I am Walter and this is my World.

I am Walter and this is my World.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Introducing the Otter Pelt Shoe


Hi Guys!!!!! How is everybody?
We have been super wonderful great! I am weeks behind in blogging, but I finally got this years cabin photos uploaded. Check out Wally up at the lake! It was the first time he's been back there since the accident, and I was quite worried about how he'd get around - what he'd be able to do etc... The good thing is he's very cautious these days, he knows he can't jump or climb, and doesn't try.(Did I even tell you guys we found another BIG PIG in Key West? Auntie Meredith gave it to Walter!)
 
On the other hand there were a few things we both thought Walter would be able to do up north, i.e. walking on the pebble beach, which turned out to be far harder than expected. You can really tell his bad leg is still quite a bit weaker than the others when he walks on the beach, sort of like jogging on sand, he got tired quickly, so we ended up having short adventures. Then a long nap on the flat rocks.
 
 
Walters shoe has been really irritating his foot lately. I don't know exactly why, but it seems we're always trying to heal a new hotspot, bloody cut or seepy pad. its been awful and it reached a new low when Walter got a little bit of moisture in his shoe on the third day at the cabin. Oh man, trouble. His poor foot looked like hamburger just after an hour. I luckily had brought antibiotics with me and materials for a portable scamperland (fencing, yoga mats) so he had a place to mend, but I was SICK of this darn shoe! Metal grommets, hard seams, unforgiving materials...the shoe, while holding his foot correctly was also causing him topical injuries and days on end incarcerated!
I showed the shoe to a local trapper and he didn't even tease me about my high maintenence pet, he just turned the shoe inside and out...hemmed, hawed and said, "What he needs, is a moccasin."   He suggested I use fur turned inside out, hand-stitched with no metal parts. Specifically, waterproof fur that would stay soft even after getting wet, such as otter pelt.

It made so much sense! I spent the remainder of my north woods vacation acquiring scraps of an otter pelt and remnants of tanned deer hide (I KNOW! I have never in my life purchased fur/hide etc...shows you how far the maternal instinct will take you.) I made Walter a little moccasin. I stitched up a fur pouch, using velcro tabs to cinch the top around his ankle. Then I sewed four buttons (removed from one of my sundresses) on the toes. These are what the elastic bits on the ankle cuff (velcro backed with chamois) attach to.


 It's not the most durable creation, clearly he will wear through the bottom quickly, but I have to say, I am amazed at how well it works. Walter is more sure-footed in it and he has not had ONE SINGLE cut, owie, sore spot or weeping pad the entire time he's been wearing it. Not that pretty...but miracles are packed in tiny packages these days. Some, no bigger than an otter pelt shoe.

In other news my book, Million Little Mistakes, is out Tuesday. I did my first radio interview today and the host spent the first twenty minutes talking about....Walter! He said (and I quote) "Heather, I think the thing I like about you most is...your relationship with Walter."

 

 I laughed out loud. Sometimes that's what I like best about me too. I just posted a link in the sidebar - so you can peruse the book for free. If you have the ability/inclination to post the link anywhere, it really helps get the word out about the book...which really helps pay for otter pelts.

Glad to be back my friends. We don't always blog, but we always think of you. Every day.
xoxoxoxxo

“Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.”   - Tina Turner

21 comments:

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Hi Heather & Walter!!! We have missed you!! Love the pictures of Walter relaxing on the rocks :)

That otter pelt shoe is pretty cool - anything that helps Walter feel better is good! It doesn't have to be pretty as long as it helps him :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

agent99 said...

We miss your witty posts, but so glad to hear about your recentadventures. Momma power is strong - maybe even stronger than the Power of the Paw. It seems Walter and the Foo are both made of Teflon - nothing sticks!
Please keep us posted on your doings - it always brings a (much needed)smile.

Million Little Pug Husgs,

Gen, Lefty & Agent 99

Amber and Nala said...

Heather & Walter, thanks so much for your advice on the heat pads. I will definitely look into that for Nala. I am sure she would love them since they are not wet...that's the part that bugs her the most.

Walter, what a miracle Pug you are! I am so happy you are doing better after your accident. I think the Otter pelt shoes are wonderful and completely understand what a maternal instinct will lead one to do Heather. ;)

If you are ever in the Seattle area for a book signing let me know. As soon as I'm done with The Hidden Life of Dogs I plan to start reading Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single. :)

Thanks again for the tip.

JJ Lynne said...

Heather and Walter, we were browsing blogs and came across yours. Walter is such a cutie! I will have to check out your book when it comes out. I am an English major and avid reader and I just love to snatch up new books.

Have a lovely day!

-Jessica, and the puggies- JD & Ringo.

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Hi Heather, Yoda & Brutus' mom here. I saw the comment that you left on their blog. I did not contact you about sending a book. However, it would be awesome if you would send a signed book for our next event!

All I have to say is that Pug People are awesome :)

Please send me an email cgrieze@gmail.com and I will give you my mailing address.

Thank You,

Cindy

Archie and Melissa said...

oh heather!

i LOOOOVE the shoe you made for walter!

it is amazing, just like you!

i am so excited about your book!

i have already started spreading the word.

xoxoxo
m & e

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

The otter foot boot thing is so awsome and the fact you made it yourself is amazing! I would be super happy you came up too. We are all excited for the new book, my Mom even pre ordered it already! Congrads to you on the book and Walter for being one of the best pugs around.

Hugs,
Sequoia Tuni and Jenn

Stubby said...

Hi Heather & Walter! It's so good to hear from you! I know you guys have been super busy but it's good to hear that everything is going good.

I am gimpy these days due to a bulging disc. I sometimes walk on my knuckles just like Walter used to do. I'm feeling better but I don't think I will ever be 100% and that's okay because I'm still walking.

I must say that the otter pelt shoe is brilliant! Isn't it funny how asking different people about things invite new perspectives? Mom always says she needs another set of eyes when trying to solve problems and that's exactly what you did with the trapper. No more hamburger foot for you!

Stubby xoxo

Pee-s: You look so peaceful sleeping with Big Pig.

Hank said...

Wally, ol' buddy, ol' pal!

Long time no see!

Glad yer doin' good, an' that's excitin' 'bout yer mom's book. Almost makes me wanna learn tuh read.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Walter and Heather
We smiled when we saw you story.
We always love to see your pictures and hear your words.
Walter, you are as adorables as ever. You are so cute laying down looking off the porch.
We are happy that someone had a perfect suggestion to help your foot. No more owies,,,, not for Walter.
Here is some puggy kisses for my sweets Walter, and sending congratulations to your mommy on her book
love
tweedles

Winston Wilbur said...

Oh Heather and Walter we are excited about the book! We will spread the word.

We are glad that Wally is doing great. We luv your otter pelt shoe and your right..... it makes perfect sense!


Lise and Winston

Kelly said...

Oh Wally Boy! Your momma is the smartest in the world!!!

I STILL get all choked up when I think about all that you have been through and how hard you fought to be enjoying these times. We don't care if your little leggie is weak! You are HERE! And living life to the fullest.

What a blessing.

I just loooove your updates when you can find time to pop in.

xoxox
Pearly Girly

Jennifer Sneed said...

Awww, Heather and Walter, it is so good to hear stories from you both and Maxwell and I are so happy you are having a great summer. So did you guys move back up north?
And what a clever idea for Walters new shoe!!!
Walter we are still sending you lots of puggie love and positive thoughts.

Love,
Jennifer and Maxwell the Pug

Dana Orsborn said...

Hi Heather and Walter!

Daisy and I love the photo of Walter
relaxing on his big pig. The little
moccasin you made him is very crafty.
We like it!

Congrats on your book!
We're going to post a link to it
on our twitter page.

We hope you are having a great week!

-Dana & Daisy

Wilma said...

Hi Heather and Walter,
So great to hear from you, and even better to know you found such a smart way to solve your hamburger foot problem. Right back to nature. Sometimes technology can be too complicated. What a great Mom you are Heather.
We are very excited about your book. We will be spreading the word.

Vito and Gina said...

So glad to see you back! My mom has been slacking on the posting too because she had to go away for work (AND LEAVE ME!!) but we were reunited tonight and I'm forcing her to write for me again this weekend! Walter, you are a miracle indeed (and so is your mom!).

Later friend!
Vito

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

Hi Walter and Heather!
What an awesome shoe! Nice work! So glad it is working better. We've got your first two books and will go on the hunt for the new one this weekend - so exciting!!!
xo

JennyRain said...

Yay for Walter's new otter pelt shoe!

Pugs and Kisses from Abby Grace (aka Wombat) and Lilypug (aka Waddles)

BRUTUS said...

Hey guys! Great to see you and hear what is going on in your world. I think the best thing about the otter pelt shoe is how you mentionend he walks better in it. Have to think it's because he can feel the ground more naturally, which I'm thinking means he can FEEL THE GROUND! I used some winter boots called "Pawz" on Brutus last year so he didn't have to get all the ice-melt chemicals on his feet - they were great and might be something you could put over the shoe to make it more water-proof temporarily? Their claim to fame is that dogs don't mind wearing them because they can still feel the ground (they are just basically little balloons). That's what made me so excited when I read about the moccasin and how Walter walks better in it :) Our wishes for his continued recovery, and congrats on the book!

Becky said...

What won't we do for our little furry babies is right! Love the little shoe, looks like his advice saved the day. I'm sure Walter is glad to have that new little shoe. Are you back in Minnesota?

Anonymous said...

Yay! Can't read to pick up the book! (I will not read it online! I want the book, even though it will require 20 bookmarks)