My six year old grandson is with me for two weeks over the holidays. He and Guinness are best buddies. He is learning information on the unusual abilities of dogs. I made a wrong turn on a busy street and had to find a place to turn around. As I pulled into an unknown parking lot, Guinness went crazy, jumping around and barking. Kevin asked why he was doing that. I said, "He knows I made a wrong turn. He knows I should not be here." Then I explained to him, when I drive to his house 600 miles away, Guinness knows when we are close! Any of my relatives whom I visit, he knows within ten miles or so, we are almost there. I also related stories of dogs who are given to a new home many miles from their original home. It sometimes happens the dog escapes and finds his way home. It may take days, weeks, or months, but they know how to go home using a sense which humans do not have.
The sense of smell is also beyond human ability and is their supreme sense. They can live without sight easier than without smell. A friend sent a forwarded email, with YouTube link, illustrating the incredible ability of a dog's nose -- http://www.petplace.com/dog-videos.aspx?p=362&utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter
The friend, a PhD biologist, says "The longer the dog's nose, the better the sense of smell because there is more space for the cells lining the dog's snout that detect odors."
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Visiting Jack for Thanksgiving
These two dogs are fast friends forever. They adore each other. Their play shows so much love. Guinness is dominant, simply by his size over the growing Jack. But he purposely lets Jack win their games. It is an equal split. First Guinness wins, then he lets Jack win.
Since my son-in-law's new lawn is not yet fenced, the dogs have to go outside on a leash. It is a trick to take the two dogs, one a trained adult on a short leather leash and one a half-grown puppy on an extendable leash, though I keep it at a set length. Of course, they want to go in opposite directions with the leashes becoming tangled. I imagine the neighbors watching the circus and laughing -- at my expense. After completing their morning constitution, I have to hold two leashes while pooper scooping with one hand. Yesterday, I decided it would be a good idea to put them back inside before picking up their leavings. When I came inside, one (or both) of them had grabbed the roll of poop bags and ripped a couple to shreds. Point taken: they were saying -- Do NOT leave us in the house while you complete the morning routine alone! This morning, my intent was to do the same thing. Sure is easier for me! After all their outdoor business was completed, I attempted to lead them back to the house. Guinness planted his feet and very clearly said, "Mom, you did not pick up our mess yet. You have to do that before taking us inside." OK, OK... I did my job with one hand holding two leashes and one doing the work. cNow I know which one shredded the bags.
Jack's rising yeast growth is bringing more strength. He has not gone to doggie school yet nor has training to walk with a master been taught,nor does he have a training collar. After two attempts to take a walk, I gave up. No more walks! It is impossible and dangerous for me as he is so strong. Guinness does his best to demonstrate walking at my side, but Jack is not comprehending the message. His only leash is a retractable one which I set at a length equal to Guinness's leather leash. Jack is just about strong enough to yank the handle of the retractable leash out of my hand, and grabbing the woven leash part is dangerous to one's hand.
As I blogged this morning, this is where they were --
After taking the picture, they began wrestling again.
Since my son-in-law's new lawn is not yet fenced, the dogs have to go outside on a leash. It is a trick to take the two dogs, one a trained adult on a short leather leash and one a half-grown puppy on an extendable leash, though I keep it at a set length. Of course, they want to go in opposite directions with the leashes becoming tangled. I imagine the neighbors watching the circus and laughing -- at my expense. After completing their morning constitution, I have to hold two leashes while pooper scooping with one hand. Yesterday, I decided it would be a good idea to put them back inside before picking up their leavings. When I came inside, one (or both) of them had grabbed the roll of poop bags and ripped a couple to shreds. Point taken: they were saying -- Do NOT leave us in the house while you complete the morning routine alone! This morning, my intent was to do the same thing. Sure is easier for me! After all their outdoor business was completed, I attempted to lead them back to the house. Guinness planted his feet and very clearly said, "Mom, you did not pick up our mess yet. You have to do that before taking us inside." OK, OK... I did my job with one hand holding two leashes and one doing the work. cNow I know which one shredded the bags.
Jack's rising yeast growth is bringing more strength. He has not gone to doggie school yet nor has training to walk with a master been taught,nor does he have a training collar. After two attempts to take a walk, I gave up. No more walks! It is impossible and dangerous for me as he is so strong. Guinness does his best to demonstrate walking at my side, but Jack is not comprehending the message. His only leash is a retractable one which I set at a length equal to Guinness's leather leash. Jack is just about strong enough to yank the handle of the retractable leash out of my hand, and grabbing the woven leash part is dangerous to one's hand.
As I blogged this morning, this is where they were --
After taking the picture, they began wrestling again.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Shopping Diva
Guinness LOVES to go shopping, but there are few places that allow him: my plant nursery, pet stores, and that's about it. I did go into a plate glass store recently, and they told me to bring him in! They had two Doberman puppies. Here is their fun...
Our grocery store is next door to PetsMart. He ALWAYS hopes, when I go grocery shopping, that we will go food shopping for him too, but that is not nearly as often as our trips for human food. This evening, I parked near the grocery store entrance. He was barking like a mad dog, as usual, with his barks saying, "Please, Mommy, please take me shopping!" He didn't like my answer, so he pushed me out of the car, ran across the parking lot while I yelled to everyone who froze in their places, "He's very friendly! He wants to go shopping!" Everyone was focusing on this crazy dog racing to the pet store. As he neared PetsMart, I heard someone say, "He IS going shopping!" The store has automatic doors, which parted, allowing him entrance all by himself. They also have interior automatic doors, but, thankfully, he made a sharp turn to the left where the shopping carts are stashed.
I ain't no dummy. I always put him in the car with his leash ON, for such instances as this. Luck was with me! The leash caught on the wheels of a cart. Meanwhile, I noted everyone INSIDE the store was staring at us too! Oh, my... Then I had to usher him in the store to explain how much he loves shopping before returning to my vehicle which still had the driver's door open.
Our grocery store is next door to PetsMart. He ALWAYS hopes, when I go grocery shopping, that we will go food shopping for him too, but that is not nearly as often as our trips for human food. This evening, I parked near the grocery store entrance. He was barking like a mad dog, as usual, with his barks saying, "Please, Mommy, please take me shopping!" He didn't like my answer, so he pushed me out of the car, ran across the parking lot while I yelled to everyone who froze in their places, "He's very friendly! He wants to go shopping!" Everyone was focusing on this crazy dog racing to the pet store. As he neared PetsMart, I heard someone say, "He IS going shopping!" The store has automatic doors, which parted, allowing him entrance all by himself. They also have interior automatic doors, but, thankfully, he made a sharp turn to the left where the shopping carts are stashed.
I ain't no dummy. I always put him in the car with his leash ON, for such instances as this. Luck was with me! The leash caught on the wheels of a cart. Meanwhile, I noted everyone INSIDE the store was staring at us too! Oh, my... Then I had to usher him in the store to explain how much he loves shopping before returning to my vehicle which still had the driver's door open.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Controlling Boy
Today, Guinness and I joined Daddy while he was on a cigar walk. We completed the loop around our complex, then headed for a our backyard. Guinness planted his feet and refused to move! I told Daddy, "I think Guinness wants a longer walk." There was still plenty of cigar left, so we walked across the street and around the block. Behind our garage, he did the same thing. The expression on his face said,"A longer walk please!" The cigar was not gone, so we did one more loop. That was the end of the cigar, and Guinness was willing to go home.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Unfortunate Thing, and then a Funny Thing!
I folded up the king-size comforter off our bed, threw it in the back of my SUV, and delivered it to the dry cleaner. When I carried it in, the clerk dropped a pile of clothes to the floor allowing me to flop the comforter down on the counter. She lurched backwards gasping, saying there must have been cat hair on the clothes. I said, "This comforter is full of dog hair!" She visibly and audibly was in immediate distress. Her response was, "You should clean it before you come in." Oh... Interesting... She had to excuse herself and run to the back for an allergy pill. I am sorry about that incident.
Several days later, I picked up my cleaning. When I arrived home, I noted there were TWO hangers. Here is the second --
I must have gathered a dog toy from the car into the folds of the comforter when I took it in! And they CLEANED it!!!! LOL
Addendum on 10/30: Guinness was playing with this toy and chewing on something which made a noise when it dropped to the hardwood floor. So I checked out what he had. The cleaning tag with safety pin! How dangerous was that?!
Several days later, I picked up my cleaning. When I arrived home, I noted there were TWO hangers. Here is the second --
I must have gathered a dog toy from the car into the folds of the comforter when I took it in! And they CLEANED it!!!! LOL
Addendum on 10/30: Guinness was playing with this toy and chewing on something which made a noise when it dropped to the hardwood floor. So I checked out what he had. The cleaning tag with safety pin! How dangerous was that?!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Parade
Frank, the Candy Man with the dog biscuits, keeps his Mattie on leash because she tries to bite everyone. I tried to capture the ritual parade of Mattie leading, followed by Frank, and Guinness trailing at the end hoping for one more treat. Guinness follows them like this all the way around the field.
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Watching Mommy
We were the only ones at dog park this morning. Guinness was enjoying sniffing all the wondrous smells, aka reading the morning paper. He wasn't paying any attention to me, so I decided to test him and wandered into a corner of the park to see if he would see me and follow. He did not, but he was headed for the path behind the trees to find me! So I called to him, he came galloping -- running past me and around in huge circles a couple of times. In other words, he HAD noticed I was missing, was looking for me, and was ecstatic to find me!!! :) He almost failed the test, but passed at the last minute!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Buddy Holly
Guinness and Holly are good friends, but they don't play. They sniff together. They wander around smelling the same things.
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Sunday, October 10, 2010
Enjoying the Camping Life!
Guinness relaxing on Uncle Gary's porch.
A couple of years ago, I tied him to the corner cement blocks and he pulled them out!!! :-0
A couple of years ago, I tied him to the corner cement blocks and he pulled them out!!! :-0
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Grand Day at Cousin Camp!
Today Guinness and I traveled to Letchworth State Park for Cousin Camp! First we met up with Guinness's Aunt Janet and Aunt Ruth.
Then Cousin Marlene and Cousin Etha appeared.
What a perfect, glorious fall day!!!
Guinness was a good boy, though you can't convince Uncle Gary of that! Mommy even bought him a dish of ice cream!
This evening, we stayed at a new Microtel in Olean which welcomes dogs. As we arrived, our next door neighbor came out of their room and exclaimed over Guinness who was all too eager to let them rub his belly. They said they have a yellow lab, Bear. I suggested they meet. So they opened their door, and the dogs charged for each other with great joy! Then they ran to the hallway and ran lickety-larrup down the hall and back a couple of times with their masters laughing our heads off and grateful that no one else came out of their rooms!!!
Then Cousin Marlene and Cousin Etha appeared.
What a perfect, glorious fall day!!!
Guinness was a good boy, though you can't convince Uncle Gary of that! Mommy even bought him a dish of ice cream!
This evening, we stayed at a new Microtel in Olean which welcomes dogs. As we arrived, our next door neighbor came out of their room and exclaimed over Guinness who was all too eager to let them rub his belly. They said they have a yellow lab, Bear. I suggested they meet. So they opened their door, and the dogs charged for each other with great joy! Then they ran to the hallway and ran lickety-larrup down the hall and back a couple of times with their masters laughing our heads off and grateful that no one else came out of their rooms!!!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Uh-oh
This morning, when we went outside for our morning potty break, there was a mother, young son, and dog doing the same. Of course, Guinny went crazy to see a potential friend -- pulling at the end of his leash and barking fervently -- while I am explaining with my normal, "He's very friendly! He just wants to play!" The little boy said something which I could not hear above the barks, but I believe it was something like -- "Your dog should be under better control!" His mother reprimanded him for saying whatever it was.
Later, I saw the mother in the lobby. She commented, "Your dog is very excitable." Yep. That's one thing you can definitely say!
Later, I saw the mother in the lobby. She commented, "Your dog is very excitable." Yep. That's one thing you can definitely say!
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Awesome Day!
Dogs, joggers, and horseback riders were very welcome at the extensive preserved Petersburg National Battlefield. I drove through the park and stopped at all the pertinent places with Guinny. He had plenty of walking today after being in the car most of yesterday.
Here he is on the location that once was Fort Morton -- which my great great grandfather mentions in his diary!
Late afternoon, we began heading for home. At Winchester, VA, we stopped to find a dog friendly hotel. After two stops, we found one, but they were full. They suggested another. They also were full. At both hotels, I saw owners with dogs outside the hotels. I asked why so many dogs are there. It is dog show weekend!!! So we moved on to hotel #4 which was quite satisfactory and next door to a Cracker Barrel!
Here he is on the location that once was Fort Morton -- which my great great grandfather mentions in his diary!
Late afternoon, we began heading for home. At Winchester, VA, we stopped to find a dog friendly hotel. After two stops, we found one, but they were full. They suggested another. They also were full. At both hotels, I saw owners with dogs outside the hotels. I asked why so many dogs are there. It is dog show weekend!!! So we moved on to hotel #4 which was quite satisfactory and next door to a Cracker Barrel!
Friday, October 01, 2010
Boring Day for Guinny
Since I drove to NC this time, I decided to stop in the Petersburg, VA area to see the Civil War museums and battlefields where my great great grandfather served the Union. The weather was perfect for leaving him in the car alone while I toured.
The Five Forks Battlefield is fairly remote and definite red neck country, so I was a bit uncomfortable even with Guinness as my guard! But I did feel safe at the Visitor's Center. The Ranger gave me needed information and was very helpful. He told me where to find the field where my great great grandfather's Fifth Corps formed for battle before facing down the Confederates. I found the place, but two barking, unleashed dogs and a staring man did not encourage me to get out of the car. Guinness was on full bark too. Before going deaf, I took a shot from the driver's seat.
The suggested hotel, Candlewood Suites, seemed to be a great distance, so I decided to check one of the chain hotels that might be dog friendly. It was a DIVE!!! Even Guinness didn't like it! While combing my hair in the bathroom before going to find dinner, I saw, in the mirror, a giant cockroach on the wall behind me! After walking through a cobweb upon entering, I decided, that's it, and called the front desk to say I was checking out.
We continued the extended drive to Candlewood Suites, which was very acceptable in every way!
The Five Forks Battlefield is fairly remote and definite red neck country, so I was a bit uncomfortable even with Guinness as my guard! But I did feel safe at the Visitor's Center. The Ranger gave me needed information and was very helpful. He told me where to find the field where my great great grandfather's Fifth Corps formed for battle before facing down the Confederates. I found the place, but two barking, unleashed dogs and a staring man did not encourage me to get out of the car. Guinness was on full bark too. Before going deaf, I took a shot from the driver's seat.
The suggested hotel, Candlewood Suites, seemed to be a great distance, so I decided to check one of the chain hotels that might be dog friendly. It was a DIVE!!! Even Guinness didn't like it! While combing my hair in the bathroom before going to find dinner, I saw, in the mirror, a giant cockroach on the wall behind me! After walking through a cobweb upon entering, I decided, that's it, and called the front desk to say I was checking out.
We continued the extended drive to Candlewood Suites, which was very acceptable in every way!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Gotta Love Puppies!
This sight greeted me this morning. Guinness steals towels and shoes and grabs food whenever he can, but he doesn't rip up a toilet paper roll. That is puppy play; right, Jack?!
Steve took Jack to the vet this morning. While they were gone, I shut Guinness in the mud room to make sure he would not make any more scratches on the hardwood. When Jack returned, he went to the mud room door and whined to be let in with Guinny. True love!
Kevin LOVES his dog! :)
Steve took Jack to the vet this morning. While they were gone, I shut Guinness in the mud room to make sure he would not make any more scratches on the hardwood. When Jack returned, he went to the mud room door and whined to be let in with Guinny. True love!
Kevin LOVES his dog! :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Best Buddies
I am not sure that I have seen two dogs enjoy each other so much! They only stop playing to rest. If only their wild play didn't scratch the hardwood, they would be totally adorable!!!
LOL
LOL
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
"Interesting Walk"
The dogs continue their love affair.
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This day was discombobulated. Certainly not as planned! To make a long story short, Steve's car was towed away yesterday as it would not start. He had to deal with car issues today, so needed my vehicle. That left me stranded and needing to to pick up Kevin from school. I had to WALK to his school to bring him home and scratch my other plans for the day.
It is not a far walk, but not an easy one either. The route crosses a RR track and a busy street. I brought both dogs which was tricky since Jack does not know how to heel. There are no sidewalks for half of the walk, and I had to walk through tall grass. I was wearing Crocs, and my feet were prickly and stinging. By the time I reached school, I realized those sensations were from fire ants! We had no choice but to walk home that way with Kevin also wearing Crocs. We had a foot and shoe bath as soon as we were home! The dogs were unphased by the ants and loved the outing.
What a good boy!!!
Or is he??? He is holding one of Kevin's favorite stuffed dogs! tsk, tsk
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This day was discombobulated. Certainly not as planned! To make a long story short, Steve's car was towed away yesterday as it would not start. He had to deal with car issues today, so needed my vehicle. That left me stranded and needing to to pick up Kevin from school. I had to WALK to his school to bring him home and scratch my other plans for the day.
It is not a far walk, but not an easy one either. The route crosses a RR track and a busy street. I brought both dogs which was tricky since Jack does not know how to heel. There are no sidewalks for half of the walk, and I had to walk through tall grass. I was wearing Crocs, and my feet were prickly and stinging. By the time I reached school, I realized those sensations were from fire ants! We had no choice but to walk home that way with Kevin also wearing Crocs. We had a foot and shoe bath as soon as we were home! The dogs were unphased by the ants and loved the outing.
What a good boy!!!
Or is he??? He is holding one of Kevin's favorite stuffed dogs! tsk, tsk
Monday, September 27, 2010
Who's the Leader?
This morning we found Jack leading Guinness around by his leash!
Later, they were fighting over/playing with my Croc. Silly dogs!
Later, they were fighting over/playing with my Croc. Silly dogs!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sleeping Arrangements
The first night in the house, it was only me, as Steve and Kevin were camping until late this morning. Using Kevin's bookcase, I barricaded the dogs upstairs on carpeted floors to prevent them from scratching the downstairs hardwood while on my watch!
I slept on Kevin's single mattress on the floor of his room. A new full size bed and furniture will be arriving for Kevin in the near future.
I wondered what the dogs would do -- if I might be totally pushed out of bed. In the apartment, Guinness slept with me in Kevin's single bed and Jack slept on the floor beside me. I don't think he could jump up that high.
Guinness climbed on the mattress with me and Jack lay down beside me! Until early morning. Guinness moved off the bed and allowed Jack to lie on the mattress with me! :-0
This was the scene when I tucked Kevin into bed tonight. But this placid scene only lasted a few minutes.
I slept on the sofa tonight and the dogs joined me. Guinness was with (on top of) me, and Jack was on the floor beside me.
I slept on Kevin's single mattress on the floor of his room. A new full size bed and furniture will be arriving for Kevin in the near future.
I wondered what the dogs would do -- if I might be totally pushed out of bed. In the apartment, Guinness slept with me in Kevin's single bed and Jack slept on the floor beside me. I don't think he could jump up that high.
Guinness climbed on the mattress with me and Jack lay down beside me! Until early morning. Guinness moved off the bed and allowed Jack to lie on the mattress with me! :-0
This was the scene when I tucked Kevin into bed tonight. But this placid scene only lasted a few minutes.
I slept on the sofa tonight and the dogs joined me. Guinness was with (on top of) me, and Jack was on the floor beside me.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Yummy Muffins!
Today was Moving Day. The boys spent quite a bit of time on the balcony watching the activity. When the movers had left, we allowed them inside the apartment.
I bought a box of muffins for us this morning. Steve and I each had one. Not sure how Guinness and Jack divided them up... :\
Once at the new house, Guinness managed to scratch the new hardwood before Steve even walked in the door. :\ Later, Jack made his first mark as well. :|
I bought a box of muffins for us this morning. Steve and I each had one. Not sure how Guinness and Jack divided them up... :\
Once at the new house, Guinness managed to scratch the new hardwood before Steve even walked in the door. :\ Later, Jack made his first mark as well. :|
Friday, September 24, 2010
Excercise on a Hot Day
Took some boy and dog shots this morning:
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The dogs continue to be so funny in their animated play. With all the wrestling exercise they have, they don’t need much of a walk. Good thing, as it is too hot for them!
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The dogs continue to be so funny in their animated play. With all the wrestling exercise they have, they don’t need much of a walk. Good thing, as it is too hot for them!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wrestling
Guinness and Jack LOVE each other. They are having so much fun playing! I said to Steve today that I think I will take Jack home with me. ;-)
During this morning's wrestle, Guinness was top dog, and Jack rolled on his back to succumb to Guinness. I assumed that established that Guinness had the highest pecking order, but then, Guinness laid down on Jack, made Jack squirm out from under him, then Guinness rolled over and let Jack be the winner! True love!
Mid-morning, I took the boys out for a 20 walk beside the lake, as I did yesterday. Jack did just fine, but Guinness was panting in the mid-90 degree heat yesterday and today. Even after coming home, Guinness continued to pant profusely. A typical Canadian, I guess. I love the heat! To me, it is comfort zone.
After school, Kevin got into the doggie wrestling act.
During this morning's wrestle, Guinness was top dog, and Jack rolled on his back to succumb to Guinness. I assumed that established that Guinness had the highest pecking order, but then, Guinness laid down on Jack, made Jack squirm out from under him, then Guinness rolled over and let Jack be the winner! True love!
Mid-morning, I took the boys out for a 20 walk beside the lake, as I did yesterday. Jack did just fine, but Guinness was panting in the mid-90 degree heat yesterday and today. Even after coming home, Guinness continued to pant profusely. A typical Canadian, I guess. I love the heat! To me, it is comfort zone.
After school, Kevin got into the doggie wrestling act.
Assisting the Process of Moving
Guinness and I are helping my son-in-law and grandson move into their new home. When we arrived yesterday, Guinness and Jack (their Golden Retriever) became instant friends! It was very sweet to watch!
I began sorting and organizing things today to begin the packing project for moving. As I worked in the third bedroom, the dogs joined me and cuddled up on the treadmill. I went to get my camera, but they were standing up when I returned. I got them to sit together. Even though this is cute, it does not compare to the shot I missed of them lying snuggled up together!
We waited too late to begin thinking about dinner, and we were starving. Kevin was helping Daddy find something for us to eat in the fridge. Daddy was being silly and tickling Kevin. Take note of the dogs in this sequence. They were funny too!
Before bed, the dogs had been playing. Guinness carries on with barking as if he is not enjoying the playtime, but his tail is wagging. Then when Guinness stops chasing Jack, Jack begins bitting Guinness's ears to make him chase some more! Kevin wanted to be part of the play, so sat on Guinness. You can see from this sequence that Guinness managed to get Kevin off of him!
I began sorting and organizing things today to begin the packing project for moving. As I worked in the third bedroom, the dogs joined me and cuddled up on the treadmill. I went to get my camera, but they were standing up when I returned. I got them to sit together. Even though this is cute, it does not compare to the shot I missed of them lying snuggled up together!
We waited too late to begin thinking about dinner, and we were starving. Kevin was helping Daddy find something for us to eat in the fridge. Daddy was being silly and tickling Kevin. Take note of the dogs in this sequence. They were funny too!
Before bed, the dogs had been playing. Guinness carries on with barking as if he is not enjoying the playtime, but his tail is wagging. Then when Guinness stops chasing Jack, Jack begins bitting Guinness's ears to make him chase some more! Kevin wanted to be part of the play, so sat on Guinness. You can see from this sequence that Guinness managed to get Kevin off of him!
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