Walking and Talking

Maybe the best thing about having a dog is the excuse to go on a nice long walk with my son.  Yesterday the weather was nice, and we set off on the Lakelands Trail and just kept walking.  Lola will stay very close by when we let her off the leash so it was a very enjoyable ramble.  Dogs are good conversation starters.

Barking...All Day Long

We are surrounded by barking dogs.  As a dog owner, am I even allowed to say this anymore?  But my dog does not bark 24/7.  or hardly ever!

The Graduate

Lola is upset that I've not written about her lately and wants you to know she graduated from puppy school!  She received a certificate and a dog biscuit.  We are so proud.  Now the real work begins.  She has figured out how to get through the gap in the gate.  1. I must fix it and 2.  She really needs to learn the come command.  Sure, she'll come running if I have a "cookie."  

Had our first vet visit.  The poop sample revealed she has some sort of intestinal problem and is taking medicine to clear that up.  Found out too she almost died as a pup because she had parvo.  (not spelling that one right.)  Please let her just be a healthy, happy pup. 

Cats and Dogs

I haven't mentioned our other furry friend lately.  Duncan by now has realized that this "wagging tail thing" is not going away.  After much hissing and swiping of the claws (don't tell him he is declawed), these two now have moved their relationship to a new level.

As long as Duncan can jump up and look down on Lola, he seems to be fine.  Duncan has free reign of the 2nd floor of the house, and seems to be satisfied that Lola has very limited access to this part of his domain.  Duncan most of the time ignores her puppy dance and shenanigans. 

The only other big issue was getting Lola to learn that cat food belongs to the cat.  Lola now passes by Duncan's dish on her way in and out of the house.  Good dog!

It's been a month!

The growing number of dog toys around the house confirm that it has been a month since we added Lola to our lives.  I should point out that she still manages to find an occasional sock or hair tie to eat.  She is smart - she knows when she has something she shouldn't.  A firm "drop it" is all it takes to get her to give up the booty.  (well- most of the time)

These boots were made...

I needed new boots anyway. Now I have a perfectly good excuse to get a new pair. 

Note to self:  it only takes about 1 minute for a puppy to chew a boot and ruin the zipper.

Cutest Dog in the Class

Lola sure was the star of Dog School last night.  Who would have thought I would ever beam with pride when people said, "Your dog is so adorable!"

First, I am happy to report that she did not pee in the classroom.  In my book she already has an A. 

Since Lola is officially Maggi and Wendell's dog, Maggi is doing the actual class.  Participants have to be at least 14.  Maggi is 13.5 - close enough.   When we take our next class I am hoping Wendell can have more of a role.  Yes, I know a dog should have one master...but this is a family dog.

I've already learned so much.  For example, we should play with Lola's feet at home - rub them and separate her toes, so when it comes time to have toenails clipped, she won't be scared.  Who knew?

There are about 15 other dogs in this class.  One other puppy (ours is cuter).  Big Dogs, Little Dogs, Black Dogs, White Dogs.  (Anyone catch this reference to Go Dog Go!)?

Let me just say I am so glad we are training her now.  Seeing those other dogs barking, growling, pulling, jumping...I realize too this is going to be lots of work and time. 

Because Lola's days are supposed to be structured and she needs exercise, guess what? I am getting that too.  Before Lola...I normally would have said "15 degrees is too cold for a walk, I think I'll have a doughnut." But I bundle up and am out the door with Lola at 8 AM everyday.   I could get used to this.

And there is something really nice about hearing a puppy snore...

Lola Goes to School

Lola starts Puppy School this week.  She is very excited. 

I also met with a pet sitter this morning.  Lola was busy napping when she came to the house for the interview so I asked her questions on behalf of Lola.  Lola just wanted to know "Will she give me treats?"

I am relieved I found someone (with reasonable rates) so I can take care of that other part of my life called work. 

Black Puppy White Snow

Lola and I had our longest walk yet out on the Lakeland Trail after breakfast.  The ground is covered with a thin layer of snow and it is still coming down.  A good photographer would have some awesome pictures to share. 

Question of the day...if horse owners do not pick up after their horses on the trail, am I obligated to pick up after my dog?  

Well, I did.  And since my sister Karen (owner of Brucie) sent us bio-degradable poop bags, it was so easy and so good for the environment too.  Especially good for the environment of trail walkers who are not looking down...

Now the snow is really coming down and Lola is chewing on a bone in her dog bed.  No wait - she is chewing her dog bed!

What to have for lunch?

I just spent a long time at the pet store reading dog food labels.  What is a meat by-product?

Wednesday

After breakfast and a walk on the trail, Lola is napping in her temperpedic dog bed.

Did I mention that all of our neighbors have dogs?  Barking dogs.  I over the years have learned to ignore them.  Lola cannot.  She is scared. I know because I learned that the tail between the legs is a sure sign.  I remembered some Dog Whisper advice to not say in a baby voice, "It's OK Lola, don't be scared of those loud dogs with big teeth..."  Today I turned my back on the barker and he stopped barking.  Lola sat there, did her little puppy hop and then approached big barker #1 with a wagging tail.  Awesome!  I am ready to launch my own show. 

Seconds later barking dog #2 came outside and there was barking coming from every direction...

at Home with Lola

Day two wake up call:  "There is a piece of poop on the carpet."

Good morning. 

The Real Day One

"She is whining in her crate," was my first wake up call at 4 AM.  Second wake up call, "She peed on the carpet twice."  Thanks honey. 

Since I have flexibility in my job and can work from home, that is what I am doing until puppy is older.  Day one working at home was just fine.  Got a lot done including carpet removal.  I rolled up carpets in the family and living room and put them behind the couch.  I covered them in a plastic drop cloth because the dog thinks behind the couch is play land. 

Holiday Break In Time

Since the kids are still on break, life with Lola is very relaxed.  The kids set their alarms to take her out in the early morning, a few accidents here and there.  No big deal.  She seems very happy and adjusted (Lola that is).

Picking Out the New Family Member

Hours on Petfinder.com and several visits to shelters later, we honed in on Adopt-A-Pet, Inc. in Fenton, Michigan - an animal shelter run by amazing people.  I am still dismayed at the number of dogs and cats available for adoption just within 100 miles of us.  Earlier we went shopping for all the necessities and so we were ready to bring Vera Wang home after we met her and I said probably too many times "Are you sure this is the one..."
Vera Wang is now our Lola.

Dog Gone and Done It - Day One

Being one to make snap decisions, after 6 years deliberation, I decided that we could get a dog.  As "a dog" was once again the number on item on the Christmas wish list of the "children," (who are no longer children at ages 11 and 13), I said to myself - OK we can do this.  So on Christmas morning Santa brought a dog toy which he hid behind all the other presents.  If I had not been caught up in the holiday spirit, I still could have snatched that box away.  But no...