A lovely day for the boys to go out and play! Spring is very welcome here.Until next time,
Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dogs. Show all posts
Preparing for Spring
It's hard to believe winter is already (well, almost) past us. I so enjoyed this winter. It was nice to have a winter at all since Virginia doesn't have what I'd consider a real winter season. (This coming from a native Central New Yorker.)
We had plenty of snow accumulation, but now starts the little know fifth season - mud. We live in a river valley, and you know what happens in river valleys? Rain collects there. And that makes mud.
Otherwise I've been gearing up towards planting my garden. I still have to prepare the soil (and buy/gather mulch). And order seeds. I can't believe how long it's been since January, when I was actually ready to order. Mom contributed $75 towards the seed order, so I'm waiting on a check from her to order. I did buy organic (but not heirloom) cantaloupe seeds, but am trying to think of a place to plant them since the proposed garden space certainly isn't sunny enough for melons. I'm thinking the top of the front bank, which would get sun all day except right before sunset.
I've also been talking to a local breeder about getting a Miniature Australian Shepherd dog from her early next year. I'm waiting on an email back so mom and I can go visit them. I've been reading a lot about them and the current contention between Australian Shepherd/Miniature Australian Shepherd/Miniature American Shepherd people. My chosen breeder maintains that her dogs are just slightly smaller than average Australian Shepherds, instead of the Papillion x Aussie crosses Miniature American Shepherds seem to be descended from. Australian Shepherd people are mad because "there is no height division within the breed," which is true. I want an Aussie, but can't have a larger dog right now, so this is an excellent solution for my situation.
I'm so in love with this breed! Who could resist a face like that?
Also on the dog front, I've been training mom's Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, Bailey in basic obedience. He is smarter than I believed and I am truly enjoying working with him. It's nice to work with a dog again!
Our computer crashed a little while ago, but it up and running after a through cleaning and a hard drive replacement, so that was exciting. iPods are difficult to browse the internet on when you vehemently want to use the computer for it's FULL keyboard!
So, ONWARD TOWARD SPRING!
We had plenty of snow accumulation, but now starts the little know fifth season - mud. We live in a river valley, and you know what happens in river valleys? Rain collects there. And that makes mud.
Otherwise I've been gearing up towards planting my garden. I still have to prepare the soil (and buy/gather mulch). And order seeds. I can't believe how long it's been since January, when I was actually ready to order. Mom contributed $75 towards the seed order, so I'm waiting on a check from her to order. I did buy organic (but not heirloom) cantaloupe seeds, but am trying to think of a place to plant them since the proposed garden space certainly isn't sunny enough for melons. I'm thinking the top of the front bank, which would get sun all day except right before sunset.
I've also been talking to a local breeder about getting a Miniature Australian Shepherd dog from her early next year. I'm waiting on an email back so mom and I can go visit them. I've been reading a lot about them and the current contention between Australian Shepherd/Miniature Australian Shepherd/Miniature American Shepherd people. My chosen breeder maintains that her dogs are just slightly smaller than average Australian Shepherds, instead of the Papillion x Aussie crosses Miniature American Shepherds seem to be descended from. Australian Shepherd people are mad because "there is no height division within the breed," which is true. I want an Aussie, but can't have a larger dog right now, so this is an excellent solution for my situation.
I'm so in love with this breed! Who could resist a face like that?
Also on the dog front, I've been training mom's Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, Bailey in basic obedience. He is smarter than I believed and I am truly enjoying working with him. It's nice to work with a dog again!
Our computer crashed a little while ago, but it up and running after a through cleaning and a hard drive replacement, so that was exciting. iPods are difficult to browse the internet on when you vehemently want to use the computer for it's FULL keyboard!
Photo from Madaise on Flickr.
Max Moves On
I recently wrote about Max, the Sheltie that I had taken in a few months prior. I came to the conclusion that he and I both deserved better. He deserves a home that understands him and wants him and can help him. I deserve a dog that is everything I want. So I got in contact with a breed rescue and we spent a few phone conversations discussing the program and what they could offer for Max.
And, the thing is, I liked how it sounded.
I was very skeptical. I have never done anything like this before, but I desperately wanted help for Max. After back and forth-ing on it, I came to the conclusion that I was happy with what they could offer, and they were willing to place him with one of their foster homes.
So last Friday, that's exactly what happened.
He's in his new place now, and I hope happy. I'm waiting until Monday before asking about him, to give everyone (including myself) time to adjust.
I miss him, and I know he doesn't understand. He was shaking in the crate in the back of the car that came to pick him up, and that breaks my heart. Then again, I know it's best for him.
That doesn't stop me from feeling bad.
And, the thing is, I liked how it sounded.
I was very skeptical. I have never done anything like this before, but I desperately wanted help for Max. After back and forth-ing on it, I came to the conclusion that I was happy with what they could offer, and they were willing to place him with one of their foster homes.
So last Friday, that's exactly what happened.
He's in his new place now, and I hope happy. I'm waiting until Monday before asking about him, to give everyone (including myself) time to adjust.
I miss him, and I know he doesn't understand. He was shaking in the crate in the back of the car that came to pick him up, and that breaks my heart. Then again, I know it's best for him.
That doesn't stop me from feeling bad.
Shepherding the Sheepdog
I posted here about Max, the new addition to the dog group here at the house.
He's coming along pretty well. He's much more comfortable with us and the noises in the house. He still gets nervous about loud voices and when he doesn't exactly understand what is expected of him. New people are scary, but he doesn't avoid and ignore them for long. He won't exactly approach, but tolerates petting and gentle treatment extremely well. He doesn't drool constantly anymore.
On the other hand, he is nothing like I was expecting or hoping for in a dog. He is not overly cuddly, though he'll stand for petting and obviously enjoys it. He listens well on the leash, but hates going anywhere besides an established path and/or route. He is very good at getting out of his collars, even his martingale. I believe he'd be highly trainable, if I knew how to break him of, or help him through his fear. He likes to jump despite dodgy hips.
He's an old, sweet man who likes nothing more than napping in the sun and sniffing the wind. I'm just not sure he's the dog for me. I am debating asking the shelter to put him as a courtesy posting on their Petfinder page. I am unsure and conflicted about him.
Despite the apparent ambiguity of his situation, he will have a home here with me for the rest of his life. I do not take the responsibility of pets (this would extend to livestock too) lightly. They are not things to be tossed aside, but animals that I am charged to provide for. I made the commitment, I will keep it until it is passed on, or until it comes to and end with his passing.
He's coming along pretty well. He's much more comfortable with us and the noises in the house. He still gets nervous about loud voices and when he doesn't exactly understand what is expected of him. New people are scary, but he doesn't avoid and ignore them for long. He won't exactly approach, but tolerates petting and gentle treatment extremely well. He doesn't drool constantly anymore.
On the other hand, he is nothing like I was expecting or hoping for in a dog. He is not overly cuddly, though he'll stand for petting and obviously enjoys it. He listens well on the leash, but hates going anywhere besides an established path and/or route. He is very good at getting out of his collars, even his martingale. I believe he'd be highly trainable, if I knew how to break him of, or help him through his fear. He likes to jump despite dodgy hips.
He's an old, sweet man who likes nothing more than napping in the sun and sniffing the wind. I'm just not sure he's the dog for me. I am debating asking the shelter to put him as a courtesy posting on their Petfinder page. I am unsure and conflicted about him.
Despite the apparent ambiguity of his situation, he will have a home here with me for the rest of his life. I do not take the responsibility of pets (this would extend to livestock too) lightly. They are not things to be tossed aside, but animals that I am charged to provide for. I made the commitment, I will keep it until it is passed on, or until it comes to and end with his passing.
A Little Fun
Edited to add:
Bailey made it! Here's a link to his post.
Mom has introduced me to this fun website: Dog Shaming, where you write embarrassing things your dog does and submit them. Most are great and some are down-right hilarious!
Here's the photo we captured of her miniature dachshund, Bailey.
I'm sorry it's fuzzy, the little booger wouldn't sit still at all!
We just submitted the photo to the website and are hoping Bailey makes it on. :)
Mom has introduced me to this fun website: Dog Shaming, where you write embarrassing things your dog does and submit them. Most are great and some are down-right hilarious!
Here's the photo we captured of her miniature dachshund, Bailey.
I'm sorry it's fuzzy, the little booger wouldn't sit still at all!
We just submitted the photo to the website and are hoping Bailey makes it on. :)
Shepherdess
Classes are going well, though I am not enjoying my psychology class. We do almost everything on the computer, and while that's not exactly a hardship for me, it is annoying. We have two different (online) places to look for possible assignments becase she does not go over what will be due next class.
Our yard sale did in fact go well, we made $138 a piece. We cleaned it up Saturday afternoon before I had to leave for work. Just before we closed down though, a lady stopped and she and I got to talking about dogs (of course!) and it turned out she breeds Shetland Sheepdogs (a.k.a. Shelties) just up the road.
We talked and talked and talked, so much in fact that Gramma kind of walked away and started cleaning in spite of the customer.
She had a male seven year old black, tan and white, who needed a new home. So of course I took her phone number. Them I stewed about it. I talked to mom about the possibility of another dog. She seemed indifferent.
The following Monday I called her and asked to come see him. We talked and talked again. He was shy and would only sniff me with my back turned. I made a spur of the moment decision.
Because I didn't think I had enough going on already, I have become a sheltie shepherdess.
He's afraid of everything.
He hasn't lived in a house for years. He is scared by the washing machine, the dishwasher, the cabinets & drawers being opened and shut, people walking by him, and general moving of anything.
When he is frightened, he paces. And drools.
However, someone has worked hard with him because he is perfect on leash, absolutely silent in the house (except when the treats come out), and sweet.
He is reserved, but does come for petting, treats, and walks. He doesn't cuddle or play. He's not sure he trusts me yet.
That's okay though, I know a little about shy dogs.
Our yard sale did in fact go well, we made $138 a piece. We cleaned it up Saturday afternoon before I had to leave for work. Just before we closed down though, a lady stopped and she and I got to talking about dogs (of course!) and it turned out she breeds Shetland Sheepdogs (a.k.a. Shelties) just up the road.
We talked and talked and talked, so much in fact that Gramma kind of walked away and started cleaning in spite of the customer.
She had a male seven year old black, tan and white, who needed a new home. So of course I took her phone number. Them I stewed about it. I talked to mom about the possibility of another dog. She seemed indifferent.
The following Monday I called her and asked to come see him. We talked and talked again. He was shy and would only sniff me with my back turned. I made a spur of the moment decision.
Because I didn't think I had enough going on already, I have become a sheltie shepherdess.
He's afraid of everything.
He hasn't lived in a house for years. He is scared by the washing machine, the dishwasher, the cabinets & drawers being opened and shut, people walking by him, and general moving of anything.
When he is frightened, he paces. And drools.
However, someone has worked hard with him because he is perfect on leash, absolutely silent in the house (except when the treats come out), and sweet.
He is reserved, but does come for petting, treats, and walks. He doesn't cuddle or play. He's not sure he trusts me yet.
That's okay though, I know a little about shy dogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)