L J Updates

7-16-08 - LJ at 1 Year!

Wow!  We made it!  LJ Fredericks turned one this past Sunday, July 13th.  No fanfare or big party, just a relaxing getaway in Mesquite.  His one special birthday gift?  Jordan’s favorite!  A pig’s ear!!! 

LJ has made significant strides in terms of maturity and obedience in just the past month.  Mind you, he’s still a puppy and can only be trusted “puppy far,” but I can’t believe the difference in him since he turned 11 months:  He graduated from kennel training and I will only use the kennel for safety issues if he has to be alone for more than an hour or so.  Also, he’s pretty much stopped his destructive behavior.  This is hard to believe as Jordan stopped only after he turned 2 ½ years old.  LJ is only a year now and he hasn’t really destroyed anything in recent memory.  Now, I’ve done a good job of “puppy-proofing” our home but there is still much for him to tear apart, IF he wants to.  Now, do I trust him 100%?  Of course not; he’s a puppy.  But, I can’t tell you how proud I am of him.  We still have some obedience issues, the main concern is that he’ll still get up and wander if I’m gone or if someone else enters the area.

LJ is also very good here at Channel 3.  He’s absolutely no bother to anyone and is never disruptive.  The only time he’s excitable is when another pet comes in for an adoption segment, and that is certainly understandable; he wants to play!  Speaking of which, he LOVES the dog park and can’t wait to get there each day on break and early morning Saturday and Sunday.

Finally, while there have been many trying times with LJ during this past year, I’m very proud of my little boy and love him dearly.  I still miss my sweet old boy Jordan more with each passing day.  However, I no longer make the mistake of unfairly comparing LJ to him as they are as different as they can be.  More importantly, LJ will never be Jordan and Jordan could not have been LJ. 

Thanks, as always for your years of support for Jordan and your new love for sweet LJ Fredericks!

6-17-08 “Turning a Corner”

LJ turned 11 months this past Friday and I can honestly say I’ve noticed a real difference in his demeanor over the past few weeks.  (It might just be from the heat.  Like Jordan, he can’t stand it.)  He seems to have calmed down significantly and I don’t get the sense he’s that terribly upset anymore or gets separation anxiety when I leave him for periods of time. 

He’s getting very interested in “Jordan’s Pool” and he’s taken to getting down on the first step and immersing his entire head to cool himself off.  I get the biggest kick out of watching his antics around the pool.  He wants to get in all the way SO BAD but I sense he won’t do so until the first time I go in with him.  (Probably this week with these soaring temperatures.)

LJ has also fallen head over heels for his trips to the local dog park.  He has a wonderful disposition and has no patience for aggressive dogs.  When he encounters one, he just turns and heads in another direction.  Unfortunately, by the time 9A rolls around during the week, it’s already too hot outside to take him to the park so he’s going to have to be content playing in our back yard/pool area.

He really is a good little boy and he causes absolutely no trouble at work. 

5-13-08 - Another milestone!  LJ turns 10 months today!  Yippee!!

Any big changes in his life in the past month?  Nothing earth shaking.  (Unless you count the fact that he now tips the scales at over 75 pounds!!!)  However, he IS beginning to calm down just a bit.  But, he’s still hell-bent on destroying anything not nailed down in the backyard/pool area.  Which is fine.  Nothing of significant value is within his reach.

Couple of things of interest.  LJ is getting VERY fascinated by the pool.  On his own, he will now get down on the first step and reach out and “paw” at the water.  Then, he will stick his entire head in the water and then shake the water off.  A few more 90+ degree days and I’m betting it will be nearly impossible for me to keep him out of the water!

Another thing:  He absolutely, positively CAN’T WAIT to get to the D O G park every morning on break and weekend mornings, as well.  He makes friends easily and will play as long as I keep him out there.  Fortunately, he avoids dogs with aggressive behavior and his disposition is simply wonderful.  People are constantly commenting on what a “happy dog” he is.  He really does have a wonderful disposition, when he’s not being a BRAT!!!   

Just think!  18 more months and he’ll be the perfect pet!  Oh boy!  Seriously, he’s a good little boy and I thank God and Jordan constantly that they brought him into my life. 

4-19-08 - LJ Gets Attached!

Thank God, he’s fine!  We were at a dog event this past Saturday morning.  There were some adoption dogs there.  I turned briefly to speak with someone and I heard LJ start screaming and squealing.  I looked down in horror as one of the dogs up for adoption had most of LJ’s head in his mouth.  The volunteer holding the dogs leash seems to freeze and I had to reach into the dog’s mouth and pull LJ’s head out.  Fortunately, the skin was only broke in one spot right behind his left eye.  I got him in the SUV and took him straight to Sahara Pines Animal Hospital.  Dr. Kristine shaved the area down and she does not believe there will be any permanent scarring.  But, to be on the safe side, we put him on antibiotics. 

I was very concerned that the attack might’ve affected his willingness to play with other dogs, but he couldn’t wait to get to the dog park yesterday and shows no sign of any lingering trauma.  Look for pictures of the wound to be posted soon.

Also, on a MUCH brighter note:  LJ went in on Friday for a bit of an ear infection and he tipped the scale at exactly 70 pounds!!!  Talk about a big boy, huh?

4-18-08 - LJ at 8 Months

On the 13th of April, LJ Fredericks hit the 9 month mark.  Sorry I’m a little late writing this!  Very busy of late!!

LJ is many things to me.  But first and foremost, he is a puppy.  His destructive nature has not decreased noticeably since he was neutered a several weeks ago.  His house priviledges are again limited to his kennel and the back yard unless he’s with me.  He’s gone through most outdoor low-voltage wiring, destroyed an entire Malibu lighting system, disabled the spotlights that illuminated my palm trees, dumped most of his toys into the pool and TRIED to destroy my hammock.  But, he is doing just what a puppy does when bored and he’s done nothing upsetting to me in quite some time.   

LJ LOVES the dog park.  Since we started going recently he now get wait to get there.  And, every time we get in the SUV he starts whimpering thinking that’s where we’re going.  He’ll play for as long as I let him.  He plays non-aggressively with any dog out there.  And, if a dog tries to get aggressive with him, he just turns and heads in another direction (just as Jordan did.)  We’ve also routinely been going on walks at around one in the morning (before work) around the community; about 2-3 miles.  He simply loves that as well!

It still amazes me how our pet community has taken to this young boy.  Any where I go, EVERYONE wants to know about LJ; how he’s doing and what he’s up to.  I can’t thank you enough for your love and support of my new friend.  It truly warms my heart.

Finally, LJ is heading over to his vet, Dr. Kristine Ziegler at Sahara Pines this morning on break.  He’s got a bit of an allergy issue in his left ear (quite common with labs) and he’s gonna get spruced up for his “Red Carpet Walk” today at the Venetian for the Jennifer Harmon Celebrity Poker Tourney to benefit the NSPCA.

See you on News 3 and out and about in the community.

3-19-08 - LJ at 8 Months

Well, the (not so) little guy just turned 8 months old this past Friday and I wanted to give you the latest.  Due to circumstances that I am not allowed to discuss, LJ’s surgery for neutering was moved up one week and happened on March 8th.  (He also had his hips x-rayed and got his micro chip implanted.  His hips look great!)

I’m told that it will take about a month for some of his “raging hormones” to calm down.  We just finished up visiting over TWENTY elementary and middle schools for Nevada Reading Week and LJ was simply wonderful with the kids.  (Wasn’t so great with the female teachers.  For some reason he wants to jump up on them.  Like father…..)   

Our new schedule includes a 3-5 mile walk before I come to work in the morning and his leash training is spot on.  It has become quite difficult for me to get him enough exercise each day but I’m simply managing as best I can given the current situation.  He’s continuing to grow at a somewhat slower rate now and he’s really starting to fill into his skin.  I suspect he’s easily topped the 60 pound mark by now.

And, he passed a very crucial test with flying colors this morning:  Almost 9 hours unattended at home with NOT A SINGLE MISHAP!  Hooray, LJ!

Finally, I want to extend a simple “Thank you” for your continued love and support.  I do what I do for Jim Rogers, my co-workers and most importantly, you the viewer.

“Getting Better all the Time” - 2-13-08

I guess that is the best way I can describe my little buddy at 7 months.  He’s rebellious, defiant and playfully obnoxious.  In general, he’s a Lab puppy.  But, he has mastered most of his commands and continues to behave just a little better each day.  He really is a good little boy and he’s getting so big.  Up to around 60 pounds now!   

The best news?  He is simply WONDERFUL (just like Jordan) with kids.  Toddlers, youngsters, pre-teens and teens, he’s just great.  He’ll let them claw and climb all over him and is patient and affection.  I’m so blessed in this regard as we’ll be visiting hundreds (like Jordan) of schools over the course of his lifetime.

My biggest challenge with the little guy right now is getting him to stay for periods of time, especially amid distraction.  As soon as someone new enters the room, he’s up and running.  He’s getting better.  But, at the end of the day, it’s a safety issue.

If you DO have the pleasure of meeting LJ someday, please remember this:  He is only allowed to get up to greet you when I say it is OK.  This is non-negotiable.  Once he’s up, he will not go back down on his own.  And, should he ever get out and get in the street, well you can figure out the rest.

I miss my sweet old Jordan with each passing day.  But, I’m truly blessed that LJ is in my life.  (Speaking of Jordan:  A newly formed committee met with me at the Craig Road Pet Cemetery this past Saturday to move forward plans to erect a permanent memorial to him.  I’m quite lucky to have a team of people that have dedicated themselves to make this a reality by the anniversary of Jordan’s passing:  August 4, 2008.

Stay tuned to News 3 for more and the Jordan Memorial and of course for more  of “Watching LJ Grow!”

LJ turned 6 months yesterday, January 13th.  Time for some brutal honesty:

LJ is not Jordan.  LJ will never be Jordan.  LJ will always be LJ and, I must admit, that has been a tough pill to swallow for me.  Comparisons were inevitable, I guess.  However, I was not prepared to hold the little guy up to such an unrealistic standard.  This was very, very wrong of me to do.  Quite frankly, Jordan was NOT Jordan at 6 months.  Jordan was a destructive, disruptive, misbehaved nightmare.  But, that’s not how I choose to remember that kind, sweet and loyal old companion.  I simply remember Jordan as my best friend.  The one who never let me down.

Will LJ every replace Jordan in my heart?  Of course not.  Jordan will always be my best buddy.  But, LJ is my new buddy.  And, he is a very good little boy.  He’s a puppy, simple and to the point.  And, like Jordan (and all puppies before him) he’s rebellious, cantankerous, testing and taxing.  And, I love him a little more each day.

Finally, when people question you about having to be very strict and non-wavering about obedience training your puppy:  Think about how well-behaved Jordan was all those years and know that he did not get that way without a lot of MY blood, sweat and tears.  An obedient dog is a happy dog.  Never forget that.  And, I will do my best to never forget that LJ has his own paw prints to fill.  No one else’s.  Period.

Dec 12th

Jordan Returns to the Place of His Birth

This past Wednesday, December 12, LJ and I made a quick “turnaround” trip to Santa Barbara.  The purpose of this trip was two-fold.  1)  I wanted to spread some of Jordan’s ashes in the ocean directly below the place of his birth; a Santa Barbara bluff overlooking the Arroyo Burro State Beach (also known as the “dog beach.”)  This was not only the place of Jordan’s birth in late 1993, but also where he spent much of his first 2 ½ years before we moved to Las Vegas.  2)  I wanted to introduce LJ to the ocean and see if he took to it as quickly as Jordan did.  (I would have to give the little guy a mild “thumbs up,” as he was a bit scared of the waves and deeper water.  Not to mention that the water was COLD!!  I do recall that Jordan didn’t really go very far out into the water until I went out there myself.  But, that was in the summer of ’94 and not the (almost) winter of ’07!

I thought the trip would be more emotional.  Yet, it was more cathartic than anything.  I simply felt as though I was doing the old boy a great service by returning his “spirit” to the water that he loved so dearly.  I know he is out there swimming, fetching his stick and desperately trying to keep up with passing sea lions even as I type this.

A final note:  LJ and I made the trip (690 miles roundtrip) in just over 13 hours.  And, during the entire time over and back, LJ did not make a single sound in the back of the SUV.  Seems like the little guy has another thing in common with his namesake:  He LOVES to go for LONG rides in the car!  (More “Paws Across America” trips in LJ’s future?  Who knows!!)

View the photos on LJ's Photo Gallery Page

10-29-07

“Curiosity”

That’s how I would have to describe LJ’s most prominent personality feature at 15 weeks of age.  He quite simply wants to see touch, smell and taste just about everything he comes in contact with.  But, labs are curious by nature and that is what makes them such wonderful bomb and drug detection dogs.

LJ’s obedience training?  I have to give him a pretty strong B+.  His kennel training and potty training are no longer an issue.  He’s had a few accidents (urine) in the house as his kennel (in his mind) has yet to expand to include much of the house.  However, he knows he is supposed to go outside and only resorted to peeing near the backdoor because it wasn’t open.  (Jordan’s doggy door is still a bit too high for him and he’s not comfortable going in/out of it.  I’m not going to press the issue until he gets a little taller.

He’s got the “sit” and “down” command mastered.  He’s learned also to “give me four” (shake paws) and is beginning to understand the “stay” command.  He still doesn’t like to walk on “lead,” but he gets a little better each week.  (This is something that he must master before I can do things with him in public.  He gets his final series of shots this Saturday and then will be “green-lighted” to go out in public.)

He’s learned how to get out of the pool so I don’t worry he’ll fall in and drown.  He has virtually stopped all the biting activity and each day is a day when my trust of him grows and grows.  He is growing at such a rate I don’t believe I’ll be able to pick him up much longer.  This will become an issue if he can’t jump up into the SUV pretty soon!

He’s turning into such a good little boy and my affection for him grows with each passing day.

Finally…. This past Thursday (out at Red Rock Casino collecting items for displaced So. Cal pets) a volunteer introduced herself to me as Marlene Lombardi, “Psychic to the Stars.”  We spoke for a moment and then she began staring at a portrait that Sue Victor recently painted of LJ and Jordan, silhouetted in the background.  Marlene look at the portrait and then asked me:  “Do you have a large window or sliding glass door in the back of your home?”  I told her there was a very big sliding glass door along with the doggy door.  She then said:  “He comes through it in the morning.”  I said:  “Who?”  When she replied:  “Jordan,” my heart skipped a beat.  She told me that she saw him coming through at the “beginning of the month” signifying in the AM (which is when Jordan would go outside each morning before work).  She also said that Jordan was “at the memorial service” and that “he’s here with you right now.  He’s fine and he’s happy.”  To say the least, this was very emotional, and yet uplifting for me.  (After all, if we don’t believe in the hereafter, what’s the point?)

Saturday morning (around the time Jordan would use the doggy door) LJ was sitting next to me on the couch.  He suddenly sat very still and alert watching the sliding glass door.  He started a low growl (never before) and then he let out a loud “woof” (never before.)  I asked him what he saw and then set him down on the floor.  He immediately started pacing up and down the walkway in front of the doggy door.  (I am not making this up.)  Also, yesterday morning in his kennel (which has a full view of the doggy door and hallway to my bedroom (where Jordan slept.) I saw LJ looking intently down toward my bedroom (never before.)  When I showed him a photo of Jordan and asked him if that is “who he is seeing,” he stared at the photo and seemed to get a bit agitated.  (They say pets can’t comprehend two dimensional images.  Who knows.)

I only know what I believe.  And, I believe this:  Jordan has “returned” home and is watching over us.  I believe this with all of my heart.  This belief gives me great comfort.

I miss my “old man” more than I can possibly explain.  However, I know that he is in a better place and that he comes to check on me and LJ each day.

10-02-07

“A Test of Wills!”

That would best describe the overall “theme” of our first month together.  And, though I’m continually amazed how fast these dogs pick up phrases, speech patterns, commands, etc. LJ (like Jordan) has a VERY BIG stubborn streak and has even growled at me on occasion when I’ve tried to “correct” him.  I use the “get him on the back, hands on the chest and face into his face and talk in a very STERN voice” method of correction.  It served me well with Jordan and it avoids the use of corporal (physical) punishment which I’ve never been a fan of.  (Unfortunately, before I learned my lesson, there were times I would lose my temper with Jordan.  During those times, I would simply get him by the “haunches,” look into his eyes, give him a quick little “pop” under the chin with an open hand and say “bad dog” simultaneously.  And, while this is recommended behavior in extreme instances by many experts (it gets the dogs attention without ever revealing your hand as a threat as the dog never sees the hand, just feels the quick “pop.” This is fine as long as you don’t lose your temper and strike the dogs chin with too much force.  I can’t honestly say (during the early times when Jordan was very difficult) that I was always proud of my behavior but I can assure you that I never hurt Jordan physically.  Thank God.

Each day LJ seems to learn something new.  Potty training and kennel training were mastered very early on.  He does not like the kennel in the back of the SUV but I simply cannot trust him on his own back there, yet.  With the kennel here at work, I never have to worry about a safety issue with him getting under the crews feet.  Also, he’s taken quite nicely to the News 3 Doggy Run.  (And, on a related note, Channel 3 was recently changed to a workplace that was no longer “pet friendly.”  It seems there are some allergy issues.  And, why this hasn’t been an issue for well over 10 years, I suppose there is some legal angle to all of this.  LJ has been designated as an “exception” due to his on-air status.  However, I do feel somewhat uncomfortable as I don’t feel as though LJ is “above the law.”  It is something I may have to address down the road when he doesn’t have to accompany me to work each day.

We have established a very predictable routine (since dogs don’t like to have their routine disrupted.)  He understands;  “Eat your food,” “Go potty, “Go for a ride,” etc.  He has mastered the sit command but is having a little trouble with “down” and “come.”  (Two of the hardest.)  Come is particularly tough as there are parts of his routine he still doesn’t care for and he’s taken to wanting to run away from me.  I can run him down now, but if this issue is not mastered within the next few months, it will be a REAL big problem, just like it was for Jordan.  And then it becomes a safety issue.   

All in all, I’d say my new little buddy is moving through his young life quite exceptionally and I’ve grown to care about him quite deeply with each passing day.  Every now and then (even though they are physically not identical) I will catch my old boy looking back at me through LJ’s eyes and I know that Jordan is looking out for us.  I still cry over my sweet old boy each day and I suspect I always will.  And, while LJ can never fill the void left in my heart in the wake of Jordan’s passing, I know that I will come to love this little guy in a very special, unique way.
Thanks, as always for your continued support for Jordan’s memory and LJ’s ongoing “misadventures!”

9-10-07

The first thing we did together on September 1 was to head straight to Jordan’s (and now LJ’s) vet, Dr. Kristine Ziegler of the Sahara Pines Animal Hospital.  The little guy weighed in at 10.4 pounds, was given his initial exam and deemed to be “in perfect health.”  From the vet we headed back to the House of Jordan and our first order of business was to show LJ where he was to go to do his business.  Then, it was into his new kennel and the real fun started!  Three straight hours of whimpering, whining, whaling, yelping and barking and then fast asleep from exhaustion.  (I simply ignored him.) So, I pulled him out of the kennel, took him for potty break and right back into the kennel.  Then, two more hours of crying, etc. ensued and then asleep from exhaustion.  We repeated this pattern till around midnight when he finally realized he was “home” and crying about it would do him no good.  So, kennel training was a “breeze.”

Potty training has been a little more of a chore.  And, though he absolutely will not go poop or pee in his kennel, he will pee on the floor if I don’t carry him outside to the doggy run.  With the poop, he’s pretty much all trained and now that I know his signs, I know when to get him outside.

He spent his first week at work with me last week and things went great.  When not on the air or Jordan’s old doggy run, he’s in his work kennel fast asleep.  So far, no accidents here at work and I think he’s going to make an outstanding member of the team!  One note:  Just like my old boy, LJ is quite stubborn and is constantly testing to see who is the “alpha dog” in our household.  I want to laugh whenever he gets frustrated and growls at me but I have to scold him and let him know his behavior won’t be tolerated.

This past Saturday LJ went back to see Dr. Kristine and weighed in at 12.4 pounds.  A two pound gain in one week.

Finally note:  I let LJ ride up front with me in the SUV the first few days we were together (as I did with Jordan) to help along the bonding process.  He now has a kennel in the back as it is a safety issue.  However, on our last ride together up front I noticed at one point he had lay his chin on the center console and was just staring at me.  When I looked down at him I saw my sweet old boy staring back at me.  It was as if Jordan had suddenly possessed LJ’s little body and was staring at me and letting me know that “I’m right here, Dad.  I will always be here looking out for you.”  I picked my new little boy up and said a prayer for my sweet Jordan as tears streamed down my face.