We all love a Diva

Spotties bunked with me last night. Dottie took a long time to wake up, she was enjoying her rest an awful lot and she's tired, pour soul. Prissy got up and was stirring around and sniffed Dottie to see what the "energy level" was this morning.

Dottie got up on her rickety old legs, coughed a bit, then walked over to Prissy, tail high, and put her in her proper place. When she came back she had to lean into me for support, but the old girl was very content. There is only room for one at the top.

Naptimes

My dogs do something my child never did. They take regular naps, and not only that, they enjoy them. There is something so soothing about a sleeping child or a snoozing dog. I'm wide awake, and working but somehow their gentle, relaxed energy is being transmitted to me.

My dogs aren't fussy about nap arrangements. I'm welcome to join them, but if I opt out, they continue on without me. I love the somewhat windy chorus of snores and farts that come floating out of the room....Dogs rule!

Oh, the bliss

I needed some comfort last night, so I took the two spotties to bed. Prissy hasn't howled in a couple of nights and I'm convinced I can ultimately teach her that I'm the decider-crate or no crate and howling doesn't sway me. I fired up the electric blanket-chihuahua heaven. Dottie stretched out in her spot in the crook of my arm.

Dottie's eye is dim, her coat fading, but she's still the loyal old friend who can comfort me like no other.

Bogey is still looking for a home

And I want to screammmmmmmmmm-bring him here bring him here!!!! But there is no room in the pack for another little male, no matter how cute. I have two old dogs on their way out, and one newborn dog (Australian shepherd) on the way in. I haven't mentioned it yet, because it's a big Christmas surprise that I already know about. With any luck, the elders will last long enough to let the newcomer share in their wisdom, but it's going to be tight around here for awhile with potty training, sweaters to put on the seniors, heart medicine to dispense.

There is room in my heart, but not in my boarding bill. I can wrap my head around integrating another member into the pack, but not two, not right now.

And that is part of being a responsible dog owner, knowing when to say no, no matter how sad it makes me to do it.

Ugh Ugh, Thank Dog

I'm having a rough morning. Guess I'll load Greta up and take her with me today. She's enthusiastic enough for the both of us.

A New Habit

The big dogs were waiting for their walk this morning-Greta absolutely loves her walk. It is hard not to love it a little myself just because she is so enthusiastic. Cody is a little more stoic, but he's a game little fellow.

We time it so that Mom and Dad meet us on their return trip, and then the dogs and I are done we stop in for coffee and a dog treat. There are far worse ways to start a day.

Bogey-looking for a home

Mastering the Walk

Greta and Cody went on their first mile long walk today-they did pretty well. Cody was a little whipped by the end, but that's good-he's the one that needs it the most. I think this is going to be a regular event for the big dogs now. Prissy still gets her visits to Mom's, Bitty and Dottie are happy at home.

Of course, Greta will ride shotgun on the hospital visit tonight-it's nice to have a pal to ride along.

I have a rehoming help request for a one eyed chihuahua. There is pretty much no room at the inn here, but I'll be happy to find him a place. He's a year old, playful, so he should be no trouble to place.

Orphans

6 of the 10 didn't make it from the amazing litter I wrote about earlier. It's truly a miracle 4 did, but now that the numbers are manageable, I won't need to step in. Part of me is relieved part of me is sad. It would have been nice to take care of a puppy.

Bitty is getting old dog lumps (tumors) which is par for the course for an elderly gal. Dottie is getting a little more hoarse each day. I'm providing what we humans call "Pallative Care" making their final days as nice as I can. We had a nice dog nap yesterday-all three of the black and whites staked out territory on my outstretched body and we dozed as a group. It was lovely.

I made arrangements to move Prissy's class to a weekend time slot. Evenings are busy with visits to Uncle John at the moment. I'm glad Prissy will get to continue her education. Maybe she'll even stay awake for the entire class since it's in the afternoon. Yes, during the lecture portion she climbs into my lap, curls up and begins to snore. Gotta love that girl!