Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Playtime! Attack on the Vacuum Cleaner

West Highland Terriers require their play time. Yes dog owners your dog loves to play. You can’t simply abandon your dog and ignore us!

In my younger days I loved chasing the ball or a frisbee. But why was Master Robert always yelling at me to return with the ball or the Frisbee? I could go until my body said enough. Then I’d lie down and catch my breath and Master Robert would quickly get the cue it was time to return home. I would tank up on water like a camel and have the best sleep. I would also chase the ball indoors but outside I could show off my speed. West Highland Terriers can run fast!

Then there was the towel game. Grab a towel and shake it back in forth like I was breaking the back of prey. Yes my instinct again. I also chased stuffed animals and loved their squeak when I shook it back and forth in my jaws. Instinct again.

Then there was the shift and shake game. Master Robert would approach me bent down and shift his legs back and forth. I would do the same and bark and snap in play. So tiring.

I played a soccer goalie too!

Oh yes I liked footsie with Mistress Fotini when she moved her pant legs about and I was nearby I might get close and mouth the pant leg and have a friendly tussle with her wiggling foot.

One activity I would not call play was attacking the vacuum cleaner much to the chagrin of the Stephen Family member operating the vacuum. I would be shooed out of the way. Geez instinct again?

RKS Literature: The Supreme Mr. Dombey (Charles Dickens)

“Mr. Dombey was resolved to show her that he was supreme. There must be no will but his. Proud he desired that she should be, but she must be proud for him, not against him. As he sat alone hardening he would often hear her go out and come home, treading the round of London life with no more heed of his liking or disliking, pleasure or displeasure, than if he had been her groom. Her cold, supreme indifference attribute usurped– his own unquestioned attribute usurped – stung him more than any other kind of treatment could have done; and he determined to bend her to his magnificent and stately will.”

Charles Dickens, “Dombey and Son”

RKS 2023 Literature: The Great Mr. Dombey (Charles Dickens)

“Towards his first wife, Mr. Dombey, in his cold and lofty arrogance, had borne himself like the removed being he almost conceived himself to be. He had been “Mr. Dombey” with her when she first saw him, and he was “Mr. Dombey” when she died. He had asserted his greatness during their married life, and she had meekly recognized it. He had kept his distant state of seat on top oh his throne, and she her humble station on its lowest step; and much good it had done him, so to live in solitary bondage to his one idea. He had imagined he proud character of his second wife would have been added to his own – would have merged into it and exalted his greatness. He had pictured himself haughtier than ever, with Edith’s haughtiness subservient to his.”

Charles Dickens, “Dombey and Son”

RKS 2023 Literature: The Great Mr. Dombey (Charles Dickens)

“Towards his first wife, Mr. Dombey, in his cold and lofty arrogance, had borne himself like the removed being he almost conceived himself to be. He had been “Mr. Dombey” with her when she first saw him, and he was “Mr. Dombey” when she died. He had asserted his greatness during their married life, and she had meekly recognized it. He had kept his distant state of seat on top oh his throne, and she her humble station on its lowest step; and much good it had done him, so to live in solitary bondage to his one idea. He had imagined he proud character of his second wife would have been added to his own – would have merged into it and exalted his greatness. He had pictured himself haughtier than ever, with Edith’s haughtiness subservient to his.”

Charles Dickens, “Dombey and Son”

RKS 2023 Film: “The Battle for Chile” (La Battala de Chile): Part One: “The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie”

If you were alive in 1973 you may have been aware of the leftist coalition Popular Unity winning the March 4, 1973, Chilean general election under the leadership of Salvador Allende.

Unfortunately the opposition Christian Democrats and various national parties controlled the Chilean Congress. From Congress they attempted to block progressive legislation, remove Allende appointed ministers and attack neighbourhood organizations attempting to control hoarding. The “opposition” more of less did all it could to encourage civil disturbances and undermine the Allende government. Allende was after all speaking revolutionary Marxist language and this terrified the industrial elite. Allende referred to himself as a “militant socialist”.

The entire documentary is in black and white and the microphone is buried deep in the leftist’s camp. For historians and political scientists interested in Chilean politics and history Part One spells the beginning of the end of Allende and his leftist agenda in detail.

It wasn’t as if the military decided to seize power immediately after the March election. The rise of the black market and hoarding, attempted expropriation by the Allende government of key national industries, strikes, student demonstrations and an offensive by the economic elite, the interference of the U.S. State Department and a government in constant crisis all contributed to Chile on the verge of collapse if not civil war.

Aside from a particular Chilean context “The Battle for Chile” is a study in the collapse of a legitimately elected leftist government headed by a militant socialist aided by his “comrades”. The collapse of the Allende government might have been inevitable but it was over a 4-month period superbly captured by director Patricio Guzmán in this new 2K restoration.

Part One plays 8-15 September at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to be followed by openings in other cities in Spanish with English subtitles. Filmed from 1975-79.

You can see the trailer here https://vimeo.com/ondemand/battleofchile

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: How I Matured

The average lifespan of a male West Highland Terrier is 13.9. I made it to 15.

So how did I become a senior West Highland Terrier?

One of most important factors was discipline and training. I am uncertain if puppy school had a definitive role but as a pup I learnt who was boss. It was The Stephen Family. Constant repetition about doing this and not doing that. Eventually it sunk in, at least for certain characteristics I can pawn off based on instinct! There was no violence or striking me. But if I really messed up there were harsh words right upon the felonious act being committed as we dogs often have short memories so any reproaches after the act are often fruitless. But if there was anger there were reinforcing assurances and pets afterwards “that it wouldn’t happen again”.

I also learnt from other dogs particularly when I was a youngster. Go too far with another dog you just might receive a responsive growl. Approach other dogs by their side instead of face to face to reduce any perception of aggression. Don’t assume if you are frisky the other dog is in the same mood. As I hit my senior phase I thought those probing puppies were a pain and if they got to close a growl would teach them to respect their boundaries and their elders.

By the time I reached 12 it was senior years. Less energy and stamina and a desire to sleep more. There is nothing wrong with being a senior Westie. It is part of the cycle of life and I enjoyed each cycle and learnt along the way. I became more of a cuddler too.

RKS 2023 Wine: Stag’s Hollow Tragically Vidal: Can They Elevate the Vacuous Vidal?

Stag’s Hollow in British Columbia has shown it can do wonders with Vidal. Much is grown in Ontario primarily for ice-wine. As a table wine it is about equally uninspiring as Muscat. Cloying without personality. Wine snobs might point to Vidal as a lowly French Hybrid grown in marginal wine climes. I am no such snob. If a Pennsylvanian Chambourcin can wow me as a French Hybrid why not Vidal if managed properly?

The grapes are picked just after the first frost as the tough grape skins soften enough to maximize flavour.

1,200 cases produced.

I liked the 2021 vintage so what about the 2022?

Aroma: No shortage of mango, apricot, peach with a cut of fresh ginger. It is almost as if it was a cousin of Viognier.

Palate: This Vidal is miles above Ontario Vidal table wine. No way it is cloying. Peach, Creamsicle, all with an acidity beautifully melding with the fruit. Moderately long finish.

Personality: I refuse to be labelled a common Vidal. The winemaker certainly gave me some pizzaz unlike so many of my boring cousins.

Food Match: Thai curry. The winery suggests as a classic match pork, chicken, duck, fruit salads and foie gras. An adventuresome match would be Cajun/Creole dishes, Thai/Chinese/Mexican/Vietnamese/Indian food.

Cellarbility:   Will cruise into 2025 but my preference enjoy with a Christmas turkey in 2023/4.

Price: $20 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 91/100.

(Stag’s Hollow 2022 Tragically Vidal, BC VQA, Okanagan Falls, Stag’s Hollow Winery, Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. 750 mL, 12.5%).

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Sweet Emotion and Understanding a West Highland Terrier

Do you know the song “Sweet Emotion” by the American boy band Aerosmith? Many humans think a dog is just a dog. In my mind that is hateful ignorance.

Master Robert had two dogs before me Suzy and Ginny. Both were French poodles. Suzy was the daughter of champions Pierre of the Studio and Josephine. She was with Master Robert for 23 years. And there was Ginny a white poodle who he helped raise as a puppy but her owner died tragically bashing his head on the sharp edge of a television set after too many gin and tonics. Much to the chagrin of Master Robert Ginny was sent to elderly parents of the deceased in a small Saguenay town in Quebec but the parents could no longer care for Ginny and she returned to Master Robert six years later. She lived until 17 and even Mistress Fotini met her and they went for a few walks on Mont Royal in Montreal. Suzy and Ginny tell me they received the best care, love and attention from Master Robert. But they too were euthanized so we all have that in common. We are best friends in The Land Beyond.

So I suppose I can say it was with huge emotions that Master Robert became master of me Dylan the Westie some 35 years after the passing of Ginny. But it was only when Master Robert met Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog that he started thinking seriously about the emotions of dogs. Reggie was a pet of a middle-class family in Cairo who threw him out on the street when their daughter tired of him. Attacked by a big dog and hospitalized he was brought to Toronto by Snookie’s Rescue Society and all of us in The Stephen Family met him in a park in Toronto. We heard his story and The Stephen Family started visualizing the terror and fear of Reggie. Yes he was terrified and it took a lot of love to have him trust humans again. Some rescue dogs never can regain an emotional equilibrium after suffering abuse. I despise all forms of animal abuse.

Yes we dogs have emotions. I mean I cried when I was in pain. I barked when I was afraid or wanted to make a point. Master Andrew told a story after my death about me being in Kensington Market in Toronto. The Stephen Family were having Jamaican patties at Patty Palace out on the street and I barked saying that I should not be forgotten as I wanted a piece of patty. I also felt shame after biting that poor old guy’s pant legs on the street. I wagged my tail indicating happiness. I nuzzled Master Robert’s pant legs showing my gratitude and happiness at being at Don Valley Golf Course for a walk. I barked to be picked up on occasion so I could nestle in the comfort and security of a lap. I showed anger by growling. In the spring and fall I ran around a planter in circles showing my sheer joy of being alive. When Master Robert sneezed I came running to check out if he was OK. Yes my point is that all dogs are more than “just dogs”. We show our emotions so pick up on them and recognize just how intelligent we are. Of course, we can’t speak so clue into the clues how we are feeling. That is called part of the canine human relationship. If you dare abuse any dog I swear I will pay you a visit in spirit to admonish you low life coward.

RKS 2023 Wine: Is Ontario Chardonnay Any Good?

Chardonnay from Ontario can compete globally with any country’s Chardonnay. The same goes for British Columbia Chardonnay by the way.

Let’s try an Ontario Chardonnay from 13th Street Winery called June’s Chardonnay. It is unoaked. 350 cases were made.

Aroma: Many a Chardonnay has aromatics of apple and pear but this Chardonnay is positively tropical with peach, mango, guava, lychee and wet stone.

Palate: Laser beams of mango and peach rocketing all over the place. With a robust and full finish tinged by some Australian canned pineapple and some gentle minerality. The acidity is well in check. A tiny little millisecond pop up of sweetness on the finish.

Personality: Modesty aside I am an awesome unoaked Chardonnay. Perfect for sipping.

Cellarbility: Will drink nicely into mid 2026.

Food Match: Apple and Fennel Salad.

Price: $21.95.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 92/100.

(13th Street Winery 2021 June’s Chardonnay, VQA Ontario, The Thirteenth Street Wine Corp., St. Catharines, Ontario, 750 mL, 12%)

Memories of Dylan Stephen: A Westie Now in the Land Beyond: Surviving the Black Walnut Tree!

One of the homes backing the house where I lived in before my final sleep was an old farmhouse. They must have planted a few black walnut trees in their back yard over a hundred years ago. Black walnut trees are well known for providing shade. But they also have walnuts growing in their branches and come late August and September they can crash down in great numbers from quite a height especially in a windstorm! I suppose if any had hit my little noggin they would have hurt. Several times Master Robert thought perhaps I should be wearing a helmet. But buying a helmet for a West Highland Terrier can be problematic. Walnut protection is not exactly a prime concern for Westie owners. So I was under strict instructions to remain in a certain section of the backyard that was a “walnut free zone”. Now when no one was looking I snuck out the zone for a sniff or a pee and after 14 years Dylan the Westie had nary a single walnut graze his noggin! On my last day on earth lying in my backyard a few walnuts hit the ground near me. I knew those were the last walnuts I would hear thudding around me.