn’t think he could get a good shot. But his mom told him to take a picture anyway! Well it worked.

The day was moving forward, and we were late. So Mark came to find us and get us to his house safely. We stayed the night with Mark and his wife Connie, and their son Bob, and their dogs Bug and Max (Max was cool, and Bug was a sweet lady), and their bird Franklin, and the cat, Cowboy. They were all very kind to us, and made both of us feel so welcome. Thank you Mark and family for your hospitality!

Bakersfield, Rescue Ladies

2010-02-08T20:37:00.001-08:00

Bakersfield, this is a sign in the middle of the town kind of out of the way. Not where you'd expect it to be. But the companion was crazy about it. He just loved it. Not as much as if he said: road side attraction, but he loved it anyway.

And what he really loved is listening to the ladies talk about the sign. He loves hearing stories about things.

This is Jill and Diane from Golden Empire Basset Rescue. They come to the room to see us and to check on my wound. I've not talked about this because it's nothing really, but the companion worries enough for two!

So Jill, Diane, and her husband took the companion to lunch because he needs food. They gave me some nice food too. And Diane only ate a part of her steak and gave me the rest--yummmmm!

Thank you Golden Empire for you hospitality, and the basset you save!

Reviews

2010-02-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well the companion is excited about this!

Chicago Sphere writer has read and reviewed my blog. Thank you Mike Doyle for this wonderful review. I've added Mike's website and blog to my links!

To read it follow the link!

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicagosphere/2010/02/antigone-goes-west-chicagoan-bikes-cross-country-to-promote-animal-adoption.html

Thanks Mike for your review!

Wind Farms, Hills, Tehachapi

2010-02-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

Today the companion was awesome! He woke up at 7am, got the bike ready to go, had breakfast, and got moving before 9am!

The goodness of the start changed. The companion couldn’t seem to get going this morning. I couldn’t get any speed even on flat or declines. Then he looked at the back break and realized that it was holding the wheel. So today turned into a struggle for the companion.

He did it without complaint and I was happy for him.

We passed by these huge wind farms. These big huge massive windmills. They line the mountain side in Mojave, CA. And in Tehachapi too. The companion loves them. He thinks they are like giants that silently guard everyone. But as we got closer we noticed they sometimes make a Woooshing sound Woooosh! Wooooosh! Woooooosh! Kind of nice though. The companion’s thoughts needed a distraction from his struggle to pedal today.

He turned to me and said: “When you focus on the struggle, you struggle more, and time goes by slowly.”

We were told by another man on a bike that we would go up hill for about 20 miles then head downward. The road was heading up and the companion was doing well. But then it went down. He turns to me and said: “No way we’ve gone 20 miles. Could it be that that guy was wrong?”

I didn’t think the man was wrong and neither did the companion And he wasn’t. The road turned up and went up for a long long time. It was so steep the trucks were having trouble going up them. So he pushed up the steep hills, and told me what he was dreaming for his life.

“I’d like to go visit mom and dad once a year, at least. I’d like to have a job. I’d like to teach college again, or even try writing for a small town newspaper. I’d like to live in a small town, or a medium sized town. Just a place to live where I can grow some tomatoes this summer. Oh look there’s a Joshua Tree. (I did not bite him as I promised I would.) This is the biggest one we’ve seen. Tomato plants, that’s one of my goals for this year: have some tomato plants! I’d like to be published.”

Then he got quiet for a little. Then said: “I just want to find us a home, and be happy.”

It’s the high desert. The desert does things to you when you are in it for days.

Then we headed down hill, for miles! The companion kept yelling: looking you go flying girl.

He was making fun of my ears.

Well we reached Tehachapi and took a break. The town is really cute and if we didn’t want to get to Bakersfield tonight, we would have stayed.

So we are in Bakersfield, CA now. And the companion has announced: we are now out of the high desert! Well thank goodness! I don’t know how much more introspection I can take! I need smells!

Klaus, High Desert, Memories

2010-02-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

The other day I met a friend of the companions named Tom. Tom loves animals and rescues dogs and horses. The horses were cool. The dogs were sweet. Well except for Klaus the beagle. I love beagles, and Klaus was cute.

But he was all paws! All paws!

He kept trying to mate with me, but I don't do that anymore. No more having puppies.

So today we were in the high desert again. It seems like we've been in the desert for a while. First it was the Colorado Desert, now we are in the Mojave Desert.

This is typical of the high desert. There is a lot of brown sand. Some brush that spots it around. Joshua trees all over. I swear if the companion yells "oh look a Joshua Tree," one more time I'll bite him.

But I think the desert plays with you, it plays with your mind, and it brings you back to things you forgot, things you don't want to remember. But the desert makes you stronger and the way you look at the past changes.

So we are biking along in the high desert today. The companion found us several routes today that were with little or no traffic. And I liked that. So I sat in the contraption and looked out to the desert, and let the smells come to me, and let my mind go where it wanted to. And I thought of Klaus and his frisky playing. Which lead me to thinking about where I had my pupples.

It's a place and time I don't think about--ever! I think back to when the Companion picked me up. But today, in the desert, I went back further.

Back futher to where I was a mother. All of us where kept in small areas. I didn't get out side for walks. I never saw a vet. We were feed unhealthy food. I had litters, and the pupples were taken away and sold to stores. I never saw them with their humans.

It was a place where dogs were used to make puppies so the humans would make money.

We had very little contact with humans, but we wanted it. And I would stick my nose out every time they walked by to get some loving. Mostly not.

The place is called a Puppy Mill. And according to the companion there are puppy mills all over the country.

But my memories of this place were gone until today, today they came back. I don't know how to end puppy mills. But I know that I was take from it. I was taken, with other dogs, by the animal police, and they took me to a shelter. There I was taken to Guardian Angel basset rescue. From there I was put in a foster home. Then the companion come and got me.

How lucky was I to be taken by the rescue. I ask all of you to adopt dogs from rescues. Support them, foster with them. And you can help end puppy mills.

I looked up and saw the companion bicycling down the road. And I wondered what he was thinking about, was he thinking about his past too. What was the desert doing to him?

Well we arrived in Mojave. And it is the gateway to space! Fine, let's go!

We Pass Through Joshua Tree

2010-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

The companion was full of surprises last night. His internet card ended and he didn’t get a new one. Instead he packed up the entire contraption and watched TV. So this morning he didn’t have to do anything but wake up, shower, and go. We were on the road at 9:30.

Today we biked to Yucca Valley but we went through Joshua Tree. The companion was excited to see his first Joshua Tree. And he biked at a good pace so we could get there fast. Plus he wanted coffee, and from our hotel, in the direction of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree was the first place for coffee that the companion liked.

Before we got to the coffee, we found this dinosaur statue. There was one on each corner of this property. No sign, nothing to tell us what it is. The companion was on the phone at the time doing an interview for a paper. But he stopped, took a picture and moved on. He later said, that’s just like the giant spider we saw.

Yes, exactly. Exactly like that VW bug car made into a spider.

Then suddenly there was a Circle K and I thought the companion was going to go crazy. Oh we are stopping for coffee. But we got more than coffee. We met Danielle, who was just so sweet to us. First the companion leaves me outside while he goes in and tells everyone: we are biking across the country. (I never brag). Danielle recognized him from the paper. Front page! And she gave him a copy. Then she came out to visit with me for a time, and they talked.

She advised him on a better route to get to Yucca Valley to stay out of crazy traffic. Thank you Danielle. She gave him a yellow caution vest to wear so we don’t blend in with the sand. Thank you! And she told us a little bit about the place.

Turtles migrate through Joshua tree! Who knew? I didn’t. But slow and steady wins the race, and I should know: Cause I’m winning.

Here is a Joshua Tree. The companion likes them, cause he likes plants. I think it is odd, but nice. They are all over the place here.

Now for a slight surprise. David from San Francisco is coming to spend a few days taken pictures of us. Should be fun!

And I would like to thank Denise from the basset rescue who has really gotten us some media attention!

29!

2010-01-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Today we are in 29 Palms. And the companion likes it. He things it’s a cute town. Well this is what I see.

It is nice this town. Lots of cute things on the walls. But the people are really better than the town looks. Everyone we’ve met has been really friendly! They all compliment me, and talk to the companion. Lots of smiling! I like that, smiling is my favorite. We stopped at a café and hand lunch. The server was really sweet!

But across the road from the café was a statue. Again there was some disappointment in the companion’s voice when he realized it wasn’t a Roadside Attraction. But he liked it anyway.

There is also a Marine base here. The companion loves all things military, and said: you got to love it when the Marines are around.

Do I?

We also had an interview with the paper here, and with the paper in our next town. Two in one! Thank Goodness. That means: no interviews for a few more days. Excellent. This picture was taken by the newspaper. I like it. Isn't the companion funny looking with his head turned like he is in thought! Oh dear!

Lovely town 29! Lovely!

The Final State!

2010-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well look out world! We made it to California.

What a pleasant bike ride today too. We went through the Colorado Desert, or at least that is what the companion said was posted on a sign in the middle of it! I enjoyed it too. The sun was warm on and the wind cool.

We biked for several hours today. The companion said when we started out: pray we get a ride, I don't really want to camp in the desert. But for hours no one paid any attention to our sign asking for help to Twentynine Palms. And still he biked on.

After we climbed the mountian, the ground leveled off. But not completely flat. Dips. Dips in the road, ups and downs that were kind of fun. We made it to Vital Junction. And the companion talked with some people about how to get places. See this is where two roads intersect, and one of them was out. So no one could go north. People were looking at each other really confused. The companion was hoping for a ride from there. Instead he talked with a couple who are on a motorcycle. They were having trouble too with the wind.

But soon the road veered toward the sun more, and put the wind behind us. It may have disappeared all toegether, cause we didn't really feel it anymore. The companion was actually doing great on time! he was really moving.

There are few lonely roads, there is always traffic of some kind. But today after we left the junction, there was less.

We had quiet time. Just the sound of the tires to the road.

Finally, the companion thought it best to set up the tent. We had not received a ride and he didn't want to wait later, so he wouldn't have to put the tent up in the dark. We found a spot to hitch the tent. He starts to put it up but he can't get the stakes in the ground. They bend.

He looks at me and says: we will have to keep on biking, keep on walked, cause we can't put up the tent. And he quickly puts every thing into the contraption, and we get back on the road.

And within 15 minuets we get a ride!

This is a picture of me flying through the desert!

Radio

2010-01-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4242359

Today should have been a day off. It should have been a day for me to stay in bed. But the companion called KLPZ 1380 and got an interview in the afternoon. Yes I'm pleased that we finally got some media attention, but did we have to wake me for it? No.

Here is the link to the web cam of the show. You can't see me at all. I'm a bit upset about that. But you can see the companion, who by the way looks like he gained 30 pounds.

Even his mother commented on how big he looks. I don't think he has gained weight but he looks it.

Bicyclists, Help from Manuel

2010-01-26T13:07:00.001-08:00

We got up and got moving from Salome to Parker. And it was not uneventful. The companion called this the worst day because of his mistakes. But that didn’t come out until later.

First we climbed a hill for about three miles or so. The companion noted that everyday starts up hill! Then we went down hill forever! It was a long down hill streach and we were moving! The companion as rearranged the contraption again, and suddenly, I’m all comfy! So the downhill we went, and met a bunch of bicyclist.

This time the companion got a photo. They all smiled and waved and said: OH look at the dog!

We then turned off that road and on the road to Parker, AZ. The turn was in Hope, AZ. This is the back of the welcome sign. Foreshadowing the day.

We turned and hit a headwind, and that wind didn’t stop for the rest of the day. It hit and hit and hit. Not really strong, about 9 miles per hour. But remember the companion only goes 8 miles per hour. He walked a lot, he rested a few times. But kept moving.

He said: we are going to be late, I’m worried.
I told him to calm down, and not worry. Rely on yourself, you can get us there, even if it is dark we’ll be ok.

He liked that, and kept moving. But the problem wasn’t the head wind, or how tired he was. The problem was he was out of food. All he had in the contraption was dry cereal. He taught he could make it to the store, in Hope. But the store was closed. And it was 15 miles to the next store. He was suffering.

Finally we found a store and had some lunch. And he felt good so we biked some more. We had 25 miles to go. But he kept going. Luckly, Manuel saw us and picked us up and drove us the last 15 miles to Parker. And this time, the companion asked his name!

Thank you Manuel!

We Bike Again, Run for Liberty

2010-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

We biked from Wickenburg to Salome, in a semi uneventful way. We saw this wagon, which the companion was excited about, but less as excited as he gets when he sees those “roadside attractions.” The road took us to a hill, but the companion didn’t complain. Then it leveled off, and he biked well. Although kind of slow.

I was concentrating on the smells of the area, while he was talking on the phone. Modern things really make this journey not be one of solitude or isolation. He talked with his parents; he talked with Katherine. It was talk talk talk.

Early that morning we saw our first bicyclist since Oklahoma. The guy was in shorts and had a back pack. Clearly doing something similar to us. I wanted the companion to get a photo, but he was awestruck.

While he was on the phone with his dad, the companion noticed a hitchhiker. The man was just standing in the middle of the high desert. The man asked for water, and the companion gave him some. I was kind of proud of the companion for just doing it without thought. He later confessed that in Biblical times the golden rule was the rule, and you helped like that because it could easily be you stuck without water in a desert

I was concentrating on the smells of the area, while he was talking on the phone. Modern things really make this journey not be one of solitude or isolation. He talked with his parents; he talked with Katherine. It was talk talk talk.

Early that morning we saw our first bicyclist since Oklahoma. The guy was in shorts and had a back pack. Clearly doing something similar to us. I wanted the companion to get a photo, but he was awestruck.

While he was on the phone with his dad, the companion noticed a hitchhiker. The man was just standing in the middle of the high desert. The man asked for water, and the companion gave him some. I was kind of proud of the companion for just doing it without thought. He later confessed that in Biblical times the golden rule was the rule, and you helped like that because it could easily be you stuck without water in a desert.

We moved on. Sunny skies, lovely views. The road is in a valley, flat but on both sides two mountain ranges.

As dusk was approaching, we saw two men ahead of us. One was on a bike, one was not. It turns out that these men are doing what we are doing: crossing the country from California to New York (I think it must be a longer distance than ours). Chris, on the left, bikes and films, Paul, on the right, runs. They cross 25 miles a day. They are calling their tour: Run for Liberty, and you can find them on Facebook under that name. They were not only fun to talk with, but they filmed us and talked to us about our journey, but they also drove us to Salome.

We had to pass one town before Salome called Wenden. Wended was flooded with the rains we had. So it was a good think the companion stayed put in Wickenburg.

Good Luck to Chris and Paul!

Log Wagon, The Ting Tings

2010-01-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

This is the Log Wagon Inn in Wickenburg, AZ. We have stayed here far to long, but the weather was cold and wet. So I’m not mad. But I fear the sitting around will get to the companion. He doesn’t do well when he has little to do. He tends to not do anything. More on that later. First the Inn.

The Log Wagon is all we need. Microwave and refrigerator. There is a TV so the companion can relax. The bed is nice and the room is good. They didn’t charge for me because I’m so sweet. The price is affordable and nice. We’ve had nice time I the hotel.

I enjoyed the screen door. The companion opens the door and I can lay on the floor and feel the fresh air, and just let the smells come up to me. Nice!

But what has caught my ears is the song “We Walk” by the Ting Tings. This is a fun group, that plays fun music and the Companion loves their stuff. If he is at the gym, he will watch their videos and not lift until it’s over. They are fun. I like them. And its so funny that the Companion likes them cause he mostly loves chamber music or choral music. Music for the companion reaches into him, and it causes things to happen to him that I pick up on.

Music will return him to a time, or recall memories for him. But he never sees the memory in his mind’s eye. If he did I would know what he was remembering. But he feels it. Music brings back the feelings of times gone by.

If the Companion listens to The Go! Team, then he starts to feel happy again. And sometimes dances around like a crazy man. It’s fun. He always says: Come on Antigone Dance with me! I never do such common things as dance.

But when the Ting Tings comes one with “We Walk” it means something else. It means he is remember The Overnight. It means he is remembering the depression. It means he may start writing. The Ting Tings sing this fun song with the lyrics “When it all goes wrong, we walk….Nothing makes you feel good.”

I think the song helps him. He is going to listen to that song repeatedly, then he’ll jump up and we will go for a walk.

But then he will write. I hope so. The companion’s joblessness is something that is odd to me. Because he is without work, I get to see more of him. And that I like. But when it goes on too long, the companion changes some, and I get worried.

The Last Leg

2010-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

The companion has planned our last leg of the journey. I'm excited to finish. He thinks it will be about another 20 days. That's almost an entire moon. But it will go by quickly, i'm sure. I think he wants to do it a fast as possible cause he is tired too.

So here is the route he has planned. But please keep in mind, he changes his mind often. Its not etched in stone, says he.

We are currently in Wickenburg, AZ
Wickenburg, AZ to Salome, AZ to Parker AZ. This is were we will leave AZ

Parker, AZ to Twentynine Palms, CA to
Apple Valley to
Santa Clara to
Santa Barbra to
Lompoc to
Santa Maria to
San Luis Obispo to
Salinas to
Santa Cruz to
Pacifica to
San Francisco

Then we cross the bridge, and step into the Pacific from the Golden Gate Park. This looks like 835 miles to go. So this picture is what I will be doing for the next 20 days or so. If we can ever get out of Wickenburg. The skies today are gray, but no rain. I hope the sun comes out in the morning. I like biking in the sunshine the best.

Twenty more days, and then who knows what will happen to us.

Bicycling father raising awareness of teen suicide

2010-01-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Bicycling father raising awareness of teen suicide

Yesterday we were biking to Kevin's house for the night. And the companion's pedal fell off the bike. He couldn't fix it by hand so we started walking. The companion likes to call his parents when this sort of thing happens. He does a lot of laughing so I think it keeps him calm.

Grandmom told the companion about David Alexander, who is also biking across the coutnry. He's gone 6000 miles so far! Wow congrats to him!

I want to share his story with y'all as a reminder of our second mission on the bike tour: Preventing Suicides. Pleasae read his story!

Bungalow, Pink Chair

2010-01-16T15:46:00.001-08:00

The companion and I were invited to Coffee this morning in Mesa, AZ. We went to this lovely place called Inside the Bungalow. Cafes don't offer much for me, I admit. I mean, I can get a human treat, like a cookie, but otherwise--boring! No so at Inside the Bungalow.

This is the yard where we sat. Lots of little plants for me to smell. We got there and the companion got his coffee, and we sat down. And I could smell a bunch of things. The Companion got an egg back and pumpkin bread. He loved both and said: such nice presentation! He of course shared it with me, and I like them both too.

I just sat and enjoyed the patio, the smells that came up to me. I relaxed but was too excited with this patio that I couldn't nap! If you are in Mesa, AZ--go to the Bungalow!

We then walked down to The Big Pink Chair. Need I remind the readers of the Companion's obsession with roadside attractions? I think no. We walked down town Mesa just to see this Chair. The Companion loved it.

Me? well, it's not soft like a sofa, so what's the point.

Tempe Bicycle, Hands

2010-01-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Well we started the day sluggish. The companion thinks he has an allergy to Arizona, but he finally got up and got going. Me? I just let him sleep and be sluggish if he wanted too.

We had to go get the bike repaired today. First thing. The companion found a bike shop about five miles from us, so off we went. He didn't complain about the cost of the repairs on the way, but he did say he was "worried". He's worried because he doesn't think it can be repaired and he would have to get a new one. He told me about this happening before in Chicago and the bike shop told him "it would be cheaper to get a new bike, than the back wheel."

The back wheel was bend badly. You should have seen it from my vantage. That wheel made the companion go back and forth wobbling. But I couldn't consentrate on that much because we are in city traffic.

And I don't like city traffic. I don't like cars with smothering smell. I don't like the noise of the busses. I don't like the trains coming by. No give me the Tonto National Forest again: That I love!

But sometimes we have to go to a City, and here we are. And its good because there are good bike shops around to help us. So off we went. The man at the store told the companion: "well we can true it for 15 bucks, but it will never be straight again. You may want to get a new wheel."

I held my breath. See the companion had not eaten yet, he had not had any coffee and I was worried he would hit panic mode.

"How much will that be?" He asked, maintaining some quiet.
"About 50 bucks," the main said.
"OK! Let's do that!"

The companion was so excited that it was so much less than he thought it would be that he agreed to the price before asking the man to true to old wheel. Well we may need a new one anyway. Dave 0 told the companion that he could expect "a couple of thousand miles before they fail." And we have crossed over a couple of thousand miles!

We Tempe Bicycle was lovely. I went in and walked around. I inspected the place. Nice, clean, void of small animals. Go there.

Tempe is nice and so is Mesa. The traffic isn't horrible but I still don't like it. We saw this piece in Tempe. The companion kink of liked it. But I noticed his disappointment that it wasn't a road side attraction. It was just art.

The View, Help with Problems

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

We started the day in Heber-Overgaard heading up into a forest. I love the forest, I really do. The companion only saw one animal the whole day, but I smelled several. Oh there is lots of life in that forest. The forest is in the White Mountains of the Rockies. Which the companion realized finally he had to cross and could not go around.

Yes the companion has accepted the both Mary and Nissa know geography better he does, and the he had to cross the Rockies.
Nissa asked him ‘how are you crossing the Rockies?”
He said, “we are going around them.”
She didn’t skip a beat and didn’t look at him like he crazy and said, “they extend to Mexico.”

Mary asked how he was getting over the mountains in Arizona.
He said, “there are no mountains in Arizona.”
“Yes there are, I’ve seen them,” she said.

Well well well.

So we are crossing the Rockies in the White Mountians. And they are steep. The companion was told in town that he would be going downhill to Payson. No so. We went up and up and up. sometimes we did go down but not long and the right back up again. The companion learned later that he climbed over 1000 feet before we turned to go downward.

We were going down, and we were in the forest when we turned a corner and saw this! Amazing!

We were walking along the road looking at the view when Brian stopped and gave us a ride. He was going to Phoenix and the companion asked I we could ride the entire way. And it was a good thing he did. The road was dangerous for the bike and the contraption. There was no or little shoulder, and the mountains! They were huge going up and down and up and down. The companion would have died on the road to Mesa.

Sometimes help comes and something happens. The bike was in the back of the truck near a trailer attachment, and it was damaged there. The gears were bent. Brian felt so bad that he stopped and had it fixed at this amazing bike junk yard. We then put the bike back in and in a different place. But something happened along the way that bent the back wheel. The companion was like, oh well we will fix it.

Well I was proud of the Companion, he didn’t seem to be bothered about the problems at all. He was like “oh well get it fixed.” I think as much as he worries about getting upset or panicking he is doing so much better.

Brian was great to pick us up and drive us to a hotel. He saved us time but mostly he helped us get down the Rockies safely! Thank you Brian.

Arizona!

2010-01-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well look at us!

We made it to Arizona!

We had been climbing up a mountian most of the day. And luckily the companion was feeling dramatic and brave. That meant no complaining from him. None of his "really? another hill. Really?" None of that. He did push some but he did good. He was quiet mostly. Which was good for me, because there is less for me here to smell. Where are all the animals? Where are the coyotes that are going to attack? How about a skunk? Or an armadillo? There seems less traffic out here. There is some, but just less. So the Companion being a bit quiet helped me concentrate on what's important.

So up hill, and up hill, and up hill we went. Then we topped a hill and it went down a long way. The companion was excited!

And in the middle of that down hill was Arizona! We are moving along! The companion is looking for us to get out of the mountains.

A Strange Bone

2010-01-08T16:37:00.001-08:00

Today we went and spent the day at Paul’s work looking for a ride to town. It never came.

But I did met three nice dogs. They live at the store.

One had this large odd bone that she carried around all day. And when I walked near by she gave me a warning growl. As if I were interested in that thing. I’m not even sure I could lift it.

A Great Host

2010-01-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

We are now in Quemado. And it looks like we are going to be here for a few days. I can tell the companion is tired, and we have a nice place to stay. In fact we have a good host.

This is Lucy, our host. She is really friendly to me, and allows me to eat from her bowl, and drink from her water. She never barks at me or bothers me much at all. I’ve been allowed to sleep as much as I like. I love being left alone.
Lucy does give the Companion some attention. But not too much. She does it to be friendly but not to over step her space. She knows he is mine, but still wants him to feel welcome.

Lucy is a great host!

Datil, Mark the Hitchhiker

2010-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Datil near dark. Datil was higher up the hill than Magdalena so its colder. We found the one hotel and checked in. Then the companion cleaned up and we went for a walk. The companion stopped at the motel office, which is also the grocery store, and café, and gas station. While he was in there he met Mark.

Mark is hitchhiking across the country, and the companion told him he could sleep on our floor if he wanted too. So he did. He came later and set up his bed. They talked and watched TV most of the night.

Mark gave me some attention too. He gave me some peanuts and I loved them. They were so good. Then we said good bye to Mark in the morning as he set out toward Idaho! Farewell Mark and have a safe trip!

High Country Lodge, VLA

2010-01-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

In Magdalena we found a lovely motel called the High Country Lodge. We have been traveling up hill most of the day and arrived kind of late, but not dark. I wasn’t allowed in the lobby because there is a restaurant connected to the lobby. The companion stayed in there a bit longer than I would have liked but he came out smiles. The lady who works there came out and said hello.

Well the room was nice, and I loved the bed. I just feel into the softness. I was asleep in no time. The companion said this: it’s clean, it’s nice, the bed is great! I’d stay here again!

Then we set out in the morning kind of early for us like 9:30. Heading for what the companion said was the VLA. No clue. But he said it was something he wanted to see, and that he wanted to stop at the visitors center. Well after four hours of biking we found the VLA.

Really? That’s it? I wasn’t that excited about it.

The companion determined that biking 4 miles off the path, and 4 miles back wasn’t possible. So we only got to see it from the distance. Well Ok. I’m not too sure I would have had any more fun than I was already having.

The VLA is like another one of the companions Roadside Attractions. But I put on a brave face cause he seemed to like it.

Toward Snow, Lovely Biking

2010-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

We took off this morning late. I was slightly irate and slighted relieved. I was hoping that the companion would delay it for another day. The hotel was cheap so I think it would be a good idea. But he gathered himself together and we left. He gets nervous at times. We've been bicycling for three months, but sometimes, when the money gets low, or when he doesn't know many people in front of us, he gets nervous.

I don't.

We started today in Socorro, and headed to Magdalena. Magdalena sits on top of a mountain. The companion did well today. He didn't complain too much. But he did say: "oh come on, for real, another hill to climb."

Well what did he expect? We are two days from the Continental Divide. Aka The Great Divide. We will be rising until it is to our back. Why he didn't listen to Mary back on day one, I don't know. She said to him: How are you going to cross the mountains? he says: we are going around them. She goes: you can't.

But nooooooooo, he has this idea in his head that can go around it. We can't.

We the day was still good biking and still fun. The mountains are really pretty. I think the companion worried about Mountain Lions. He kept trying to come up with a plan using the pepper spry.

Way to go mighty warrior!

We stopped on top of one of the many hills we crossed. The View was so lovely, I took a nap.

Flats

2010-01-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am on the road to Las Lunas sitting at a bus stop. I"m sitting here because we had a flat. The companion put me on the bench so I wouldn't get any sand spurs in my feet. He fixed the flat and on we went. Well he didn't really fix it, he replaced it with the spare. He said he couldn't see any holes and he would need to put the tire in water to see the holes.

About 20 minuets later, the companion turned around and said: "Not again!" and he pulled over at a Walmart. One of the wheels of the contraption was flat. So he fixed it. It was only one hole. So he patched it up and we went on. This was good I think because he doesn't have a spare anymore.

We made it one mile before it went flat again. So we were stuck at the Lotaburger. Stephen and Jeremy drove out to us and took us home. When the companion looked at the tire and found that one tire had seven holes and one had five.

I just napped.

The Journey So Far

2010-01-01T22:36:00.001-08:00

The Companion has drawn a line on our tour so far! Look at how far we've traveled!

Wow! Wow!

The End Point Changes

2009-12-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

This is the photo that the Companion showed me today.

He said: This is the Golden Gate Bridge, Antigone. It is now our the end point of our bike ride. But its an extra 600 miles for us to travel. But it will be ok. We have to go to this bridge.

I looked at him and said: Why?

He said: From this week, about twice a month, or every other week, someone dies by suicide. We have to go there.

So its on to The Golden Gate Bridge, where we will cross it (although I'm no so sure I'm going up there)then find a spot in the park and walk into the Pacific to end the bike tour with drama (although I'm not sure I'll be getting my feet wet in that water.)

If what the Companion says is true about the number of people suffering from suicidal thoughts: then we must go! I remember when the companion was having those thoughts, I remember the fear, I remember the images in his mind--but I don't want to talk about them--they are too horrible.

I hope it helps others! So we will go!

A Short Bike Ride

2009-12-29T19:04:00.001-08:00

Today the Companion finally got unlazy and we went for a short bike ride on the trial.

The Companion likes to wake me from a nap with this: lazy girl, you are just a little lazy girl.

I usually ignore him.

But this week he has been lazy himself. He’s spent so much time in the hotel, I’ve started to think this is home and we are not ever going to leave. And he eats snacks a lot, and hides them from me. Like I can't hear the Doritos bag opening. Lazy companion.

So after his on the computer and on the phone and watched some TV, he gets this idea that we should bike down town and see some things. He pulled out the bike and contraption and loaded me, and off we went.

We didn’t go down town. The trail, the bike trail joined a road, and the companion didn’t like it. He said: I really don’t want to bike with traffic in town because New Mexico has a high rate of DUIs and uninsured drivers. So we turned around and went back, passed the hotel and kept going.

The trail was lovely, its quiet and high above the city. Not much in the way of smells because there is still traffic near, and on one side of us was what looked like a cement river. After an hour we sat down at Lotaburger and had lunch. I had a hotdog, and he had a burger. The ladies at the burger joint liked me and waved at me from inside.

I was wearing my hat, but I’m sure it was because of me and not my attire.

Farewell Capitan, Mark

2009-12-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Our time in Capitan, NM has come to an end. I don't know why? I liked it there. I liked the sofa. I like the smells of Mark's yard. He has lots of visitors to his yard, all leaving lovely smells for me to investigate. I would sometimes get the companion to take me outside, and I would stand on the deck and lift my nose up and get lots: roadrunners, deer. Just lovely.

Here is Mark. Not only did he let me sleep on the sofas, but he drove us to our next stop. Thank you Mark for you hospitality!

Smokey Bear, I Stayed Home

2009-12-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today the Companion went to see Smokey Bear at the Smokey Bear Historical Park. I was surprised that he went alone. He said, that he just wanted to run down there and get some photos and then get back.

All he said was that Smokey Bear was an important! So down he goes. He liked it!

But when he returned I was so excited! I ran around the house, and scared our host's bird. Ha! I didn't mean too.

The Companion had to tell me that dogs were not allowed in Smokey Bear's Park. What?

The Companion Works?

2009-12-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

So last night the companion tells me he has a job for the night. He says he'll be back around 3am. I just wonder what kind of work goes on at that time of the night.

He comes back before 3am, and I can smell the booze on him. Working? Really? Really!

He says the he worked as a casino dealer, dealing Blackjack. Riiiight. I know he has never dealt cards in his life. I know that he place on his computer. Well he has these pictures to prove it.

I still question.

He did come back saying this: "I know that I've had a rough time with life over the past years, but I've been in fairly good health. And dealing cards for these two and hearing their brief stories of rough health, made me realize that I'm very lucky."

He then continued: "I was really inspired by them."

Well if they inspired him, then his work was ok!

Roswell, UFO Museum Rocks!

2009-12-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Roswell has Aliens! The companion wanted to come here because he says that aliens must exist. Must they?

We started the day off with rocks. We ran around downtown. The Companion needed to repair the bike and wanted to get a bath for me. We couldn't find the bike repair but found the groomer. To my relief, the companion thought the owner was rude, so we didn't stay. Ha! No bath for me! We then made our way to the UFO Museum.

The Companion was going to leave me outside while he ran in to get post cards. Well he came back in like two minutes, totally excited.

"You get to come in!"

At the UFO museum in Roswell, pets are allowed! I loved it. I was kind of tired, so while the companion was looking at exhibit, I would relax and get some nap time. I loved it, so nice that they let pets in. They must understand the connection with dogs and their humans! They understand that we dogs want to be with our humans, even if we don't understand what they are doing.

Here we are going into the UFO Museum in Roswell, NM where they allow pets. We were not the only dogs in the museum! Totally fun. And of course the staffed loved on me, and asked the companion questions about our journey!

Roswell was fun!
We are waiting on the Companion's friend, Mark to come and take us to his house!

Roswell was fun!

Hobbs, Tatum, Help

2009-12-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

We arrived in New Mexico a couple of days ago. Hobbs was our first overnight stop. I wasn’t happy with that town. It wasn’t really clean and it wasn’t really friendly. But most of all the hotels didn’t want to allow dogs.

There we were in trouble: it was dark, and we were still biking. And the first hotel wouldn’t let us stay. So we found another, but the companion said it was too expensive for us and not friendly. Finally at the third hotel, he got a good price and got me in free. I liked the place: America Value Inn. I think it was called.

But I wanted to leave Hobbs. So up in the morning early I woke us. I told the companion that he should try to hitchhike some so we could get to Tatum early. If we got there early, he could hitchhike from there to Roswell. He agreed and tried.

We were able to get a short ride from outside of Lovington to the Tatum highway. But then the land flatten out and the companion was biking really well. He tried to get a lift but no such luck. After a while he realized that he could make it easily. So on he went! We got there early anyway.

But no one picked us up, so we had to stay in Tatum. At their one hotel. I’m not going to go into it. It wasn’t bad but: “I don’t want the dog on the bed,” the woman said. The companion just looked at her. She went on, “I don’t want her hair all over the bed. I don’t want to wash it.”

I thought the companion would faint right there. I know I nearly did. She didn’t want to wash the bedding after we left. She said she meant only the bed spread but I’m not sure I believe that.

The road to Roswell is long, barren, and long. All day long the companion tried to get us a ride and it was not to happen. I felt bad for him because he looked so silly. He would wave at the trucks, he would put his thumb out, he would do all sorts of things to get the attention of the trucks.

Nothing.

Finally around 2:15pm, a man stopped and picked us up and drove us the last 40 miles or so to Roswell. We had done 30 miles already that day. He was really nice, made a nice space for me to lay down on the seat, told us about Roswell, and drove us all the way to the hotel. But leave it to the companion to forget to find out what his name is. So its just Nice Man.

Thank you Nice Man for your help! We really needed it!

New Mexico

2009-12-15T19:45:00.001-08:00

We finally left Texas for New Mexico! I'm beat! just Beat!

But please notice the new links to the videos we've been in!

Great Day

2009-12-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

What a great day! The companion got on the phone this morning and got some interviews set up. One happened today, and one will happen in the morning. That means, we had to stay another day! Great. I rested for a while, until the reporter showed up for photos. He and the companion then talked for a while.

Then we were picked up by Kimberly and Brandon. They are married and live here in Andrews. They showed us around town and took us to Cpl Ray's Cafe. The companion loved the coffee and the cafe as well. They sat around on the patio for a while talking and laughing, while I layed and relaxed in the sun! This is Brandon and Kimberly.

Now let me tell you about Cpl Ray's Cafe. The companion liked it mostly because of why the cafe is there. Cpl Ray was killed in the line of Duty, and his parents open this cafe in memory of him. Well that is lovely. The companion told me that he was touched by this. It's hard to lose a child, and this is a lovely way to remember him and to inspire others.

After coffee we walked for a long time, longer than I like. But we were looking for something. We found it: a home where the humans love to adopt senior bassets. At one time Sheri and Terry had 12 but now they have only 6. Sheri said that they had recently lost three within three weeks. So sad, but I keep thinking about how thankful I am that they gave homes to the old bassets. Senior Bassets often do not find homes quickly, and sometimes not at all. See people want a dog that will be with him for a long time, and seniors may only stay with their human for a few years. I understand the difficulty with this, so i'm really thankful for people like Sheri and Terry--they welcome the seniors in, and love them and send them to the bridge being happy and having a home.

I think this is one thing I havn't talked about. Dogs that do not have homes, dog that are sent to the bridge in a shelter, leave us feeling alone. What a horrible feeling. But you can help by adopting, by fostering, by responsible breeding. Sorry I don't mean to preach.

Here is Sheri with some of the bassets. And then all the bassets in the yard! Great dogs!

Wind, Help, Motel

2009-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

We started early today before 9am to go to Andrews, TX. The day started out well. We were moving along ok. It was up hill but not so bad.

Then the companion says: "Why can I not get going? It's like I can't move." And then he gets off the says. "We've got a flat."

We've? It was not on the contraption. It was on his bike and the front. So he pulls it off and fixes it. A man pulls up and offers help. The companion tells him that he fixed it and it was ok. But I was asking him for a ride. The companion tells me: he doesn't have room in that little car. So we got back on the bike.

Then the wind kicks up at 17mph from the south, southwest. Then companion can't overcome it. he keeps going but I can tell he's bet. after about 30 miles he starts walking the bike for a break. A truck passed us and then the companion stuck out his thumb. And that truck stopped! came back and picked us up!

Mike picked us up and drove us into town. He was a nice fella, goes bow hunting with his dog--I hope the companion heard that. Hunting would be cool.

Then we made it to this hotel. Its really cute.

loved me so much she let me stay free!

Wind and Church

2009-12-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well here we are still in Big Spring, and the companion got all excited about these wind things. Windmills he calls them. They harvest wind, he says. They make electricity. Harvest wind? Who ever heard of such. Like that can be harvested. But I agree with him--they look wild! sort of like giants, he said.

Ok Don Quixote!

And here we arrived at the church in Big Spring. This is the first time he's gone to mass since we started, even though he's had a couple of chances. He first had to go to confession. I hope he confessed leaving me tied up for three hours. Well he went to confession then came out, then went back to mass.

He stood where we could see each other, but I'm not sure why. He stood with his back toward me. I do not like that, so a couple of times I barked at him to get him to come out. And he did. Still a good day.

The Companion Gets Sad, and Weird

2009-12-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

The Companion and set out from Colorado Springs Texas today. Early. He fixed the tire and we were moving by 10am. Really good for him I can tell you! We biked along the the highway 20, and I didn't care for it too much. Not bad, but too open, too windy, too noisy. Luckily Cecile found us again and helped us in the last 12 miles. I couldn't believe we were so close!

But the Companion got a little sad today. We had an interview with the radio station yesterday. That interview was aired this morning. That was cool.

Then outside of Colorado City, we stopped to eat. And as the companion was standing in line to get food a man asked him how the biking was going. He had seen us earlier, and had heard us on the radio. Then a lady asked me if I were the hound she heard about on the radio! Wow! It felt so good to hear that people heard us.

But then the first man came out and told the companion: "It was really good that you told people about the crisis phone number."

"Yeah," he said, "I think that's the most important piece of imformation."

"We've had a lot of suicides here," the man said. "Something like 14 in the past 5 years."

The companion was speechless. And after he was off the phone with his mom, he called Nissa and left a message telling her, and I think he's going to call Katherine and tell her this weekend, (that's what he said), and he called Jeff and told him.

"But what I don't know is, has the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention done something in this area? Do they even know about this?"

When we got to the hotel, he got right on the internet and sent an email to the closet chapter.

I understand why he is upset! Fourteen deaths by suicide in such a small area is really high. it comes to three a year. I think he is just hoping to get someone, what he calls a professional (which he says he is not) to get up there and stop this trend.

I'm on his side on this one.

But what he did that was weird was get a photo of this clown. He hates clowns! he's scared of clowns!

Flats, Hills, Help

2009-12-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to cover today, so lets get started so I can get to bed.

We started the day early at 9:30am from Robert Lee. We had not made it out of the garage the companion says: Oh we've got a flat. And its the same flat the he has fixed twice already.

We stop at the store and he pumped it up, and it went right down. So he fixed it and it went down again We walked over to a tire repair store and got it fixed.

Off we sent for 44 miles starting out two hours later.

We have to climb out of the valley today and this won was taken at the top!

We kept going. The companion was making good time for a while but he couldn't beat the sun. It began to set and he was worried that he wouldn't get us to Colorado City before the sun set. And he started to hitchhike. No luck. Well there isn't much traffic!

Then he's back on the bike and he looks back and says something I will not repeat. "We've got another flat." Its a different tire this time. But its flat. He pumps it up and is looking at When along comes Cecile. He gives us a ride to town, and takes us by the radio station and we get an interview!

We are now in Colorado City, Texas

Great Day! Oh hello Grand mom and Grand dad.

I Found a Picture

2009-12-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

So Last night the companion was looking at photos. And I saw this one? from a newspaper? Why did I not about it? I like it. I think the hat looks really great!

Farewell Edwards Plateau, and an Improvement.

2009-12-08T15:11:00.001-08:00

Here we are at the end of the Edward's Plateau and so we bid it Farwell! For me it means very little. Hills or flatlands, woods or dessert make no matter to me. I get all the smells I need and want and they are all interesting and fun. Just heavy traffic is bad for me. I don't like car smell.

Today had started out like it has been so much--Overcast, Cloudy, Rainy. Not really rain, but foggy wet air. The companion thought it would be a good idea to put the poncho over the entire contraption, and then stick my head out of the hole. So its yellow and all you can see is my head sitting out of the top of a yellow mound. Well I'm was sceptical until we started biking. The water from the road didn't get all over me. I stayed cleaner all day, and the cool air didn't hit my body as much.

Way to go Companion!

Creepy, and the next route

2009-12-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

I have no comment on this. Buffalo in Oklahoma City, Cows in Chicago, now Sheep in San Angelo. When will it be Bassets?

We leave Tuesday start our journey out of Texas. The route is:
Tuesday, Robert Lee
Wednesday, Colorado City
Thrusday, Big Sping
Friday, Andrews

then Saturday in Hobbs New Mexico!

My Blog

2009-12-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

I over see the companion typing my blog.

This photo was taken by Gerry from the Mason newspaper

Texas Snow

2009-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

The companion is on the phone with his mother:
"Can you believe it? Snow in Texas!"

Is that odd, I wondered.

"Yeah, look at the map on the weather channel. There is snow and snow & Rain in Central and south Texas."

We get snow all the time, I thought. I mean every year there is snow. Why did he thing this one would be different.

"We went south to get out of the snow and here it is. And its going to be coming down all day, I'm sure."

So he talks to his mom about this great snow thing in Texas, and I sleep. It is kind of cold out today, and he said we would be staying in doors today. Unless the Brady newspaper would like to run a story about us. then he says we will bike down to the courthouse, more scenic for photos.

I"m not biking in the snow. I have rules, and that's one of them.

Then the housekeeper comes to the room and she and the companion talk. she says: "We've never had this much snow in Brady."

Really? This must be really odd for this place.

So our bike ride has been one challenge after another, and each time we overcome it. I was worried he would say: ok lets just give up and stop. But last night I remember him saying to Gerry: "I had said we would stop if we ran into unusual bad weather when we got to Texas, but now that we are here--oh no we are moving on!"

Way to go Companion!

Cold Temps, and Lovely Ladies

2009-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

We are no in San Saba Texas. We left Lampasas this morning early in cold temps with no sunshine.

And that is how it stayed all day. There was some sun shine during the day. And I heard the companion say: wow its kind of nice when the sun comes out. Then back the sun would go.

So the path we took was out in now where. Lots for me to smell. All kinds of livestock in the area. You know Texas is really pretty. Long rolling hills, small mountains really. I know the companion is tired of hills, and he was talking on the phone when we got to home that his legs were so tired that he couldn't stand up!

Ok so we take a left in Lampasas and get on FM 508. About an hour after we turn, the companion says: Oh no, I forgot to get water. And we didn't find a store open until we got to San Saba! thats 40 miles or more. The companion was really beat and hungry most of the day.

So around 4pm the companion says: you need a walk. And he gets me out and we go walking down the road. Then this lady, Carol, stops her truck to talk to us. This is what I heard:

"Is everything ok," she says.
"Oh everything is fine, I'm just not sure where we are."
Well that was enough for me and I started to ask Carol myself if we could ride. I don't know why the companion waited so long. Luckily Carol understood and offered to drive us the five or ten miles into towns. She was such a sweetie. Made me feel so comfortable in her truck. And pet me and gave me all kinds of love.

We said our good byes, and the companion heading to the store. He put me outside, as he always does, walks in then walks right back out, grabs me and takes me in. He talked to Shannon the lady who works there. She said, Its too cold out there for her to stand.

How did we meet two really sweet and nice ladies on the day the companion said: this was the first time I really felt lonely, there was nothing around.

Monday We Take Off Again

2009-11-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

The Companion told me today that we are heading off on Monday. That’s Two lights, and three darks away. This time he told me the route. He’s been forgetting that in the past.

Monday we are going to San Saba
Tuesday to Brady
Wednesday to San Angelo
Then he plans on going to: Sterling City, Big Spring, then to Lamesa, then to Hobbs, NM.

That’s the play.

I’ve had a good time sleeping and working at Jen’s. Jamie is a sweet dog, and she is a great dog to have around. The can, however, likes to stalk me.

This is Jamie.

At Jen's House

2009-11-24T11:03:00.001-08:00

We are in Copperas Cove staying with the Companion’s friend Jennifer. She and he were in the Army together. They’ve talked about old times some. For me Jen has been really sweet. She gives me lovin’ and lets me have control of the house. The Companion says we are going to stay here until after Thanksgiving. Well that’s fine, but I feel that ever since I’ve arrived I’ve been having to work. It’s been working on this, checking on that, and inspecting something here. I’m beat.

I’ve scrutinized the sofa for sitting softness.

The weird sofa was checked for comfort levels.

Blue sofa arms are checked to ensure quality.

I tested the pillows for the humans. This one is ok.

I inspected the blue sofa for sleepablity.

The floor was inspected for cleanliness.

I examined the patio for warmth, relaxation

A Short Film

2009-11-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMsSh1RgbyY

This is a slide show the companion made for me. I like it.

Through Vastness, then Zac

2009-11-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

We started the day early, biked through the vast Texas land. The companion complained a few times that Texas isn’t flat! He said he was biking uphill most of the day. There were smells but it was kind of a boring day. I did smell a predator of some kind, but it ran away. I didn’t see it, but I think the companion did.

As the day was coming to an end, we stopped to rest when this guy came up and started talking to us. His name is Zac, and what a dear he was! He was interested in our bike ride, and talked for sometime. He had seen us earlier as he went to visit his parents. He then said we were heading to the bad part of town, and offered to take us to a better spot to tent.

They loaded the contraption and the bike in his truck. And we jumped in. But his truck was so high I had to be lifted up in it. He let me go where I wanted to. So I sat on the companion’s lap and on the armrest between them. Zac drove us all the way to Jen’s house! He was such a dear! More Zac!

He was such a dear, and he gave the companion some money to sponsor us. So Zac is now our first office business sponsor. So now a word from our Sponsor: ZR Plumbing! For hotels and apartments in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Louisiana! His company is all over, and I say, listen to the hound. He is trustworthy, and kind.

We Leave Dallas

2009-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful time on the Richard Hunter show, it was time for us to leave. I know the companion was not eager to bike out of Dallas. The traffic was heavy on the way to the show, and I know he was nervous. But today he picked a good road, and we only got yelled at by one car.

Dallas has a great skyline, but the smells of the cars bothers me. I’d rather smell nature. I didn’t want to whine or cry or tell the companion to hurry up, cause I know he was trying to get out of the town quickly. We biked and biked until he turned around and said: Look there is the Dallas in the distance!

We followed I35 for some time. And I wasn’t happy about it. But again, not wanting to upset the Companion I was quiet. Then he says: I think we are not where we should, and he turns off the road and we are suddenly in a little cute town. New smells. Not as much auto smell! The companion was awed about this building, which is the town hall.

We kept going on 77 until around 5pm when we arrived in Italy. When the companion stopped and asked for a place to put up the tent. I know he is nervous about asking someone at their home, so he was heading to the police station. We got directions from two men at a feed store but then passed the police station. We turned back and the two men were waiting for us at the station. They said it was closed?

The companion and I both yelled: “A police station that closes?”

They laughed and said the men were out in the cars. So the companion explained what we needed and one of the men said we could sleep behind the feed store. He is the owner. And that is where we stayed. Plus later that evening he brought us something to eat. It was really sweet of him.

The Richard Hunter Show: Fun!

2009-11-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

This is The Richard Hunter Show. Possiblity the most fun we have had being inteviewed. I'm going to link the pod cast so you can see us live, recorded.

After a horrible trip to the studio, we arrived and was welcomed. People came over and introduced themselves to us, and petted me lovely. I never get tired of the loving.

At 4:30pm Central time, we walked into the studio. There was wires, and cameras, and computers and people. They talked and I sniffed. The companion brought my blaket with us so I would feel comfortable. He put it on a chair and pulled me close to him. Richard and Michael smiled a lot at us, and petted me and gave me so much attention.

I was alowed on the table so the web cam could see me better. I just sat there, trying to be brave and let the Companion talk about that dark time. And he did, and got it out.

But Richard really kept the talk about me and basset rescues. So I relaxed quickly. Eventually, I did what I do best, and took a nap.

Richard is involved in resuces too. He just adopted a pit bull. A pit that was used as bait for fighting! Thank you Richard and wife! The Pits need more, and this has got to stop. Don't get me started, don't even get me started! Those dogs are suffering so much. And yes they are often killed.

Here is the guys in the studio. Micheal on the left, Richard on the right, and unnamed man in the center. So much fun! So kind! The companion said to me when we got home: "I can't wait to get on face book and become a fan of the Richard Hunter Show."

"You need Facebook for that?" I asked.

Ok here is the link to the Podcast. We were on the 11-16. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-richard-hunter-show

A Radio Show

2009-11-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

According to the Companion, we are going to be on a Radio show this evening. He said it will depend on the news of the day. I guess there is a chance that something bigger than us will happen today and we wont get on. Although I don't know what that might be.

Is there something bigger than trying to help people and bassets? Is there something more important than companionship? Than family? Is there something more important than saving lives?

I don't know. But as I have said many times: Basset rescue is Human rescue. It is, it really is. My hope for this blog and for the suffering I put up with as we travel across America, my hope is that people will join in saving the lives of others by saving the lives of bassets and other animals. Today the companion said again: "it wasn't Antigone that was rescued, it was me. She is the one that saved me."

I hate it when he talks about that time. I was so scared, but hid it well. I had to. I know he talks about to help others, to let others who struggle with suicidal thoughts to know that they are not alone. I know he does it for that. But I still get upset with it. We make such a good team!

So we are going to a radio station to talk about it again just before it gets dark. Here is the link so you guys can listen in. The companion says: "We are to be there by 4:30pm Central Time, but I don't know what time we will start talking."

Ok. there you have it. Listen in today; listen in and foster! Adopt!

And know you are not alone.
www.rationalbroadcasting.com

Denton to Dallas

2009-11-13T12:10:00.001-08:00

We left Denton and thank Goodness! That town is not bike friendly. Not at all.

The traffic to Dallas was really heavy. I was glad when we got lost cause we were off the busy roads. See this road we were on went to two different towns. The companion was on the phone with his mother and followed the wrong one. Then the side road ended and he went back. Then he took me down this farm roads—love them! They are so quiet. Just some houses here and there. No noise from the road, no car fumes to get in the way of my work. So I was loving it.

Then he stops and says: Oh we are following the wrong street. So after over an hour of biking we were back where we started!

Finally on the trial we went fast. He complained a few times that Texas isn’t flat. And the talked about defining terms. Something about Hilly means you go up and down, and flat means you don’t. Thanks genius boy.

Then he stopped and started laughing. He was laughing at this water tower. He read it: Fighting Farmers. Then said: “there’s a mascot that insights fear.”

“Yeah,” I said “like Killer Toothbrushes.”

He liked that.

We are now in Dallas and I have two days off! Maybe three!

Flips and Fixes

2009-11-11T14:01:00.001-08:00

Well yesterday was something else. I can tell you. But lets back up some.

Lee was wonderful to let us stay with him. He cooked dinner and let the companion work out at his gym. And you know how much the companion likes to pump iron. So we left Lee’s house this morning and biked around Gainesville some then sat at the Starbucks and waited for a reporter to interview us. After that was over, we headed to Denton.

The road was loud. We are right next to the highway, and I’m ok with the noise but like the quieter roads betters. We biked 32 miles in a about four or five hours. It was getting dark but the companion told me we were almost there.

BAAAAAM!

All I know is I go flying. The contraption fell away from the companion’s bike and flipped over. I jumped away from it, so it didn’t land on me.

The companion who doesn’t normally handle these situations well, did a good job. He got me to a safe place, then figured out how to get us where we needed to go. I played mad at him, just to be mean.

Today we went to Denton Bicycles to get it repaired. We walked about an hour to find the place. They were great! I got to come in the store; they talked to me, and just treated me nicely. The companion said that he was really happy with them. And after biking around town some, the companion said “well that bike shop may be the only thing about this place I like.” Several cars honked at it rudely as we were biking along. I always hate that.

I’m kind of tired, so its nap time!

Just Strange, Fake, and a Lovely Couple

2009-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Well the companion can really find the odd. This is a spider made out of a VW. I'm speechless. I think it's just strange. This whole trip has been a series of strange things. The giant, that airplane monument for a gas station. OR the Pops gas station that things me walking around is a heath risk. Well this spider is just as strange as it all. Its in a field, there is nothing around it. It is just there. Strange. At least the companion didn't make me get out of the cab for a picture.

Wayne, OK. Companion was all excited because Wayne is his middle name. And what did we find there? A fake town. This is western copy of a town. The companion giggled and found it cute. I find it fake. I was hoping when I saw it we would walk around it some and get exercise. But no. No it was fake and there was no need to walk around.

The companion said, the wind was too much, the clouds were too much and he stood us on the side of the road and "hitchhiked". This is when you put out your hand and get someone to stop and give you a ride in their car. This is the first time we've done this. The companion said it was cheating, but he thought it was a good idea. As we stood there, I looked up at him a bit. I was a little worried, I think he was too. He kept saying: don't worry, someone will help.

We needed a truck, someone with a truck to help us. And about 15 mins we found one. A lovely couple stopped and drove us over the mountains to a hotel. They talked to the companion a bit, but I slept. The hum of the truck was a lullaby. and I was out! They live in Texas and told us that we will really like it! Looking forward to it!

A Barn, A Pop, A Friend

2009-11-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

This is the Historic Round Barn of Arcadia. Another one of those lovely road side attractions the companion is pulling me too. According to him, barns are not normally round, and this one was made to withstand the tornado winds of Oklahoma.

“Well Antigone, I guess it works cause it has been here for over 100 years,” the companion said.

I’d still like the see scientific research on that. But it was kind of interesting. We arrived after biking most of the afternoon. First we walked around and the barn is filled with lots of interesting smells. The companion took me inside of there were stuff he seemed to be interested in but nothing I liked. Still it seemed nice.

Then we biked down the road some more to meet Galen. Galen is a guy the companion knows somehow. And he let us stay at his home for most of this week! It was great sleeping on chairs and stuff. We met Galen at this store with the giant bottle. I heard the companion described it was a tourist trap, and a Gas station.

I didn’t like it much at all. We were walking around, not on the sidewalk but on the area where the cars pull in to get gas. It was oily and dirty from the cars. We were just walking, when suddenly this lady comes out and says: you can’t have your dog here.

Oh the companion was not happy about that, and asked why.

She said, “It’s a health violation.”

“A what? How is it a health violation?”

“Well if she pees where people are walking.”

“Then dogs would not be allowed on ever city sidewalk,” he told her. “Its not a health violation. Its your rule and your rule alone. If you don’t want dogs walking around where there is car oil staining the road, and dirt and grime, the put up a sign.”

Here Here! We will not be going there again.

This is a picture of Galen that the companion took when I sent them out of the house so I could have some alone time. Sometimes I need some time to sleep alone. Galen was really sweet to both the Companion and me. I’ve enjoyed being in his home and meeting him. The companion said thank you to him tonight for “really showing me Oklahoma City, its become one of my favorite places we’ve been.”

Thank Galen for your hospitality and friendship!

An Interview

2009-11-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Today the companion gets a call from his friend Beth. She tells him she has an interview set up for us. And then he gets a call and next thing I know, he's shaving and showering and putting on clean clothes. We did the interview.

Here we are being interviewed. The companion said to them: make sure you get plenty of shots of Antigone. They kind of giggled at him: well who else is the star? I need to let him know that his second fiddle here: I'm the one they want to see.

They gave me lots of attention. I had a good time with them. Now I hope they will talk about some basset rescues!

10 Lights and Sleep

2009-11-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

So I'm brief today because I'm tired. Look its been 10 lights in the contraption. I'm done! Toast! You can see it in my face: look at these pictures from today. I'll tell you more in the morning. I'll tell you about the round barn, about the Line thing. I'll talk. but right now: i'm done.

The companion took off my harness! and you know what that means: at least one full day off of the bike! No contraption in the morning.

I sleep now!

Rain, Sun

2009-11-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

We stared the day here at this giant Chef with overcast and gray skies. It was warm but not too warm, and it was going to rain. The companion said we had to bike to Broken Arrow to meet Sean, who would let us stay at his house for the night. So we got an early start, but stopped as soon as we stared to take a picture of this chef. Thank goodness he didn't make me get out and be in the picture. Then we went on, and the rain came.

The companion pressed on and really biked well. As soon as rain started he covered me with the poncho and put his on as well. And he biked on. No complaints. No getting mad. He just biked. I was kind of proud of him.

Then he turns and says: Dave Olszyk was right our bodies are toughening up.

What? I said.

Dave was right, we are getting tougher. We are not bothered by the rain and are just pressing forward.

We? We? We? I'm not a fan of getting wet, and i'm not a fan of sitting in a rain storm, with thunder. So no. No we are not getting tougher. The companion maybe getting tougher, but I'd prefer to stay inside on days like that.

We arrived as the sun was getting from behind the clouds. The house was warm and dry and nice. Sean was friendly, but wouldn't let me on the sofa. Blah! his dog was cool and wanted to play some, but I was too tired. But he didn't bother me much at all.

So now we are taking some time off this morning, and i'm going to nap again.

The Wind !

2009-10-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

We are in Oklahoma now and biked our first full day in this state. And Oklahoma greeted us with blue skies and warm temps.

And And And--17 mile an hour wind, hitting us in the face for most of the morning, then hit us in the back. Then at the end of the day it was hitting us in the face again. It was funny to watch the companion pedaling! He was pedaling and pedaling and just going so slowly! He looked like one of those Russian bears on a bike going in slow motion!