gallery XianJiro: Christopher's room

The Dog's Room

I've always been something of a dog guy. Growing up, my special girl was Little Mitzie. I've got pictures of her somewhere... I think she died in 1983. Of course there were other dogs -- Mama Mitzie, Girlie, Amy, McGregor, Wee-bit, Gig, Tottsie -- what can I say? I didn't name 'em, well other than Amy.

Then in May of 1988, I met someone who would really affect my life. He was my companion and no matter how bad things got, he was my best buddy. When I was in Japan, there were only two things that I really missed--Christopher Shitsky and my computer.

In 1999, I knew Chris was getting up there in years, so I brought home the next generation -- Robin Monster. He was barely six weeks when he came to stay, and while Chris tolerated Tottsie, he was much more excepting of the little one. But they never stay that way, do they.

Robin and I said goodbye to Christopher in November 2000, so now it's just the two of us again. No matter what, it's nice to know there's a cold snout and slimy tennis ball waiting...


	That Face! May 1988 With a look like this, How could I let him go to the pound?

Puppyhood Summer 1988 How quickly he grew! In El Paso, Texas.		After First Birthday Spring 1989 Never would have guessed he Would grow so big.

	After the Move Summer 1990 Past those terrible twos. His first summer in Oregon.

Tottsie & Chris at Yachats July 1991 The neighbor's didn't want her So Tottsie came to play and didn't go home. She always won.		In the Backyard Spring 1992 You couldn't tell here, But they were never very close.

	Sunday Drive Along the Columbia Spring 1992 Oscar and I got out to look at the windsurfers. They had something else in mind.

Partners in Grime September 2000 Only two months later, it would be just Robin and I.		Enjoying the Backyard Spring 2001 I actually got him to drop the ball long enough to pose for a few shots.

	Hurry Up, Dad May 2001 Finding myself in the Wallowas of Northeast Oregon. If I walked 4 miles, he did 8.

	A Break from the Road May 2001 Always eager and raring to go.