May 31, 2010

Dear Mom from Jack

Dear Mom,

The Lady with Red Hair said that if I dictated a note to you that she would type it and send it while I nap. So here goes ... !

I got to my new home after a very short car ride. I like my carrier thing - it's not so bad. Well, actually, that might be because the blanket smelled like you and the boys and Lucy and Juanita. And the carrier smelled like you. Thank you for sleeping in the carrier thing to smell it up for me before I got in.

I haven't visited all of my new house yet. Lady said there's a lot to visit and we could take it a little at a time. So tonight, I got to explore the kitchen. Lady was too clever about not leaving naughty things out - drat - but there were new toys waiting for me: a fun rope rolled up in a ball, a funny chewy mouse on a rope, and oh, Mom, the best toy ever: a stuffed dog that looks like Zeus only a bit bigger. His name is Max and he's so much fun to chase and roll with and drag around. He's not quite as fun as Zeus because Zeus plays back, but Max is pretty neat. I played and played and played and ... whew ... played!

Mom! Mom! You have to see the poop deck here! I have my own box with nice grass in it and a yellow post thing that just makes me want to pee. It is so nice that I didn't want to mess it up. Instead, I had an accident in the house. Well, actually two accidents. But Lady was really okay about it. She picked me up part-way through and rushed me outside, and then she cleaned up my accident with pretty smelling soap that bubbles a little bit. I think I sorted out what I was supposed to do so ran around and whimpered when I had to poop so that Lady would take me out, but Lady didn't get it. She thought I was missing you and my sibs. I mean, I was - and I do - but that wasn't what I was trying to tell her. I just couldn't hold it, Mom! Lady got it then and whisked me outside and I was able to finish outside. Boy, you'd think I just won an Olympic event or something the way Lady praised and congratulated me.

Lady and her friend - who's a pretty funny guy, actually - had dinner. It sure smelled good. Pizza, I think. My tummy was growling when they ate, but I was also really tired so fell asleep while they ate.

After they ate, Lady and I came downstairs to her room and I got to explore some more. It's cosy down here. I have my own crate and everything. Lady put my special blanket that smells like you and the gang in my crate. Oh, and I put Max in there. I think you told me that I should play hard to get about the crate - you know, be tentative about going in there so that I might get some treats - but I failed at that. It really is cosy in there and I was so tired.

Lady said that I could still have my dinner after my nap and then we'd explore the poop deck again. I hope that it has stopped raining by then. I don't much like getting wet to go out and do my business. Yuck!

Lady also said that you or Juanita or any of the gang can come and visit me whenever you'd like. I think the plan is for us to be home together tomorrow, just getting to know one another, so please tell Juanita that she can come anytime she might like if she wants to visit and that she's more than welcome to bring you with her.

I'm not too homesick yet, Mom. Lady said that it would be okay if I were and that no matter, I get to see you and the sibs on Saturday - the day after tomorrow. I'll have lots more to tell you then, I'll bet!

Must nap now, Mom. I am all worn out - and I think Lady is really wanting to rest for a little bit too. She smells tired. Please lick Juanita for me and tell her that I won't let her miss me too much; I'll visit lots.

with love,
your son,
Jack

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 29, 2010

NADAC not a presence in Ontario

One down side about moving back to Ontario is I will miss-out on NADAC Trials.
NADAC, North American Dog Agility Council, an agility organization popular in Western Canada and throughout the United states offers only a few trails in Ontario.

Today, went I went to their website to see just how few shows they do in Ontario, there was only one listed in Thunder Bay, Ont., most people would consider Thunder Bay apart of Western Canada anyway.

I was considering renewing my long over-laps membership to the club and after finding out it will not be doing me much good here in Ontario will not be.

Well, Josie and I were doing agility, many moon ago, we did enjoy our time and I am glad I have some wonderful memories at their trials.

If they ever do more trials in Ontario, I hope someone makes sure I am in the loop. Caillee, myself, and now Oliver would be very interested.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 28, 2010

Dog names

A friend lent me a book titled "Dog Names, Over 1,000 grrreat names" by Jenny Linford and the only name closest to Caillee's own name was "Kali, for destructive females; after the Hindu goddness". Destructive, uh? Well now, I have replaced more toys ever since Caillee started living with us.... not because she destroyed all of Josie's old toys but any of the new ones I got just for her. See Caillee in the photo with the pink Barbie purse, it was ruined in 15 minutes after it arrived.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 27, 2010

2nd day of Puppy Classes

Oliver and Jack had their second puppy class yesterday. Even though it was during the evening, it was hot for both the four-legged and the two-legged kind.

Oliver is happy he gets to see his brother during class and seems to like to steal his toys right out of their big bag. Just like the real Oliver twist.

They are learning to socialize with bigger dogs, an English sheep dog and a large mix.


Yesterday, everyone was learning how to “down”. Which I might point is different from “off”, the action of getting off something or other combo words such as “come-down [from there]” or “sit-down”. We understand these slang words but learning puppy do not really understand English even though they can be amazing learners.




Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 25, 2010

Teething Puppy?

Puppies teeth and their teething can drive us crazy. The obvious signs our dogs are teething is the seem to chew everything in sight including your furniture and fingers.

Other signs of teething may include swollen and inflamed (sometimes bleeding) gums and/or missing teeth. Perhaps not so obvious signs of teething is when they don’t like your touching their mouth and when they seem to bat at their ears. Batting at their ears usually is an indication their back molars are coming in.

What to do about it? There are a number of things you can do and hopefully one will work for your puppy.

Exercise. Some puppies will chew more when bored. Providing lots of exercise and social interaction will relieve excessive chewing from boredom.

Ice cubes. Instant numbing cold on their gums but some may not care for these wet block.

Frozen broth cubes. Another alternative to ice cubes.

Soup bones. Puppies will enjoy the taste of the marrow in the middle and the bone around the marrow provides a natural way to relieve the pain from teething while helping to keep their teeth clean. Once the marrow is all gone or mostly gone the bone can still be used as you would a regular Kong toy by smearing the sides with spreadable foods such as peanut butter, cheese whiz, or moist dog food. These can also be used to keep puppies busy when you need leave them in their crates.

Raw hide. Not the most healthiest idea but some puppies do enjoy it. Be sure to let them enjoy raw hide under supervision and to dispose of the raw hide once it starts to fall apart.

Carrots. Most puppies will enjoy their crunchy sensation and its all natural.

Rope toys. Rope toys can provide some fun. Wetting and freezing them may provide extra fun for teething puppies.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 23, 2010

Oliver and Lucy out at Niagara Falls on Victoria Day Weeked

Oliver and Lucy got to enjoy their very first Queen Victoria Day weekend at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

They were bombarded by many children who were out for the fireworks and they all wanted to pet the puppies.

They got to walk part of the way and we had to carry the puppies as soon as we got close to Clifton Hill, a local tourist spot. As it was the Victoria Day Weekend, the area was packed tight with people and cars.

They did very well with the crowds and didn’t really enjoy the fireworks afterwards.
It was good for both Lucy and Oliver to get out and be exposed to crowds and other loud things such as fireworks.

We plan to back to Niagara Falls to expose them again to large and loud crowds.



Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 22, 2010

Update


Lots have happened over the past few weeks. Everyone has or is confirming homes. Oliver, the sable coloured puppy, is staying on with the Pretty In Pink Dogs crew. More about him later. Jack, the white and black male, lives near by and visits often. Rupert, the red and white male, is being loved by a family with lots of friends and is getting lots of attention. Lucy, the black female, will be living in Montreal and the details about that are being firmed up.

Last week, Oliver and Jack had their first puppy class and they got to do it together with three other larger puppies. Oddly even, all the puppies in class are all black and white except for Oliver who has black tips and has black and white hairs all over his back; I think he is going to turn grayish when he is older.

Everyone is getting better about house training. Everyone is teething up a storm! I feel bad for Jack, last I saw him, his back teeth were coming out and they are bothering him so bad.... Poor little guy, it won't last forever, there is an end. Everyone is getting better about sleeping during the night and in their crates.

Jack wrote to his mom... those letters will be posted soon.

Details about Oliver's first day at Puppy class are coming too.

More photos too. Stay tuned.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 6, 2010

Just hanging out in the sun....


"OK, if we stay still very quietly do you think anyone would notice us?"

"I like this dirt stuff, it changes the colour of my feet. Look!"

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 5, 2010

At 7 Weeks, The Puppies did some Temperment Tests

This is Jack at 7 weeks visiting a friend's house getting a temperment test done.


Name undecided (Poseidon) getting is temperment test done too.


Name undecided (Zeus) getting his temperment test done.


Lucy showing off her belly

Everyone passed with flying colours and got lots of loving and attention.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 4, 2010

May 3, 2010

Dear Brother...

Dear Brothers and Sis,
I hate to be the barer of bad news but I feel I should inform you of this: I am the cutest puppy ever! Sorry, it's true.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

May 1, 2010

Name Idea

OK, I am suggesting the concideration of the call name be: Kal-El and the registered name be: Hydabrek's Last Dog of Krypton.

Good, Bad, Indifferent ... discuss ...

(Hubby)

Other name ideas: http://www.prettyinpinkdogs.com/2010/04/whats-in-call-name.html

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Missed Photo

For some reason this photo was missed. Lucy may look like she is getting beat up but she is only getting back what she gave first. Lucy, the little instigator.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Moisturize Damaged Hair


Poor Caillee’s fur has been neglected since the arrival of her puppies. I have been brushing now and again but nowhere near as often as I should and I still haven’t given her a well deserved bath yet.
I had completely de-matted my poor girl today and I have decided her hair was so damaged I should either give her an oil treatment or put moisturizer in her hair and let it sit. Either way, she has to have a bath soon afterwards to get all the oils out.

I had decided this time to use moisturizer today and give her a bath tomorrow.

I do not use just any moisturizer but ones which I find too oily to use on myself. Those are the types of moisturizers I find work great on rejuvenating my dogs’ damaged coat.

I brushed all the mats out, re-brushed her inch by inch and added moisturizer as I went along. All done for the day.

Tomorrow, I will brush her again to remove any mats that came back over night. I will give her a bath and blow dry her hair completely dry. Her hair should feel better and depending on the amount of damage I am trying to repair, repeat treatments may be required or try other rejuvenating techniques.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Some Raseberries Please....

Please, I beg you. Please stop giving me raseberies. I can't take it anymore.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs