Andrea, Belle and Honey's Blog (7)

I'll start by saying that Belle, who turned 3 in June, has never had a problem with the booming noises (thunder, fireworks, even guns) that periodically plague our neighborhood.  She first came home in August, so by her first 4th of July here, she was already a year old.  I had been reading Doggy Dan's training advice, and convinced a number of (somewhat dubious) dog-owning friends to gather with us and their puppies in a large living room supplied with lots of antlers, Himalayan chews,…

My mother has never enjoyed dogs.  She also has never understood why any sane person would want a canine companion.  Years ago when my then partner gave me an adorable puppy for Valentine's Day, my Mom's response was "are you going to keep her?"  (Actually the dog stayed around much longer than that partner.)  So I gave up long ago showing my Mom cute pictures, and telling her funny anecdotes, about the many wonderful dogs who have graced my life. 

Then Mom, who is 103, fell…

I have suspected for a while that despite all my efforts (a la Doggy Dan) to establish myself as the leader of the pack, Belle has concluded that I am here for her entertainment.  I carefully refrain from playing with her if she brings me a toy to start her favorite game of fetch, as only I am supposed to initiate play. That doesn't stop her from constantly bringing me a variety of toys she hopes I will throw.  One day, I was standing by a counter folding laundry and suddenly a soggy tennis…

I wrote a while ago about Belle (14.8 lbs) failing the admission evaluation at doggy day care because she didn't know how to behave with other, mostly bigger, dogs.  The owner of a small local day care on a farm agreed to work with Belle (whom she refers to fondly as her "wackadoodle"). Belle started playing under close supervision with a few calm, small dogs. Gradually she was allowed to run and play (mostly run) with a variety of larger, but trustworthy, dogs.   Belle wants to show you…

I just got home from the emergency vet. The trainer from Belle's doggy day care suggested that I try the Pet Corrector when Belle jumps on my back after being stopped once with a firm "no."  She has gotten much better about that, but in exchange she has resumed chewing on the wooden rungs of my computer chair.  She never minded the bitter apple, and has gotten used to the horseradish solution (although she prefers it with gefilte fish).  Time outs make no impression on her when she wants to…

Belle seems to be fine - her usual lively, hungry self.  Hopefully the next two days will be as symptom free. This morning Belle and I went straight to Bed, Bath and Beyond and used one of my many coupons to purchase a small trash can with a secure lid for the bathroom.  What puzzles me is that right next to the open trash can yesterday was an enclosed receptacle for dirty diapers that I bought last winter when I got tired of falling on ice taking animal poop to the garbage (my terrier uses…

More adventures of Belle the labradoodle (it's a good thing she's so cute).  This afternoon a friend visited with her brand new granddaughter.  The baby was adorable, and Belle was very gentle with her during their brief introduction to one another.  As my friend and I admired the baby and chatted, Belle lay on her mat chewing on a bully stick.  Shortly after my friend left, I discovered that the bully stick had morphed into a tiny, pee-soaked diaper.  Apparently my friend had left one in…