The FG is maturing. Maybe.

Well keep your fingers crossed.  Today is the FG’s first day at the dog show. I must confess, I am just a little bit jealous.  I mean not only does he get to go to the show, he even got to go to a restaurant the other night.

My human was walking the FG at the golf course late on Wednesday night.  As they were headed for home, the chef at the restaurant at the course saw them.  And yup - the FG got a treat.  And if that wasn’t enough, the chef told my human to bring the FG into the restaurant- there were no more customers, and he wanted to introduce the FG to the staff.

My human wasn’t quite so sure about taking the bull into the china shop.  But she nervously agreed and marched him through a hall and into the dining area.

And she was shocked.  Not only did Mr. Sociable greet everyone, he calmly relaxed while my human had a beverage.  It was like he was drugged.  He was SO well behaved. 

Now we just hope he is equally well behaved at the show. We are well aware that just when you think he is maturing, he immediately turns into the the Wild Child.  Remember him sitting on the rock in the water- refusing to come onto the shore when Marvin was visiting? Ya just never know with him...

No news on the on-line saga.  No photos from Liam Neeson and while 176 guys have viewed my my human’s profile, there have been no really great potential dates just yet.  I think she needs to put in more photos of us...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days:  100!!!!!!  Time to parteeeeeeee!!!!

On-line dating. Continued.

Well after much moaning and groaning and the occasional gasp, my human threw her profile into the on-line dating shopping catalogue.  And after three days, she has already decided she is canceling her subscription at the end of one month.  She’s just not a very patient person.,.

She put our pictures in her profile.  So the victims have fairc warning.  I’m not so sure this is such a good idea.  Really, the only guy we would approve of would be a butcher.  Or maybe a baker.  DEFINITELY not a dog groomer.  Whoever it is would have to like to walk.  And wouldn’t mind picking up poop. Lots of poop.

I think my human is a bit too sarcastic for this on-line stuff.  One guy from Manitoba wrote to her and said he liked her profile “but could you live any further away?!” “Yes” my human replied, “I could live in Newfoundland.”  She never heard from him again. 

If any of these potential dates read this blog, well she might as well cancel her subscription right now. 

But despite all her trepidation- there WAS one nice guy who contacted her - who seemed normal.  And he could write a complete sentence.  Only problem?  No photo.  She’s figuring it’s Liam Neeson and he just doesn’t want people to see he is on a dating site.  We’ll see...

Oh - before I close, it seems my human has poor counting skills after 80.  Her good friend Joanie informed her that I had two 88 days in my seizure count and two 94 days or something like that.  Hope my human didn’t put “good at math “ in her dating profile.  So as a result, I am going to jump my numbers by two today.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 99

Everybody needs a Glady

Heaven help us.  Well...help the FG.  Rumor has it he is entered in a dog show his weekend.  Actually, a couple of shows. And when was the last time he was in a show?  Was it February?  Needless to say, he and my human are not well prepared.  So they needed some help.  So who ya gonna call when you are in desperate need of some show handling tips?  Besides the patron saint of dogs?  Why you call Glady. Glady the dog whisperer.

Glady is the reason why my human got into the whole dog show world in the first place.  It was probably 100 years  ago....OK, maybe more like 30, and my human still remembers the day.  She was working in one office for a particular institution, and she went to visit another office for the same institution.  And she started talking with one of the secretaries.  That would be Glady.  My human happened to notice a photo on Glady’s desk - a dog photo.  When my human asked about the lovely Keeshond in th picture, Glady explained that the dog was actually deceased.  But he was a very special dog - Glady’s first Keeshond, Chinook. And he was the start, the foundation - of a lifetime of involvement in the world of purebred dogs.  Glady knew very little about dog shows in 1977, but was convinced to enter one with Chinook.  He won the breed the first time out.  And she was hooked.  It wasn’t long before he had a Best in Show under his...collar - and it would be the first of MANY Best in Shows for Glady - with a number of her dogs.  She went on to breed some of the top Keeshond in Canada - and her dogs excelled not only in the conformation ring,  but in obedience as well - often under the training of Gladys’s husband, Don.  In addition to breeding and showing, Glady and Don were involved in numerous dog clubs - and Glady was even invited to judge Keeshonds at a specialty  show in the US. She became quite the breed expert - and mentor for so many in the dog world - including my human.  Glady encouraged my human to get her first Bernese and was always helpful with tips and suggestions for showing.  My human’s first Bernese was a wonderful dog - but NOT a show dog.  My human learned that quickly when she took him to a fun match, which Glady was judging and they placed dead last. He did become a good obedience dog though!

The first time my human went to Crufts, she went with Glady.  She even managed to convince Glady to go to a Bernese specialty with her in Rhode Island.  They had quite the adventures.

These days Glady isn’t breeding anymore, but she has a good friend who has carried on her lines.  She still is owned by 2 Keeshonds - one of whom is the same age as the FG.  She can relate to similar “behavioral” traits...

Somehow, time sometimes gets away from  humans - and it had been awhile since my human had been out to visit Glady and Don.  With the upcoming show,  my human called for help.  Glady was more than happy to oblige - and it would also provide an opportunity to visit and catch up.

Right now Glady is waiting for some knee surgery - so she can’t run around the ring - which she SO loves to do.  But she did attempt to take the FG around to show my human what he looked like.  She also videotaped him, and they then reviewed the tape. Her comments and feedback were extremely helpful.

But the best part was the visit.  They shared stories over a cup of tea and some yummy cake.  When you have a good old friend, it’s easy to feel comfortable-and the time just flies.  On top of it all, my human came home with homegrown tomatoes, dehydrated chicken for US AND some homemade wine.  But best of all, she came home with a smile on her face - thinking how lucky she is to have a friend like Glady after all these years. 

Now if she can just remember all Glady’s instructions when she gets in that show ring.  Heaven help them...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 97

Rainbows

August 27.  And according to the crazy calendar, it is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.  Honestly, for humans who have been owned by dogs... that is every single day... you never forget those you have lost.

Anyone who has lived with and loved their dog, knows how difficult it is to lose us.  There is a quote by an unknown author that says “Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst days.” 

But the promise of meeting again some day at the Rainbow Bridge brings comfort and a sense of peace to many.  And while some find the grief so overwhelming, and they say they will never get another dog, others cannot imagine life without a dog. Imagine how QUIET and boring our place would be.  One can never replace one dog with another- but one can open ones heart to a whole new lifetime of memories.  

OK.  And now for something a little lighter.  Guess what the rumor mill is saying about Meghan and Harry?????!!!!!  No.  She’s not pregnant.  They got a dog!! Reportedly the new Royal Canine joins Meghan’s Beagle, Guy - and it is.....a Polish Lowland Sheepdog!  Just kidding.  It’s a Labrador Retriever.   I can’t wait to learn more.  I hope they named him Viktor.  I’m SURE she MUST read my blog - so no doubt she will name him after me.  

Well, the FG has some serious grooming yesterday.  It took all of 20 minutes.  But that’s a lot for him.  Something is up. But I’m not sure what....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 96

Guinness

August 27.  And on this day in 1955, the Guinness Book of World Records was published. And as you might imagine, there are many dog related records. You can have the typical tallest and smallest dog:

https://youtu.be/66yr7Hr57KA

And you can have the dog with the longest tongue:

https://youtu.be/rDoi3XqG58o.  I bet he can clean out the inside of the yogurt container....

We have the dog with the longest tail:

https://youtu.be/iferRfmFRbI.  Watch out for stuff on the coffee table with that big boy...

We have the fastest dog who walks on two legs:

https://youtu.be/pM1dJGjRHOc

And then we have Golden retriever named Augie who holds the record for holding the most tennis balls in his mouth - 5 at once.  And the thought Einstein was mouthy.

We have a Jack Russell terrier who holds the record for breaking 100 balloons in 39.08 seconds.  Imagine practicing for that record? Not so sure we want to go for that one.

There are others, but we like this dog who performs 49 tricks in one minute. 

https://youtu.be/mgyXj8B2ymc

My human and I thought we could possibly break this one - but you see the part where the owner lies down and puts her feet in the air, and the dog stands on her feet?  Yeah well my human couldn’t get up fast enough, so we just couldn’t break the record.  That was the ONLY problem.  Sure it was.

Anyway it’s Monday and my human is still OFF.  Let’s see what record we can break today...  Most poop bags used in a half hour walk....most barking...fastest eating dogs....oh what fun!  My human says the only Guinness item that will ever come through the doors of this house is the drinkable kind.  She needs it with us!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 95

National Dog Day

August 26.  And it’s National Dog Day!!! Mind you, in our house, EVERY day is dog day.

But still, we like to have a day to remind you what incredible creatures we are...

We can make you laugh.  And we can make you cry.  

We live each day with joy - a practice that humans could follow.  

We are happy to see you - whether you’ve been gone for a week on vacation or a few minutes to the bathroom.  

We perform jobs unlike any other animal - from search and rescue to herding to physical assistance to therapy - we are incredibly versatile creatures.  Not to mention our duties as household guardians!

We enjoy the toys and treats you give us, but we are most happy with one thing- the time we spend with you. 

Here are a few of our favorite dog quotes on this special day!

And while we MAY drive you crazy at times, we know that once your heart is owned by a dog, you have experienced a magical connection that will exist - even long after we are gone.  How very lucky you are...and so are we....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 94

Jump

August 25.  And on this day in 1981, some guy by the name of Jeff Schwartz set a solo record for trampoline bouncing. - for 266 hours and 9 minutes.  Yup.  Over 10 days.  I don’t think anyone has broken his record. Wonder why?  Because he couldn’t feel his feet when he was done?  I’m not joking.  Other people have broken records for height and somersaults on a trampoline - but it seems Jeff did it the longest.

So to celebrate his achievement- if that’s the right word- here are some canine loving trampoline experts: 

https://youtu.be/9FERt94FsD0

That bulldog is my favorite.  I think WE need a trampoline.  For the FG.  He already does this crazy leaping thing - so it would be awesome to see him on a trampoline.  Einstein and I would likely prefer to pee on it. I could probably sell tickets for people to watch the FG.  And IMAGINE if I added a sprinkler like someone did in the video.  I am going to be a millionaire.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 94

Lost. And found.

Well there was drama in the area.    The day before yesterday, my human got a message on Facebook asking her if she knew a dog who had been posted on the Lost Dog Network.  My human looked, and her heart sank.  It was Willow.   For those who don’t remember, Willow is a Picard who ran away a few months ago, just a week after she moved to Nova Scotia.  She got spooked by something - and was gone.  My human went on a couple of searches and even took Elroy one day.  Willow was safely found after being gone for 4 days.

My human has been meaning to get together with Willow and her owner and with the FG - but she was too busy with work and couldn’t arrange things.  She was just thinking about it this week - as she is still on vacation - and now would be a good time... But that was before she saw the posting...

The Lost Dog posting said Willow was lost at a Provincial Park not 8 minutes from our house.  So after I got my pills at 7:00, my human jumped in the car and went to join in the search.  She didn’t take any of us for one main reason.  The park is lovely - but dogs are supposed to be on leash.  But nobody does - they let their dogs run free.  And well, dogs running up to other dogs who ARE on leash can be iffy.  So she opted to leave us at home.  As she searched, she ran into Willow’s owner.  She was of course, distraught that Willow was missing, and on top of that, some “people” had contacted her and were being judgemental about the fact that this was the second time Willow was missing.  They thought she was an irresponsible owner.  What they DIDN’T know was that Willow’s owner had a busy time at work this week. And she couldn’t get home to take Willow out at noon - like she does all the time.  So - she hired a dog walker.  She wanted to be sure Willow was not bored and that she would get some exercise.  Seems pretty responsible to me.  BUT, unfortunately the walker had Willow dragging her line and something spooked her.  And she was gone...

They searched that night until dark.  Yesterday morning, after we instructed the furnace guy how to clean the furnace and after we had our walks, my human set out again to search.  She met up with a good friend, and they covered a fair bit of the park.  BUT the park is huge - and they realized she could be anywhere.  Just as they were heading to another trail, the phone rang and it was Willow’s owner.  She had been spotted in a residential area, outside the park.  All rushed to that area and walked and drove for several hours.  My human and her friend had to call a break in the late afternoon , because my human had an appointment at the Genius Bar at the Apple store. Not so genius if you ask me, if your phone battery only lasts 45 minutes.  Surely Apple can make better batteries.  But I digress.

Anyway, JUST as my human was walking in to become a genius, her phone rang.  Willow had been found - right where they had been earlier in the afternoon.  Fantastic news!!  

So what are the lessons/questions from this experience? 

1. Never jump to conclusions about how something happened.  Accidents happen - and Willow has a VERY caring and responsible owner.

2.  After this experience and after meeting several dog walkers in the park during the search, my human doesn’t think she would  hire one for walking us in a large multiple-dog walk.  Yeah, yeah.  I KNOW they know their dogs.  And I think that may have been part of the problem in this case - I don’t think the walker knew Willow all that well. 

And although dog walkers are, most likely, smart people who love dogs, they can make a mistake.  Honestly, all it takes is ONE second off leash (or even dragging a leash), for a dog to take off.  I know most dogs stay with the pack, but some of us canines like to be individuals, and we don’t necessarily care where the pack goes.  I know Einstein and I wouldn’t care about a pack.  Maybe the whole group walk thing is better for certain breeds.  My human did note that a group she ran into was made up mostly of Labs, Goldens and a Boston Terrier thrown in as a protection dog.  At least HE thought he was.  I guess I have to read more about this whole pack and off-leash thing to have a better understanding- but for now, we’re not booking our group tour.  Besides, no one in their right mind would take us!  My HUMAN can’t even walk the three of us!  

I would be curious to know more from readers whose dogs go on multiple dog walks - with a dog walker.  Are dogs trusted off leash or dragging a line?

Bottom line- Willow is safe and sound. So this scary story had a very happy ending!  Maybe she and the FG will get to meet after all!  In a fenced area....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 93

Audiobooks

My human did something she can’t BELIEVE she has never done before.  Actually, she’s a bit embarrassed to even admit this, but we share everything - so why not tell you how behind the times she is. Oh and then I might as well tell you about a little accident with the FG.  But not to worry - he is FINE.  He has a bald spot - but he’s fine...

It began with a groom-a-thon.  My human actually dreads them as much as we do.  I’m the GOOD dog during these things while the other two put on a show like you are watching WWF wrestling.  But to make the torture a bit better (for my human anyway) she has FINALLY figured out how to order and download current best sellers in audiobook format - for free from the library.  Yeah - I’m sure most of you readers have been doing that forever - but she’s a bit slow with the technology. Anyway she ordered some murder mystery book - and it kept her attention the whole time.  Personally I would have preferred Lassie.  I need to get my own library card.  Bottom line - she really didn’t care how longs the groom-a-thon took because she was being entertained.  Glad she was.  So that was the good news...

As part of the groom-a-thon, nails are done.  Einstein and I begrudgingly agree to have them clipped.  But the FG requires the dremel rotary tool to grind his nails.  And he’s pretty good at standing there.  However....yesterday as she went to do one of the nails on a back foot, he moved.  The resulting movement ended in a yelp, and a sudden tossing of the dremel tool onto the floor. As she went to retrieve it, she realized it wasn’t turning quite as fast, probably due to the clump of Picard hair around the shaft.  She apologized to the FG - who honestly was FINE - but who milked it by dramatically putting his head on her shoulder. ( Mind you, he does that ALL the time.). She examined him to see where the clump came from - but she couldn’t find a bald patch.  Thank goodness.  I told her that someone could call animal control for that move. She told me that MY licking of Einstein’s ears could also,precipitate a call to animal control.  Funny.

Today the furnace guy is coming.  Just to clean it.  You can be sure we will be sequestered during that visit. It’s unlikely that we would be of much help...Not to worry though, no matter where we are - Einstein will be shouting out instructions....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 92

The poop on poop.

My human’s mother used to enjoy reading my blog.  BUT, there was one topic that used to drive her crazy.  Poop.  She would always say to my human “WHY do you have to talk about poop?  What a horrible topic.” 

But as any human who is owned by dogs knows, poop is a prevalent topic for discussion and study.  We won’t get into the whole “consistency”topic -that alone is topic for an entire blog.  Humans  obsess about consistency.  It’s crazy.  If martians landed from another planet they would think that humans are totally crazy when it comes to that issue alone.

But no - today I’m reviewing the whole pooping pattern we dogs demonstrate.  For example, Einstein is causing my human to buy poop bags by the gross.  Yesterday, Einstein used up three bags on one walk - himself.  Not because he had the trots.  Oh no.  Quite the contrary.  This is not a consistency issue.  This is a deposit issue. A rate of deposit issue.  To give you the full picture, visualize a PON walking happily down the street.  Suddenly he begins to walk like a cowboy who went for a trail ride that lasted just a BIT too long.  And as he is walking that way - he heads for the middle.  The middle of the street - or better yet, the middle of someone’s driveway.  It is critical to head for the middle when you hear traffic coming.  So he makes a deposit.  But just a small deposit.  My human picks up and we continue on our walk.  Within ten minutes, he does an encore performance.  Calling for another poop bag.  And then, within another ten minutes he drops another one more small deposit, just for good luck.  Gotta keep those poop bag manufacturers in China employed.

All the time my human is picking up after Einstein, I have, in the past two weeks, decided NOT to go at all.  I mean my human is on VACATION- our walks should be even LONGER.  So although we have our usual route and I NEED to go, I don’t. Her blood pressure was going up the other morning when I was happily sniffing and skipping along, at the same time the poop machine was making multiple deposits.  My human even looked at us at one point and said “Seriously, can’t you JUST make ONE deposit?  And can’t YOU HURRY up?!”

In the meantime, we have the last Musketeer who is the trail marker.  He creates a trail of poop - he doesn’t stop to go.  He just crouches and keeps on moving.  AND he goes in the high grass at the side of the road - so it’s great fun trying to find all the parts of the deposit. 

Ah yes.  The joys of owning humans.  I still say it’s quite remarkable that they are supposed to be the “smarter” beings - yet we get them to pick up OUR poop.  Who is smarter?

Right now my human’s mother is looking down and shaking her head about this whole blog today.  Wonder if dogs poop in heaven....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days:  91

On-line dating. Continued.

So this on-line dating thing does not appear that is it going  to be as easy as I thought it was going to be.  My human started browsing a site.  And oh my. My, my, my. First off, it can feel a bit like catalogue shopping.  Which is weird .  Then she realizes that you can’t judge a book by its cover - but some of the covers look like the story is about a gothic serial killer.  No offense - but some people don’t seem to realize that selfies taken in dark bathroom mirrors do not usually turn out very flattering.  We were looking with her- and growled at a couple of them. 

Then she found NUMEROUS profiles that began with one of these two statements:

People say I'm quiet-natured, but I'm actually just a really good listener. I don't talk as much, because I like to process and think before I offer my opinion.

I'm a "tell it like it is" person. Sometimes it gets me in trouble, but most times people appreciate knowing exactly where I stand.

If ya can’t come up with an original first line....so much for creativity.

Then I started  thinking - what if she goes on a date, and the guy has a dog.  And what if we don’t LIKE his dog.  Now THAT would be a dilemma.  I’m not all that keen on sharing treats either...

Luckily you can browse before you have to pay money.  This could be a long process, and I want to know if the fees are going to cut into our treat budget. You have to watch too - because they automatically charge your credit card each month unless you cancel.  I suggested starting up a Go Fund Me page to pay for this project.  My human said “no.”

I have to keep working on her profile.  I think there needs to be more about us dogs in it.  My human disagrees - she said if we are TOO honest and open, we don’t have a prayer.  I see that there has to be some clever marketing in this thing....  You tell the truth, but not the WHOLE truth.  You don’t LIE, but maybe omit some details. Mind you, we don’t want to be like those guys who post lots of photos - which is great.  However they were taken in 2008.  Not a good sign.  And when you post LOTS of scenery photos, it’s also a bit strange.  One guy had a movie star’s picture as his profile photo.  He wishes. 

I have seen VERY few pictures of dogs.  Very few.  That’s not to say that someone who isn’t owned by a dog would be a great choice.  That could actually be preferable.  No treat conflict there.  BUT the guy must LOVE dogs.  Oh this is just so dramatic.

I’ll keep working on it....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days:  90!!!!

The B Day

So what do Benjamin Harrison (23rd US President), Fabian Gottlieb-Von Bellingshausen (a Russian explorer born in 1779 who discovered Antarctica), Al Roker (the TV weather guy) and my human all have in common? The same birthday- and it’s today!  Yup.  She survived another year with us.  It was touch and go a few times this year - when she walked out that door and we wondered if she was ever coming back.   Mind you,  the door was to the bathroom - but you never know if she might climb out that window.

Birthdays are an interesting event.  Did you know that the earliest birthday celebrations date back to Egyptian times.  I bet my human remembers that.  The Ancient Greeks are attributed as being the first to put candles on cakes when they offered moon-shaped cakes to the lunar goddess, Artemis.  The ancient Romans supposedly were the first to celebrate the birthdays of the common man, and not just religious figures or famous citizens.  BUT - “man” is the operative word - birthdays for WOMEN were not believed to have been celebrated until the 12th century.  Whoa.  Talk about gender discrimination!  The women got to bake the cakes-made of wheat flour, olive oil, honey and grated cheese. Yum.  But the guys got to celebrate.  While it obviously wasn’t fair - I still like the sounds of the recipe...

Different cultures and religions celebrate birthdays in different ways.  And then we have world  “famous” birthdays- like Christmas.  Countries celebrate the birthdays of famous monarchs or presidents or political leaders - and for most it basically represents a day off work.  And maybe some shopping sales.  Even if ya didn’t really like the person or their political views, ya still are quite happy to celebrate the day they were born.  Humans.

Google “dog birthday “ and you can literally find dozens of ways for us canines to celebrate our special day.  Wonder what the ancient Romans would have thought of that?  

I’ve said it before - humans are a funny lot.  When they are young, they want to be older.  And when they are old, they want to be younger.  And perhaps, at some point,  they just get to the age where they are happy for the here and now.  Like us dogs!! They look in the mirror and no longer see “age lines”, but see “story lines.”  They start realizing that it’s not about what the world can give them, but what they can give the world.  Because my human is over 400 years old in dog years, she is starting to appreciate that more and more all the time.  She has also learned to embrace the chaos!

And she is grateful for family, friends (near and far) and canines who share with her this crazy up and down, happy and sad, serious and silly, simple and complex journey called life.  And for another birthday...

Happy birthday to my human.  Paws crossed you get a liver cake.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 89

Bird rescue. 911.

Yesterday morning began quietly.  Actually, come to think of it, it didn’t...

On Friday night my human went up to the golf course to meet some of the neighbors for supper.  When she got home, she took each of us out for a pee on leash.  Well the FG was TERRIBLY interested in some squeaking noises coming from a bush in front of the house.  There was actually quite a racket going on, so my human kept him on a tight lead.  Well the squeaking and squawking did not stop - and it was right outside our bedroom window.  My human thought at one point that she would have to sleep in the DFZ if it didn’t stop.  Clearly some birds were unhappy.  But around 10:30 it stopped, so it was a peaceful night.

However at around 6AM, the racket began again.  She looked around the bushes but didn’t see anything.  So she decided to text Pig Pen’s human who is the resident Mother Nature.  She said she would be right over.  So Mom Nature came over and they began the search, armed with a ladder, and a broom.  All the time while we canines were barking out instructions.  Long story short, they discovered a nest of baby birds who clearly appeared to be in distress.  There were three little guys - crying and crying.  And obviously no Mom in sight.  So they called a local animal rescue group and were told to take the babies to the Emergency Vet Clinc- where they would be picked up.  So Mom Nature cut the nest out of the tree, and my human was chauffeur over to the hospital.  There the techs whisked away the little fellas to feed and take care of them until the rescue center picked them up.

So with that good deed done, the humans were invigorated and Mom Nature offered to go with my human to the local Rails to Trails - with all three of US for a walk.  Rails to Trails are just what they sound like - old railway lines that have been converted to hiking/biking/ cross-country skiing trails.  Pig Pen didn’t come as he was going for a vet check up with his other human.  My human warned Mom Nature that this could be an “interesting “ experience as we had never done this trail before.  I think Mom Nature was having an adrenaline high after the bird rescue- that she didn’t really have a good idea about what she had just volunteered for. 

My human loaded us in Ludwig, with the FG in a crate and Einstein and I behind the crate.  By the time my human went to get in the driver’s seat, I had squirmed around the crate and was already in the passenger seat.  I was promptly removed - and put back in my designated riding area.

When we arrived at the trail, Mom Nature opted to walk me and Einstein, while my human handled the FG.  It was a great walk - complete with a total of 6 poops.  Sorry for the “too much information “ - but it is just to emphasize how happy we were!!  After we walked about 2.5 km, we turned around to go back to the car.  We had passed numerous cyclists, walkers and joggers, and had been extremely well-behaved.  But  on the way back we faced something new. Someone walking a dog...

And this presented a problem.  Because when Einstein has been somewhere ONCE, he now claims that territory as his own.  And he had walked this route 10 minutes ago.  So now it was his.  Keep in mind that you can walk Einstein through a dog show, or take him to the vet, where he sees other dogs, and he is FINE.  But walk a road or a trail that he has walked, and it is HIS.   Luckily by this point, my human and Mom Nature had traded leashes, so Mom Nature only had to contend with the FG.  

Actually, the FG and I didn’t care about the other dog, it was just Einstein who put on the Cujo routine.  Not a pretty sight.  The next dog they spotted, my human crouched down and stuffed treats in our faces - so Einstein never even NOTICED the dog who walked within 6 feet of us.  That’s one good  thing about food-loving PONs.  After the second dog encounter, they decided to call it a day.  We had walked almost 5km and the trail was getting busier.  It was almost 10AM.

We all crashed when we got home - and even my human had a little nap.  Bird rescue and animal wrangling is tough work!

I can hardly wait to see what adventures await us today!!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 88

Walks. And the Vet.

So yesterday I went to the Vet...

As all of you regular readers know, my seizures have been under good control for almost 3 months.  However.... my human noticed in the past few weeks that I have been showing some signs of rear end wobbles.  Now whenever I started on new meds, I always showed these signs.  But nothing is new.  So she wondered about it.  Was it due to the temperatures we have had - and could it possibly affect the way I metabolize my medications?  She also discovered two bumps on me - which she figured were cysts, but she thought we should get them checked.

As usual, I was the PERFECT patient.  The Vet actually said that if all her patients were as well behaved as me, her job would be very easy.  She isn’t worried about the cysts- she said they appear to be harmless.  I do have a broken molar - which we will keep an eye on.  So much for antlers in this house...

The Vet examined me thoroughly and felt I had weakness in one rear leg.  I have no joint issues, and I am not painful- but one leg is definitely weaker than the other.  We will watch to see if it gets worse.

Otherwise, my blood work was substantially better than earlier in the year.  And we have decided to try and wean me off one of my seizure meds - so that is good. 

So.  All in all good news -  and also some things to watch.  I quite enjoy going to the Vet - the treats are awesome.

Because we had a morning Vet appointment, my human decide to take all three of us on our morning walk.  To the golf course.   Together.  I’m not kidding.

Let’s just say she has no plans to do that again any time soon.  How does one describe spinning barking dogs with twisted leashes while the human is attempting to pick up poop - and remain upright.  I believe the word is CHAOS.  She just kept mumbling “Why did I do this?  What was I thinking?  Why did I do this?” We all made it home in one piece.  Barely.

Today we have no plans. We have rain in the forecast, so we PONs would be quite happy to stay indoors.  The FG can go for a long walk - that’s fine with us.

My human may actually read a book today.  Whatever that means.  As long as it’s not about dog training...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 88

The dating profile.

My human has yet to start that dating profile.  So I think I’ll get it started for her.  Here we go:

Older woman.  More than a half century old.  Still showing effects of eating too much Halloween candy two years ago.  But working on it.

Have a job. It’s rewarding. Have not been fired yet.

Can cook.  Love to do laundry and wash the kitchen floor. ( I’ll just put that in to see if they are really reading this thing).

Like to travel.  Like to collect sea glass.  Like to write.  Like to take pictures.  Like to paint.  Like to hike.  Like to bike.  And REALLY like dogs.  Which brings me to a warning....

Most importantly, any potential dates must LOVE, ADORE and CHERISH dogs.  Must also have the patience of Job and a HUGE sense of humor.  Currently owned by three PERFECT canines.  An 8 year old genius, a 6 year old writer with special needs and a 2 year old clown.  

Potential dates must know how to bake dog biscuits.  Dates must know how to throw a fetch toy and should not be alarmed with dog hair on pants, in vehicles or occasionally in food.   Must also feel comfortable with picking up dog poop.  Multiple times if you are walking the genius dog.  Grooming skills not necessary.  Must be willing to feed dogs at any time of the night or day when they request food.  ( I bet she is going to take out that part.)

OK... it’s a start.  Pretty impressive if you ask me.  I haven’t gotten to the part about the screening process we dogs will carry out.  

Oh this is going to be such fun....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days:  87

A lazy day

Well yesterday was a pretty lazy day in this household.  After all the excitement of having company the night before, we canines were pretty pooped out - and my human also decided to have an easy day.  We still of course did our morning walks - and we got to go with Pig Pen and his human.  I just don’t get the whole water and mud thing with him.  To each his own.

My human said we are all in desperate need of a good grooming, but yesterday was pretty warm and muggy - so she didn’t attempt it.  She DID attempt to take a few photos with the Sou’wester souvenir hat she bought for us while she was away.  Let’s just say that the photo shoot was less than successful. I kept moving my head back so the hat wasn’t visible in the photos - or it kept falling over my eyes.  Einstein was a bit more cooperative, but even the best shots were not all that exciting.  She didn’t even ATTEMPT to try it with the FG.  We have yet to model our tartan scarves.  I can hardly wait....

Last night my human and the FG found themselves in a bit of a “situation.”  You see, they like to go up to the golf course at the end of the night, and they walk the first couple of holes - as no one starts golfing so late.  Last night they actually went up a bit earlier than they usually do - because we had some thick evening fog - and it was darker than usual.  They walked the first hole and stopped to take some fog dog photos. They heard people on some holes further on, and turned around to go back home.  They came around the corner and low and behold, somebody was teeing off on the hole they had just walked down.   Uh-oh.  My human is super conscious about never being in the way - that’s why we only go up early in the morning before the course opens, or at the end of the night when everyone is done.  I might add that we never leave a TRACE of having been there - she always picks up any “deposits” even if they are not in a place that someone is likely to walk.  So now they try to cut back across another fairway.  And more people are coming out of the fog. They ended up darting back and forth like two thieves in the night.  The short walk ended up being much longer than they expected.  

And speaking of long walks, my human is having a bit of an ankle problem- and she should probably go to see her doctor.  Based on her internet medical degree, she figures she has some tendonitis in her ankle - and it keeps swelling up.  It’s fine in the morning - well it’s better in the morning, but as the day wears on it gets worse.  She should probably be icing it and keeping it elevated, but seriously, how does someone with three dogs stay off their feet?! It is a bit of a dilemma.

Maybe we’ll let her relax again today.  Maybe...

Perhaps I can help her work on that dating profile....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 86

More company!

Yesterday Marvin left. We are going to miss him - he was a great dog walker!  For a change - all three of us got to go for our walks together each morning. Back to two trips today...

Last night we had some more special company.  Two humans and their dog, Flicka were visiting Nova Scotia from their home in the US.  Flicka is a Picard. And she is one lucky dog - she gets to travel to all kinds of cool places. It MIGHT be because she is obedient.  Really obedient.  Unlike any dogs in THIS household.

Before they arrived, my human’s sister came over to help with the meal preparation.  She made some bread with olive oil and was just about to toast it in the broiler.  One problem.  She left the baking sheet full of bread slices on the edge of the stove.  The EDGE.  Seriously- in this house, food on the edge is simply an invitation to help oneself to a snack.  So when she stepped away from the stove and turned her back for 2.3 seconds, she heard a crash.  It was raining baguette and two PONs became instant vacuum cleaners. 

Luckily there was still a half baguette left that had not been sliced. Because my human was not about to serve the pieces on the floor that had not been instantaneously devoured.  

And then, Flicka arrived.  We PONs got to meet her first.  We did the customary olfactory greeting, and that was that.  Flicka is a mature Picard-and she didn’t t get too excited about two crazy younger PONs.  We went back in the house, and then my human brought out the FG.  Well.  It was like they were two long lost cousins.  One look at him and the grande dame got all happy and bouncy.  I think they were flirting with each other.  She must like younger guys. My human was so excited to meet Flicka and her humans, that my human didn’t even take any photos!    But luckily, Flicka’s humans did - so here are a few shots taken by them:

After the initial meetings, we were sequesetered in the basement rec room, while Flicka stayed upstairs during dinner. Those are the privileges one gets when one is well-mannered.  A good lesson for the future.  Maybe by the time I am Flicka’s age, I will behave.  Sure I will.

It was very  nice to meet them - and another cool example of how the internet can bring people together!

Today our house will be quiet without the company.  But not to worry - we’ll be sure my human NEVER gets bored.  She still has lots of vacation left...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 85

Marvin is leaving...

Ya da ya da.  Remember how my human was extolling the good behavior of the FG? And how he seemed to be maturing?  Wrongo. The Tasmanian Devil is BACK.  The well-mannered routine was short lived.

Yesterday my human and Marvin went out for a little while and when they came back, my human let all of us run around outside- with the FG on a long line.  We were racing around on the lawn when suddenly, Einstein put his nose in the air.  And he headed for the woods.  Of course the other two Stooges had to follow, with me hot on his heels, followed by the FG. When my human shouted for us to come back, the instigator immediately returned,  followed shortly by yours truly.  But the FG was playing magician, and disappeared into the brush.  My human went to put me and Einstein into the house and Marvin headed for the lake, as that’s where it appeared the FG was heading. After we were sequestered, my human grabbed a fetch toy and headed for the lake too.  Half way there she found the FG - sniffing bushes. She grabbed his line and headed toward the lake to find Marvin. They met and my human decided to let the FG go for a swim.  She threw the bumper in the water and the retriever wannabe swam out to get it.  And he came back.  But slowly.  My human tossed the toy again, and once more the FG came back - after a few stops to drop the toy in the water and to stare at it.  And it was at that point that my human’s common sense went out the window.  She reluctantly threw the toy a third time.  And that’s when the FG decided that freestyle swimming away from shore was much more fun. Off he headed - leaving my human and Marvin on shore to watch in dismay.  Thankfully he turned around at one point and headed back to shore.  BUT he then discovered Paxton’s rock.  It’s a large rock below the surface about 20 feet from shore.  It’s the rock that Paxton would wade out to, to avoid us PONs.  He didn’t like to swim.  Just to sit on that safe rock.  And now the FG found it. And he sat on it and wouldn’t move.  And all the coaxing, begging and acrobatics by my human and Marvin on the shore could NOT get him to move.  They even pretended to leave him there - and started walking on the trail back to the house.  And the FG just sat there. My human whistled.  And clapped.  And the FG wouldn’t move.  FINALLY she tossed a stitck close to shore and he came in close to grab it.  But as soon as he realized her plan to grab his long line - he started heading back out away from the shore.  It was at that point that my human had had enough.  She jumped in, shoes and all and made a lunge for the line. Luckily she grabbed it. The fetch toy was still floating off shore, but she didn’t care.  The FG was marched back to the house. 

So Marvin got to witness the good Picard.  And the regular Picard.  I’m thinking he will be very happy to see his docile, well behaved Saint Bernard when he gets home today.  Mind you, he does have a boxer puppy too...

Now.  For those we were wondering if my human and Marvin were “an item” - I hate to disappoint, but no, they are NOT.  Marvin, in fact, has a spouse who couldn’t come to visit because of work, but who agreed that Marvin should come up - as he and my human have been colleagues for many years.  But having Marvin here has been great fun- and it got me thinking that maybe it’s time my human should get back into dating.  It’s been a few years since the Hulk (remember the guy who we nearly dragged into a ditch while we were being dive bombed by a duck?). Anyway, I’m not really sure whatever happened there- my take is that he had lots of other “stuff” in his life, and so a long distance relationship with us just didn’t work out.  Pity.  He was a real pushover, er... softy when it came to us dogs. We went through more biscuits in a week while he was here than my human gives us in a month.  

Apparently Facebook is going to start a dating service. Could be interesting.  One thing I know for sure,  ANY potential date would HAVE to like dogs.  A LOT.  And let’s face it, we are not just any dogs. This could make for  some VERY interesting blogs....

Today we are having company for dinner.  We have been instructed to be on our best behavior. Whatever that means.  My human said some very nice humans are coming....and they are bringing their dog!  A Picard!   Stay tuned....

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 84

She’s back.

Well she’s back.  My human has returned after her tour of Cape Breton. The house is still standing and we are all alive.  The sitter left before she got home - we told her she could go.

There was much jumping, barking and spinning when she walked in the door.  And what is the FIRST thing she says?  “Oh I missed you.”  Nope.  “You are the best dogs in the world.” Nope.  “Here are 5 lbs of special treats- for each of you!” Nope.  The first words out of her mouth:  “Frodo where is your barrette?”  Seriously.  Of course, she wanted to know because she figured someone ate it.  Sure enough- she did find a few remnants around the room.  Tiny remnants.  It’s because the sitter didn’t feed us enough.

Today I’m not sure of the plans- but I do know it’s Marvin’s last full day with us.  He heads home to his family on Tuesday. We’ll miss him.  We were just beginning to train him to leave food close to the edge of the counter for us.  In fact yesterday, as they were unpacking the car, my human walked in the door loaded with bags to see me running into the dining room with a bunch of bananas.  I managed to eat a half of one (peel and all) before she caught me.  Welcome home.

As Marvin leaves, rumor has it we are getting some OTHER company tomorrow. But we don’t have the details yet.

Oh and the tartan scarves?  She didn’t dare try them on us yesterday.  But anything could happen today.

Lastly, for those curious readers who have been wondering about this Marvin guy, this much I will tell you.  Marvin and my human... oh I’ll tell you tomorrow. 

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 83

More sitter drama.

Day 3. My human got a text from a neighbor yesterday.  The dog sitter locked herself out of the house.  At least that’s the story that is being told.  The truth?  We locked her out.  Just for fun. But not to worry - the neighbor had a key to the house. 

And honestly, it’s not because we don’t like her.  We are just making a point because we heard a rumor.  We HEARD that my human stopped at some place called the Gaelic College.  They have all kinds of Scottish things there - AND they specialize in tartans.  They have material for probably almost every tartan ever created. Or they can get it.  Probably from Tartans R Us.   And they, of course sell tartan things in the gift shop.  Like scarves, ties, shawls and of course, kilts.  But GUESS what else they had.  Oh happiest of days.  Dog scarves. And because there is no MacViktor or MacFrodo and she didn’t see a McElroy, she reportedly decided that we should have provincial tartans.  So Nova Scotia has a tartan - and so does Cape Breton - AND so does Quebec - the FG’s birthplace. They had actually run out of Cape Breton scarves and Quebec scarves - but oh-so-lucky for us - they MADE them while my human waited. 

Now giving attire to us dogs is like giving a 5 year old clothing instead of a toy for Christmas.  Seriously.  She had better stop at our pet store and bring us some GOOD treats.  She gets home today.   

Wonder if this sitter will ever come back....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 82

Bad feeling

Day 2.  Dog sitter still here.  Hasn’t left us yet.

Remember how we asked - (or was it “demanded” ) guilt gifts while my human is away?   Some nice edible sounvenirs of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia were what we had in mind.

She sent me this photo.  We are not getting a good feeling...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 81

Hostage

Day 1.   We are holding the dog sitter hostage.  

This is a ransom note.  

 

Put 10 lbs of generic limited ingredient grain free treats at the front door.  

Oh.  And open it.  

Do not call the police or animal control or 

our human.  Or we will do something.  

But we don’t know what.  

If you meet our demands we will release her. 

Oh wait.  Here she comes.  She is going to take us for a walk.  Never mind for now....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 80

She’s leaving us

We are being abandoned.  Somebody call Animal Control.  OK.  That is not exactly true. We are actually about to begin a three day party. My human and Marvin are leaving us to visit another area of the province- Cape Breton.  Remember when Einstein and I got to go there LAST year? Well THIS year we didn’t get to go.  My human said she couldn’t find rooms that take dogs.  I think she lied. 

But don’t worry.  We like the dog sitter.  Remember we met her a few weeks ago?  We passed her interview.  Wonder if the fact that my human offered danger pay had anything to do with it?

All I know is that there better be some guilt gifts.  She actually bought us some new chew toys the other day.  But I hope she’s not thinking that is enough. 

I hear they make amazing human Oat Cakes in Cape Breton. We’ll take those - even though they are made for humans.  Just saying.

Well, time to work on some sitter training.  Good thing that treat jar is full....

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 79

More good behavior. No joke.

Guess what we did yesterday?  All three of us canines got to go for a run on the golf course.  TOGETHER.  As you know, handling the three of us off leash is actually a death wish for my human when she’s on her own.  She can barely manage the three of us on leash to get us to the course and then rounding us up after is something she was just too afraid to attempt.  She typically walks me and Einstein first each morning and then does a second walk with the FG on his own.  But with our buddy Marvin visiting ( not his real name - his name has been changed to protect the innocent), my human has an extra set of hands to help out.  Not to mention the fact that Einstein’s good morning wake up song probably woke him up. 

Not only did we all run off leash, we all came when called. Really.  This isn’t an April Fools joke.  Yup we came back.  Well -OK there WAS this SMALL incident with a bunny.... Where we ALL took off like we were shot out of a canon.  I led the chase, followed by Einstein and the FG who didn’t even know why he was running.  We all disappeared into the woods.  Of course the first one who returned was Einstein.  He didn’t want sticks and mud in HIS coat. Then after another minute, the FG emerged.  Looking like he wasn’t even sure what had just transpired. They waited for me to come out.  And waited.  And called.  But you know me and bunnies. I haven’t had a good chase in AGES. They continued with the walk and it was a few minutes later that yours truly emerged from the woods sporting some lovely sticks in my coat.  My human just gave me “the look.”

Otherwise, the walk was pleasant and uneventful.  No goose poop eating, and no swimming in any swampy areas.  All was right with the world.  And our walk was early enough that we beat the heat.  Yesterday was another scorcher.

Today I see my human has her SUITCASE out.   Now WHAT could that be about?!

Stay tuned.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days:  78

Our company

Well our company arrived.  He is an old colleague and friend of my human’s- and his family let him escape for a week to visit the wilds of Nova Scotia.  And when I say “wilds” I’m not just referring coming to our house. 

When he arrived, we were surprisingly well behaved. Sure we did the olfactory exam and Einstein sang the welcome song- with repeated verses- but overall we didn’t go too crazy. It might be because he is owned by two dogs at home - a Saint Bernard and a Boxer puppy- so he knows a bit about dog behavior.  He knew how to prepare himself against the FG’s attempts to use him as a springboard, and he also knows how to wrestle with us without getting a bloody nose.  He’s no dog novice.

Also unlike other novice dog visitors, he knows not to ply us with treats. Clearly he is not going to be so easy to train. 

At one point, the FG did attempt to remodel our guests’s sandal. But my human saw the attempt and reminded him that we do not eat the clothing of guests.  So I guess that means we can only eat hers.

So our first impression of our guest was good - and we think he probably had a good first impression of us.  Let’s see how long we can keep up the good behavior act...

Have a good one. Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days : 77

The Web

August 6. And on this day in 1991, a guy by the name of Tim Berners-Lee announced his idea for something called the World Wide Web. Kind of a clever idea...

Today the Web is an incredible source of information.  It’s kind of like having a library, a bank, a shopping mall, a movie theatre, a doctor’s office, a sports stadium and a news source at your finger tips.  All the time.  It’s like an ever changing and growing encyclopedia of the world.  And of course, a huge communication tool. 

Want to figure out why your dog is shaking his head?  Go to a reputable vet site on the Web and you can probably get an idea about what the problem is.  That is NOT to say you should play veterinarian- but at 2AM it might make you feel better until you can get in to see your vet.  It’s a relief to know your dog’s ears won’t fall off.

Want to find out how to tackle some canine behavioral issue.? Again there are lots of good sites on the Web.  I support those that use treats.  Lots of treats.

Want to know where you can buy the latest instruments of torture aka grooming supplies?  Check out the Web.  In fact you can shop for any dog related items in the Web.  And here’s a cool site that reviews products: 

https://technobark.com/

For people trying to adopt a rescue, there are plenty of good sites. You also have dog clubs, breed clubs and dog charities. 

Where would we be without this thing called the Web?  Your probably wouldn’t be reading a blog by a PON in Nova Scotia!  Thanks Tim BL for a pretty darn good idea.  Wish I would have thought of it.  Mind you, I’m not a computer engineer...

Today our company arrives.  Thank goodness- the cleaning frenzy is over.  Now.  We just need to train our guest about how much we like treats.  It is going to be a busy week.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 76

The FG is growing up

I think my puppy is growing up.  That’s right.  Something has happened to the FG. He is actually starting to behave like a mature dog.  Mind you, Einstein and I are technically mature, so I guess this isn’t an issue of age.  But something has happened to him...

On Friday morning, my human and Jackson ‘s human agreed to go for a walk.  Einstein and I had gone with them the other day - the green feet day-,so this time it was the FG’s turn.  My human prepared herself - she got his long line, a pocketful of treats and his fetch toy.  She also put on her body armor.  Just kidding.  About the treats.  Everybody knows the Picky Picard is not exactly a treat hound.

As they walked up the road, the FG spotted Jackson coming out of the fog.  And in typical FG fashion, he turned himself inside out.  It was everything my human could do to hold onto him. My human had visions of Labrador tail tufts being ripped out.  She held on tight until they got to the golf course.   Then she said a short prayer and let go of the long line.  He raced over to Jackson, gave him the customary olfactory exam and then did something that shocked my human.  He came back to her.  He stood waiting for her to throw his fetch toy.  She did and he raced out to get it .  He came back 3/4 of the way, plopped down and waited for my human to come over and throw it again.  She is an excellent retriever. 

Anyway, the point is, the FG wanted to play with my human.  Sure he was happy to see Jackson, but he was much more interested in my human.  And he never took off.  He swam and retrieved the fetch toy numerous times.

While some of you might be saying, “that’s no big deal” - I assure you, it IS.

Yesterday when my human’s sister came for a visit and we all bolted out the door, ordinarily an escape move like that would mean 20 minutes of trying the catch the FG.   He ran around the parked car, my human called to him and he raced back into the house.   Another shocking move.

I think the FG is truly starting to settle down.  If he starts liking treats, I could be in real trouble!

Yesterday was put-the-house-back-in-order-after-painting day.  Pretty boring stuff to us dogs.  Not that we REALLY wanted to do much - it was too hot and muggy.  I can’t remember heat like this is my lifetime. I don’t think I really like it.

Hopefully today will be a bit better.  Paws crossed.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 75

The Saturday Evening Post

August 4. On this day in 1821, the Saturday Evening Post was first published as a weekly paper. Norman Rockwell was an artist who painted many many covers for the Post.  His realistic depictions of every day life are still admired and loved by many.

Rockwell was a dog lover, and dogs frequently appeared on his covers.  Here’s a site that shows you just a few examples:

http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/02/07/art-entertainment/dog-covers.html

Here’s another page with dogs with jobs:

http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2017/01/25/art-entertainment/art-and-artists/cover-gallery-dogs-jobs.html

I’m not sure if he ever painted a Picard or a PON. I have more research to do on that!

Well the painting is DONE.  Looks the same to us dogs but apparently it is very different. Yippee. That was said with a sarcastic tone...

So now the latest news - we are getting company on Monday.  A good friend of my human’s is coming from Washington, DC to stay with us for over a week!!!!! And no.  It is not Donald Trump.  Mind you, I did say a “friend.”

No doubt the next 48 hours will involve more cleaning. How is it humans can overlook dust bunnies when they live with them, but get company and the house is cleaned so much it could be a surgical suite. Humans.

Well time to get my human moving for her walk.  I’ll tell you about her walk with the FG the other morning.  It seems my baby brother is really starting to grow up...

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 74

Painting. Yuck.

Painting.  A new word that in my dog vocabulary is equivalent to “grooming.”  Why?  Because we were sequestered away from the action for HOURS.  Well we started off on the deck where we could actually SEE what was going on, but then Einstein put his head through the screen door to attempt to get a better look inside. I don’t mean around the screen.  I mean through.  That was it.  We were all marched downstairs where we stayed throughout the ENTIRE process. Einstein continually barked out his protest, but my human threatened him with the squirt gun so he settled down.  For a little while anyway. 

Then after they were done, we STILL were not allowed upstairs for about two hours.  We were NOT impressed. Oh and it gets worse.  That was the first coat.  They do it all over again today.

When they were about 1/3 through my human apparently began to panic.  She though she picked the wrong color.  But THANKFULLY, once it dried she loved it. 

As for us dogs, it looks fine to us. Paint colors are not REALLY our thing.  Mind you, my human should have to spend less time cleaning walls - because this is darker color.  Perfect.  More time for walks and games of fetch.

And she can make up for all the time we spent in solitary.  Together.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 73

Not fair

6 pocketfuls.  It is just not fair.  That’s what Einstein got yesterday.  6 pocketfuls of kibble. And why?  Because he had to be groomed. And me?  A lousy 2 pocketfuls.  I’m telling you it is just not fair.

My human’s mother always used to say “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you know you can do today.”  Good advice- especially when it comes to grooming PONs.  We have been overdue for a grooming for about two weeks.  My human was working long hours, so by the time she got home, she was too tired and hot to do it.

Well now that she is on vacation, she has no excuse.  I was the first victim.  But as you know, I am very good during grooming.  My biggest talent. And because I am so good, I don’t need CONSTANT rewards to stay still on the table.  Unlike Einstein.  My human took him out to the grooming torture palace aka garage yesterday morning and opened the garage door.  So they would have plenty of fresh air.  She even came in the house and took out a fan to blow right on the grooming table. But you know the drama king.  He would go into a dramatic panting routine every time she started brushing him.  So she would stop and reward him for his agony.  Does anybody else see a problem here?!  Of course as SOON as she stopped bushing, the panting stoppped.  He managed to fake his pain through 6 pocketfuls of kibble.  He has her so well trained.

Meanwhile, the FG has QUICKLY learned that if he goes for a walk on the golf course in the evening, at just the right time, the chef will come out and give him some chicken.  Now he PULLS toward the kitchen door whenever he goes up there.  And heaven forbid the timing isn’t right, my human has to practically drag him home.

Ah yes.  Training dogs and humans.  What an interesting phenomenon...

Paint day today.  Stay tuned for more adventures...

Have a good one. Peace and paws up.

Seizure free days: 72

Feet

So here’s an interesting fact.  Ask people what their dog’s feet smell like, and most will respond with the same description- corn chips.  Yup - apparently many people think their dogs have Frito feet.  Supposedly, the smell comes from bacteria that we pick up on the ground and which mixes with sweat between our pads.  It’s not unusual- but if it gets particularly smelly and we are continually licking at our feet, a trip to the Vet might be in order. Trimming hair between our pads can be helpful - but it still can be problematic at times.

Yesterday, Einstein and I had different feet problems.  I called our problem Emerald paws.  You see, when we went for our early morning walk, we met Jackson aka Pig Pen and his human.  They were headed up to the golf course before it opened.  We were happy to run off leash - although I was almost put back on when I discovered some goose poop.  My human convinced me to keep moving.

Anyway, the grass on the course was damp from the morning dew.  And they had just mowed....

After a nice long romp, my human looked at us and realized we had a problem.  Green feet.  Eight emerald colored fuzzy PON feet.  Of course PigPen, the Lab had no problem- he’s black in color, his feet are not fuzzy and besides, he swam in EVERY pond and puddle we passed.  

When we got home, we were each whisked into the garage and the tub.  But let me tell you, wet grass does not easily come out of wet PON fuzz.  Great fun.  Remind me to stay on the cart paths from now on!

Tomorrow begins the painting of the dining room and kitchen.  So that means the furniture gets moved around today.  Can’t WAIT to see what is under that sideboard...

Have a good one!  Peace and paws up!

Seizure free days: 71