Dogs of our lives

Happy 6th Birthday!

2011-04-21T16:29:00.002-04:00

I had hoped to have a dog birthday party while Kevin was here, but the weather did not cooperate nor was there time to execute it. But Guinness had a fun week with Kevin regardless. He was happy to spend his birthday celebration week-long with his favorite boy!!!
Kevin enjoys having Guinness outside with him as he plays.

And Guinness loves sleeping with Kevin at night.

Grass!!!

2011-04-12T16:25:00.002-04:00

After the long winter, at the first sign of fresh grass, Guinness is gorging himself on the salad!

Snow Dog

2011-03-20T16:19:00.003-04:00

Good boy! Cooling it in the snow.

Guinness LOVES the Snow!

2011-02-07T16:05:00.004-05:00

The pictures say it all!!!

Sophie Comes to Play

2011-01-29T15:53:00.008-05:00

Melanie and family joined us at doggie park today. Jake was there also.

Guinness was delighted that Jake could play with Sophie and leave him alone so that he could capture the attention of the people!

Is Sophie cute or what?!

Melanie and Philip had to hold the boys as they were afraid of the crazy dogs!

In Bed

2011-01-16T15:47:00.002-05:00

Guinness and Daddy are having a Sunday morning snooze. How did he get under the covers???? And on MY side of the bed with his head on MY pillow???!!!!

Snow Park

2011-01-14T15:43:00.004-05:00

A golden and Jake were at the park today. It is always more fun to have friends! Jake is a puppy and sometimes annoys Guinness with his constant haranguing. Funny.

Lessons in Dog Abilities

2010-12-27T08:33:00.005-05:00

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."

Visiting Jack for Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T07:21:00.008-05:00

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.

Shopping Diva

2010-11-04T20:04:00.005-04:00

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.

Controlling Boy

2010-10-24T16:47:00.000-04:00

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.

Unfortunate Thing, and then a Funny Thing!

2010-10-23T13:51:00.005-04:00

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?!

The Parade

2010-10-19T22:32:00.002-04:00

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.

Watching Mommy

2010-10-19T22:27:00.002-04:00

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!

Buddy Holly

2010-10-13T22:40:00.001-04:00

Guinness and Holly are good friends, but they don't play. They sniff together. They wander around smelling the same things.

Enjoying the Camping Life!

2010-10-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

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

Grand Day at Cousin Camp!

2010-10-09T21:48:00.002-04:00

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!!!

Uh-oh

2010-10-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

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!

Awesome Day!

2010-10-02T21:03:00.004-04:00

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!

Boring Day for Guinny

2010-10-01T21:27:00.002-04:00

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!

Gotta Love Puppies!

2010-09-30T20:56:00.001-04:00

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! :)

Best Buddies

2010-09-29T20:52:00.000-04:00

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

"Interesting Walk"

2010-09-28T20:45:00.003-04:00

The dogs continue their love affair.

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

Who's the Leader?

2010-09-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

This morning we found Jack leading Guinness around by his leash!

Later, they were fighting over/playing with my Croc. Silly dogs!

Sleeping Arrangements

2010-09-26T20:37:00.000-04:00

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.

Yummy Muffins!

2010-09-25T20:31:00.002-04:00

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. :|

Excercise on a Hot Day

2010-09-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

Took some boy and dog shots this morning:

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!

Wrestling

2010-09-23T21:33:00.005-04:00

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.

Assisting the Process of Moving

2010-09-23T01:07:00.004-04:00

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!

The Neighborhood Hoodlum

2010-09-19T17:08:00.004-04:00

About a month ago, we were on the back hill with a neighbor and her chocolate lab, Lucy. Lucy prefers to play fetch than to chase Guinness, so Guinness gets lonely and wanders off to their garage looking for his favorite toy while the mothers chat. He disappeared! We knew he was in the garage, but we couldn't find him until Lucy's mom suggested that maybe he went into the house! She had left the door into the house from the garage unlatched. Sure enough! Since that time, he has gone in their house THREE times!!!! Once, the daddy was in the house, and we saw him from the back hill running around their family room chasing Guinness.

Today, he did the unpardonable. After he had done his business in our yard, I cleaned it up, then turned around to discover he was gone. No where in sight. I had noted that neighbors were having a party with the deck full or guests. I hated walking behind their deck calling for him, but I had to. One of the men said they saw a dog go under the deck, meaning into the garage. A couple of seconds later, the daughter-in-law called down, "Nina, he's in the house," just as if it was an everyday occurrence!
"How could he be in the house?!"
She beckoned merrily, "Come in and get him."
Their garage door to the house was left ajar. By the time I was inside, the owner was coming down the stairs with Guinness.

Life's embarrassment moments...

More dogs

2010-09-15T13:08:00.005-04:00

Guinness always has had certain games that he played with certain dogs -- some he chases, others chase him, some he head wrestles with, some he fullbody wrestles, some he only sniffs around, some he likes the owner and is not interested in the dog -- particularly little barky dogs or unfriendly dogs. He seems to be becoming more sedate.

Holly, the dog we see most every morning, and Guinness no longer want to play, but they do love to wander and sniff together. They are buddies. Here they are content to be together while Ginger (almost out of sight behind Holly) is charging to say hello. Though Holly is serene now too beyond the initial rush for her hello sniff. Dee, the little white dog, loves to tell Guinness off as Guinny runs to receive a treat from Roger. Otherwise, Dee is standoffish.

Guinness almost seems to find more pleasure in seeing people than dogs! Here he is running off to greet Ginger's parents yet ignoring Ginger.

Ginger is having a conflab with Holly while Guinness drinks in the attention of Ginger's parents.

On the way home down the bikepath, Guinness does his own thing, ignoring the others walking with us. But I have to keep my eye on him, as he knows every break in the fence and how to escape!

He used to love to head wrestle with Marley. Marley has painful hips, and Guinness seems to know that instinctively, so only plays with Marley's head and Marley plays right back. But now, on the rare days Marley appears (not shown), there is no head butting. They are simply happy to be near each other.

This week, I did a makeup Rotary meeting at a sister club. The speaker was from Guide Dogs. This is Orca. Lovely dog! These trained dogs are amazing as well as the trainers! Not only do they train dogs for the blind, deaf, and handicapped, but now they train for autistic children as well!

I had to stop in at the BMW dealership for some assistance. This "Lucky Dog" was there at the service counter as well!

Willie, who suffers from seizures, came to doggie park today. His mom said that his organs are shutting down and today is his last day. I asked if she would like a picture of them together one last time. What a sweet little dog. He is now playing with Hershey, Andy, and Blackberry in heaven!

Amazing Canine GPS System

2010-09-13T14:01:00.001-04:00

When I drove Greg back to the airport, Guinness was being a "normal" dog, though Greg complained of his bad breath. Thank heavens, I can't smell! Suddenly, as we drove along, Guinness went crazy for no apparent reason. Greg asked what was wrong with him, and then I realized where we were. Normally, we always stop at my UPS mailbox on the way to the airport. He was letting us know we had missed our exit! What a smart boy!!!

Recently, I was driving up the street where Guinness's vet office is. I expected him to become excited when he realized where we were headed. But when we drove past the office without turning in, he was devastated which he expressed by barking and running in circles, thus letting me know that I had not stopped to see his best friends!

Family Celebration!

2010-09-11T21:41:00.005-04:00

Guinness LOVED that we had a party today for family to see Greg! He so loves children! Greg's cousin's children enjoyed playing with Guinness. He was basically the only outdoor toy I had for them!

Noel wasn't too sure that he liked this big dog, but Daddy, the huge dog lover, was persistent and Noel became willing to get close to this big beast.

Guinness ate it up that Geordie and Alley LOVED playing with him! They found all of Guinness's toys and brought them outside to him. Alley, in particular enjoyed hugging Guinness, but I could never catch it on my camera. I only captured them running around Guinness's tree.

Guinness was a very good boy!

Guinness and Big Brother Greg

2010-09-11T11:31:00.002-04:00

Guinness travels very well unless there is something to be excited about -- such as border agents or toll collectors whom he hopes will give him a treat. Last weekend, I drove to the airport to pick up Greg. When we came out to the car with Greg's cases, Guinness jumped out and ran around the parking garage frightening at least one woman before I was able to catch him. Once in the car, he wouldn't leave poor Greg alone. At home, Greg saw him as a more "normal" dog, and he admitted that he is first impression of Guinness was not particularly favorable!

Greg didn't want Guinness as a bedfellow, but he did come to see Greg in the morning!

Gentle Giant

2010-09-08T15:49:00.000-04:00

Guinness saw a spider walking on our driveway. He followed it with his nose and delicately touched it causing the spider to change directions. He had no intention of harming it. He was just curious.

The Boys Snoozing

2010-09-05T15:30:00.002-04:00

Sunday afternoon...

Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-29T13:06:00.008-04:00

The wonderful summer days have been bringing out new dog friends!

Guinness LOVES everyone. If a dog doesn't like him, he will back down. Or, if they are both eager to play (while still on leash), they will bark and jump around. Some owners think this is dangerous activity. Their tails are wagging; they just want to be off leash and play!

This tiny black puppy was not afraid of the big guys at all. She bullied them around and made them chase her.

New friend, Keely LOVED playing tug with Holly! Keely's owner wished she had her camera, so I took some shots and emailed them to her.

Maggie and Guinness having a close time.

Roxy, the deaf dog returned! :)

What a cutie!

When we stepped outside this morning, we smelled and saw smoke! The house across the street from our condo driveway burned down overnight! We heard multiple sirens, but they all stopped (because they stopped across the street!), so we didn't bother looking. Apparently, the empty house, about to close in 2 days, was engulfed in flames. Sounds suspicious. It was still smoldering as we left for doggie park.

When we returned, the smoke was doused, but the Inspection Team was on the job with Guinness intently watching.

Guinness and I Hosted a Tea Party

2010-08-25T15:41:00.000-04:00

We held a tea party on our patio. Notice the pink flowers in memory of Karin.

Guinness was such a good boy (because he was tied up!).

Ingrid decided that he should join the party.

He LOVED the attention.

Then she asked if she could give him a piece of her lemon cookie. He turned around and saw Marianne was eating a yellow cookie too, so GRABBED it out of her hand and ate it!!!! Oh, my...

Lessons Learned

2010-08-23T17:08:00.003-04:00

This morning, Guinness and I met new friends at doggie park! When we arrived a woman was there with her dog on leash -- tugging hard to get away from her. I called to her asking, "Does your dog like to play?" She made hand motions I didn't understand, and we moved closer. Then I realized she is deaf AND her dog too! I made the love sign and spoke, "Guinness loves everyone!" By this time, Holly, our Golden friend had arrived too. The woman had no voice, but can speak a bit in whispers. Thanks to Karin, I know the sign for "play." She managed to make me understand, when she lets her dog off leash, she cannot call him to come back. But she did let him off, and the three dogs had great fun running!

Then Holly's Dad pointed to Guinness running off to the other side of the field where a woman had arrived with 2 border collie-type dogs. He said, "She isn't friendly." So I ran after Guinness. No point in calling him, as he would not listen. I have seen her before; Guinness has run to her before, and she stands still with her dogs barking viciously while I corral Guinness. Today, by the time I got there, Guinness was just wandering near them, because he understood that the dogs did not want to play, and her dogs were being placid as they understood Guinness was not going to bother them. I apologized to her, explaining that Guinness loves everyone and knows when he is not wanted. She told me that her one dog is a rescue and is in constant pain from a leg which was broken and not fixed properly, and her other dog is very protective of his brother. We walked together chatting. I told her that I was so glad to have met her, because I thought she was annoyed with us for having our dogs off leash. She said she was not bothered by that at all.

As Will Rogers said, "I never met a man I didn't like." Once you get to know someone and learn the path they walk, you understand their behavior.

I wish I knew more sign language!

Locust

2010-08-20T18:00:00.002-04:00

Guinness and I found this friend on our house!

Isn't he a beautiful creature! This is the same type of locust that had the misfortune to be caught in the spider's web under our neighbor's deck stairs a few days ago.

The Very Hungry Spider

2010-08-14T13:34:00.005-04:00

As Guinny and I passed behind the townhouse of a vacationing neighbor this morning, something large and black, dangling under the deck stairway, caught my eye. I took a closer look. A healthy spider was living in an expansive web under the stairs and had caught a bonanza – a large locust! At first, I thought it was a butterfly because of the large wings. After depositing Guinness at home, I donned my camera and returned. Originally, the spider appeared to be of a large species. Then I came to the conclusion it was a greedy spider. He was engorged with his bonus catch! He might have been eating himself to death! The extensive webbing had captured dozens of little flea bugs. But the interloper was ignoring them in favor of his windfall.

Guinny and I returned a couple of hours later to check on the drama under the stairs to find devastation! Someone had decimated the web. The spider was gone, but I found the victuals on the driveway.

Unfortunately, one of the next-door neighbors did not see the beauty of what was happening.

New Friend and Naughty Dog!

2010-07-29T22:09:00.001-04:00

A few days ago while at doggie park, Kevin asked that we bring a bag for picking up the garbage under a grove of spruce trees where there is a natural, private fort with much litter. We did that today. What a caring boy!

It was too late for our regular friends, but we met a new friend - Annie!

While getting Kevin ready for bed, Guinness was running around with a plastic bag in his mouth, teasing me to take it from him while trying his best to keep it away from me. I didn't think much of it, though I wondered where he found it. After Kevin was in bed and I returned to the kitchen, this is what greeted me:

I don't know if the cupboard door was left ajar, or if he has learned to open it. Dear, God, No! In trying to remember what was in the organic bin, there were banana peels, cherry seeds and stems, watermelon and cantaloupe rinds, also corn cobs! Not a smidgen of any of that left! Guinness is sleeping in his crate tonight...

Annual Vet Visit

2010-07-28T18:57:00.001-04:00

Guinness had a vet appointment today for his annual shots. I booked it for the first appointment after lunch, so we were the only ones in the waiting room! He still was crazy, but less so without other dogs and owners to capture his attention.

The boy and dog kept each other entertained while waiting for the vet. The boy allowed the dog to go through the swinging door to the inner sanctum twice. Why do they have a swinging door there anyway? What are they thinking?

The vet said he can hardly believe that five years have gone by since Guinness was first in that office! He has gained a pound (now 78.8 lbs.) since he was there two months ago for a Heartworm test and medication.

Bath and Ball

2010-07-26T19:59:00.000-04:00

This morning, Kevin rode his bike to doggie park. It was a great success! Except... there were no dogs there to play with. We were later than the normal playtime. Though we did run into one of Guinness’s elderly friends as we left, and Kevin couldn’t stop petting gentle Ben.

Kevin played in the sprinkler.

Kevin managed to get Guinness all wet too, so we gave him a bath with the hose. He needed it anyway. After he was dry, we combed out his loose hairs. Kevin is becoming proficient at being my assistant in this process! Then Kevin said that I never take pictures of Guinny, so we took some.

Guinness doesn't know he is a Retriever. He does reverse retrieves (steals things and makes you chase him). Tonight Lucy, also a chocolate lab, was out with her daddy playing fetch. Lucy is very serious about fetch. Kevin tried throwing the ball for Lucy also, using the plastic throw "arm." Kevin knew we had one in our garage, so, when we came home he got it out and tried to play fetch with Guinness. Guinness RETRIEVED the ball MANY times!!!! He must like playing with Kevin better than with me.

Good Boy

2010-07-15T20:14:00.002-04:00

Guinness went with me to pick up Kevin at noon. Kevin ran away into the playground for the younger kids (his group doesn't have one). The gate read, "No pets." So Guinness and I had to wait on the other side of the fence.

We always find dog lovers who fawn over Guinness and he gratefully accepts. Today it was little boy about 3 years old who ran over to him and asked if he could pet him. Yesterday, it was a very elderly (and perhaps senile) woman who wouldn't stop petting him. Her husband finally had to pull her away.

Loving Kevin

2010-07-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

Guinness had fun playing with Kevin tonight -- jumping on him, stealing his and my shoes to make Kevin chase him.

Then it was bath time. Kevin bumped his mouth on his knee making his loose tooth bleed. Once the blood stopped flowing, he wiggled the tooth and it popped right out!

NO FRONT TEETH!!!!

Guinness was very concerned about Kevin and gave him several licks.

Kevin at Chautauqua!

2010-07-10T20:02:00.001-04:00

Kevin is with Guinny and me at Chautauqua now. I took Kevin on a walk around the community to show him where his children's program will be meeting -- in a building not far from our condo and at the lakeshore at the other end of the property. Guinness came with us. When we came close to the lake at one point, he was going to drag me into the lake, so I had to let him go. It was over his head there, so he had his very first swimming experience! I was far too busy to pull out my camera, as he became entangled in the roping and bobs around the public swimming beach. Thankfully, no one was there swimming and I could reach the roping from the shore! Beyond that, he was still over his head and beside a cement retaining wall. There were steps off a dock adjacent, but to get him to go to the steps, I had to go down them with my sneakers on to guide him out. Whew!

We continued our travels, showing Kevin Palestine Park -- a geographically correct replica of The Holy Land complete with little cities, Jordan River, Dead Sea, and the lay of the land from North to South.

After looping around The Boys' & Girls' Club, we walked through the woods and experienced Thunder Bridge. We continued on to the Amphitheater and heard the Choir singing. Since I no longer have a babysitter, I could not sing in the Song Service tonight. We stood outside the gates with Guinness and listened to a couple of songs.

Next stop was The Refectory for ice cream. We tied Guinness to a bench. He has learned to be a very good boy when we tie him and leave him. Then we sat with him to eat our ice cream.

It was twilight as we walked home, so the bats were coming out! We saw them high in the trees and then flying over our heads as we walked to the gate on the way to our condo.

Chautauqua Institution - Week Two

2010-07-08T23:52:00.002-04:00

July 4th Weekend
Since moving to Burlington in 1999, I don't think I have been in the US for a Fourth of July. It certainly spurred my patriotism to be present for the festivities! Saturday afternoon the Chautauqua Community Band played rousing renditions of favorite patriotic and American songs. The Saturday night Pops Concert included the 1812 Overture with the audience popping paper bags at the cannon shot moments. Awesome! Apparently, this is a common occurrence in recent times when the Overture is played, but it was my first experience. Following the concert, we went to the lakeshore to see the flares around the lake and the Mayville fireworks accompanied by patriotic songs being played by the Bell Tower carillon.

The decorations around the grounds were heart-stirring and magnificent.

The Chautauqua Choir sang two patriotic anthems in the morning service. The Evening Song Service, which is a choir concert with some hymn singing, was on theme as well. Sometimes there is a bit too much liberalism expressed here. There was one congregational hymn ("...The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise, Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise..."and a responsive reading ("...From greed and selfishness, from a society in which the irch get richer and the poor get poorer, compassionate god, deliver us...") which was beyond my conscience to participate.

Sunday afternoon, Jared (organist and choir director extraordinaire) led a Blessing of the Animals at the lakeshore! Guinness must have recognized the spiritual significance and reverence of the occasion. He could not have been better behaved! In fact, he was a favorite of the crowd. Everyone wanted to pet him. I wish old Mr. Billy Goat had been there!

I noted that a "Daily Chautauquan" photographer, Emily Fox, was taking closeup photos of him. Overnight, I was dreaming he would be the poster boy on the front-page! But alas... I ran for the paper first thing! They didn't even include an article about the Blessing. I have since learned that the photos were taken as filler when needed. So he still has a chance for fame. I went to the newspaper office to see if I could buy a photo she had taken. So hard to choose! She had taken several shots of the group with Guinness's glowing face in the lower right corner. At $15 each, I chose only two: one showing the group with Jared leading --

and a full view of Guinny.

I am still considering going back to fork out another $15 for one of those darling shots with just his cute face in the lower right corner!

The first blessing was bestowed upon a cat -- the only cat and a remarkably calm cat. He rolled on the grass with all the dogs present!

Guinness receiving his blessing:

While at Chautauqua, I always go on the weekly Bird Walk. Other than a Great Blue Heron flying overhead, the clan of Purple Martins living in the gourds provided them on the lakeshore, and a Hairy Woodpecker, I did not see any spectacular or unusual birds on the weekly Bird Walk, but I did see a rosy breasted grossbeak out our condo window. I also saw a tiny gray bird with yellow beak and a song which is a rattle, but have yet to identify him.

When I returned to the condo after the Bird Walk Tuesday morning, an empty clear glass bowl was sitting IN Guinness's water bowl -- unbroken! It took me a second to figure out why it was there. A bunch of 6 bananas had been in that bowl sitting on the counter directly above his water bowl! He ATE ALL 6 bananas!!!! No more treats for him that day!

While walking Guinny around the property, I heard an unusual bird song as we passed a clump of trees. I stopped, turned around, and looked for the bird in the trees. I did not see it, but a crow loudly cawed at me from a nearby rooftop. Then I realized it was a baby crow chirping its baby song! When we returned to that spot several minutes later and heard the baby again, I stopped to gaze for the nest. This time, two crows cawed their disapproval of my attention!

The temps last week were chilly. This week is steamy! Here is Guinny after a hot walk.

On Tuesday, Grant's cousin Angela and her dog, Louis, came to spend the week with us. Little Louis took control as the Top Dog immediately and put Guinness in his place. Guinness is such an Omega dog that he defers to anyone. Notice he tried not looking a Louis to see if Louis would let him pass.

That didn't work, so then he looked at me pleadingly to assist him in passing Louis and leaving the kitchen!

These pictures were taken one of our walks around the property to show Angela around.
The President of Chautauqua Institute's home.

The Bell Tower through the trees.

This week, I went on the Tree and Garden Nature Walk for the first time. It was very informative about the species of trees here, the care they are given, the challenges they face, and the replacement for each tree lost. Prior to twenty years ago, basically only shade plants could be grown on the grounds. Now that some of the larger trees are being lost, there is more sunlight and a greater variety of perennials can be planted.

He took us to the Butterfly Garden and explained that there never are butterflies there. They are not sure why unless it is the proximity of the fire station, the large colony of bats on the property, or what. As he was saying this, I pointed out a white butterfly fluttering a few feet from us! He said it must be a moth. ha! A few minutes later, there were three white butterflies hovering around the garden. Again, he insisted that they must be moths. I looked up moths that are active in the daylight. None of them are pure white.

I also attended the Bat Talk Wednesday afternoon. I experienced the bats Tuesday evening while walking back to the condo at dusk. They were flitting around high among the trees except along the pathway to my condo -- they were flying all around me so fast that they were gone before I realized they were there! The Bat Talk dispells all the myths which most consider to be fact, and replaces their image as wonderful creatures with whom we cohabitate.

Thursday, July 8
Guinny and I took a walk down by the lake. It was very hot, so I let him go in the lake where a couple of other dogs were playing fetch in the water.

Then we met an artist painting a lakeshore scene.

Tonight was a Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra concert. They played the Violin Concerto in D Major by Tchaikovsky with the Concertmaster, Brian Reagin (Concertmaster during the regular season at The North Carolina Symphony in Raleigh), as soloist. He was FABULOUS!!!! What a wonderful rendition he played of that concerto under extremely hot conditions. Everyone was to their feet within seconds!

Chautauqua Institution - Week One

2010-07-02T22:42:00.005-04:00

Saturday, June 26
We began our vacation at Chautauqua Institution with a Jersey Boys concert. What fun! I crooned along with most of the songs!

The 5000 Amphitheater was packed out!

Our friends, Ruth and Con, are here for Week One as well.

We are very pleased with our accommodations for this year. Guinny thinks it is cool too!

Sunday, June 27
Morning Worship at Chautauqua has to be experienced to comprehend its awesome qualities -- the Massey Organ played by a master with all the stops pulled, the 150 voice choir, 5000 congregants singing Holy, Holy, Holy sending chills down your spine, and being a part of the Chautauqua traditions.

Monday, June 28
Today is our 41st anniversary! However, Grant had to go back home to work. We intended to have a celebratory dinner last night, but I was sick most of the day. Grant made me some chicken noodle soup.

With my newspaper-boy absent, I took Guinness with me to Bestor Plaza to buy a "Daily Chautauquan." There was a very long line of people stretched the entire length of the Plaza waiting to obtain a free ticket to the Monday Afternoon Chamber Concert. Several of the ticket hopefuls had quiet dogs lying sedately at their sides -- pictures of the perfect pets. Guinness, being Guinness, was excited to see the dogs. His aim is to meet every dog that comes within his range of vision (or smell, as the case may be). He saw a delightful Golden Retriever. He knew this dog wanted to be his best friend and proceeded to bark at full voice while jumping and tugging at his leash 20 feet away. His wannabe friend stood, but did not bark or pull. As is my norm, I declared, "He is very friendly. He just wants to play." Another person in the line declared in a deep, Billy Goat Gruff voice, "We can see that." I just rolled my eyes. What can one say?

Later Monday morning while walking without Guinness, I encountered an 18 month old, chocolate brown, jack-in-a-box Australian Labra-Doodle. I commented on how cute the dog was, how playful, and that I have a dog who would love to play. I asked if she ever goes to the Doggie Park on the grounds. She replied that no one is ever there, so I asked, "How would you like to meet there tomorrow morning at 9:00?" She accepted our invitation!

Obie and Guinness met promptly at 9 AM the next morning. Soon Baxter appeared followed by two relatives. They had a fabulous playtime and I took many cute pictures with my new iPhone only to lose them when I uploaded them. ??

The next day I took my REAL camera and caught some good shots:

Every day all week an assortment of dogs came to our morning playtime! One day we had eight dogs, and one of them was a small dog. He held his own, as they usually do, though he was slimed from all the big guys drooling over him.

And another fun day with canine friends. One brought a stuffed Elmo. Guinness stole it and would not let anyone else have it. It was quite hysterical! His dodging maneuvers were remarkable.

The theme this week is "Writing Week" with Roger Rosenblatt and Friends. Each morning Roger interviewed one of his author friends. We heard Jim Lehrer, Alice McDermott, Alan Alda, Anne Fadiman, and Marsha Norman.

Roger is on stage with Alan Alda. I stood in line to have Alan autograph his book, and I also had his wife autograph one of her books for Gabe.
Roger is very funny and keeps a lively conversation going. He has a new book out -- "Making Toast." They lost their 38 year old daughter December 8, 2007. He and his wife moved in with their son-in-law to help care for the three children and plan to live there indefinitely. Making toast is his contribution to the family's daily schedule.

Thursday, July 1
I learned this morning that a friend in Chicagoland succumbed to cancer at 3 AM. Even when you expect the news, it is hard to assimilate.

This year, we chose to live off campus, directly across the street in a very nice dog friendly condo, as we could not find an acceptable place on campus which accepts dogs. The closest gate to our condo is for vehicles, but pedestrians can also enter there. I was on my way to buy a "Daily Chautauquan," lost in thought about Peg and praying for her family when I walked past the gatekeeper who also was oblivious to my presence, being occupied with the cars coming in and out. My eyes were gazing unfocused at the ground, seeing nothing with my brain orbiting in space when the black and white gate bar came down on my face and nose crashing me back to reality. Not one of my prouder moments.

Friday, July 2
Friends, Emmett and Carol, came to spend the weekend with us and attend, with me, the two required rehearsals to have the privilege of singing in the Chautauqua Choir. It is an honor to sing in the choir consisting of 150 excellent to professional voices (don't ask why I am in it!) and to be under the direction of Jared Jacobson, an incredible musician and organ master of the Massey Organ.

Emmett is equally as goofy as Guinness and even encourages him. Emmett left his bedroom door open, so guess what happened --

Pet Poisons

2010-05-30T20:40:00.002-04:00

I arrived home from NC two weeks ago yesterday. Two weeks ago today, my computer case zippers were open as I was slowly getting things back to normal. Secret: I eat at least one square of dark chocolate per day. Shhhhh.... It's good for me; right?! Half of a bar of 72% cocoa content Heart Healthy chocolate from our local chcolatier was in my case. Three guesses what happened, and the first two don't count. This IS a blog about Guinness!

It was Sunday morning. I called the Emergency Animal Clinic. They insisted that he needed to come in to have vomiting induced. cha-ching, cha-ching. So I tried to call my vet nephew. He was in church. I called my neighbor with a lab. She said to give him some rice to dilute the chocolate, plus they did some online research. We decided that he had not had enough to be an issue unless I noted a change in his demeanor. Vet nephew called later from a noisy restaurant, and concurred that he probably had not had enough. And he was .... just fine! :)

Today, my son sent this site. A good one to bookmark!!! It says to not go to the emergency vet unless the dog is losing consciousness or having seizures. Good information! I knew most of this already, but no grapes?! I am sure I have given him a grape or two. uh-oh.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/43/foods-poisonous-to-pets.html

Do Dogs Cause Marital Strife?

2010-05-25T11:14:00.005-04:00

They certainly can! My mother had a little poodle when she met my Dad. Teddy did NOT like Daddy. Mom tells me that there was some definite tension in the beginning. My Dad LOVED dogs, but Teddy did NOT love my Dad.

Here are my parents on their wedding day, July 25, 1933, with their minister (the inventor of the gumball machine!) and Teddy keeping guard.

Texas Cooper here...

Today, a friend (Sarah -- who readopted Aria after Karin's death) posted an hysterical tale about her dog Cooper which proposed a wedge in her and Chris's blossoming relationship. Check it out -- http://twoinayear.blogspot.com/search?q=cooper.

On the Guinny Trail

2010-05-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

This morning, I asked a fellow doggie park friend to take Guinny's and my photo on the bike path leading to the ballfield where we play with our best friends every morning.

Unfortunately, my stylish polka dot boots are not obvious. My unstylish waistbag is front and center, but important! It carries poop bags, treats, camera, and Blackberry.

Post Birth; Pre Death

2010-05-23T11:51:00.004-04:00

We walked past several robin egg shells this morning. Guinness took no note, but I did! :)

I know you don't care... ha! but Kevin will! :)

Guinness continues to exhibit his new level of maturity. A 14 year old shepherd was at our park this morning. Guinness eagerly ran to him hoping for a playmate, then realized as soon as he was close that this was a dog to respect for his senior status. But the owner was healthy, so he politely requested attention from him. "Politely" is the key word in that sentence!

The Killer

2010-05-18T11:17:00.004-04:00

Today was our date for a heartworm test. As you know, Guinness LOVES going to the vet's office. LOVES! This experience would be a good test of any potential 5 year old behavioral changes. When we turned on the street where the office is, he knew where we were going and was dancing. He couldn't wait to get out of the car. He pulled me across the lawn and through the front door as I declared, "Here we are!" There were three owners and three dogs waiting. He wanted/tried to meet them all as I attempted to restrain him. He nearly leapt over the counter to see "his girls." The barking stopped after a few minutes (sign 1), but the energy level remained off the wall. One of the newer assistants thought a treat might calm him down. He appreciated the treat, but that is not a calming activity.

They now have a scale in the waiting room. Two assistants who know Guinness appeared and wanted to weigh him. I guess, they have forgotten! No one can weigh him but me, and usually it has to be in private for him to settle long enough to register a weight. However, today, he sat still on the scale for me with others present (sign 2)! 77.8 pounds.

As our wait lengthened, Guinness relaxed a bit. First he sat (sign 3).

And eventually he even lay down (sign 4)!

When it was finally our turn to go into an exam room, the waiting room erupted in laughter at his eagerness. Again it was a long wait, and again he lay down (sign 5)! When the vet finally appeared, he greeted Guinness with, "It's Killer Guinness!" When I mentioned that I think Guinness's behavior is improving, he said, "He is a 35 year old male! He won't slow down until he retires." He devoured the vet's attention, had his first treatment of Revolution, and we were on our way. Well, we had to pay first, and, since new dogs were now in the waiting room, he was bonkers again, knocking my purse off the edge of the counter, spilling the contents on the desk of the office staff.

As we approached the door, an elderly woman and tiny Yorkie were approaching on the other side. As she started to open the door, I suggested that I hold the door for her while they walked inside, then we exited. I could see a potential disaster with him racing for her dog, knocking her off balance at the top of stairs as she tried to hold a heavy door. As it was, her Yorkie effectively told Guinness off for being Guinness, and the lady slapped the little dog's face for being impolite. Oh, my.... :\ They entered, and we exited.

I would pronounce: definite improvement! Age is not all bad!

We Finally Learned the Truth

2010-05-17T22:33:00.009-04:00

... about Guinness's tongue gash at his pet hotel last August. The original story can be seen at http://dogsofourlives.blogspot.com/2009/08/what-else-can-happen.html.

What really happened is -- they were walking Guinness past the food cart, a two shelved cart with food for the dogs on the top shelf and trash on the lower shelf. As Guinness approached the cart, he smelled goodies on the lower shelf and tried to lick an opened and empty can, gashing his tongue. This is similar to what we expected had happened. You mean that other dogs can walk past a food cart without lurching to glean some treats?

Anyone familiar with labs would expect one to reach for either the trash or the food on top. Someone was not thinking that morning...

Will I See My Dog in Heaven?

2010-05-06T22:04:00.004-04:00

How can heaven be heaven if my dog is not there?! I have gathered opinions of theologians and some others on this issue, plus I have written out my thoughts on the topic. I was pleased to find this book at Calvin College during The Festival of Faith and Writing. I set it on the stairs to place beside my bed for reading sometime soon. After I read this, perhaps I will post my ideas on this topic which, I hope, will be bolstered by this book.

I found Guinness running around the house with my book in his mouth!!! You can see some scratches on the cover, but everything is in tact. He rarely ruins anything anymore, but he might leave teeth marks.

Now I wonder... maybe Guinness will not go to heaven after all... if he is going to steal my books!!!!

Signs that Guinness is Maturing!

2010-05-04T12:57:00.003-04:00

Today I began to see some indications that Guinness is actually growing up!!!

First, we had window washers come today. I tied Guinness to the tree in the side yard so that he could watch them and perhaps receive some pets. Normally, as soon as they enter the yard, he begins barking and jumping hoping for some attention. Not today. Silence. He watched them work but did not interrupt them or beg for attention. Shocking!

Also today, my computer guru came to fix the sync problem between my Outlook and Blackberry. Normally, I have to close Guinness into a room so that he will leave the guest in our house alone. Amazingly, he did NOT jump on Shawn. He lay down at Shawn's feet and behaved like a "normal" dog!!!

In recent days, I do not hold on to the leash when we are in our side yard. So far, he has not tried to run away!

I am seeing definite progress in development! Finally!

5 Year Old Antics

2010-05-02T12:50:00.002-04:00

He may be 5 years, yet he thinks he is 5 months. Still a pesky character! Today, I noted that one crocheted placemat was missing from the kitchen table. I went upstairs to see if it was there with a naughty dog. Not only was he on our bed with the placemat, but he also had one of my Crocs. None of this is unusual. It is all par for the course with Guinness.

He still is not looking very happy. :\ His age must be weighing on him...

5 Year Old Photos

2010-04-23T15:38:00.001-04:00

I wanted to take some photos of my 5 year old, but I was not too happy with these when I saw them on screen. He doesn't look like a happy dog! ?? He looks worn out or something. Maybe he is feeling his age?

Guinness Turned 5!

2010-04-22T22:17:00.009-04:00

April 21 is his birthday.

Here is what he looked like at 5 days old, April 26, 2005, with his canine and his human moms:

We had NO idea what we were in for!!! LOL

I didn't have time to go to doggie park on his birthday, but we went today and took treats for all the canines. He had 5 dogs at his party -- the appropriate amount -- one per year of the birthday boy.

Seamus and Sidney on the left. Crash, the chocolate, playing with Holly, and Guinness wandering off to the right.

After playtime, he went with me 30 min. from home for my hair appointment. He is so smart! I was daydreaming and missed a turn off a major boulevard. He knew I missed the turn, even though we still had 3 more turns to make before our destination!!! He went crazy that I goofed. Oh, my... Last time, I had allowed him to play at a doggie park on the way home. He remembered and started reminding me as soon as we were on the road where the park is. Smart boy! I knew exactly what he was saying. So he had more frolicking fun with more dogs. A couple came in with their miniature dog, Tim Horton's coffees, and sandwiches. They sat at a picnic table within the doggie park, and Guinness jumped right up on the table. He knows Tim Horton's and he wanted some!!! They had to stand outside the fence with their human treats to have some peace. Silly people! What were they thinking? LOL

Coyote sighting

2010-03-12T21:00:00.004-05:00

I took Guinness out for a final run and saw a coyote in the driveway behind our place about 50 ft. ahead in the rainy dark. He stared at us and Guinness looked attentively at him, then he walked into the grass and we went inside! I made Grant take him out again later.

All this winter we have had a friendly rabbit in our yard. When I take Guinness out in the early morning and in the evening, invariably the bunny is there. He does not seem afraid of us. He will let us walk up to within 5 feet of him, and as along as Guinness stays still, he will continue nibbling on whatever. But Guinness does not stay still. He eventually bolts and the bunny runs a few feet. I have wondered if I tied Guinness to a tree, could I get closer to the bunny and make friends? For the past month, there has been no bunny in our yard. I fear the worst.

One morning recently, a pile of chickadee feathers was in our lawn. No sign of a carcass. I have wondered who did it -- a hawk or coyote? BTW, a little chickadee has an enormous amount of feathers!!!! No wonder they stay warm through the winter!

I did a search for what coyotes eat: "A coyote is mainly a meat eater, so he hunts rabbits, mice and small animals like that. A coyote is carnivorous (flesh eating). Typically they feed on small game, fruits, insects, rodents, rabbits, small birds, poultry." There are my answers? Yet, would a coyote pick all the feathers out? A hawk might do that. ??

Urban Wildlife

2010-03-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like we live in the country due to all the wildlife we see! Of course, there is a conservation area right behind our development, yet the natural area and our home border a six-lane highway.

This morning while taking Guinness for his morning walk, we were beside the fence at the back. A small river is at the bottom of the ravine. There were three animals swimming down there! They had very long tails, but were too large to be rats. Two disappeared under the water and the third swam away and vanished under a log. After considering the options, they were muskrats looking exactly like this one:

Pizza Night

2010-03-07T19:30:00.000-05:00

We baked a frozen pizza for our dinner tonight and only ate half of it. After dinner, I was exhausted. I cleaned up the kitchen, but my tired brain forgot to put the leftover pizza away. A few minutes later, I heard the crinkling of a tinfoil pan and knew what it was. That's right -- "was." The boy enjoyed a fair share of pizza and was happily playing with the noisy pan.

Tigger

2010-02-23T19:05:00.007-05:00

I arrived home from my trip to NC this morning, dropped my suitcases, and went to the pet hotel to pick up Guinny. He was bouncy and smashed into my mouth causing my teeth to cut my lip. He thinks he cannot jump into my new SUV, because we got it when he was still recovering from surgery and needed a ramp to get in. Today, he bounced right in.

We stopped at our doggie park for him to burn up some pent-up energy before going home. He gets two 15 minute leash walks and two playtimes per day at the pet hotel which isn't enough to even begin to slow him down. He needed to stretch his legs! Hopping through the snow gave him an outlet.

Coyote!

2010-02-03T17:25:00.004-05:00

I drive to doggie park on days the walks are icy, such as today. As we arrived at the parking lot for the ballfields, an unleased dog wandered into the road. Then I noted that it was mangy looking -- a coyote! He walked straight towards my car, then across the street. All the time, Guinness was going bonkers wanting to meet a new friend. I sat there perplexed for a minute -- should I or should I not park and get out of the car. I decided to go to the drugstore first, then returned. No person, dog, or coyote was in sight. We took the chance. I walked / Guinness ran around the field three times, but we did not go behind the spruce trees. Three times when there was a large distance between us, I called him to come, and he came! What a good boy!

This afternoon, I researched the Web for ways to ward off being attacked by a coyote. Use a gun, a stick, or make a lot of noise with large gestures and be tough were the preferred methods. If needed, I will try the noise, gestures, and vicious attitude, but I pray I never need to experiment!

This fella is much prettier and more robust than our neighborhood cur.

The Peacemaker

2010-01-18T13:14:00.001-05:00

Guinness loves everyone, even if they don't love him. Once in a while, we encounter a malicious dog. With such a dog, Guinness might bare his teeth and bark back. But the norm is that he remains quiet, subdued, and backs away if the other dog's body language indicates he does not want to be friendly. With that attitude after meeting the hostile dog a few times, the oppugner begins to soften his demeanor towards Guinness until they are friends. This has happened in recent months with Shamus, a Wheaten Terrier (Terror? ha!), and a 15 year old yellow lab, Ben.

Guinness and Shamus

Dangers in the Park

2010-01-15T13:43:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, Guinness found a couple of piles of birdseed shells/husks under spruce trees at doggie park. Apparently, some idiot cleaned out their birdfeeders in the park. It was futile to keep him away from the phony treat while off leash, so I reasoned: it will not hurt him; it will all come out in the end.

Late yesterday, he seemed to be gagging, so we ran outside. Nothing happened. In the middle of the night, he was barking in the den. We relented, allowing him to sleep with us so that we could sleep -- never considering that he might be in distress. This morning before daylight, Grant said he pooped everywhere, sometimes diarrhea, and to watch where I step when I go out. Then I remembered the birdseed shells. Oops! We went out again a couple of hours later, and he pooped quite a bit more! I saw that it wasn't diarrhea, but just all those shells coming out as small pieces.

I didn't want to take him to doggie park to eat more, yet how could I ever take him back if it wasn't cleaned up. So I decided to take the pooper scooper, a bucket and garbage bag, a sign asking the culprit to please not do this again, hammer, and nails. I tied him to the baseball field fence and went to work. I found four piles of the stuff and filled my 2-3 gallon bucket. After I hung a sign on the one deciduous tree that had a pile of the stuff under it, now cleaned up, I took a photo. ha!

Fun Day at the Park

2010-01-11T11:52:00.003-05:00

Now that freezing temps and snow are here, no one is regular at doggie park. Whatever time of morning I go, I usually find some friends there. Today it was Crash (the other chocolate), two Wheaten Terriers, and Guinness (with the green collar). Guinness did his own thing for the most part this morning which included stealing my mittens numerous times. He also met the Wheaten Terriers' "mother" for the first time, and did NOT make a good first impression. He was determined to pull her gloves off and, since he smelled treats in her pocket, kept jumping on her. Meanwhile, the other three dogs played and played -- mainly erotic games. LOL They were soooo funny!!!! Usually one was at Crash's head and the other at his tail, but Crash loved it!

Friday, Shayla, a Golden, was there. When we arrived, she was racing around the field with a large, dead crow in her mouth . Her mother was desperately trying to catch her and remove the frozen bird, but Shayla was not to be caught. We two other dog mommies there tried to help. When Shayla was nabbed, only for a few brief moments before escaping, she had NO intention of giving up her prize. Once, while her mom held her, I managed to break a large part of the carcass, with entrails exposed, out of her mouth, then the mom was able to remove the rest. What a gross experience!

Time for a Car Wash

2010-01-11T10:39:00.002-05:00

When I go out in the car, Guinness usually comes with me. Today, we traveled to my grocery store which is next to Petsmart. Guinness always hopes that the trip is for Petsmart, though we only shop there once every couple of months. He starts barking and jumping around as soon as we pull into the parking lot, and he continues to bark after I leave the car. Sometimes he gets all the other dogs in parked cars barking with him. Quite the cacaphony.

Today, a sloppy, snowy day, he was more insistent than normal that he was going shopping too. The little sneak! As I slipped out of my driver's seat, he rushed me from behind, pushing me through the door and escaping across the parking lot at high speed to the wide sidewalk between the two stores. A grocery cart collector was hot on his trail. He made a sweep past the automatic doors of the grocery store, opening them, but thankfully he never noticed! He ran to an elderly lady wearing a full length mink coat who was calling to him. She grabbed his leash (I always leave his leash on him in the car so that I can grab him if he tries to escape.). "I have had two labs," she said, "so I understand." Another store employee dressed in white came to meet this crazy dog. He jumped on her, leaving muddy paw prints on her work clothing. She said, "It's OK. I wear an apron anyway." Both women followed us to our SUV as I pulled out the ramp for him. They offered to hold his leash for me. I thanked them, but said, "He will calm down better with just me. Having you here will keep him excited."

After finishing my grocery excursion, I returned to the car to discover that his muddy, salty paw prints from his race around the parking lot, were smeared all over the front and back seats as well as the rear of the vehicle. This may have been his last time to go grocery shopping!

The Boy Goes Home

2010-01-04T16:03:00.003-05:00

We had one inch of snow on the ground this morning! We skipped doggie park in favor of playing in the snow! Guinny was tied to a tree while Kevin made angels and slid down hill.

This character is not an angel, but he is cute.

On our way to the airport, Kevin started crying -- actually sobbing -- for at least 20 minutes! "I miss Guinny Winny. I love Guinness. Why can't he come too?" Poor boy. Nothing appeased him.

This evening, Grant could not find Guinness anywhere. Finally, he found him sleeping on Kevin's bed! He misses the boy too!!!

The Boy and Dog Have Bonded

2010-01-03T15:57:00.001-05:00

Kevin had fun playing under the shelter of a grove of spruce trees at the edge of doggie park where I usually don't let Guinness go. So Guinness liked it too!

At the beginning of the week, I suggested to Kevin that Guinness could sleep with him. He was not overjoyed with that idea! However, he is so used to Guinness now and loves him so much that I thought it just might work tonight. After we read our bedtime story, I called Guinness in, he jumped on the bed, and I said "Goodnight." I expect they both will snooze peacefully until morning. Guinness will want to wake up before Kevin, so we will have to be diligent to not have Kevin awake at 7 AM too!

More Fun with a Little Boy!

2010-01-02T15:46:00.002-05:00

It was late morning before Kevin and I made it to doggie park. Crash, the 21 mo. old chocolate lab we met a couple of days ago, was there again! They did some running together,

but also enjoyed just cooling it and sniffing together.

While Guinness rested on the grass, Kevin decided to roll around the field. Silly boy!

A bath kiss!

New Year's Day

2010-01-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

We all slept in this morning, so we were late going to doggie park, but we finally had some friends there to play with! There were a 21 mo. old chocolate and two Wheaten Terriers. Kevin ran around with them as if he were a puppy too!

I am convinced that dogs know their own breed and even their color. Guinness always seems very happy to meet another lab, and especially a chocolate one!

Kevin brought two sticks in the car. He opened the little door between the back seat and the rear so that Guinness saw the sticks. Guinness forced his big body through that little hole to get the sticks. ugh.

Kevin chose Christmas carols for me to play on the piano and he sang along with me. At one point, I turned around and he was hugging Guinness, so I grabbed my camera. I couldn't choose one; I had to post four!

A Boy and a Dog at Doggie Park

2009-12-30T15:33:00.002-05:00

We started the day with doggie park. Guinness's friends did not come today.

Kevin found a long stick to play with...

...until Guinness broke it in two.

King Guinness

2009-12-29T15:25:00.003-05:00

Kevin watched some old Christmas VHS videos that we taped from TV for his Mommy and uncle back in the early 1980s. They are still as good now as they were then! ha! And Guinness enjoyed watching them too from his perch on the bed!

I thought I had trouble keeping stuffed animals on the stairs as a Christmas decoration with Guinness around! Kevin collected them, plus other toys too, and put them on the bed with Guinness.

Kevin Has Come to Play for a Week!

2009-12-28T15:18:00.002-05:00

Kevin spent the morning coloring with crayons and markers. Guinness eagerly watched hoping to have some fun with this cute boy.

Kevin and I prepared the sandwiches for lunch and placed them on the table in the dining room, then returned to the kitchen to begin making Rice Krispie Treats while waiting for Grampy to come home. We heard a commotion, ran to the dining room to find that Guinness had eaten Kevin's sandwich and had the napkin in his mouth. I tried to snap a picture of this goofy dog, but he runs pretty fast, though you can see the Christmas napkin in his mouth. I guess that tells us that Guinness sees himself higher in the pecking order than Kevin!

Christmas Dog

2009-12-22T23:59:00.003-05:00

Since the kids were young, I have decorated the stairs with Christmas-related stuffed animals. But, with Guinness, there is no way he would leave them alone. This year, I decided to put HIS stuffed animals on the stairs rather than have none! It worked very well! Sometimes he would play with one or two, but there were no chase games, because it didn't matter. I posed him with the animals today, and he was more than willing!

Do you see the stem on the floor? Guinness's doings... He has done that twice now -- pulled a stem out of the garland decorations. sigh But no big deal; I just push it back in.

Our Best Friends

2009-12-22T23:08:00.008-05:00

Doggie Park has changed in the past few months. One friend moved away. Others' schedules have changed. Instead of meeting at 7 AM, there is a new grouping that meets at 8:30. Most of them are Goldens -- four or five of them! Our old friend Holly is among them. Also Frank the candyman and Mad Mattie, a barking Border Collie, usually make an appearance. Often, Guinness is the only dark dog. A couple of days ago, a 6 month chocolate came. He and Guinness had great fun running! I am convinced they know their own breed!

This morning, the ground was coated with glittering, soft, cotton fluff snow. I hoped that the flashing diamonds in the snow would show up in the pictures. The view down the bike path was fairy-like with bright sun and twinkling snow. You'll have to take my word for it.

Today, there were only Holly, Wilson, and Guinness. A little fluffy dog stopped by for a few minutes. Here Guinness is begging his master for a treat.

Guinness is making a bee-line to grab my mitten. He spends much of his playtime stealing my mittens surreptitiously. He immediately is treated so that I can have a warm hand as soon as possible!

Holly and Wilson love to wrestle! Guinness only wrestles with Marley, a large Golden who has an uncanny resemblance to Aslan from Narnia, but he was not there today.

Guinness spies a dog entering the ballpark.

It is a dog that does not like other dogs, but Guinness seems to be blind to who the dog is until he runs up to him. Wilson wants to check him out too.

One of them finds a stick and they have a tug-of-war.

Holly comes along too, and it is a threesome!

Guinness relinquishes the find to his friends.

At home, I manage to snap a shot showing the snow jewels! Click to enlarge.

While I clean up the yard, Guinness cleans up where I spilled birdseed yesterday.

New Trick

2009-12-18T23:00:00.001-05:00

For the last month or so, Guinness has found something to do while we are out of the house to let us know his displeasure at being left behind. Unless the weather is too hot or too cold, or for a convenience reason, he usually does travel everywhere with me.

No harm done. It's actually kind of cute. (You have to be a dog lover to say that! LOL)

Leaving NC

2009-11-28T11:24:00.002-05:00

Kevin has a "jungle gym" bed. He climbs a ladder to the bed, which has play space beneath the bed, and glides down a slide to leave his bed. This morning, Guinness shot up the slide and was on top of Kevin's bed!!! What a goof!!! He certainly loves having a child to play with!!!

We had to say goodbye this morning. Kevin cried and Grandma did too! What a sweet boy! Somehow or other, Grandma and Grandpa need to move closer!!!

In spite of rain in our eyes, the skies were cloudless and beautiful! My new SUV has a humongous sunroof so that it is almost a convertible! Guinness loves it!

Black Friday

2009-11-27T19:21:00.001-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving with Steve and Kevin in NC. While Grant, Kevin, and I were out shopping, Steve was home alone with Guinness. Steve was working upstairs and heard some noise downstairs, but did not investigate. When he returned to the kitchen, this is what he found --

I think he looks INNOCENT!!!!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

Kevin was VERY tired last night, got to bed late again, and we hoped he would sleep in. Not! The day began with Guinness awakening at 7 AM, wandering into Kevin's room, and licking Kevin's hand. He awoke happy, but not impressed with the lick.

We saw two deer in the backyard today. Here is one.

Funny Dog

2009-11-08T19:57:00.003-05:00

Even though he does give me my shoes now when I ask, that does indicate that he still does steal my shoes. Cousin Vanessa was here today. He brought my shoe to her, I guess, hoping that she would play with him and try to take it from him. He definitely keeps us laughing.

Towels

2009-11-07T19:52:00.005-05:00

Our pod coffee maker has started leaking. Until we replace it, I placed a towel under it to absorb the excess water. As you may remember, we cannot keep towels on a towel rack, because he pulls them off and hugs them. He also pulls them out of the laundry hamper. It never occurred to me that he would pull it out from under the coffee pot. So who is the dumb one here?

Enjoying the towel.

Wildlife

2009-11-03T23:34:00.005-05:00

We have plenty of wildlife around us. Maybe a bit too much!

Our pest control person told me that this "mouse poo" I found is most likely bat poo! He must be roosting in our soffit. Not good.

Then this pastoral picture is in our backyard. Now that the leaves are coming off the trees, we can see the raccoons better -- in the hole and one in the crook of the tree.

These adorable raccoons won't leave my bird feeders alone.

They knocked them down even though I had them on an enclosed hook, they were able to open the hook and remove the feeders. I will have to wait until they hibernate to feed the birds.

Unpacking

2009-10-27T23:31:00.000-04:00

I was a bit slow in unpacking my suitcase from the weekend, so Guinness helped me. He took out my new Halloween T-shirt.

The Model

2009-10-21T23:08:00.001-04:00

Guinness did some modeling in our yard today -- displaying his exquisite form.

The Good and the Bad

2009-10-13T22:53:00.002-04:00

Now that Guinness has regained his freedom, his behavior has changed in the intervening four months of rehabilitation -- some things for the better, some not.

The Good:
1) He still likes to play the reverse retrieve game, but he gives up the object quite readily. Thus, now we can keep our outdoor shoes at the door instead of on top of a cabinet!
2) He has a "job" for the first time! When I gather up the dark clothes to take down to the laundry room, invariably there is a sock dangling and Guinness grabs it. Now I can coax him to come along with me downstairs, carrying the sock, and he willingly gives it up to go in the washer! So now his job is to help carry the laundry downstairs! :)
3) He has not pulled the placemats off the table! I can actually leave them there between meals!

The Bad:
1) He has forgotten what "side" means while walking (that is the term we use for "heel"). He is much more forceful about wanting to charge ahead on a walk.
2) He is quite vocal when he sees a dog on the street. He sounds like a vicious dog because he is so adamant that he wants to play, and barks and barks while jumping at the end of his leash. Not good... He is not making favorable impressions.
3) There is no improvement in towels on towel racks. He still pulls them off.

Lonely

2009-10-08T10:33:00.005-04:00

This morning, we walked to our unofficial doggie park beside a bike path. Over the summer, our group has broken up. Riley moved away a couple of weeks ago. Everyone else's schedules have changed so that they do not arrive at doggie park at the same time. We walked around the baseball diamond then started walking in front of the row of evergreens, when he sat down in the field just beyond the ballfield and stared at the horizon of the bikepath from where Riley and Mattie would arrive. He sat there keenly alert and motionless for about 2 minutes before I called him away!!!! He is missing his friends! Sad.

Crazy, Then Relaxed

2009-09-15T14:21:00.002-04:00

Today is the first day in four months that he has been allowed to go to doggie park to see his friends. Our group seems to be dwindling with different schedules plus Riley will be moving away next week. Today only Riley and Smartie were there, but, boy, was Guinness happy to see them! Not sure they were as thrilled. When I let him off leash, he ran like a crazy man around them making a huge circle as fast as he could go -- just like he did on May 19 when he blew his knee. I thought I should snap his leash back on before he does any damage, so he didn't even get his 5 minutes of allotted freedom.

When we arrived home, he was content to lie in the yard, so I left him there for a couple of hours. During that time, a UPS man came to our door, passing Guinness beside the patio. Amazingly, he didn't go crazy. He lay there like a perfect gentleman. I had to take his picture to prove it.

Recovery at 16 Weeks

2009-09-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

Today was our final post-op check at the vet college. Again, Guinness was very happy when we turned on Route 6. Again, a half hour later and two blocks from the veterinary college, Guinness was dancing his happy dance!

Two German shepherds parked beside us as we arrived and everyone got out of the cars together. Guinness's "I want to get to know you and play" barks sent the Shepherds into "Don't you dare come near us!" barks. I had to have the lemon in my hand and threaten him with it repeatedly to slow down the barking. We entered the waiting room, and it was a challenge to to be heard at the check-in window above his excitement.

We arrived on time, but had to wait an hour before Guinness was ever called. The intern checked his leg, and we conversed a bit about his progress. He informed me that they needed to do more X-rays, and I pleaded that they not over medicate him as they did last time. He told me that overly excited dogs sometimes react more acutely to sedation. An hour and a half later, the intern said that he would be ready in 10 minutes for me to talk to the doctor. 45 minutes later, I was finally called. When we left, we had been there a total of FOUR hours!!!! And I came without a book to read.

Our instructions for now are -- only 5 minutes per day of playing off leash, limited stair useage, and no jumping in and out of the car. He said that going up stairs is easier for him than going down, but it is rather difficult to traverse stairs only in one direction. We left with a clean bill of health!

Life's Embarrassing Moments

2009-09-13T20:57:00.001-04:00

Today, we drove to Chautauqua to check out houses available for rent next summer. We stopped in Mayville at The House on the Hill for brunch. Grant parked under a tree to give Guinny some shade, then we walked him around the property for a potty break. When Grant put him back in the car, he removed his leash. I asked why. He said, "I don't want him to get caught and hurt."
"Well, *I* would have left the leash ON."
As we bantered, Guinness jumped OUT, ran straight to the back door/kitchen door of the restaurant and ran THROUGH the already broken screen!!!! Oh, my.... There I am screaming at the top of my lungs, "Guinness!!!! Come!!! Stop!!!" The cook was quick! He grabbed Guinness's collar and brought him to me.
No harm done. Thank goodness!!!

After lunch, I saw the young man standing on the back porch. I apologized to him profusely and asked to take a picture for Guinness's blog. He said, "Don't worry about it. That is the most fun thing that will happen today!" For sure. Glad it was fun!!!

What Else Can Happen?

2009-08-22T18:01:00.002-04:00

I am away this entire month. Grant was out of town this week, so Guinness lounged at his pet hotel this week. Before Grant left to pick him up this morning, the hotel manager called to say that he had bit his tongue and that they could not stop the bleeding. They arranged to meet Grant at an emergency animal clinic near them.

After hearing more of the story, Grant thinks he got into a garbage can while being walked and cut his tongue on a can or other sharp object in the trash. He was transported in an airline style crate which meant that he lay in a pool of his own blood. When Guinness saw his daddy, his blood pressure rose, causing the bleeding to increase from drips to a near stream. They had to sedate him to calm our effervescent dog so that his blood pressure would go down and the bleeding subside.

Grant told me that he found a mop and bucket and mopped up the bloody floor in the vet's office. They recommended keeping Guinness until 5 PM. Grant brought him home in the pet hotel's crate in case there is more bleeding. He will relax all weekend in the crate on a tile floor to insure that he remains calm thus preventing further bleeding. Then Monday morning he must return to the pet hotel. Never a dull moment!!!

Turd?

2009-07-29T00:52:00.000-04:00

Today was another hydrotherapy day. We are doing better upon arrival. I try to use the pop method (instead of pulling/yanking), and we have the lemon to control barking. But... tell me... how do you unscrew the cap with one hand while holding a jumping, barking dog with the other, and then squirt it in his mouth? Thankfully, the sight of it has some effect, but the real squirt has a better result, yet it rarely happens due to the juggling involved.

He was semi-under control, though racing off to sniff nearby open/empty crates, when another client entered the facility without dog. He loves pulling my gloves off my hands in the winter, then playing the catch-me-if-you-can game. This past winter, he started stealing the gloves of other masters at doggie park. Today, he nabbed the woman's car keys out of her hand, but, being on leash, could not complete his game plan. What a character! He does make everyone laugh. His therapist referred to him as "Turd" today. I guess, that is similar to the "Stinkpot" name I have uttered.

Worrisome

2009-07-28T11:51:00.004-04:00

We returned to the vet today for a recheck of the neurological test and his annual shots. Fortunately, no one was in the waiting room when we sprinted in. While they took Guinness in the back for his pedicure, a 4 year old black lab arrived in very similar fashion to Guinness's typical entrance, but slightly more reserved. When Guinness returned to the waiting room, the two were ecstatic to meet, then relaxed under durress. Meanwhile, another client and her little dog arrived. She did not trust the two crazy labs and kept her sweetie on her lap.

Yesterday, to do the neurological test, I held Guinness's head and the vet turned his paw, but he was still loopy from sedation. Today, he did not want to stand still, so the vet called in TWO assistants to hold the goofy boy still.

When the doctor turned Guinness's left (leg that had surgery) toes upsidedown, Guinness immediately put his pad flat on the floor -- a normal reaction. When his right toes were turned, he did not move his paw. Definitely not normal. The vet said it could be due to residual sedation or he may have a problem requiring a neurologist to assess the problem. He said he would call the vet college and speak to the intern from yesterday to see what they say, then let me know.

The good news for Guinness: Guinness did not have his annual shots today.
The good news for me: There was no charge for our visit, except for the pedicure!

Today has Been a Day!

2009-07-27T17:21:00.012-04:00

Today was the day for Guinness to have his 8 week post-op exam, x-rays, and progress report. His canine GPS was very accurate today. When we turned onto another highway, still 40 minutes from our destination, he knew where we were headed. Then two blocks from the veterinary college, he started dancing and whining with delighted delirium!!! We were early, so I stayed in the car for a few minutes while he deafened me with his eager barking. The lemon juice yields results, but his excitement exceeded its effectiveness. We went inside a few minutes early. Soon many other dogs joined us with their masters. Some looked to be in serious condition or had lost a leg. Despite their frailties, Guinness wanted to be their friend. I set the lemon beside me and threatened him with it many times.

We waited 45 minutes before being called, and then what a sight to behold. He dragged me across the waiting room as he bolted for the door. With a couple dozen people gaping at us, I declared, "He has passed advanced obedience! I have a certificate to prove it."

As he jumped repeatedly on the new intern, the doctor said that he looks like he is healing well. Assessing his level of activity, he told me that they would have to sedate him for his x-rays and asked me to return in an hour. Great! I didn't bring a book with me. The Academic Dean of my college told us once to never be caught without a book. I lamented that I did not think of that admonition today. I bought a coffee and breakfast bar at a nearby coffee shop, sat in an easy chair, and emailed, then napped.

The report is that he is healing well, but has a ways to go. He cannot be off leash, but can walk on a long lead to give him more exercise. Instead of two 40 minute walks a day, four 20 minute walks would be better. He can jump on a sofa now, but not use stairways. The doctor also felt that the sedation would wear off quickly and that Guinness could have his therapy sessions late this afternoon. We had to wait again in the waiting room before his paperwork was ready for him to be checked out. He was very groggy but nosed up against the people near me begging to be petted, and they accommodated him.

He walked to the car slowly and managed the ramp. After a few minutes on the road, he stood with his hind end crouched down and remained in that position for the remainder of the trip -- about 40 minutes. He also was salivating as if he might vomit.

At home, he walked down the ramp, but then had great difficulty walking up the grassy slope to get to the front door. Half way up, he dropped to the ground on my feet and his eyes went glassy. I was afraid he was dying! I had to leave him there to go inside to find the surgeon's phone number. I reached our intern for today, and he thinks that the car ride made him nauseous and that the sedation is wearing off slowly. He suggested that I take him to our local vet for my peace of mind. He called the vet to describe the sedation used and to prepare them for his arrival. I have to say that it was nice to have a calm dog at the vet's office. He actually behaved as a normal dog, though a bit sleepy.

I told the vet that he had crossed his hind legs when trying to walk up the grassy slope, so he did a neurological test of turning his toes under. A normal dog would set his pad flat on the floor, but Guinness didn't. So he wants to see him again tomorrow after the sedation has worn off. And, obviously, he cannot have his therapy sessions today after all.

Chautauqua

2009-07-25T09:13:00.002-04:00

July 17 - 15, we vacationed at Chautauqua Institution.
This is where we lived this year -- in the first level apartment.

Due to his limited activity (no jumping on furniture!), Guinness was conveniently tethered to a very heavy coffee table while inside.

Grant and Guinness met the carillonneur! She petted Guinness while she played the carillon!

Grant asked her to play "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" for Karin.

Yes, that is Grant and Guinness at the base of the tower.

We took a couple of daily 40 minute walks around the grounds. Since it is a dog friendly place, we met many dogs on each walk. Guinness asks the other dogs to play by barking, so we had to use the plastic lemon for training. By the end of the week, he realized that barking was not appropriate! Yay!
Here we are walking past the President's home.

Good Boy!

2009-07-16T12:55:00.004-04:00

Guinness can do two 40 minute walks a day now, and we can increase that to an hour if *I* feel like it. ha! It is a 15 min. walk to the ballfield where we meet for "doggie park," another 10 min. to walk around the park, and 15 min. home = an even 40 min. This morning, I was a bit slow in getting Guinness out for his walk -- 8:30. I have been told that our group is now meeting at 8:30 instead of between 7:00 and 8:00. So I was worried about Guinness meeting up with his old friends and not being able to keep him from being too crazy on leash. He goes bonkers walking into the therapy building, because they not only do therapy, but boarding, grooming, obedience, etc., so there are always lots of dogs there. If there are any dogs in the play yard next to the parking lot, he nearly drags me to the ground trying to get to the fence. Not good!

We met Holly on the way to the park. He was interested in seeing her, but did not go crazy. Also, Holly's Dad obligingly kept her away from Guinness. At the park we saw Mattie, whom he ignored, and a new Golden, Wilson, was there. They sniffed, but then Wilson and Holly spent the time rolling in the grass while I had adult conversation, with Guinness calmly at my side. :-0 I was quite shocked. He must understand that he cannot play with his friends.

A woman walked by with a little Yorkie. Guinness was more interested in interacting with the little dog than with his friends. He started barking. I pulled out my new plastic lemon and squirted some juice in his mouth.

The therapists taught me that trick, and it works!!! Silence...

Leaving

2009-07-13T07:35:00.001-04:00

While preparing to leave, Guinness was afraid he would be left behind and somehow managed to run THROUGH this gate without knocking it down!!! We figured out that one of the bottom pressure points released allowing him to run through without pushing the gate out of the doorway. Must have hurt!

Kevin giving him a goodbye hug.

Brief Trip to NC

2009-07-12T17:20:00.006-04:00

Grant and I made a brief weekend trip with Guinness to visit Steve and Kevin. Spunky passed over the Rainbow Bridge since we were last there. James was more brave this time. He stayed in the house most of the time, sitting on the sofa glaring at Guinness with a look that said, "What do you think you are doing in MY house?!"

Guinness acquiesced, demurely watching James. Guinny stayed far away from James, even walking behind chairs to keep as much distance between them as possible.

Kevin and I made some chalk drawings on the driveway while Guinness watched patiently. I think he enjoyed the warm NC sun too!
Kevin drew Guinness!

And I labeled it for him.