Sharon Austin's Blog (9)

What a lovely dog Lucy has turned out to be!!!!

Her latest passion - tennis balls. We have them in every color, some squeak some don't. She stands beside the couch every morning and whines until the one of us who has had the first cup of coffee gets the broom and rounds up anywhere from 4 to 8 tennis balls from under the couch. She is still excavating the back yard. We are waiting patiently for that gusher that will rescue us from the 401k losses.



Language-- Lucy is learning new… Continue

When to get a dog - I have found that getting Lucy when I can be at home was perfect timing. She is very intelligent and needs constant challenge. While getting new toys, treats, coasters, and left over Tupperware can be a little expensive, I have found that she absolutely needs stimulation.

Field trips- If Lucy is very bored, I load her in the car and take her to Petsmart or Petco. She meets new dogs, and loves exploring the whole store. She is still puzzled at the goldfish tank . She… Continue

Lucy is 6 months old. She weighs 21 pounds. The vet says she will probably gain another 2 or 3 pounds. We have decided that Lucy is really a barn dog in a designer coat. We have 3 fenced in acres here in Florida. She is free to run, dig holes, chase squirrels, follow my husband to the barn, and, of course, stick her nose into anything that is happening. She is hoping for a chance to steal, chew, dig, eat, or jump into the smallest puddle of water. Our yard looks like a war zone. Critters are… Continue

Lucy is a typical 5 month old puppy. Her sole focus is on toys, treats, and play. Because she usually plays with big dogs, she plays at full tilt until she wears herself out.



Last week at our training session, there were 2 new dogs in the class. Lucy had been the only dog in the puppy class, so this was really fun. There was one very small dog with a very big voice and a puppy larger than Lucy but the same age. Unfortunately, this puppy had been attacked by two dogs and was very… Continue

Like any good parent, I decided Lucy and I needed training. I was absolutely sure that she would be the star of the class. After all, wasn't she smarter than any other dog that I know?

Well, so much for great plans. If you have read any of my blogs, you know that Lucy is a water dish diver. The trainer had a play time for the dogs in the class to get them aquainted, and get them calmed down. The owners had to leave the room and watch from outside.

Lucy is beside herself with joy. She… Continue

Explanation of racecar photos - When my husband retired, he decide to follow a passion for fast cars and data analysis. His latest raceteam is part of the Koni Series. The owner is a dog lover. The car is covered with dog bones. It costs 20.00 to buy one and put your dog's name on it. That's why Log Cabin Lucy is now on the race track. All proceeds are donated to a canine charity.



Attitude - Lucy is going through a bit of as rebellious stage. Her trainer says she is "giving me sass."… Continue

The best thing about this week is a sense of normalcy and routine. Lucy is beginning to know what is expected and when.



New tricks- Lucy is now tall enough on her hind legs to reach the trash in the kitchen. Stuff she digs out adds such a nice patina to my pumpkin pine floors. She does sit, shake ,down, and a stab at stay.



New passion - leaves blowing across the tar driveway. Unfortunately, if this happens during her circle dance, we have to start all over again.

New… Continue

Potty training - Lucy has mastered ringing the bell on the door to go out and potty. Yahoo!!!! Now, I know how Pavlov's dog felt. We come running every time she rings. Who's training who here? She,of course, rings to go out and play. She seems to be a step ahead on everything...



New challenge - digging- I took my Mom to the family cemetery to clean it up before winter. I was carrying the branches away when I looked over my shoulder. My Mom is talking and did not realize that Lucy is… Continue

Jerry and I decided Lucy is just like a new baby - no sleep and lots of photos



Daily walks - We have a stack of sticks beside the front door. Lucy picks up a stick and proudly carries it during her entire walk.

Meeting a new friend - We introduced Lucy to very large Doodle down the street. After a bit of sniffing and roughhousing, they were fine. Tucker has Lyme disease so we are very careful to check for ticks. We live in the country.

The car wash - Jerry started to wash… Continue