I’m not sure if you know but I’m an avid gamer. I game mostly on the Xbox 360 and genres fluctuate. I’ve committed myself to a 24 hour gaming marathon for charity next Saturday to raise fund for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I’m playing for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can make a donation on my page here. The money goes to improve the lives of children at BC Children’s Hospital.
I look forward to your support. I plan on writing more in the next few days leading up to it.
I’m summerborn. I’ve always enjoyed my summers since they included the annual family trip to visit my father’s side of the family. On the homestead my Great Granddad and my namesake Anthony Tyson sowed, planted and harvested. This morning I came to a sudden realization that my favourite season isn’t the summer after all nor is it for the memories I’ve shared with countless family and friends.
This morning I got up bright eyed and bushy tailed (I’m not a squirrel – Ms. Emmadale does not like squirrels). This weekend I’m looking after my Uncle’s Black Labrador Retriever Toby since they’ve gone out of town. I love it when he spends the night over at my place. You see, Ms. Emmadale isn’t the snugly type usually. She is the Lady Protector of the night and has to stand her watch upstairs to ensure her hewmons are safe. So I was up at 7:30 am, 6 hours cut from my regular Saturday routine…
It was worth getting up at that time. I fed the dogs breakfast and went about my morning routine. I usually take the dogs for their walk before around half past 10 o’clock in the AM. I put on my Doctor Who scarf that my best friend K knitted for me as a belated birthday gift and put on my fleece. Poured another coffee in my tumbler mug and I was off with the dogs.
I love that morning Autumn dew that freshens the day and how you take in a deep breathe to fill your lungs you can taste it. The leaves turn shades of many colours that give you a beautiful contrast. The leaves on the path that ripple underneath your feet. Seeing leaves fall to the ground giving you a new hope and for an early spring. I love how the temperature is a just right crisp cold.
What does Autumn mean to me? Family. Thanksgiving. Pumpkins. And of course something of significant importance: pie. I love pie but I also love my family. Also? Turkey. Turkey is like the best thing ever. It’s like a chicken but sooooo much better and it gobbles!
And that is what I love about Autumn. What about you?
I come from a very long line of Airedale Terriers… Of course I don’t think I’m one of them or am I? My love for Airedales stem from my Grandfather whom recently passed away. I miss him every day. It’s hard to heal from the grief over the loss of loved one. In his memory I want to reflect on one of our mutual loves: dogs. Specifically the clownish breed known as Airedale Terriers.
My Grandad growing up always had family dogs and if you’ve guessed it right: they were Airedale Terriers. Their names have faded from the history of time but he remembered their personalities. In his reflections I remember that they all had their own personalities. He always prided himself that they were the best all around breed of dog. They had a mind of their own.
My Grandfather served in the Royal Army (British) in the final closing year of World War II in Egypt as a dog handler. He trained German Shepherd Dogs and Airedale Terriers alike. I recall one story when we first got our Airedale Amie that he said “Airedales didn’t like the heat but their stoic creatures of habit and they’ll fight and guard through anything that throws at them.”
My Grandfather had a deep love for the breed that when he immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom, married my grandmother and begun to start a family adopted their first Airedale Terrier named Bruce. They also adopted another later on named Raffles. I had memories of Raffles but they’ve faded away. I’m pretty sure it had to do with him not liking children unfortunately.
My Grandfather’s love for the breed was inherited by my mother who of course passed it down to me. We got our first Airedale Terrier Amie in 1999. Baylee in 2001 and then Emma in 2007. My grandfather told my mother and I that Emma was the best behaved Airedale Terrier that he ever knew.
I miss you Grandad. I love you.
Recently a friend of mine has asked me what was on my bucket list. So i decided to compile the following. Please note that nothing is in any particular order:
Please note that I’ll continue to updating this list. When? I don’t know yet.
Many people on social media and in real life know how much adoration I have for my four year old Airedale Terrier named Emma (“Emmadale” is her Internet Alias). Not a lot of you know my love for the breed in general. The Airedale Terrier breed has meant a lot to me. We’ve had three of them: Amie, Baylee and now Emma.
My mother had Airedale Terriers growing up. My grandfather had trained them as an auxiliary member of the Royal Army in the last legs of World War II. He was too young to enlist but there was an Royal Army Complex nearby with a kennel. His love, our family’s love for the breed stems from that moment.
Amie was our first Airedale Terrier we owned as a family. We got her the Christmas of 1998. December 18, 1998 to be exact this bundle of joy that brought so much love to our family came into our lives. I was the only one that didn’t know we were getting a new dog. My siblings and parents knew. My siblings went with my mother to visit with the breeder and the newborn pups over the course of the last four months.
I remember when my mother and my siblings brought Amie home for the first time. I was the happiest of teenage boys. I was in a rot of depression since the Summer of ’98. We gave up our German Shepherd Husky Cross Samantha to one of my Uncle’s. She would later reside at my grandparent’s. I would get to see her every weekend but I was still torn that we had to leave her there. She was my best friend in the whole world but that all changed
Amie. One of the greatest dogs and ‘Dales I’ve ever known. She was the happy go-lucky sort of girl that absolutely loved and adored everyone. She gave the best wet mustache and beard kisses (a breed trait). She was also the most cuddliest out of all the ‘Dales we’ve had. I enjoyed our morning cuddles on my parent’s bed before I left to go school. One of my fondest memories of her is the Ameripeeonher Incident. A story for another time, perhaps.
I have some great memories of my beloved Amie dog. I’m tear jerking here as I try to write all these memories down. You see, it’s true: a boy and his dog are inseparable. In February 1999, I lost my Grandpa Tractor (a nickname I coined when I was about 4 and it forever stuck). I entered into a miserable rut. I remember one day I didn’t want to go out for supper with the family so I stayed home with the dog. She never for one moment left my side while I watched television. She cuddled next to me and licked away my tears. She knew what was up and comforted me. I knew in that moment that she was special.
Amie and I were inseparable afterwards. I had a newspaper route and my mom would tell me that she would whine and carry on the whole time I was gone. Since she was too small we placed her in one of my schoolbags on my back with her head sticking out but room enough to move around and the bag open enough that she could have fresh air but not fall out. She wouldn’t catch up since I enjoyed rollerblading it.
She didn’t like that too much because she wanted to go running! So I decided it was time that she got out of the bag after only two attempts. She had a BLAST of a time. She ran the whole way and still was eager for more! We continued doing this rain or shine until I gave up the paper route.
We lost her October 2009. I was devastated. But I still had my Emmadale!
We got Baylee in the Spring of 2001. None of us knew at the time we were getting another dog. None of us. Well except for my mother. I found the pup known as Baylee in her kennel. I was happy when I saw her. She was asleep so I whispered in enthusiasm to my mother if she belongs to us. She said yes. You see, I’ve always wanted two dogs at the same time. This was a dream that became reality. Especially two Airedales under one roof! It took a while for Amie to get to use to Baylee but they got used to it.
Oh man, their personalities were so much different. Baylee was more of the rabble rousin troublemaker. She also was a “cave dog” and loved to lay underneath desks and coffee tables, especially the coffee table in the living room. She wasn’t as loving as Amie was. She didn’t like cuddling but she gave kisses when they were warranted. My favourite memories of her are all the times she escaped out the front door.
I was worried sick that she’d get hurt. Amie would tag along of course. I believe if Amie didn’t go we would have never found Baylee. Baylee was the little over protective sister of her older sister. So she slowed down to make sure Amie wasn’t too far behind. But luckily Amie was easier to see since unlike most Airedales her ears stuck right up!
Baylee passed away at the age of six in the Fall of 2007.
Emmadale is special to me as Amie and Baylee were. I like to say she’s one of my favourites. She has the best temperament out of the three of them. She’s not the cuddly type like Amie was or the cave dog as Baylee. Nor the run away come catch me kind either. She’s gentle around little children. She also hangs around with me A LOT. Always in my room. Always wanting to go for walkies. Always up for an adventure.
Have I ever said how much I love my Airedales? I do. I love my dogs.
Emmadale and I went on an adventure to the Granville Island area in Vancouver today. We met up with a friend and her Welsh Terrier Miles for a play date. You can find our friends Miles and (Other Emma) at their blog here (Other Emma took the photographs :). We were walking near the duck pond. Emma wanted to take a closer look and fell in. She walked in a few feet into the pond turned around and then froze.
Emmadale found herself in the duck pond smiling. Then she got a little worried! (Photograph by Emma of MilesAndEmma.com)
She was so scared. She only would move a few inches. So I kicked off my shoes, pulled off my sucks, hiked up my pants and walked in. Valiantly (if I can say so) I moved through the water closer and took her by the leash. She didn’t want to move so I picked her up and carried her out of the water.
Emma thrilled that she’s no longer stressed out in the water. Such a good girl!
She was so relieved when she came to shore that she bulldozed me. I tried taking her to a clean waterfall to rinse her off but she wouldn’t have it. I let her go and off she went playing with her Welshie buddy. She’s too cute.
Miles and Emmadale introduce themselves (Photograph by Emma of MilesAndEmma.com)
She is also a Jack Russel Terrier herder apparently.
Emmadale herds some Jacks. (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
And they obediently sat side by side while Human Emma and I ate some nachos on Granville Island.
Miles and Emmadale await patiently while we eat our nachos on a patio on Granville Island 🙂 (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
Did I say I made a friend too?!
Miles giving me kissies 🙂 (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
Miles showing some tongue when he cleans my face! (Please don’t tell his human!) (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
And prepare yourself for too much cute. This is hands down my favourite picture of me ever! (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
And of course Miles is the perfect gentleman escorting his new lady friend to her car!
Miles and Emma walking to the car 🙂 (Photograph by Emma of MilesandEmma.com)
Tweets I could have tweeted on my trip if I wasn’t on the frontier of civilization and had wifi coverage since due to my unemployment I can’t afford my mobile phone… So here you go! (They could also be Facebook updates too!)
Guess where I am? @vancougmama’s fav place in the -world! Merritt!
I just saw a whole bunch of snow, who wants some motherfucking sno-cones?! Seriously a lot of snow!
Sno-cones for everyone! My treat!
Haha! *runs* I’m in Kamloops! Just passing through and waving my hands hello to @PirateMeghan @leannimal & @antiphrasic.
Made an Airedale friend at the Chevron in Revelstoke = life made. Good to finally have A GOOD memory of this town!
Four cups of coffee later…I’m still tired!
Goodbye British Columbia, see you in two weeks.
Hello Alberta. Do you feel me? Do you feel me inside of you? Alberta, I am sorry your hockey teams are shit! No really I’m not! LOL
Just finished 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Great story. Very happy with the ending.
In Calgary. Stalking you. Not you. The person behind you. Nope sorry I was wrong it was @superdalebot all along! Lol
Twelve hour Emmadale withdrawal feels like forever :C
I hate not having WiFi or 3G.
Goddamm this wasteland! I hope the Zombie Apocalypse has Internet or there will be dire consequences!
I wished that sixth cup of coffee had the following warning: You are going to have to pee in an hour, dickhole!
I love The Living Skies province! Especially at nighttime! Meteors! Stars! Moon!
They have everything here that people can be identified by huderites, hippies, hosers and you guessed it hipsters!
So Germany loss to a nation of guidos? Again? Grrr!
Happy Canadia Day! It was good to see all my aunts, uncles & cousins on my dad’s side.
Happy Christmas in July!
My seven year old cousin whooped my butt at UNO. Good times!
Happy Fourth of July, y’all!
So who won the Euro Cup? Don’t tell me. I PVRed it. Don’t judge me.
Remind me Spring of next year to buy myself a set of golf clubs so I can play with my family if I come out next year.
It’s been over a week and I miss my dog. Yes, there were dogs here but it made my Emmadale withdrawal worse I miss my doggie. So hard. 😦
Just took my 90 year old grandmother to her retirement home. She’s in better shape than I am! :$
Goodbye farm! I hope to see you again soon!
Just said see you soon to my elderly Grandma Tractor 😦
Goodbye Saskatchewan! See you in another year (hopefully).
Hello Alberta, can’t say I’ve missed you ;-p
I want to move to the Albertan foothills. Who wants to give me a million dollars? Buffett? Gates?
Mountains, you’ve been missed. Glad you didn’t go anywhere! ;-p
I’m back in BC! Beware the Anth is back!
God, the new Jalapeño Asiago Mozzarella bagel & Chipotle Turkey sandwich is fucking awesome at @TimHortons #omnomnom
I think they need to utilize nanotechnology to battle the pine beetle! Science!
Almost all people who drive a truck are dicks. I guess they don’t follow Mr Wheaton on Twitter. I need a haircut.
I could live in a town like Kamloops. Or is it a city? 🙂
I am heartbroken after I read this story coming out of Austin, Texas. This is truly sad depressing story: a man lost his best friend. On Saturday April 14th Michael Paxton and his beloved Australian Cattle Dog companion Cisco were playing in the backyard. Paxton ran to fetch something from his truck. At this point a member of the Austin Police Department pulled up and held him at gunpoint. They received a 911 call for a domestic disturbance call for the wrong address.
Cisco heard the commotion from the backyard and ran to see if his owner was alright. Paxton told the officer not to shoot the dog and he was friendly. The officer refused Paxton’s request. He shot to kill the dog instantly without remorse and without hesitation. I’m deeply appalled at this story. I have huge respect for law enforcement officials this however crosses the line. Of course they are humans so there is room for error.
However, they aren’t claiming it was human error and that the officer responsible for Cisco’s death acted within his rights as a police officer. 100% bona fide bullshit. The APD released a statement that the dog attacked the officer which the owner said is an outright lie nor did the officer show ANY sympathy nor apologized at the scene as they’ve claimed.
I really hope justice is served for Cisco and his owner. My heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Paxton and the people blessed to have Cisco in their lives.
Please join the Justice for Cisco Facebook Page.
I have always wanted to get a tattoo. I have heard both horror and success stories. I have always been uncertain what I’ve wanted to get and where I should get the work done. I have looked through design catalogs at various parlors. I don’t want something that everyone else has. I want something unique, something I relate to. Here are a few of my ideas what I want to get done.
I’m a lover of comic books. I mostly collect Captain America and Batman because their so badass and stuff. I don’t want a modern version of Captain America permanently on my body forever. I want a Jack Kirby Captain America. How to make it uniquely Anth? Well to have him breaking through a brick wall Kool-Aid Man style going “Ohhh Yeah”.
Ideal location to put it? On my arm.
Texameradian has been apart of my gaming and online persona for quite sometime. It’s a portmanteau for Texas, America and Canadian. While I’m not Texan nor American, they are my favourite places. And one day, I hope to be. I’m not quite sure what this one would look like. Perhaps I’ll give some artist the benefit of the doubt to design it for me.
Those are all I can think about. Do you have any tattoos? How was your experience? Do you recommend a parlor or even an artist? Or do you think I should get something else?
I just had one of the best weekends I’ve had in quite a longtime. I have been blessed with the friendship of great friends. We got together on Saturday night and played Texas Hold’em. Great times (An evening of screwing around with a buddy’s Siri hahahahaha) even though I was out of the game forty-five minutes into. Let’s just say, if I gambled and had a spouse: I would totally be in the doghouse… Or maybe even twice divorced… (I’m not bluffing either (SHADDAP!))
However this wasn’t the highlight of my weekend overall. I love the fellowship of my best friends. I have known one for 12-15 years and the others slightly over or under a decade. I know many of you have been made quite aware on social media or even in person that I’m a dog lover. I’m enthusiastic and I’ll always try to talk people in getting a canine.
We had quite the weekend here at the Wittrock Estate. First, on Thursday to Friday we looked after a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Maggie. She was totally adorable and delightful to look after. I think when her owners dropped her off the first thing I said was, “She looks like milk chocolate”. I’ll admit, I probably said this in comical voice causing my mother and them burst into laughter. She was a total sweetheart. Emmadale and her played for the whole time she was here.
God, I loved throwing the ball for her. She’s such the retriever when playing ball. Emmadale has that mentality not to retrieve and run around playing keep away. Maggie wouldn’t have any of this so luckily we have enough balls to keep her going back and forth (all day long if it was up to her!). Emmadale has tried to have two balls in her mouth but she just can’t. Yet hysterically to watch. My mom looks after two of her friend’s kids and they had a hoot with the dogs in the backyard. They even chased Emmadale around in the backyard! She enjoyed that but since she’s a great spirited dog she dropped it for them to throw it again. 🙂
On Saturday Ben the Collie came over. This dog of course is no stranger to me. In fact a few summers ago when my sister wasn’t living on the East Coast was dog-sitting him one summer. Since she also had a research assistant job at a local university she had to drop him off here. When the time came for him to go back to his house. He’d come running down to my bedroom, plop himself on the bed and look at me to hide him. I was his accomplice, his P-I-C, his partner in crime. I think one night I threw my blanket lightly on top of him. When my sister walked in asking where Ben was. I told her I had no idea. Then when she got suspicious of the moving ball under my covers and Emmadale barking. I exclaimed “ITS A TRAP” in my best (yet very horrible) Admiral Ackbar impression. Let’s say we were made. My sister in good humor chuckled (she probably didn’t get the reference) and they went on their way. It’s been a long time since I last saw Ben so it was a total treat! However his story was pretty uneventful this weekend (sadly). However I did enjoy many many snuggles with him and watched the dogs play in harmony together (like dogs do).
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEKEND WAS THE FOLLOWING:
I finally met Sunshade & Jaffa’s Mom (ghostwriter for her Airedale Terriers Sunshade THE SUPERDALE and Jaffman and Family). My mom and I along with a Superdale of our own (Emmadale, duh!) went on a road trip to the metropolis known as Vancouver Kitsilano (har-har). I have been following Sunshade until a fellow Airedale Terrier owner told me about the blog back in 2008 and I’ve followed them both ever since then. Sadly the SUPERDALE herself wasn’t in attendance but I got to meet the Jaffa! What a dog! Jaffa is quite the handsome boy and quite the character (typical for an Airedale). My mom, Sunshade & Jaffa Mom, the dogs and I discussed how lucky we all are about having these clownish critters in our lives. Sunshade & Jaffa Mom is the encyclopedia full of Airedale knowledge. While Emmadale was getting clipped we tried going down to Granville Island. We couldn’t find a parking spot anywhere so we found a White Spot to grab a bite to eat. We adventured the Kits area until we heard that Emmadale’s haircut was finished.
Then I fell in love.
Sunshade Mom’s friend Saphira Mom brought Sapphira. Sapphira is a very very cute three month old Airedale Terrier that I totally fell in love with. Sapphira is quite the dog and a smartypants for her age too! However, we were instantly in awe of each other. Since I’m a dogperson I sat down and while being ambushed by Jaffa (Emmadale was more interested in what my mom was doing – she’s a momma’s girl) I had a lap full of Sapphira. She INSTANTLY got comfortable. I have one of those laps where if a dog is a lap dog. They won’t leave even if I ask. She clung to me. My mom, Sapphira’s Mom and Sunshade and Jaffa’s Mom were all amused along with me. She was so sweet.
I want another one so badly but momma says no. “Dogs are a lot like potato chips, you can’t just have one.” (Unknown) So true!
I wished we could have arranged a play date with my two other favourite dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog brothers Fenway and Bosley. However, I think Emmadale would have been tuckered out. And if we lived close probably even Maddie the Goldie!
Love Airedales? Please find your local Airedale Terrier Rescue Network and donate today! (And don’t forget your local SPCA too!)
The Anth Zone 