Grumpy

Poor Misty came face to face with grumpy human the other night.  It wasn't her fault, nor was it mine.  I've never liked storms but since I started going deaf they don't bother me the same now.  This one was really loud, with lots of lightening and loads of rain.  It was so loud even I could hear it, well I heard the tornado warning on the telly, so I sought comfort with my human... by trying to climb on her head.  Misty isn't a great fan of thunder either and she was trying to hide under my human's shirt, which she was wearing at the time.  Unfortunately the human was preoccupied trying to move furniture and carpet and mop up a growing pool of water that was seeping in from the garden that was quickly turning into a swimming pool  She didn't see our close presence as being all that helpful and got a bit cross with us. 

Luckily both the storm and the grumpiness were short lived and we got loads of make-up treats and ear rubs.  No real damage to the house although my favourite room resembles a junk shop with furniture and carpet piled in the middle.  Even my bed was relocated to higher ground.  I'm glad I brought my toys in earlier - poor bunny would have been washed away. 

We have another round of storms coming tonight and tomorrow.  The human has been busy in the garden building what looks like something from a Heath Robinson cartoon.  She is confident it will keep the water out this time, and if not she bought a wet vac and a large bottle of gin.  I guess if her contraption doesn't work she'll give up, drink the gin and deal with it later.  Just as a precaution I'm going to move my toys upstairs... you know, just for their own safety. 

Who Dunnit?

I saw this and thought of Misty.  I believe you Tank!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuA6ZjpEJys

You've got mail

I got an email from Misty's foster dog Greta. 

"Ben, it's Greta here. You met me when you and your Mom came to adopt Misty. I was the big black Lab that you didn't take home.  I've been following your blog and I'm here to offer words of encouragement. My Mom and Dad loved Misty from day one. Me? It took a bit of time. You know she told me off the first day--in my own home! (Oh, and tell Carly not to take things personally).  But things got better the longer Misty stayed. My Mom told me that Misty, and all the other fosters that we've had, weren't as lucky in life as I've been so I need to forgive Misty's transgressions and be kind. In fact I kind of wish she were back here now. The new foster we have is only 4 years old and he wants to play ALL THE TIME. I want to sleep. So hang in there Ben. Things will get better in time."

With much understanding and sympathy,

Greta'

Ten days on

Misty has been with us for 10 days now and seems to be making herself at home - see exhibit A.  The peeing on the carpet has stopped, or I've just got used to the smell, so I guess she feels she's made her mark.  The dustbins have been moved out of reach so no fun there anymore.  Dare I say it I'm quite enjoying having her around the place.  I'm a pretty independent guy so I don't mind that she's hogging my human, especially during the storms we had the other night, we've got to make her feel welcome and at home.  We play musical beds, especially at night, as we both want the bed nearest the human.  

She went to doggie school on Monday.  I thought my human had brought the wrong dog back.  Our Tuesday morning walk was an absolute pleasure.  No pulling just a lovely walk next to us.  I don't know whether she's started therapy for her squirrel addiction or maybe it's the new collar she got at school but she hardly bothers with them after her class. 

It's not all been roses and ear rubs.  She lost all her brownie points tonight by escaping from the garden and 'exploring' the neighbour's garden.  When I say 'exploring' I mean tearing round the garden like an escaped prisoner who has spent the last 20 years in solitary confinement.  It was pretty funny watching my human try get her back.  Boy did it bring back memories of my youth.

What's the best part of having Misty join us?  Treats.  Lot's and lot's of treats.  And we've had 3 BBQ's since she got here.  I've think I've lucked out with this young lady.

Exhibit A - I bagsy this sofa

 

Feeding time (at the zoo)

My human has found a way to slow Misty down at dinner time so I can eat at my leisurely pace.  Like most Lab's, she's rather food orientated (see yesterday's post for evidence) and would wolf her food down in 20 seconds, then start on mine.  The Magical Misty Feeder is fantastic.  She is completely focused on trying to get the food out she doesn't even care I'm savouring my dinner at the other end of the kitchen.  It's a little messy, with kibble being flicked all over the floor but she cleans up pretty well.  Another plus with the slow eating...it's stopped her gassy botty.  Phew what a stinker she was.  We can now all stay in the same room after dinner.

The Magical Misty Feeder in action

 

Sigh!

I don't know why she's looking so pleased with herself.  I told her not to do it but she didn't listen to me.

Settling in and learning the rules

I bet you are wondering why I haven't been flooding you with updates about Misty.  To be honest I'm still getting over the shock of getting her.  After 12 years of being top dog it's quite a change having to share my human.... and my bed.... and my food grrrrr.  She's learning not to knock me out the way and eat my food after wolfing down her's and I'm being cunning sneaking off to bed early to get the one nearest my human.

She's settling in nicely and learning the rules pretty quickly.  My human is coming home early until the new lass gets used to being with me all day.  She did really well on Tuesday.  No accidents, no chewing of furniture.  Then she went a bit nuts in the evening and emptied the recycling bin all over the kitchen floor.  I blame the human for not feeding us before she went back out. 

Work day number 2 was uneventful.  Human came home early, Misty was really excited to see the human, so excited she peed on the carpet.  No accidents when the human got home today - she saved the carpet watering until later in the evening.

Walks are a bit stressful.  What is it with this squirrel thing?  She's addicted to them.

I took her to meet some of the neighbourhood dogs last night.  She got a bit grumpy with Carly, yes she's still with us, but made instant friends with Bear the chocolate lab up the street.  

Play Misty for Me

We got a dog!  Allow me to introduce you to Misty.  She joined us today from Labrador Rescue of Potomac.  She is 9 years old and just a little bit bigger than me.  She likes belly rubs, walks and rides in the car.  She doesn't like cats or squirrels but we've yet to test that.  She's settling in well but it will take her a while to learn the rules like - don't dig in the veg garden! 

Misty is on the right

Knocking on heaven's door

What is going on with my four legged friends?  Roxy's passing was a shock, now my other neighbour, Carly, is really sick.  I saw her being carried to the car on Saturday night and haven't seen her since.  I was out in the front garden yesterday supervising my human cutting the lawn (she does make a meal of it) when Carly's human came over.  Poor old girl had a fit and had to go to the dogggie ER.  It's not looking good.  I think I'm going to have stay in the back garden from now on, I don't know how much more bad news I can take this month. 

Borrowed Time?

Wikipedia say the average lifespan of a Labrador is 10-12 years.  They clearly haven't seen me chasing the bunny who is living under our shed.  I'm the fittest geriatric doggie in the neighbourhood.  My hearing isn't what is was, and my eyes aren't as sharp as they once were but I can still hold my own when it comes to chasing bunnies and sniffing butts.  Getting old does have some advantages... thunderstorms (my Achilles heel) don't bother me any more... because I can't hear them :-)

Every silver lining has a cloud

Yes, you read that right - every silver lining has a cloud.  My neighbours came round today with a big bag of dog food and 3 boxes of treats.  I thought they were here with the best birthday presents ever but sadly they weren't presents.  Their canine companion Roxy was killed by the garbage truck last week.  She'd sneaked out of the house when the plumber went for some tools and was clearly enjoying her freedom when the trash truck brought it to a swift end.  Poor Roxy.  I'll miss you woofing at me through the fence.  Rest in peace Roxy my young friend. 

Sausages for breakfast?

Sausages for breakfast?  Either it's my birthday or I'm going to the vets.  I don't feel sick and I had my bits removed when I was a puppy so it must mean it's my birthday.  Yeah!  Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me....

A quick check of my doggie passport - I'm 12 today!  Wow that's quite old isn't it?  No wonder I've got more grey hairs than my human.  I wonder what's for dinner.  I vote for sausages!