It's been awhile...where to begin...

[Kerri B. & Zoey]

Puppy, work and life in general have kept me away for awhile.  It's hard to believe that we are in the midst of the holidays and that Zoey is almost 7 months old!  She is still just a little over 20#s, so I am beginning to question how big she is ultimately going to get.  She's not a big eater, so maybe that is part of why she is still so small, but I am kind of enjoying it and thinking that if she doesn't get too much bigger, that won't be such a bad thing...she is just a little too big to be a true lap dog, but small enough to share the bed with ;).  Time certainly has been flying by.  So much has gone on.  

Zoey graduated basic obedience at the beginning of November.  We are looking to begin intermediate classes after the first of the year, but definitely need to refresh and work some more on the basics. Headstrong is Zoey's middle name.  LOL.  She is still going through a real "mouthy" phase that is driving me nuts.  

Although we don't really have seasons here is CA, the fall/winter has brought the onslaught of falling leaves and Zoey is DEFINITELY a fan - she loves to eat them, jump in them, run through them when you are trying to rake them up, bring them back into the house every time she makes a trip outside.  Yes, we get it...you LOVE leaves!!!  I feel like my vacuum cleaner is my best friend lately and can't figure out why it's taken WEEKS for all those damn leaves to fall.  Enough already!!!  

We have attempted the dog park a few times.  Zoey LOVES to get out there and run, but is a little apprehensive if there a a lot of other dogs there.  She prefers to rule the roust.  I can't wait to get her into some doggy day camp at least once a week.  She needs an outlet to expend some of this puppy energy and we can't get to the dog park everyday and her regular walks just don't cut it. I think I found the place I want to send her, but then I realized that they required she be spayed before she could attend.  So that had to be tabled.  

BUT, Merry Christmas to Zoey, your mommy decided that December 26th (yes, today) was the day to get you spayed.  LOL...I know...what a mean mommy I am to give her that kind of gift.  But...it had to be done!  I am taking the week off to be home with her and get her back up on her paws.   Should be interesting.  I am not looking forward to the dreaded cone!  A friend mentioned something called a BiteNot collar to me (this morning of course), so I am going to ask the vet if they have them.  So far, I have not seen anyplace locally that sells them (only online, which means waiting for it to ship).  At any rate, it should be a real interesting week.  

And the adventure continues :)....

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I hope that Zoey recovers quickly and without the need for the dreaded cone! Tara didn't need one at all so maybe you guys will get lucky too!  It sounds like you guys have been very busy and having a lot of fun! Nice to see  you back on DK!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

That's great that you were ableto be home with her at her time of need. I hope all goes well and that she recovers fast. they grow way too fast!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

When Sasha was spayed the vet gave me a cone for her but thankfully I did not even need it.  Sasha was amazing after surgery and did not even bother or lick the surgery area.   She was on a "no running" restriction for 2 weeks and that was difficult.  I had to put her on a leash when I took her out which she did not like at all because she loves to run around the back yard.  But the two weeks finally passed and she got her clean bill of health.  When Ollie was neutered he immediately started licking when he got home, I put the cone on him but it freaked him out.  I immediately went out and bought a pillow ring from Kong which worked great and it was much more easier for him to wear than the cone.  Its like a tube that you blow up and put around the neck.  After a few days Ollie was fine and I did not even use the tube.  I would have something on hand just in case but keep all the receipts and packaging if she does not like it you can return it.  Good Luck Zoey :)

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Doggy day care is a must at my house and I am home all day.  Once perhaps twice I week both the boys go and it gives me a day to myself but I send them for the social part.  They are split up because of size groupings and it gives them time to play with other dogs their own size.  They come home worn out which I just love!  I do take them to the dog park almost every evening and they have regular buddies that they play with so this is also a good option for us.  We hope the surgery went well and no cone needed!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Nice to see you back. I hope today went well for both of you and the cone wasn't needed. Bella never had one either and did fine. Keep us posted.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Hope things went well for Zoey today.  You might get lucky and not need a cone.  lucy and Sophie were spayed the same day and neither of them needed a cone.  I didn't have any problems with their trying to get to the stitches.  The males I've fostered though have all needed cones.

[Christine & Shelby]

Hope everything went well with Zoey's surgery.   I highly recommend play care... I've been taking my Shelby twice a week for about a year and a half now.... it is a great investment.  It's just us and after a long day at work, it is sometimes exhausting for me to try and wear her out.  Walks don't cut it - I understand what you are saying.  I hope she likes it... I know Shelby loves it!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Glad to hear things are going so great with Zoey....hope she did well today.  Please let us know.  Good luck...the "dreaded cone" isn't so bad, and it's only for a couple of days.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kerri and Zoey, you have been missed! Good to hear that Zoey is doing a great job with obedience training and enjoying the fall leaves. I say to that vacuum, be happy you are not picking up mountains of dog hair. Leaves are a breeze by comparison. Hope to hear more from you as Zoey recovers. Keep us updated.