Watching Poncho & Peaches 5-29-2010

The third day went smoothly. There was an accident with Peaches and I had trouble talking her into going to the bathroom, but overall I think they were slowly adjusting to the new situation of having someone come in to take care of them while their mom was gone. Poncho almost seemed like a pro at it but today. In the morning we went out for a little walk around the neighborhood, had some breakfast, then sat in the living room playing with the toys while Peaches sat on my lap, licking my hand as much as she could while I was there. In the afternoon, I let the pups immediately out back. There were no problems and Poncho and I played fetch for a little bit. Tonight I took the pups out back, fed them dinner then we went for a long walk throughout the neighborhood. There was a party up the street that caught the pups attention, I think it was the smell of the BBQ that caught their noses. Then we went back to the house and called their mom to say hi. After that I left the pups and headed home.

Watching Poncho & Peaches 5-28-2010

The second day watching P&P went well. Peaches had a couple of accidents when I got to the house to let her out, but I think she was happy to have someone around. In the morning I spent a little extra time with them because of the storm last night. We went for a walk around the neighborhood again and hung out in the backyard for a little bit. Both Peaches and Poncho only wanted to sit on my lap. In the afternoon I took them across the street and walked them around the park. Peaches hasn't gotten the who tandem walking thing down and kept getting stuck in the leash again. We went back inside and I gave both of them lots of hugs but Poncho spend most of the time chewing on his ball. In the evening, we went out front for a quick walk when I got there, had dinner, then spent some time in the back since it was a beautiful evening. Peaches sat at my feet most of the time and then they gathered around for a quick phone call to their mom. I think day two went well.

Watching Poncho & Peaches 5-27-2010

Today was the first day with Poncho and Peaches. When I got to the house in the morning the pups where happy to see me after their frist night alone. We went outside right away and stayed there for a little before breakfast. After P&P eat we played in the living room. Poncho wanted to play ball the entire time while Peaches just wanted to lick and be pet. It was hard entertaining both pups wishes at the same time, but I have two hands and pulled it off without a problem. In the afternoon we went for a walk around the neighborhood. I love watching dogs on twin leashes, they are really considerate of each other, but since Peaches still has a little puppy in her, she kept getting tangled in the leash. After our walk I sat on the couch with Peaches while Poncho chewed on one of his toys. This evening, I got to the pups right before the rain, which I'm glad we all missed. The pups had their dinner and we went out back and sat in the evening air. Poncho brought his ball out so we played catch, but he didn't seem as focused in the backyard as he does in the house. Peaches fallowed him around a lot and then sat at the bottom of my chair for the rest of the time. They went back inside and right back into the crate. I think the first day went well. They were happy for the company, but I think having each other in the crate makes the day go by quicker for them when no one is around.

Watching Adidas 5-23-2010

The last few days with Adidas has been busy. I've kept him outside for most of the time I've been there so I can tire him out so all he does is sleep when I am gone. On Friday, he continued his bad streak by knocking down an entire bag of uncooked rice and spreading the grains all over the kitchen floor. I think he was going through a little bit of separation anxiety, his best friend Max did just leave him. Since then he has been good though. No mishaps or chewed up furniture. We made some friends while walking around the pond the other day, but the relationship was short lived because Adidas decided he wanted to play, and the little dog decided Adidas was just too big. This morning I felt a little sad to leave him because he was good all weekend, so I gave him a couple treats and a few extra belly rubs. All the cats have been around the last couple of days. Sugar is getting curiouser and curiouser and has made it to my lap a couple of times for a quick pet before she darts off. Spice is always the same, he is the first one at your feet and wont leave my side until I leave. He has however been trying to make a run for the door when I am coming and going. Cookies has started staring out the front window while I am gone with Adidas, so that when I return both Cookies and Spice are staring out opposite windows. I think they look forward to getting back to their regular routine.

Pay it forward

A few weeks ago I posted a link to a facebook page for Project 50/50. I found the story inspiring and heartwarming. I believe it important to always keep your heart open to the people in this world and to help anyone you get the chance to. Its not always easy but if you keep an open-mind and positive attitude towards all those you meet, you can even surprise yourself.

"Happy Baby" by Theresa Mancuso

"After running my dogs in a remote field on the edge of brooklyn one summer night, I was putting them up in my van when I noticed a dark shadow scamper onto an abandoned hangar. I could just make out the dim visage of a small black pit bull staring back at me from behind a pillar. I called out, “Come on out, little one, it’s okay.” No response.

Procuring an extra dog dish, I brought her water, and began bringing her food and water every morning and every evening.

When there was sufficient distance between us, she would emerge from the shadows and eat and drink with one eye watching me.

A week had passed when a trooper told me that animal control had been called about the “dangerous stray pit bull.”

I came back the next morning, held my breath, said a prayer, and squatted low. “Come on, Baby. This is it.” She flew into my embrace. I removed the couple dozen swollen ticks that were embedded in her body, wiped her down with baby wipes, and put a collar and leash on her. Then I went to the main office. The trooper told me I was putting myself in grave danger. “She’s mine, Officer,” I told him, as she licked my face joyously. “I’m taking her home.” And off we went directly to my vet’s office.

Happy Baby was soon placed in a loving home with a family in Westchester."

Copy Write: Dog People Do It Better by Theresa Mancuso, 2005.

Watching Adidas 5-19-2010

Today Adidas was happy to see me, but that was his own fault when he decided to go rawhide crazy yesterday. I thought that I had found all of them and picked them all up, but he had one stashed somewhere that I found this afternoon. This evening I had to make him rice to settle his stomach, I hope it helps the poor guy. We went on three very long walks today. Sugar and Cookies were no where to be found today, so I went looking for them. Couldn't find them anywhere so I checked the entire house to make sure there was no escape routes anywhere. Nothing found. Spice however has this new habit of standing at the front door looking out the curtain the whole time I'm gone with Adidas. I thought maybe he would hear us coming so tonight I watched him come to the door when I walked out, and then disappeared and popped my head back around the corner after a few minutes... still there. Then he was still there when I came back. Silly little cat just wants to go out again!

Watching Adidas 5-19-2010

Well Adidas was just a rascal of a puppy yesterday! Apparently he got his nose into some trouble in the morning, and then he followed up that act up with finding away to the top of storage unit to get into a bag of rawhide, rip it up and spread rawhide strips all over the house. Its amazing what dogs are capable of when it comes to food. I know he thought it was a good idea at the time, but my guess he isn't feeling so good about it today.... if you know what I mean! I think he was going through a little separation anxiety yesterday, his buddy Max is moving down to FL for a little bit. He was extremely fast paced on his walks, and at times pulled me down the road. At night all he wanted was love. He jumped on my lap (note, adidas is in NO way a lap dog), nuzzled me as much as he could, and didn't want me to leave when it was time. This morning he was a little calmer, but equally happy to go outside and get some exercise. As for the kitties, well cookies watched last night like adidas was just crazy and today was completely MIA. Sugar was her normal timid self, although she did come up to the couch and sit down next to me for a moment asking for some love, but most of the time she was running away every time there was a single movement in the room. And lastly there is Spice, oh spice. When I went downstairs last night to let Adidas out one last time before I left, he went for the door, and bolted outside. Took me a few minutes, but I finally got him; although the treats did me no good in getting his attention.

Beggin' for treats after being bad!

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 5-18-2010

Today was yet another rainy spring day with the girls. I was greeted at the door by two very excited and affectionate pups. These are the things that make my day, both of them gave me kisses when I knelt down to say hello. Their unconditional love is just so powerful, it can make a dreary day like this, full of light! An odd thing happened after I left the house with Biz though that darkened my mood a little, and this is kind of a little warning for you Eryka, on the sidewalk down the street from your house there was a little chubby bird that has unfortunately come to the end of it's days. So walk the girls around the street in the evening! It was sad to see. Another odd thing happened while I was with Sarah. She started pulling around a mail box post, I had never experienced this with her. She had never crossed her leash with an object before and it's usually east to get her attention, especially with food in hand. But this time, no luck and I couldn't figure out why. Then I realized that her nose was pointed to something a little bit down the grass from the mailbox post she was tangled in...... Rib bones! She didn't get to them, but it definitely grabbed her attention more then the treats did. I laughed at her and told her to come and she eventually did with no problems. The girls and I then had a little photo session in the house, only because I really wanted to give them a ton of hugs and kisses before I left.

Watching Miley 5-16-2010

Today was my last day with Miley-girl and after the last two hectic days, who knew I would have more to write! This morning, Miley had NO interest in leaving the bed. I got her up to let her out back and she ran directly back into bed once I let her in. I made coffee and joined her, yet unlike Miley who was fast to sleep, I read. After a little bit I decided it was time to wake her up and get all the energy she had restored out so that her parents could have a relaxing return home. I took Miley to the Cabin John dog park. There wasn't one dog there who Miley wasn't interested in meeting. She even spent some time sniffing at the dogs on the "small dogs" side of the fence. Whenever a new puppy would enter the park, Miley's ears would perk up and she would run to be the first to greet the new pup. She ran from one dog to the next trying to find a way to play with each one of them, but seemed overwhelmed and never quite settled on one pup for more then 5 minutes. We were there for almost a good two hours and in the time she learned to come sit by my side when the other dogs where getting to wild for her. She didn't quite understand when other dogs fought because she is too loving of a pup to be involved in that. We headed home to be at the house by her dad's arrival. When he walked in Miley was out back, but once she got into the house she fully charged her dad for some affection, all the while whining and squeaking. She couldn't of been happier to see him. Now she just needs her mom home too!

Who to play with next!

Watching Miley 5-14-2010 & 5-15-2010

Oh what a busy two days. Friday night was filled with a special guest appearance from Fenway, who is Miley's cousin. Fenway is a sweet pup who seemed to like nothing more then playing with Miley. As I ate dinner, I watched the girls instead of the T.V., they were way more entertaining then whatever was on. They spent the whole evening playing tug of war with one particular chew toy. I tried to give them separate toys, but they didn't fall for it! The girls would almost take turns playing with the toy then made a game of stealing it back from each other. Miley would whine and bark while Fenway had the toy and Fenway would stare at Miley trying to find the best angle to steal the toy away from Miley. Miley was happy to come to bed early, but wanted Fenway to continue playing with her while she stayed in bed.

Today was a treat for both of us. After breakfast, Miley and I headed out to Strut Your Mutt in Bethesda. There we meet up with Andy Reid and his mom and Violet and Misty and their mom. It was a small reunion for Miley and Andy Reid. They had meet once at an adoption show before Miley's mom and dad had adopted her. Small world huh? There was so much going on for Miley to see. She wanted to meet and greet ever dog there. The small dogs didn't seem to know what to think of her and didn't seem so happy with her friendly greetings, but she got some great compliments. One lady told me that Miley was her favorite dog there. Things got a little hectic, so after our third pass through the street fair and some free samples for Miley, we all went on a little walk down the Crescent Trail. All of the pups became one big pack. Miley was right flank to Misty who lead the pack. Andy Reid followed the girls closely. Violet and Misty where on a tandem leash, so every once and a while Miley would feel left out and scoot her way in to the middle of the sisters to make herself a Miley sandwich. After the walk, the walkers got thirsty and a little hungry, so we headed to a small outdoor restaurant. Miley was thrilled to still be around so much action. She sat for maybe five minutes of our meal. Passersby would come up and pet her and other pups came by to say hello. She was in heaven. One little girl came running up to Miley to give her a nice pet with a cookie in hand. Miley's eyes where aimed for her hand and the moment the girl got close enough, Miley went in for the treat. The girl looked at Miley then her hand and ran off, two seconds later the girl decided the cookie wasn't as important as Miley and came running back to give Miley more love. After lunch we got into the car and headed home. Miley was so beat, she passed out in the car then on the couch when we got back home.

New Friends!

This evening Miley got to go to a puppy BBQ at Andy Reid's grandparent's house where she also met Harley. Harley is an old girl and was happy to meet Miley but didn't really care to play. After getting acquainted with her surrounding - a lot of sniffing later - her and Andy Reid decided it was finally time to play. The entire day you could tell that Andy Reid was really fond of Miley, but there had been so much going on that both of them laid low on the interactions. However, now, the two of them were fully able to play. Their favorite activity was Miley chasing Andy Reid around in circles. It was almost like a prelude to the show though, because once they got comfortable with that activity, they moved on to actual dog wrestling and then to keep away and tug of war. Miley wore Andy Reid out and was happy to head home so she could get some rest too. After one more trip out back, we are nuzzled sound in bed and Miley is already passed out.

She's had fun, and I know she is looking forward to her dog park date in the morning, but I think she can't wait for her mom and dad's return tomorrow!

Till tomorrow

~C

Puppy Adventure with Andy Reid 4-13-2010

Today Andy Reid (aka AR, aka Mister Mister) and I went for a "Puppy Adventure" the to Locust Center. When I got into the car I pointlessly put AR in the back seat, like he isn't the biggest lap dog and wouldn't find his way to the front and into my lap. When we got to the Locust Center, Mister Mister was as happy as can be to be in his favorite stamping grounds. I had never been there before and AR seemed to lead me right to were he wanted to go. A little into the walk I decided to be bold and let him off the leash, and the second I did little Andy Reid decided he would turn around and run back to the car like it was time to go. He would never run out of sight from me, but he ran right back to the car. I light heartedly laughed at the silly little boy, told him it wasn't time to go home and that I promised his mom he would have a puppy adventure and that is what he was going to get! So back on the leash he went and back to the trail we went. Once back on the trail he seemed happy to be there and was energetic on the walk. We followed the trail for sometime and turned around at the loop, then followed the stream back to the Locust center. We stopped at the stream so AR could get his feet wet and I could snap some pictures. Then we played for a little by the campfire site before heading back to the car. It was quite a puppy adventure and I hope he enjoyed himself as much I as enjoyed being with him. I think he did because I caught him with a smile on his face at one point (pic below) When I dropped him off at home, he cried as I locked the door behind me and it nearly broke my heart to get on the elevator.

SMILE!!!

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 5-13-2010

Today was the complete opposite of Tuesday, Bizzle was a little ball of bizzy energy. We went running down the street at first and then walked like normal shortly after. We stopped at some buttercups to see if she likes butter and chased a few birds out of the bushes. The walk was actually filled with reactive stimuli this time, but Biz did great. Each time I would say her name before she started to get too distracted and she would return her attention to me. In the end, I am not sure that I completely tired her out, but she sure did tire me out. Sarah and I went out for what I thought was going to be an equally energetic walk, but she slowed down shortly after we left the house. She was super well behaved though. I had her sit down for me so I could take a quick picture and dropped the leash, at the same time another dog came around the corner. All I had to do was say her name and her attention stayed with me so I could pick up the leash again. It was a wonderful day with the girls as usual!

Watching Milo 5-13-2010

Milo Miles is quite a pup. He has this small habit of barking at nothing, but if you were to read the characteristics of a Pekingese, you would know he is just being protective. He hasn't gotten used to the cat still so he likes to sit at the bottom of the stairs (the ones he cant walk up) and just watch for any moment the cat will run by so he can bark at her. We went for a long walk the other day and I let him run around a soccer field without his leash. He chased a tennis ball, but couldn't ever pick it up in his mouth - although he tried. He got to roll around in the grass which he seemed the most interested in doing. He's been trying to eat out of the other food bowl, even though it has the same food in it. He waits for any moment I am sitting down to jump on my lap for a little cuddle time. I think he is starting to really miss his mom.

Friends will be Friends

I personally like the message behind this story. I think it is important that everyone loves their friends for the people they are. I mean if we can't appreciate our friends for everything that they are, why are we friends with them in the first place? We need to appreciate and respect each person's qualities. And beyond the message, it's just a playful little picture of a few dogs playing together!


Dog Pals by Louise Maguire

"My crossbreed Bridget's a born comedian, running rings around canine accomplices. She's smart, quick, sneaky and full of surprises. She adores the chase, preferably brandishing someone else's trophy.
Veteran Irish Setter Ria's an easy target. Ria drops her squeaky toy to permit sniffing, nose to nose, then pirouettes to allow for delicate investigation under her feathery tail. Bridget ignores canine etiquette. She grabs Ria's toy and accelerates out of reach.
Jodie the golden retriever shares Bridget's passion for sticks. Jodie's current branch permits a noisy tug of war. THe branch finally breaks, and the two contented winner each brandish half - until Jodie unwisely takes a breather. Bridget snaffles both pieces of branch and shoots away, prancing with joy.
Sugar is a laid-back golden retriever with no competitive ambition. When Bridget steals Sugar's rubber ring, she just turns over to display her abundant underwear, apparently laughing.
Labrador Jess likes to display her trophies. Bridget circles the innocent retriever and snaps off most of the stick taht Jess is proudly carrying. Jess's confused puppy face is unforgettable as Bridget tangos away with the spoils.
Bridget shows miniature schnauzer Katy how to hunt for mice in long grass. She suddenly leaps out brandishing a lost rubber bone, with Katy in desperate pursuit. Our laughter acknowledges Bridget's victory circuit.
The action slows down a bit as Toy Poodle Candy appears. She was a minute runt with a deformed leg and remains a ridiculous fluffy ball of fluff too frail for adult games. Bridget is always gentle with her. No contest here. Candy rules, okay?"

Copy Write: Dog People Do It Better by Theresa Mancuso, 2005

Walking Bizzle and Sarah 5-11-2010

Oh the rain! It really likes to put a damper on things, especially when you are walking pups. Bizzle was not happy to be outside today. We walked around the corner and she started walking backwards toward the house. She didn't want to walk at all even in her body glove. Eventually she got a little energy and trotted along next to me, but didn't get full energy until she was walking toward the house. Inside she went crazy and all her pent up energy came out! Sarah didn't really care to go outside either, but will an offer of a treat she headed right for the door. She didn't mind the rain at all. I think both pups were thrilled that mommy was working from home today and would have rather spent the afternoon inside ;). As usual spending time with these two is a pleasure, even when the rain is falling!

Watching Milo 5-11-2010

Since I am watching Milo Miles this week I thought I would offer a little information about his breed. I've always found the history of the Pekingese very interesting, yet many of these dogs suffered a sad fate. There are a few discrepancies on the history but I tried to find the most common information on these pups and give a short summary:

The Pekingese received its name from the ancient city of Peking, which is now called Beijing. They were considered sacred dogs regarded as a legendary Foo Dog that drove away spirits. They could only be owned by Chinese royalty and was regarded as semi-divine and if you stole one of these dogs you were put to death. People without noble rank had to bow to them. When an emperor died, his Pekingese was sacrificed so that the dog could go with him to give protection in the afterlife. During the reign of Empress Dowager Tsu Hsi, in order to gain prestige, she surrounded herself with diminutive "lion dogs," insisting that their resemblance to the lion be as close as possible. The great Lama Buddha was always accompanied by a small pet dog which, at will, became a lion on whose back the Buddha rode through the heavens, with power to call from his fingertips tiny lions which, in the hour of need, became great beasts and attacked his enemies. During the Second Opium War, in 1860, the British overtook the Chinese Imperial Palace. Chinese Imperial Guards were ordered to kill the little dogs to prevent them from falling into "unworthy", while the Emperor Xianfeng had fled with all of his court. However, an elderly aunt of the emperor remained. When the "foreign devils" entered, she committed suicide. She was found with her five Pekingese mourning her passing. These five Pekingese were given to Queen Victoria. It was from these five dogs that the modern day Pekingese descended.

And you can see they still hold their regal stature:

Taking a Moment to Play

Throughout life we face many adversities, some can be so powerful and incapacitating that we are shaken to our cores and are forced to "start life over". It can be a very hard process and quite scary to face the world again; but just remember to always take a moment, notice your surroundings, breath in the fresh air, and have fun doing it. This will always remind you how happy and wonderful life can be.

Play Therapy by Irene Smith:
"When they brought Rio to us, he was profoundly depressed. A beautiful two-year-old pedigreed German shepherd, this dog had been terribly abused. His eyes were deep pools of despair. Rio took up residence in the coat closet and refused to eat. While he consented to be walked, he shuffled like an old man. We took turns sitting in front of the closet and talking softly to him. He listened gravely and finally deigned to take treats of cheese and chicken from our hands. Still, though, he declined to participate in the life of the household.
One cold February night about two weeks after his arrival, I walked Rio and Haiku, a four-month-old Shepherd mix pup, up to the dead end of the street and let them off their leashes in a big fenced lot. There was a layer of new snow on the ground. Haiku streaked off, circled the perimeter of the lot, and came back to run rings around Rio, inviting him to play. Rio watched for a few minutes, seemingly without interest, sitting listlessly in the snow.
Finally, Rio stood up, shook himself vigorously, and started to run. Haiku, delighted, followed him. I stood in the snow until my feet were blocks of ice watching them. They ran, they rolled, they turned somersaults, they leaped, they danced, they had mock wrestling matches. In Haiku there was the infinite energy if a puppy; in Rio, the look of a prisoner finally let out of his terrible jail. Life was starting over for Rio."

Copy Write: Dog People Do It Better by Theresa Mancuso, 2005.

Walking Bizzle & Sarah 5-6-2010

I hadn't seen the girls in a week and I was happy to see them this afternoon. Bizzle was her normal happy self, bouncing all over the place for our walk. When I stopped to take a picture of B, her and I had a fun encounter with a caterpillar My thoughts were confirmed today, when I was told that Sarah sat staring out the window the entire time I was gone with Biz. I always thought she was a little sad and jealous when I left with Biz. Sarah's ridge was extra noticeable today on her back, and it was kind of sticking up in its own fauxhawk. She was a little slow today though which left me a little worried about her, but she didn't seem to really feel like exercising.

I have some really cute pics of Biz from this walk, pics will be posted later!