Summer with Max

Photo by Anna Chanakas at #ParadetheCircle

I spent much of this past summer with my sister’s dog, Max – a cocker-doodle. Max became a member of the family late February, officially adopted in March. As a rescue, we didn’t know what his past was so I couldn’t wait until the summer events began so he can experience some new smells. 

Max’s first event was Wade Oval Wednesday on June 11, 2014, to the musical performance of Coast2Coast. My sister brought Max at the end of Martin Luther King drive and I drove to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s lagoon. One thing about Max, he loves being outside. He knows when you get your shoes on and grab the leash, he is going out for a walk. He gets so excited that he jumps about a foot off the ground; he can’t sit still when you try to get he collar on. Eventually he calms down enough to clip the leash onto his collar – he anxiously pulls ahead to find his first smell. 

Me and Max went around the lagoon with his head down low, one inch above the ground. He was so excited about the lagoon that he walked right then left – there was so much to take in. I was just as excited as he was. I enjoyed watching him tour the lagoon grounds. 

Max in his new Bed 

It was somewhat awkward since I had to carry my fold-up chair and food for the little guy; then I had to maneuver the leash to make sure Max didn’t get too close to the crowd. 

We sat back behind the crowd. I didn’t want Max to invade other people’s space. This outdoor venue was new to him. His nose was going crazy with all the food smells. He pulled on the leash trying to taste some sausage and peppers. To Max’s point, it did smell delicious. With all the people around, Max did well. 

The second thing about Max – he is a people magnet. I was walking Max around the perimeter of the oval and the next thing I know a little girl appears and says, “Can I pet your dog?” I was taken aback. Max was somewhat anxious and I told the girl and her mother, “Let him smell you.” The girl pet his back carefully and Max jerked some. I knew all this excitement was just too much for him. I told them Max is a rescue and we better keep on walking. They were fine with that and they continued on. “Thank you,” they said.

Another woman said, “What kind of dog is that? I told her the type of dog Max was and she couldn’t believe it. She said she had the same exact dog and his name was Max also. She also said that he lived for sixteen years. That sounds good to me. Everyone that stopped me said, “He is just so cute.” Yep, the entire summer – Max got all the cutie points. 

The next venue, Parade the Circle. This time my sister attended and we walked down MLK to the Parade. Max was excited and anxious at the same time. It was a cool June so I wore layers of clothing. Max was getting a little better when he saw other dogs – he didn’t growl at all of them, just the ones larger than him. I didn’t spend that much time with Max at the Parade since it was my sister’s dog and she wanted to “show him off.” They got close to the parade where bold Max wanted to see so he put his paws onto someone else’s cooler. So cute!

One of my favorite events in July is the Cleveland Museum of Art Ohio City Stages at the Transformer Station. They were a success last year with a crowded West 29 Street. Everyone was out – dogs, children, Great Lakes beer and food trucks. And yes, Max was by my side for all five of those concerts. What is so interesting about these concerts unlike anything else in town was the versatility - one of my favorites was, Conjunto Chappottin y Sus Estrellas. They were from Cuba (top Cuban son groups on the latin music scene)Cuban  and didn’t speak too much English but the music overpowered the entire street. Everyone was out either dancing, eating or taking in the music. July went so fast. 

Max sat by my chair and trying to get his share of snacks. The girls I sat with toted pretzels, tiny sausages, nuts and fruit. Max knows that if he “sits” he will get rewarded with a treat. Everyone loved him so he got his snacks. We were all pushovers. 

Max also got more comfortable with other dogs. He sniffed and they responded. I think this year was even more special than last because it was a new experience as Max won our hearts. 

Who doesn’t just love summer! I’m counting the days until next year. 

My entire summer I tried to include Max in as many outdoor events as possible. Mostly it was Wade Oval Wednesdays and the Ohio City Stages music venue. I just enjoyed being outdoors listening to music and meeting new people. Life is better with a dog as you see things how they might see them. Their excitement spills over into your own. 

What can I say, I’m so proud when someone asks, “What kind of dog is that? He’s just so stinkin’ cute.” 

One Car, One Bike

Logo design - Toni J. Chankas

The past few weeks, my sister and I have been sharing “One Car and One Bike” to get around. It’s not as easy as it sounds. All I can say is, you have to be organized and bring the necessary items you need for the rest of the evening. For example, when you switch from your car to your bike, you will need your wallet and house keys; then stow away your purse in the trunk and retrieve it later when you get your car back. 

We take our car for granted as a storage unit for extra shoes, sweater, gym bag and yoga mat. You have to relinquish all that when you transfer from car to bike. You now have to carry everything with you and if you want to stop off at the store, you can’t unless you have a place to put your groceries. I, on the other hand, don’t have a basket or any extra bags on my bike; most of the time I ride with a backpack and store the items I will need. 

One Friday night, I met my sister at Felice in the Larchmerre district – I drove; she biked; then, I lent her the car and I biked home. I had to make sure I had my helmet and biking pants to endure the bumpy road home. I also had to be cognizant of the time– when does it get dark? And give myself enough time to get home before then. Hence, you don’t have time to grab a bite to eat because that takes time – I drank a beer quickly and then I was off. Honestly, it felt liberating to bike with the fresh air upon my face as I maneuvered through the traffic. 

I’m a crazy fool because I take the shortest route possible so I ride through East Cleveland. Many of my friends think I’m nuts. Probably, but I’ve taken the route so many times that it doesn’t occur to me that something might happen. As long as I ride in the daylight – I’m good.

Ha, Ha I thought as I rode past SUV’s and cars that take up an entire lane; at least I’m not wasting gas and polluting the environment. It was okay for a few weeks and I got some good exercise in. 

What is frustrating, however, is all the honking and drivers looking at you like your an idiot for invading “their space!” One driver yelled at me for being in the road. She honestly thought that bikers are not allowed in the street. Another person beeped so loud that they thought I had no clue they were behind me. I ride with my ears; meaning I do not wear ear buds. They whiz past you without much clearance. Scary!

Drivers have become bold and hate when they see bikers.”Get over it,” I think. You will be seeing more of us. 

Before my sister needed my car, I’ve tried to bike when I can especially my volunteer stint at the Transformer Station on West 29. Most of the time, I volunteer on Saturday so I bike it. As I stressed above, you have to bring everything with you. This means a change of clothing because most of the time I can’t bike 12 miles with a pair of shorts – biking shorts are a necessity; trust me.

Why do I bike? As I’ve become older, I think a lot about the environment and my carbon footprint. If I can reduce it by a tiny bit on a Saturday or Sunday, then I will do it. As I stated above, I have to add more time to my destination. Much of the time it’s very windy that I almost turn back and get my car – a very easy habit. I hang tough and continued pedaling. Once I get to my destination – I feel successful that I got there by my own power. 

As I ride, I think about the week’s past and what I need to accomplish. I look at the tiny details that is normally overlooked as you drive past at 35 MPH. Going back to East Cleveland, I see the city as it once was – a thriving metropolis with old architectural details that is not built now. All we have is glass and flat board without anything innovative where you say to yourself, “Wow that’s a gorgeous building.” Mostly it’s boring!

What I learned from the biking experience is that you can get to your destination by other modes of transportation – bike and/or bus. I wish I had a short commute where I can use my bike more during the week but I do what I can. I also value my rusted, older car that I have providing my short commute and allowing me to cart my crap. 

My sister finally bought her new car and I have my car back. I will continue to bike; it is doubtful she will borrow my bike again. That’s fine with me. I will cherish the two weeks that I biked a few extra days and breathing the last of the summer breeze. 

Next bike trip, One World Festival at the Cultural Gardens September 13 and 14, 2014.