It's New Year's Eve and we just got home from an oyster roast and I'm already hearing random fireworks.............Zeke hates it........and is in my lap right now. Glad we didn't stay long because here in an hour or so he'll really need some comforting.
Right after Christmas we went to visit one of Steve's brothers and they had a 13 week old basset hound............so cute. He loved all the boys but his most favorite was Brogie. He curled up next to Brogie and the two of them slept most of the afternoon. They have a Great Dane named Barkley and his favorite was Montgomery.........they played all afternoon........chasing tennis balls and soccer balls. Their other dog is a Boston Terrier, female named Jessie...........and her favorite, of course, was the handsome boy, Zeke. They walked around together and sat by the fire together and tried to beg for treats together. We had a great time watching them...............when did my life start revolving around the antics of the dogs????????????
e
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
KITCHEN HELP
Brogie and Gummie spent the day napping but Zeke and I were very busy.........we had some baking to do and it took us all afternoon.
When I first started puttering about in the kitchen all of the boys were asleep on their pads and not in the least interested in what I was doing .......it didn't take long before Zeke knew what was going on. I think it's the smell of butter that gets him interested.........whatever it is, he watched my every move for hours. He is the most patient of the three and never gives up. I love it......and now I talk to him and ask him his opinion about how I'm doing things and if it looks done or does it need a few more minutes etc. and he looks back at me with those huge brown eyes ......there is so much hope in his eyes and with good reason. He likes everything I bake....... even fruit cake cookies!!!!
I have never had a dog that liked to help out in the kitchen and I'm lovin' it.
Zeke is going to be very happy tomorrow because I'm baking some peanut butter chewies for Brandon .....and Zeke loves LOVES peanut butter.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas and I hope you have some yummy baked goods and hugs and kisses from those you love.....and I hope you all have at least one furry little friend to help you enjoy it all even more.
e
When I first started puttering about in the kitchen all of the boys were asleep on their pads and not in the least interested in what I was doing .......it didn't take long before Zeke knew what was going on. I think it's the smell of butter that gets him interested.........whatever it is, he watched my every move for hours. He is the most patient of the three and never gives up. I love it......and now I talk to him and ask him his opinion about how I'm doing things and if it looks done or does it need a few more minutes etc. and he looks back at me with those huge brown eyes ......there is so much hope in his eyes and with good reason. He likes everything I bake....... even fruit cake cookies!!!!
I have never had a dog that liked to help out in the kitchen and I'm lovin' it.
Zeke is going to be very happy tomorrow because I'm baking some peanut butter chewies for Brandon .....and Zeke loves LOVES peanut butter.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas and I hope you have some yummy baked goods and hugs and kisses from those you love.....and I hope you all have at least one furry little friend to help you enjoy it all even more.
e
Thursday, December 16, 2010
LIGHTS
You should see our little neighborhood........all decked out for the holidays.........come to think of it the entire cul de sac is probably visible from space at night. Well, maybe not, but there are lights everywhere and I've been taking the boys for a stroll just before 8 each night and there is no need for a flashlight. The Christmas decorations don't bother the dogs the way the Halloween stuff did. As a matter of fact, they seem to really like it. One neighbor has a group of three really large snowmen very close to the street.......almost in the street...........they are brightly lit at night and Zeke can't wait to pee on them every time. I saw these folks out in the yard and confessed Zeke's obsession and they laughed and said every dog from the area has had a field day with those snowmen!!! Gummie and Brogie are more fond of a house on down the street that has a long hedge next to the street and has a zillion white lights next to a lamp post tightly wrapped with a million green lights............Brogie pees on the lamp post, Gummie next to the hedge and Zeke takes aim again on the post. And so it goes each night....by the time we get home they are as dry as a bone.
I have a winding driveway and some oak trees and have draped red and green lights from the trees across the drive over to the oaks on the other side and it is really cool. Lots of people have driven up under the lights and asked to take pictures of their car..........it's been fun. You can't see our house from the street but everyone can see the explosion of red and green and it makes you smile. I definitely fit in this new neighborhood......we are all a little over the edge.
e
I have a winding driveway and some oak trees and have draped red and green lights from the trees across the drive over to the oaks on the other side and it is really cool. Lots of people have driven up under the lights and asked to take pictures of their car..........it's been fun. You can't see our house from the street but everyone can see the explosion of red and green and it makes you smile. I definitely fit in this new neighborhood......we are all a little over the edge.
e
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
LOOSE TONGUE
Here we go again......grocery shopping, cooking, running back to the store, cooking, baking, one last minute trip for ice or something and of course EATING. I love Thanksgiving.
We only have a few people coming this year but I plan to cook as if a crowd was coming and we'll have leftovers the rest of the week.
Brogie has 5 teeth and all of his food has to be soft or I have to cut it up into small pieces and that's what I do. He really loves chicken and turkey so I'll be doing a lot of chopping this week. Because of his lack of teeth he has some trouble managing his tongue and it's kinda funny. For instance, when he yawns, and he yawns often, his tongue falls out of his mouth and sort of flaps around ......it's really funny looking but he gathers it up and goes on. After he eats he tries to lick his lips and that tongue goes out to the side and he keeps after it until it's back in his mouth. Well today I baked a pecan pie and after I put it in the oven I scraped the bowl and gave Gummie and Zeke a lick....Brogie must have been anticipating his turn because when I turned to let him lick his tongue was already hanging out to the side.............not to worry he still got a taste and did some smacking and was well satisfied............it's so funny too watch.
He is precious in his old age.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Carson Pack.
e
We only have a few people coming this year but I plan to cook as if a crowd was coming and we'll have leftovers the rest of the week.
Brogie has 5 teeth and all of his food has to be soft or I have to cut it up into small pieces and that's what I do. He really loves chicken and turkey so I'll be doing a lot of chopping this week. Because of his lack of teeth he has some trouble managing his tongue and it's kinda funny. For instance, when he yawns, and he yawns often, his tongue falls out of his mouth and sort of flaps around ......it's really funny looking but he gathers it up and goes on. After he eats he tries to lick his lips and that tongue goes out to the side and he keeps after it until it's back in his mouth. Well today I baked a pecan pie and after I put it in the oven I scraped the bowl and gave Gummie and Zeke a lick....Brogie must have been anticipating his turn because when I turned to let him lick his tongue was already hanging out to the side.............not to worry he still got a taste and did some smacking and was well satisfied............it's so funny too watch.
He is precious in his old age.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Carson Pack.
e
Monday, November 15, 2010
GLOW IN THE DARK
I hope everyone had a fun Halloween.....we did....even Zeke! We had lawn chairs set up at the end of the driveway as did most of the neighbors and we handed out every kind of mini chocolate bar known to man. The boys sat beside us and greeted every little trick or treater and in reality got more attention than the children. Some folks had dressed their dogs in costumes but we opted for bandannas .............that's about as far as I'm willing to go with that.
Zeke is pretty much afraid of ......pretty much anything big or loud or new or unusual or .....well you get the idea. But you know what, he did great on Halloween. He sat on my lap for the first 30 minutes or so and then he sat under my chair for a little while but then he was wagging and greeting and getting all kinds of attention and he really got into it.
All of our neighbors had these glow in the dark sticks and they gave us a few and when we ran out of candy we packed up and went inside and I forgot about the glow sticks.
Evidently, I put the glow sticks in my jacket pocket when we started to come in and at some point in the middle of the night they fell out of the pocket on the floor next to the bed. I woke up to see Zeke and Gummie tag teaming an all out assault on the glow sticks. It was hilarious. Growling, barking, and charging......... Brogie slept through the whole thing..............too much trick or treating for him.
I don't know if Zeke was afraid of the glow sticks but I know he was serious about defending his home from those scary aliens........you gotta love that!!!!
e
Zeke is pretty much afraid of ......pretty much anything big or loud or new or unusual or .....well you get the idea. But you know what, he did great on Halloween. He sat on my lap for the first 30 minutes or so and then he sat under my chair for a little while but then he was wagging and greeting and getting all kinds of attention and he really got into it.
All of our neighbors had these glow in the dark sticks and they gave us a few and when we ran out of candy we packed up and went inside and I forgot about the glow sticks.
Evidently, I put the glow sticks in my jacket pocket when we started to come in and at some point in the middle of the night they fell out of the pocket on the floor next to the bed. I woke up to see Zeke and Gummie tag teaming an all out assault on the glow sticks. It was hilarious. Growling, barking, and charging......... Brogie slept through the whole thing..............too much trick or treating for him.
I don't know if Zeke was afraid of the glow sticks but I know he was serious about defending his home from those scary aliens........you gotta love that!!!!
e
Friday, October 22, 2010
SPIDERS, GHOSTS, & WITCHES
Turns out our new neighborhood is way more fun than I thought. We moved here at the first of July and for awhile I didn't see anyone out and about.............now that I think about it, I guess it was just too friggin' hot to be outside. But with Halloween around the corner you should see all the decorations..........lots of pumpkins of course but also some really cool, really large as in huge blow ups on the sides and roofs. One house has a spider theme and the house next door has a 25 foot Spiderman on the roof crawling over towards the spiders.
The first time we saw the spiders Zeke almost had a stroke........one was hanging in a tree near the street .........it's about the size of an umbrella............and Zeke spotted it as soon as we got to the end of our driveway............he got behind me and peeked around me at the spider. Gummie and Brogie were excited but not afraid.................they trotted over and said hello to the neighbors and the spiders and we went on our way.
Turned the corner and the first house on that street had ghosts everywhere..........all sizes...........hanging from anything and everything, fluttering in the breeze. I thought it was fabulous but the boys barely noticed it because right across the street was a 10foot black witch stirring her cauldron. I guess it's motion activated because as soon as we approached she threw her head back and let out a maniacal laugh ...............all three boys stopped immediately, put their noses on the ground, and crept closer and closer......well, two of them crept......you know who parked himself behind me again.
Neighbors tell me this is a very active place to be on Halloween night...........Gummie and Brogie are going to love it but I'm not so sure about Zeke.
e
The first time we saw the spiders Zeke almost had a stroke........one was hanging in a tree near the street .........it's about the size of an umbrella............and Zeke spotted it as soon as we got to the end of our driveway............he got behind me and peeked around me at the spider. Gummie and Brogie were excited but not afraid.................they trotted over and said hello to the neighbors and the spiders and we went on our way.
Turned the corner and the first house on that street had ghosts everywhere..........all sizes...........hanging from anything and everything, fluttering in the breeze. I thought it was fabulous but the boys barely noticed it because right across the street was a 10foot black witch stirring her cauldron. I guess it's motion activated because as soon as we approached she threw her head back and let out a maniacal laugh ...............all three boys stopped immediately, put their noses on the ground, and crept closer and closer......well, two of them crept......you know who parked himself behind me again.
Neighbors tell me this is a very active place to be on Halloween night...........Gummie and Brogie are going to love it but I'm not so sure about Zeke.
e
Monday, October 11, 2010
THANK YOU
One year ago yesterday Steve, Gummie, and I piled into the car long before dawn and traveled to Lula, GA. It's a long haul but it was a happy day because that was the day we scooped up Brogie and Zeke and became the Carson Pack.
Just a few months before that Holly had saved Brogie's life. His owner was planning to put him down...........for no other reason except that he was old and no longer useful to her. Of course, Holly would have none of that and Brogie went to Lula.
As soon as we saw him we wanted him............Holly agreed but we had to wait a few months and during that time Brogie and Zeke became BFF's. Brogie got into Holly's heart and she couldn't split them up............so we got BOTH of them.
We have had a GREAT year!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Holly, first for saving Brogie and second for letting us be part of it all.
e
Just a few months before that Holly had saved Brogie's life. His owner was planning to put him down...........for no other reason except that he was old and no longer useful to her. Of course, Holly would have none of that and Brogie went to Lula.
As soon as we saw him we wanted him............Holly agreed but we had to wait a few months and during that time Brogie and Zeke became BFF's. Brogie got into Holly's heart and she couldn't split them up............so we got BOTH of them.
We have had a GREAT year!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Holly, first for saving Brogie and second for letting us be part of it all.
e
Sunday, October 10, 2010
SNICKERDOODLES
We were invited to an early in the season oyster roast this weekend and even though the oysters will be better in 4 or 5 weeks I couldn't wait to taste some salty, local goodness. Our host asked me to make his favorite cookie that I bake for him occasionally...........so I got the ingredients out of the pantry and put the butter out on the counter to soften.
I think Zeke was born with some sort of special smell sensors that focus on things like butter, sugar and eggs...........because if any of those ingredients are on my counter you will find him close.
The cookie is a variation on the old fashioned snickerdoodle.........the dough is rolled out and you add all the toppings then roll up like a jellyroll, refrigerate and slice and bake.......pretty simple. Zeke started drooling early on and got closer and closer.........the other two were sleeping together in one of the dog beds in the breakfast room. They could see us but weren't interested.
Whenever I bake cookies I give each dog a small cookie as soon as they cool........it didn't work out quite that way this time................ as I was putting the finished roll into a pan to refrigerate a chunk fell out of my hands onto the edge of the counter and then plopped onto the floor. From Zeke's vantage it must have seemed like the heavens had opened up and delivered a gift from the big man himself..............he got over that dough in a bulldog stance and scarfed up at least two inches of raw egg, sugar, cinnamon, buttery dough and crushed pecans in seconds. Gummie and Brogie hustled over but it was too late. They both looked at me with that wonderful cavalier look of love and hope. Zeke, on the other hand, for a brief moment was a Cheshire cat................. and he looked at them and at me as if to say........ I WIN !!!!
I took Gummie and Brogie outside and gave them a treat and that made them happy too..........but the real winner here is me!!!
e
I think Zeke was born with some sort of special smell sensors that focus on things like butter, sugar and eggs...........because if any of those ingredients are on my counter you will find him close.
The cookie is a variation on the old fashioned snickerdoodle.........the dough is rolled out and you add all the toppings then roll up like a jellyroll, refrigerate and slice and bake.......pretty simple. Zeke started drooling early on and got closer and closer.........the other two were sleeping together in one of the dog beds in the breakfast room. They could see us but weren't interested.
Whenever I bake cookies I give each dog a small cookie as soon as they cool........it didn't work out quite that way this time................ as I was putting the finished roll into a pan to refrigerate a chunk fell out of my hands onto the edge of the counter and then plopped onto the floor. From Zeke's vantage it must have seemed like the heavens had opened up and delivered a gift from the big man himself..............he got over that dough in a bulldog stance and scarfed up at least two inches of raw egg, sugar, cinnamon, buttery dough and crushed pecans in seconds. Gummie and Brogie hustled over but it was too late. They both looked at me with that wonderful cavalier look of love and hope. Zeke, on the other hand, for a brief moment was a Cheshire cat................. and he looked at them and at me as if to say........ I WIN !!!!
I took Gummie and Brogie outside and gave them a treat and that made them happy too..........but the real winner here is me!!!
e
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
EAR DROPS
Zeke has ear mites and I have some drops that I put in his ears each morning and again in the evening. Anytime I need to give one of the boys some kind of pill or drops I always finish with a little treat...........they LOVE those tiny liver treats. So yesterday when I put the first drops in Zeke's ears the other two ran to the pantry and waited. Zeke shook his head a few times and zipped over to take his place in line at the pantry door. The phone rang and I had to run upstairs to the office to talk with a client. 45 minutes later I went down to the kitchen for a cool drink and there they were..........still in line..............waiting patiently by the pantry door.
As soon as they saw me they stood up in unison and started wagging........they certainly know how to handle me........and I'm not telling how many treats they got!!!!!!!!!
Good times.
e
As soon as they saw me they stood up in unison and started wagging........they certainly know how to handle me........and I'm not telling how many treats they got!!!!!!!!!
Good times.
e
Sunday, October 3, 2010
DIVOT
A friend asked me to take care of her one year old cocker spaniel one day last week and I was glad to do it as I had no big plans for the day ........what's one more little spaniel, right? These friends are avid golfers and their dog is named Divot.........he is handsome.........he is sweet natured.......and he is a happy boy.
He arrived very early in the morning and my boys were still asleep and he was half asleep as well. They all greeted each other with the usual butt smelling etc........no problems. I started a load of laundry and went back upstairs to get dressed. All of a sudden I heard serious growling and dogs were running around.........I ran back down and found Divot trying to mount Montgomery and he was having none of that.
Turns out Divot is sexually confused.........he is neutered and has been since he was four months old. Somehow Divot didn't get the memo.
It scared Zeke and he hid under the bed but when Divot tried to mount Brogie he was in for a surprise............that ole boy came out with a growl that I've never heard before and Gummie actually charged Divot...............my precious Gummie and Brogie had Divot down on the floor .......I couldn't believe what I was seeing. In a way I was glad to see that they could stand up for themselves. That should have been the end of it but Divot has another problem............he is as dumb as a doorknob........... and wouldn't give it up. I finally put him in a bedroom and closed the door. I tried to let him out several times during the day but each time it ended when he went after one of the boys. When his mama picked him up and they went out the door all three of the boys came running over to me jumping up and wagging ............they were so glad to see him go.
I was too.
e
He arrived very early in the morning and my boys were still asleep and he was half asleep as well. They all greeted each other with the usual butt smelling etc........no problems. I started a load of laundry and went back upstairs to get dressed. All of a sudden I heard serious growling and dogs were running around.........I ran back down and found Divot trying to mount Montgomery and he was having none of that.
Turns out Divot is sexually confused.........he is neutered and has been since he was four months old. Somehow Divot didn't get the memo.
It scared Zeke and he hid under the bed but when Divot tried to mount Brogie he was in for a surprise............that ole boy came out with a growl that I've never heard before and Gummie actually charged Divot...............my precious Gummie and Brogie had Divot down on the floor .......I couldn't believe what I was seeing. In a way I was glad to see that they could stand up for themselves. That should have been the end of it but Divot has another problem............he is as dumb as a doorknob........... and wouldn't give it up. I finally put him in a bedroom and closed the door. I tried to let him out several times during the day but each time it ended when he went after one of the boys. When his mama picked him up and they went out the door all three of the boys came running over to me jumping up and wagging ............they were so glad to see him go.
I was too.
e
Sunday, September 12, 2010
ICING ON THE CAKE
Yesterday was my birthday.............it was a beautiful, clear day and I had family and friends wishing me the best. It was topped off with a yummy meal that I didn't have to prepare and a fabulous birthday cake with raspberry filling and white icing..........four layers, intricate decoration and more candles than you can imagine. We ate ...........we drank.............and we laughed until it hurt. You can't ask for more.
After all was said and done and the goodbye hugs and kisses were over, we sprawled out over the sofa and began the over stuffed routine of vowing never to eat so much again. The boys loved having company and all three got plenty of attention...........who can deny three cute cavaliers? Gummie and Brogie were helping us relax, both were gently snoring. Zeke has the booming snore and it was absent. He is always near so I knew something was up. I found him standing in a dining room chair with his front paws on the table................his tail was wagging and his face was covered with white icing and his nose was glistening with red raspberry filling. He pulled back off the table and sat in the chair licking his face over and over and over. I think most dogs would scurry off knowing they were busted and in big trouble..... but not Zeke. He looked at me and kept licking his face until he had all the evidence off except some stuck under his chin so he rubbed his chin on the table and proceeded to lick the table clean. By this time Gummie and Brogie had joined us .............being the strict disciplinarian that I am, I cut the affected section of cake off and divided it onto three small paper plates that were decorated with birthday balloons .............put them on the floor and all three boys had cake................I could not have had a better birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
e
After all was said and done and the goodbye hugs and kisses were over, we sprawled out over the sofa and began the over stuffed routine of vowing never to eat so much again. The boys loved having company and all three got plenty of attention...........who can deny three cute cavaliers? Gummie and Brogie were helping us relax, both were gently snoring. Zeke has the booming snore and it was absent. He is always near so I knew something was up. I found him standing in a dining room chair with his front paws on the table................his tail was wagging and his face was covered with white icing and his nose was glistening with red raspberry filling. He pulled back off the table and sat in the chair licking his face over and over and over. I think most dogs would scurry off knowing they were busted and in big trouble..... but not Zeke. He looked at me and kept licking his face until he had all the evidence off except some stuck under his chin so he rubbed his chin on the table and proceeded to lick the table clean. By this time Gummie and Brogie had joined us .............being the strict disciplinarian that I am, I cut the affected section of cake off and divided it onto three small paper plates that were decorated with birthday balloons .............put them on the floor and all three boys had cake................I could not have had a better birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
e
Saturday, September 4, 2010
FRIENDS
Since we moved back to the Island my best friend lives a couple miles from us and comes by often.............it's like the old days .....almost. Anyway, she likes dogs but has told me that I'm nuts for having three. The boys have done their magic on her and now she spends the first 10 minutes loving and talking to them...........eventually she acknowledges my presence but I'm beginning to think her frequent visits have very little to do with me.
Last week she was over here four times ...............I was cooking supper one evening........it was later than usual and I realized I was in the kitchen alone.............VERY unusual. I walked into the great room to tell them supper was ready and found all of them......asleep.
One human and one dog in the recliner..............one human and two dogs on the sofa............snoring, big time.
Nap time with friends ( furry or not ) ........doesn't get much better than that.
Last week she was over here four times ...............I was cooking supper one evening........it was later than usual and I realized I was in the kitchen alone.............VERY unusual. I walked into the great room to tell them supper was ready and found all of them......asleep.
One human and one dog in the recliner..............one human and two dogs on the sofa............snoring, big time.
Nap time with friends ( furry or not ) ........doesn't get much better than that.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
SENIOR MOMENT
Brogie is almost 11 and, like most of us senior citizens, he has his good days and his less than perfect days. Gummie and Zeke are happy and alert every day but once in awhile Brogie gets caught in a senior moment and can't get out.
This morning he got up at 4am and paced in front of the door until I drug my senior self out of bed and down the stairs............thought he would just go out and do his business so I sat on the patio and waited............and waited..............and waited some more.
Brogie is almost deaf so calling him is pretty much useless...........you have to almost scream and since it was 4:30am I decided to grab a flashlight and take a stroll.............couldn't find him so I went back upstairs and woke Gummie up. The only thing I could think was that somehow he had gotten out of the fenced in backyard so Gummie and I went looking in the cul de sac and down the street and all we found was a BIG tabby cat who scared the death out of both of us.
Every morning I feed the boys right after they go out and take care of business.......they come in and sit in the kitchen and wait..........no matter how long it takes, they sit and wait. When Gummie and I got back home we walked into the kitchen and there he was............. sitting and waiting. Don't know when he came back in or where he had been but he was sitting and waiting so I knew he took care of all his business. I hugged him and told him it was way too early and Gummie and I went back to bed.............but Brogie didn't follow us. Two hours later I went down stairs to get a cup of coffee and there he was.... laying down in the kitchen........waiting. I think he was stuck in a little time warp and his little senior mind told him that if he waited long enough things would get back into sync.............or maybe he was just too tired to go back upstairs...who knows. Anyhow I fed him and he got back into the swing of things after that. He is too cute and I love, love, love him.......I hope he lives long enough to break the cavalier record for old age.
This morning he got up at 4am and paced in front of the door until I drug my senior self out of bed and down the stairs............thought he would just go out and do his business so I sat on the patio and waited............and waited..............and waited some more.
Brogie is almost deaf so calling him is pretty much useless...........you have to almost scream and since it was 4:30am I decided to grab a flashlight and take a stroll.............couldn't find him so I went back upstairs and woke Gummie up. The only thing I could think was that somehow he had gotten out of the fenced in backyard so Gummie and I went looking in the cul de sac and down the street and all we found was a BIG tabby cat who scared the death out of both of us.
Every morning I feed the boys right after they go out and take care of business.......they come in and sit in the kitchen and wait..........no matter how long it takes, they sit and wait. When Gummie and I got back home we walked into the kitchen and there he was............. sitting and waiting. Don't know when he came back in or where he had been but he was sitting and waiting so I knew he took care of all his business. I hugged him and told him it was way too early and Gummie and I went back to bed.............but Brogie didn't follow us. Two hours later I went down stairs to get a cup of coffee and there he was.... laying down in the kitchen........waiting. I think he was stuck in a little time warp and his little senior mind told him that if he waited long enough things would get back into sync.............or maybe he was just too tired to go back upstairs...who knows. Anyhow I fed him and he got back into the swing of things after that. He is too cute and I love, love, love him.......I hope he lives long enough to break the cavalier record for old age.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ZEKE AND THE PATIO POND
A few weeks ago I dug a hole next to the patio and eventually ended up with a cool little pond complete with plants and fish. It turned out great and I was well pleased with the whole thing. Montgomery and Brogie liked it but Zeke REALLY liked it. He sat on the patio and watched every move that I made............it took me three afternoons and Zeke was there every minute. When I started putting the water in he seemed to get a little anxious but that passed and we all enjoyed the little pond and loved the sound of the water. All was well for a few days and then I started putting water plants in and around the pond and of course ..........some koi and a few fancy goldfish.
Zeke was mildly curious about the fish.............but the plants were what he got excited about. His first order of business was to attempt to pee on each and every one. It was a little tricky hiking a leg up on the edge of the pond and aiming out.............thought he was going to fall in on two attempts but he kept it together until the job was done. Having marked HIS pond and plants he laid down on the patio to relax.............and then he spotted it..............a floating plant that was slowly meandering in his pond. It must have looked menacing to him with it's long stems and random movements because he jumped up and started growling............yes, Mr. Scared of His Own Shadow Zeke, was growling. Montgomery ran to his side and started barking and that got Brogie on the scene as well. Brogie helped with the barking but neither one of them could figure out what they were all excited about ............so they went back inside leaving Zeke to defend the pond alone. And defend it he did.............he jumped up and down, he growled, he went all around the edge and barked and he kept looking at me.
So I took the plant out and put it on the patio...........Zeke backed up as fast as he could, I like to call it moonwalking but in this case it would be moontrotting, and he growled some more. I knew he had to work this out for himself so I just watched..........it took him 10 minutes but he finally got close enough to sniff and touch................and YES, pee on it. Now the little plant floats around the pond unnoticed ...........but there is no question who it belongs to.
Zeke was mildly curious about the fish.............but the plants were what he got excited about. His first order of business was to attempt to pee on each and every one. It was a little tricky hiking a leg up on the edge of the pond and aiming out.............thought he was going to fall in on two attempts but he kept it together until the job was done. Having marked HIS pond and plants he laid down on the patio to relax.............and then he spotted it..............a floating plant that was slowly meandering in his pond. It must have looked menacing to him with it's long stems and random movements because he jumped up and started growling............yes, Mr. Scared of His Own Shadow Zeke, was growling. Montgomery ran to his side and started barking and that got Brogie on the scene as well. Brogie helped with the barking but neither one of them could figure out what they were all excited about ............so they went back inside leaving Zeke to defend the pond alone. And defend it he did.............he jumped up and down, he growled, he went all around the edge and barked and he kept looking at me.
So I took the plant out and put it on the patio...........Zeke backed up as fast as he could, I like to call it moonwalking but in this case it would be moontrotting, and he growled some more. I knew he had to work this out for himself so I just watched..........it took him 10 minutes but he finally got close enough to sniff and touch................and YES, pee on it. Now the little plant floats around the pond unnoticed ...........but there is no question who it belongs to.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
The temperature is near 1oo every day and the heat index is over 1oo..............and the humidity is pretty close to 100.....................who in their right mind would even consider moving in July!!!!!
Thankfully, we survived. They say sometimes the shortest moves are the worst........we went 10 miles............but the move stretched out over two weeks and I didn't think we would ever get all that stuff moved from one garage to another. We have downsized and as a result a lot of our furniture was just too big.............so we sold some, donated some and put more out in the garage. How can two people and three dogs have so much STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!
The boys act like they've always lived here. The first day they smelled everything over and over and were satisfied from the very first night. Supper was a little late that night but other than that ...........they are happy campers. They all love to unpack boxes............smell everything including the newspaper. Opened one box full of pantry staples including a bag of BEGGIN STRIPS.............gave each one a strip and after that they all helped me open every box. Couldn't have done it without them.
So far the boys have met a very big and pretty corgi that lives next door and a little poodle and her big lab friend. Can't wait to see who else we'll meet...............hope the neighborhood is ready for an invasion of cavalier cuteness!!!!!!!!!
Thankfully, we survived. They say sometimes the shortest moves are the worst........we went 10 miles............but the move stretched out over two weeks and I didn't think we would ever get all that stuff moved from one garage to another. We have downsized and as a result a lot of our furniture was just too big.............so we sold some, donated some and put more out in the garage. How can two people and three dogs have so much STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!
The boys act like they've always lived here. The first day they smelled everything over and over and were satisfied from the very first night. Supper was a little late that night but other than that ...........they are happy campers. They all love to unpack boxes............smell everything including the newspaper. Opened one box full of pantry staples including a bag of BEGGIN STRIPS.............gave each one a strip and after that they all helped me open every box. Couldn't have done it without them.
So far the boys have met a very big and pretty corgi that lives next door and a little poodle and her big lab friend. Can't wait to see who else we'll meet...............hope the neighborhood is ready for an invasion of cavalier cuteness!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
FARMER'S MARKET
During the summer our little town has a farmer's market set up on one of the streets in the historic district that is lined with antique stores etc. It's only on Thursday and I love it. Montgomery always goes with me and this is his third summer. He loves it too and of course he always gets loads of attention. I have an old wooden radio flyer wagon that has wooden slats on all of the sides and I always take it with me in case I get a watermelon or a lot of corn or peaches or who knows what. This is my first summer with Brogie and Zeke and ...........yes, I was crazy enough to take all three at the same time......... with the wagon in tow ............to the first market of the season. We created total chaos in no time at all...........it was a happy, lovey dovey kind of chaos.............but it was still chaos. We had leashes wrapped around me, the wagon, baby strollers, moms, kids, dogs, farmers and anything or anyone who approached us............and everyone approached us. Cavaliers are magnets...........people are always attracted to them and kids can't keep their hands off of them and their moms are so happy to see how gentle they are. But an hour of untangling leashes and dogs is enough for anybody and we headed home.
Now I take one dog each Thursday and it works out great for everyone. Montgomery's day is like ole home day.........lots of people know him and he gets treats from some of them so he's in heaven the whole time.
Zeke is actually a shy boy and I didn't know how he would do without the other boys but as it turned out he had a solution...........as soon as I got my wagon out of the back of the suv he jumped in it , I started to get him out but he loves to ride and he looked so happy sitting there.......... so off we went. He's been twice now and each time he jumps into the wagon and inspects all the produce on the way back to the car. He gets a lot of attention sitting up in that wagon.
Brogie always walks on my left and slightly behind me...........he is perfect on the leash.........but for some reason the wagon confused him. He kept wandering behind me and walking beside the wagon so I tied him to the left side of the wagon and pulled it with my left hand...........he was content and each time I stopped to look at some fruit or veggies he sat down beside the wagon and waited for people to come over. He is precious and loves all the attention he gets.
Quite a few people bring their dogs..........and some of them are cute and sweet............some, not so much. I know they all love their dogs but I don't think any of them get as much enjoyment as I do from my little guys. A friend of mine told me recently that she would love to have a dog but they are too much trouble.............I shook my head and said her problem was that she had never had the right dog. I am so lucky.............the right dog times three.
e
Now I take one dog each Thursday and it works out great for everyone. Montgomery's day is like ole home day.........lots of people know him and he gets treats from some of them so he's in heaven the whole time.
Zeke is actually a shy boy and I didn't know how he would do without the other boys but as it turned out he had a solution...........as soon as I got my wagon out of the back of the suv he jumped in it , I started to get him out but he loves to ride and he looked so happy sitting there.......... so off we went. He's been twice now and each time he jumps into the wagon and inspects all the produce on the way back to the car. He gets a lot of attention sitting up in that wagon.
Brogie always walks on my left and slightly behind me...........he is perfect on the leash.........but for some reason the wagon confused him. He kept wandering behind me and walking beside the wagon so I tied him to the left side of the wagon and pulled it with my left hand...........he was content and each time I stopped to look at some fruit or veggies he sat down beside the wagon and waited for people to come over. He is precious and loves all the attention he gets.
Quite a few people bring their dogs..........and some of them are cute and sweet............some, not so much. I know they all love their dogs but I don't think any of them get as much enjoyment as I do from my little guys. A friend of mine told me recently that she would love to have a dog but they are too much trouble.............I shook my head and said her problem was that she had never had the right dog. I am so lucky.............the right dog times three.
e
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
PET FRIENDLY
Lots of things about the rental market have surprised me but this takes the cake!
A young hot shot rental agent gave us a call with a lead on a house with a "pet friendly" policy. I realize that the English language is ever evolving but the word friendly now has strings attached. After viewing the house we felt it could work for us...... so he handed us a FOUR page rental application................couldn't believe the things they wanted to know but we saw no problems until we got home and read the whole thing.
At the bottom of the last page there was a paragraph that was entitled PET POLICY and it started off by stating a nonrefundable deposit of $5oo was required .............per pet.............we have 3 dogs and 1 cat...................but that's not even the worst part!!! The last nail in the coffin was that the rental amount would be increased by $25 per month ...............per pet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obviously I have been looking in all the wrong places and working with all the wrong people. I could not resist calling the agent .............and in my most softspoken southern way I suggested what he might do with his rental application and all of his other rental requirements. When I finally gave him a chance to respond he stammered his way through an apology............. and waived all of the pet requirements. I thanked him and wished him well in his career and life............and I left it at that.
If I don't find a house soon we are going to be living in the car..............Zeke would love that!!!!!!!!!!!
e
A young hot shot rental agent gave us a call with a lead on a house with a "pet friendly" policy. I realize that the English language is ever evolving but the word friendly now has strings attached. After viewing the house we felt it could work for us...... so he handed us a FOUR page rental application................couldn't believe the things they wanted to know but we saw no problems until we got home and read the whole thing.
At the bottom of the last page there was a paragraph that was entitled PET POLICY and it started off by stating a nonrefundable deposit of $5oo was required .............per pet.............we have 3 dogs and 1 cat...................but that's not even the worst part!!! The last nail in the coffin was that the rental amount would be increased by $25 per month ...............per pet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obviously I have been looking in all the wrong places and working with all the wrong people. I could not resist calling the agent .............and in my most softspoken southern way I suggested what he might do with his rental application and all of his other rental requirements. When I finally gave him a chance to respond he stammered his way through an apology............. and waived all of the pet requirements. I thanked him and wished him well in his career and life............and I left it at that.
If I don't find a house soon we are going to be living in the car..............Zeke would love that!!!!!!!!!!!
e
Sunday, June 20, 2010
HOUSE HUNTING
In the past each time we got out of one house we would build another, but this time we are not sure what we want to do or where we want to be............. so for the time being we've decided to rent a place until we can decide. Some form of retirement is around the corner and I just know we are not going to be living in this area for that, but who knows! The last time we rented a home was in 1973 and boy oh boy have things changed.
We have two major requirements.........a garage for Steve ( no, not to live in ) and a fenced in yard for the boys..........and I guess there is one more thing.......I don't want to pay an arm and a leg. Is that too much to ask? Maybe.
When a rental agent says "charming family home" that means little house with three little bedrooms and a one car garage with an area to store bicycles. A "cozy home with character" means a tiny house with itty bitty bedrooms and a color scheme that will knock your socks off. But if he says he has a "spacious executive home" that translates into a house that you can fit most of your furniture into but is grossly overpriced...............so the search continues.
We have been taking the boys with us when we do our first drive by to see the outside of a house and check out the neighborhood and even though Steve and I find it tedious, the boys are having a blast. When they see another dog or ducks (they were all over one little neighborhood) the boys bark and wag...........bark and wag.
We almost hit a deer in Belfair and I thought Zeke was going to have a stroke............it took him 10 minutes to calm down. Every time we slow down and look over at a house they all look in the same direction as we're looking and check it out............Brogie looks in the general direction but Gummie and Zeke stare as long as we do. It's our version of HOUSE HUNTERS.
e
We have two major requirements.........a garage for Steve ( no, not to live in ) and a fenced in yard for the boys..........and I guess there is one more thing.......I don't want to pay an arm and a leg. Is that too much to ask? Maybe.
When a rental agent says "charming family home" that means little house with three little bedrooms and a one car garage with an area to store bicycles. A "cozy home with character" means a tiny house with itty bitty bedrooms and a color scheme that will knock your socks off. But if he says he has a "spacious executive home" that translates into a house that you can fit most of your furniture into but is grossly overpriced...............so the search continues.
We have been taking the boys with us when we do our first drive by to see the outside of a house and check out the neighborhood and even though Steve and I find it tedious, the boys are having a blast. When they see another dog or ducks (they were all over one little neighborhood) the boys bark and wag...........bark and wag.
We almost hit a deer in Belfair and I thought Zeke was going to have a stroke............it took him 10 minutes to calm down. Every time we slow down and look over at a house they all look in the same direction as we're looking and check it out............Brogie looks in the general direction but Gummie and Zeke stare as long as we do. It's our version of HOUSE HUNTERS.
e
Friday, June 4, 2010
COFFEE
Every once in awhile I have a mostly sleepless night during which I worry about............you name it and I worry about it. I'll worry about some personl things but I'll mostly worry about stuff that I have no business concerning myself with. Go figure......maybe I think I can solve the problems of the world in the middle of the night...........good luck, right? Last night or should I say this morning at 3am I was still awake but at 3:30am I was getting sleepy. Big problem.........I had to pick up my best friend at 5:30 to take her to the airport. Decided to make some coffee and wouldn't you know it the can had about 1 tsp in it. None in the pantry either...........no problem ......Kroger is open 24 hours and it's just a few miles away. Simple!............or maybe not.
The boys are always asleep at this time of the morning but the phone rang (friend calling to make sure I was up!!!!!) and I picked up my keys and walked out to the garage. When I opened the car door Zeke catapulted himself onto the front seat with Montgomery landing almost on top of him. So the three of us were off.............almost. Just as we were pulling out of the garage I saw Brogie at the top of the stairs .............sleepy eyes and all. I was in a hurry but who could leave that sweet boy.......I lifted him into the car and we took off.
Shopping in the middle of the night has some perks.......my parking space was so close to the front door I could almost jump from the car into the store. As I walked in I hit the button on my key to lock the car......just habit.............but that's a mistake when you have the boys with you.
I was walking up to checkout when I heard all the noise and saw the lights flashing and a few people coming into the store all laughing .............I heard "they're so cute" so of course I knew who they were talking about. I paid for the coffee and walked outside to see my hazard lights flashing and the car alarm blasting and 3 very alert boys. The lights were so bright and the alarm was so loud!!!!!!!! My car has a motion detector and the boys set it off and then stepped on the hazard light button. There was a firetruck parked nearby and two firemen were standing by my car.......oh no........ I asked if someone had called them. No ma'am, he said, we were going in to get some things for breakfast and thought we'd wait here until the owner came. That would be me , I said............ and they started talking about how the whole time the alarm was blasting the boys were just wagging their tails and never looked stressed or anything like that. I thanked them and we went home.
I really didn't need any coffee after all of that.
e
The boys are always asleep at this time of the morning but the phone rang (friend calling to make sure I was up!!!!!) and I picked up my keys and walked out to the garage. When I opened the car door Zeke catapulted himself onto the front seat with Montgomery landing almost on top of him. So the three of us were off.............almost. Just as we were pulling out of the garage I saw Brogie at the top of the stairs .............sleepy eyes and all. I was in a hurry but who could leave that sweet boy.......I lifted him into the car and we took off.
Shopping in the middle of the night has some perks.......my parking space was so close to the front door I could almost jump from the car into the store. As I walked in I hit the button on my key to lock the car......just habit.............but that's a mistake when you have the boys with you.
I was walking up to checkout when I heard all the noise and saw the lights flashing and a few people coming into the store all laughing .............I heard "they're so cute" so of course I knew who they were talking about. I paid for the coffee and walked outside to see my hazard lights flashing and the car alarm blasting and 3 very alert boys. The lights were so bright and the alarm was so loud!!!!!!!! My car has a motion detector and the boys set it off and then stepped on the hazard light button. There was a firetruck parked nearby and two firemen were standing by my car.......oh no........ I asked if someone had called them. No ma'am, he said, we were going in to get some things for breakfast and thought we'd wait here until the owner came. That would be me , I said............ and they started talking about how the whole time the alarm was blasting the boys were just wagging their tails and never looked stressed or anything like that. I thanked them and we went home.
I really didn't need any coffee after all of that.
e
Monday, May 31, 2010
A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
Daughter Leslie graduated from college 4 years ago and fortunately for me, she got a job and apartment close by. She is a late in life child and we have always been close. She popped in frequently and would occasionally spend the night and she showered the boys with affection and of course they LOVE her and go crazy every time she walks through the door.
Last month she got a HUGE promotion and I am so proud of her and happy for her............but along with the promotion came a move to Charleston. Her new apartment is actually across the bridge in Mount Pleasant and this weekend I went to visit. She is so much fun and we had a ball.
She had asked me to bring some of her clothes and other things that had never made it over to her last apartment............so last week I got some boxes and started packing. The first night I took the boxes into her room the boys were so excited............Zeke got on her bed and observed ( he likes to pretend that he is aloof but he watched every move we made)...........Gummie and Brogie sniffed each and every thing I put in the box. At some point Gummie went into the closet and brought me a dirty, dusty sock (proof of my housekeeping skills). Of course I thought that was great and I gave him hugs and kisses (proof of my craziness about the boys). Gummie knew he had done something good and made a bee line back into the closet with Brogie following step for step. Brogie never actually brought anything but he was by Gummie's side the whole time and they delivered............
one scarf
two more socks
one belt
and a plastic bag full of other plastic bags
I thought it was the coolest thing and they were so proud of themselves.
e
Last month she got a HUGE promotion and I am so proud of her and happy for her............but along with the promotion came a move to Charleston. Her new apartment is actually across the bridge in Mount Pleasant and this weekend I went to visit. She is so much fun and we had a ball.
She had asked me to bring some of her clothes and other things that had never made it over to her last apartment............so last week I got some boxes and started packing. The first night I took the boxes into her room the boys were so excited............Zeke got on her bed and observed ( he likes to pretend that he is aloof but he watched every move we made)...........Gummie and Brogie sniffed each and every thing I put in the box. At some point Gummie went into the closet and brought me a dirty, dusty sock (proof of my housekeeping skills). Of course I thought that was great and I gave him hugs and kisses (proof of my craziness about the boys). Gummie knew he had done something good and made a bee line back into the closet with Brogie following step for step. Brogie never actually brought anything but he was by Gummie's side the whole time and they delivered............
one scarf
two more socks
one belt
and a plastic bag full of other plastic bags
I thought it was the coolest thing and they were so proud of themselves.
e
Friday, May 28, 2010
KIND
Montgomery aka Gummie is the kindest dog I have ever known and I tell people that all the time ..........who knows if anyone believes me ...........but it is true. Just this afternoon on our walk he did a very kind, caring thing for Brogie.
Our recent thunderstorm left many fallen limbs and debris everywhere and today we came upon a huge uprooted wax myrtle that totally blocked the horse trail . We started to go a different way but I thought we could get around it if we climbed over it at the base and then made our way along the side of the ditch and then work our way back up to the trail. What was I thinking!........It was my bright idea.....so I led the way. After I got over the tree I just motioned for Gummie to come over and he will follow me anywhere. He jumped up on the trunk and worked his way over to me. Zeke followed Gummie and the three of us waited on the trail. Steve's balance and flexibility are compromised by an accident he had years ago but he made it over the tree and the only one left was Brogie. Steve tried to talk him over it but I could tell that wasn't going to work so I made my way back to the tree and talked to him and tried to get him to jump.............I was getting ready to go back over the trunk so I could pick him up and I had his front legs on the tree....................all of a sudden Gummie jumped back up on the tree and leaned down and touched Brogie's nose, then he turned but Brogie didn't move and he whined a little. So Gummie leaned back down and put his face beside Brogie's face for 2 or 3 seconds. I reached down and Brogie made a little jump that was just enough for me to grab him and lift him up and over......I put him down on the ground and he and Gummie made their way back to the trail. Of course I had to go along the ditch again ......but when I got back up to the trail all of the boys were waiting for me and off we went.
I don't pretend to know anything about dog psychology or dog behavior or anything else for that matter but .............there is no doubt in my mind that Gummie was trying to help Brogie or maybe he was trying to help me...........I don't know and it doesn't matter............he was trying to help and that is my definition of KINDNESS.
e
Our recent thunderstorm left many fallen limbs and debris everywhere and today we came upon a huge uprooted wax myrtle that totally blocked the horse trail . We started to go a different way but I thought we could get around it if we climbed over it at the base and then made our way along the side of the ditch and then work our way back up to the trail. What was I thinking!........It was my bright idea.....so I led the way. After I got over the tree I just motioned for Gummie to come over and he will follow me anywhere. He jumped up on the trunk and worked his way over to me. Zeke followed Gummie and the three of us waited on the trail. Steve's balance and flexibility are compromised by an accident he had years ago but he made it over the tree and the only one left was Brogie. Steve tried to talk him over it but I could tell that wasn't going to work so I made my way back to the tree and talked to him and tried to get him to jump.............I was getting ready to go back over the trunk so I could pick him up and I had his front legs on the tree....................all of a sudden Gummie jumped back up on the tree and leaned down and touched Brogie's nose, then he turned but Brogie didn't move and he whined a little. So Gummie leaned back down and put his face beside Brogie's face for 2 or 3 seconds. I reached down and Brogie made a little jump that was just enough for me to grab him and lift him up and over......I put him down on the ground and he and Gummie made their way back to the trail. Of course I had to go along the ditch again ......but when I got back up to the trail all of the boys were waiting for me and off we went.
I don't pretend to know anything about dog psychology or dog behavior or anything else for that matter but .............there is no doubt in my mind that Gummie was trying to help Brogie or maybe he was trying to help me...........I don't know and it doesn't matter............he was trying to help and that is my definition of KINDNESS.
e
Sunday, May 23, 2010
THUNDER
We have thunderstorms here often so it's no surprise to have one in the evening after a hot day.......and tonight we had a big one! It was loud and long. Even Brogie heard it and it scared him. He snuggled up next to me on the sofa and I could see how worried he was. I got up to look at the hail bouncing up on the patio and he got soooo nervous. Most of the really big storms are in the summer and last summer we didn't have Brogie and Zeke so I didn't know they would be frightened. Montgomery and Brogie are very close......and Montgomery is VERY kind..........he jumped up on the sofa, put his face next to Brogie's and flopped down beside him and rested his head on Brogie's paws. That did the trick.........Brogie rested his head on Gummie's big floppy ear and they were sleeping in no time at all with Brogie in full snore mode. It was (I realize I'm showing my age here) without a doubt a true KODAK moment.
I was so focused on Brogie that I didn't realize that Zeke was missing for awhile.......but I got thinking about him and called him but no response so I looked all around and when I went into my closet I heard a tiny little whimper...........I flipped the light switch and wouldn't you know it the light bulb blew. The lights in the bedroom were on but the closet was pretty dark especially at the back. I have a section of double rods at the back and the clothes on the lower rod hang down to about 2 or 3 inches off the floor. So I'm down on my knees feeling around in the dark, crawling over shoes when I get to the back corner...........there he was....... under my winter jackets..............shaking. He was really scared. I sat down and he got on my lap and we sat in the dark closet ...........after my eyes adjusted it didn't seem so dark and when the thunder stopped Zeke was good to go. I guess Zeke and I had a little KODAK moment too.
e
I was so focused on Brogie that I didn't realize that Zeke was missing for awhile.......but I got thinking about him and called him but no response so I looked all around and when I went into my closet I heard a tiny little whimper...........I flipped the light switch and wouldn't you know it the light bulb blew. The lights in the bedroom were on but the closet was pretty dark especially at the back. I have a section of double rods at the back and the clothes on the lower rod hang down to about 2 or 3 inches off the floor. So I'm down on my knees feeling around in the dark, crawling over shoes when I get to the back corner...........there he was....... under my winter jackets..............shaking. He was really scared. I sat down and he got on my lap and we sat in the dark closet ...........after my eyes adjusted it didn't seem so dark and when the thunder stopped Zeke was good to go. I guess Zeke and I had a little KODAK moment too.
e
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Business Expense?
You know how when your children are just starting preschool or kindergarten and you sort of meet other parents but you don't really know their names.............you know them as little Sarah's mom or little Tim's dad and that's the way they know you until one day you see them somewhere without the children and you finally introduce yourself ........at last the parents have real names and sometimes you even become friends. Of course that was decades ago for me but it is now happening with the pack. People see us out and about with the boys and they ALWAYS notice the boys and probably barely see us.
Now that I am an official "temporary" employee for the Census Bureau my association with three little cavaliers has proved to be very beneficial on several occasions. My most recent batch of census forms all had addresses here in Rose Hill............so even though Rose Hill is fairly large with around 400 homes I was calling on neighbors so to speak. Numerous times I have been greeted at the door with ........oh I know you .....you have the three little dogs..........................or .....I've seen you walking the cute little dogs.......or...........you have the pretty King Charles!
You get the picture. It made a mundane task into a fun chat and I met some nice people and we now know each other's name.
Of course not everyone is so pleasant and on two occasions I called on addresses where I met with very unhappy people who were not willing in fact adamantly opposed to the census etc.
I thought I was going to go away emptyhanded until I mentioned that we walked near their home and saw their dogs............that broke the ice and when they found out I have the cavaliers the tone of the conversation changed drastically..........all of a sudden I was no longer the big bad government ...........just a neighbor who loves dogs too.............I got the most important info needed if not all of it and they are now counted in the census.
.....................I think my boys should get an identification badge like I have that I have to wear around my neck at all times while on the job............I could attach it to their collars right next to their rabies tag...........it's an official tag but my name is written on it with a SHARPIE. I suppose that might not fly but at the very least I think I should be able to list them as a business expense. They definitely helped take the census!!!!!!!
e
Now that I am an official "temporary" employee for the Census Bureau my association with three little cavaliers has proved to be very beneficial on several occasions. My most recent batch of census forms all had addresses here in Rose Hill............so even though Rose Hill is fairly large with around 400 homes I was calling on neighbors so to speak. Numerous times I have been greeted at the door with ........oh I know you .....you have the three little dogs..........................or .....I've seen you walking the cute little dogs.......or...........you have the pretty King Charles!
You get the picture. It made a mundane task into a fun chat and I met some nice people and we now know each other's name.
Of course not everyone is so pleasant and on two occasions I called on addresses where I met with very unhappy people who were not willing in fact adamantly opposed to the census etc.
I thought I was going to go away emptyhanded until I mentioned that we walked near their home and saw their dogs............that broke the ice and when they found out I have the cavaliers the tone of the conversation changed drastically..........all of a sudden I was no longer the big bad government ...........just a neighbor who loves dogs too.............I got the most important info needed if not all of it and they are now counted in the census.
.....................I think my boys should get an identification badge like I have that I have to wear around my neck at all times while on the job............I could attach it to their collars right next to their rabies tag...........it's an official tag but my name is written on it with a SHARPIE. I suppose that might not fly but at the very least I think I should be able to list them as a business expense. They definitely helped take the census!!!!!!!
e
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Working Dogs Part 2
I would be happy to tell you that the boys quickly adjusted to our training schedule but, of course, that didn't happen. In fact Friday was the only day I didn't have to carry one of them outside each morning. I know dogs live in the moment but they weren't diggin' the morning moments.
My front door is made up of beveled glass panels divided into 9"x12" sections and the bottom three panels look like picture frames when you walk up to the front porch and see each dog peering through their assigned pane.............don't know who assigned the panes but they are always at the same one. They are very still and quiet until I start to walk up the steps and that's when the action begins..........Montgomery barks and goes in circles, Zeke barks a little and leaps straight up over and over, and Brogie barks continuously and marches in place. This happened each day at lunch and again at the end of the day.........and my usually undemanding boys DEMANDED a 5 minute love fest no matter how bad I had to go the bathroom. I try to give each of them the amount of attention they want ...........Gummie is satisfied first with Brogie coming in a distant second while Zeke would like to be velcroed (is that a word?) to my body and would be content in my lap for who knows how long.
It was a long week for the boys but they survived. I don't think I would appreciate a census taker.........I mean an ENUMERATOR knocking on my door early in the morning so I don't head out until 10 or so now and the boys are much happier. Granted their main activity is sleeping during the day but they don't like to start their day job until they've had a really good, long night's sleep. You might say I have three little pampered pets or............does the term SPOILED ROTTEN come to mind? Either way, I'm lovin' it.
e
My front door is made up of beveled glass panels divided into 9"x12" sections and the bottom three panels look like picture frames when you walk up to the front porch and see each dog peering through their assigned pane.............don't know who assigned the panes but they are always at the same one. They are very still and quiet until I start to walk up the steps and that's when the action begins..........Montgomery barks and goes in circles, Zeke barks a little and leaps straight up over and over, and Brogie barks continuously and marches in place. This happened each day at lunch and again at the end of the day.........and my usually undemanding boys DEMANDED a 5 minute love fest no matter how bad I had to go the bathroom. I try to give each of them the amount of attention they want ...........Gummie is satisfied first with Brogie coming in a distant second while Zeke would like to be velcroed (is that a word?) to my body and would be content in my lap for who knows how long.
It was a long week for the boys but they survived. I don't think I would appreciate a census taker.........I mean an ENUMERATOR knocking on my door early in the morning so I don't head out until 10 or so now and the boys are much happier. Granted their main activity is sleeping during the day but they don't like to start their day job until they've had a really good, long night's sleep. You might say I have three little pampered pets or............does the term SPOILED ROTTEN come to mind? Either way, I'm lovin' it.
e
Working Dogs Part 1
The business of architecture is slow these days and I have had way too much time on my hands so a few months ago I took a test to become a census taker. The census bureau deemed me to be literate enough to do the job and for 8 weeks I will be (you won't believe this) an ENUMERATOR. Do you think the government paid someone to come up with that job title?............The best part is that I can make my own schedule so it won't interfere with other things.............except for last week which was TRAINING WEEK.
I had to be there at 8:00 am which is no problem for me as I usually get up early anyhow.............but it was a big problem for the boys. When I called them at 6:30 the reaction was underwhelming to say the least. Left undisturbed they will sleep to 9 or 10........it happens often. That first morning the only reaction I got was that Montgomery opened his eyes!!! That's it.......nothing else. So I turned on all the lights, TV, and got some music going on the computer.............nothing. I finally knocked on the bedroom door and that got Montgomery's attention. Zeke could care less and Brogie probably didn't hear it. I had to pick Zeke up and carry him outside...........went back in to get Brogie and picked him up gently as he is always stiff first thing in the a.m. and when I put him down outside he just stood there ..............it was still kind of dark and he just stood there and looked at me like I had lost my mind......he was so tired and stiff he SQUATTED to pee!!! When I let them back inside they made a bee line to the bed and when I left at 7:30 all three of them were snoring.
e
I had to be there at 8:00 am which is no problem for me as I usually get up early anyhow.............but it was a big problem for the boys. When I called them at 6:30 the reaction was underwhelming to say the least. Left undisturbed they will sleep to 9 or 10........it happens often. That first morning the only reaction I got was that Montgomery opened his eyes!!! That's it.......nothing else. So I turned on all the lights, TV, and got some music going on the computer.............nothing. I finally knocked on the bedroom door and that got Montgomery's attention. Zeke could care less and Brogie probably didn't hear it. I had to pick Zeke up and carry him outside...........went back in to get Brogie and picked him up gently as he is always stiff first thing in the a.m. and when I put him down outside he just stood there ..............it was still kind of dark and he just stood there and looked at me like I had lost my mind......he was so tired and stiff he SQUATTED to pee!!! When I let them back inside they made a bee line to the bed and when I left at 7:30 all three of them were snoring.
e
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tantrum
Not only is Zeke handsome but he is also VERY well behaved....but (of course there has to be a but) we do have one issue. Any time Zeke is outside he has to be on a leash unless he is in the fenced in yard because if he sees anything move and I mean anything ........bird, deer, rabbit, butterfly, dog, cat, ANYTHING...........he takes off after it and will not stop until he decides to stop no matter what I do.
We take a 2 or 3 mile walk most days on the horse trails in our little neighborhood and there is a one mile section that is bordered by a fence on one side and thick brush on the other side and I have been letting the boys off the leash there and they LOVE it. The first thing they do is run as fast as they can for about 15 seconds or so and since the trail winds a good bit they are out of our sight for awhile but then they turn and head back to where they can see us and we can see them at which time they take off again.............and so it goes over and over. Zeke takes a few detours but he gets back to the trail pretty quickly and I've learned to have faith that it will be ok.
At one point two trails intersect and that is where we gather up the boys and put the leashes back on. Recently Zeke made the decision that he didn't want to do it that way anymore. He wants to go the rest of the way home (it's only about 1/4 mile but you have to cross a paved road) off leash.
He was so put out with me that he threw a tantrum!!!!!! As soon as I snapped on the leash he grabbed the fabric lead and shook it as hard as he could then he threw himself down on the ground all the time shaking that lead......I got him up and we walked home with Zeke shaking the lead all the way. I think he growled a few times. At one point I stopped and told him to SIT which he did and he looked up at me with those big brown eyes and the lead in his mouth and what could I do...........he is so sweet and so cute and so well behaved......................I gave him a big hug !!!!!!!!!
Guess I showed him.
e
We take a 2 or 3 mile walk most days on the horse trails in our little neighborhood and there is a one mile section that is bordered by a fence on one side and thick brush on the other side and I have been letting the boys off the leash there and they LOVE it. The first thing they do is run as fast as they can for about 15 seconds or so and since the trail winds a good bit they are out of our sight for awhile but then they turn and head back to where they can see us and we can see them at which time they take off again.............and so it goes over and over. Zeke takes a few detours but he gets back to the trail pretty quickly and I've learned to have faith that it will be ok.
At one point two trails intersect and that is where we gather up the boys and put the leashes back on. Recently Zeke made the decision that he didn't want to do it that way anymore. He wants to go the rest of the way home (it's only about 1/4 mile but you have to cross a paved road) off leash.
He was so put out with me that he threw a tantrum!!!!!! As soon as I snapped on the leash he grabbed the fabric lead and shook it as hard as he could then he threw himself down on the ground all the time shaking that lead......I got him up and we walked home with Zeke shaking the lead all the way. I think he growled a few times. At one point I stopped and told him to SIT which he did and he looked up at me with those big brown eyes and the lead in his mouth and what could I do...........he is so sweet and so cute and so well behaved......................I gave him a big hug !!!!!!!!!
Guess I showed him.
e
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sweet
We all have a bad day once in awhile and today was one for me........it finally got the best of me and I did what all well bred Southern women were taught to do in the past.......I took to the bed !!! Of course that really didn't help any more today than a century ago except for one thing............I was curled up in the fetal position and was sobbing and blowing my nose and feeling more sad than I have been in a very long time.
I heard a little whimper and opened my eyes...........about two feet from my face , laying side by side with their faces resting on their front paws and as still as they could be were three of the cutest cavaliers in the world. Six huge brown eyes staring at me and very still. I don't even know when they got on the bed. At first I just looked at them but Montgomery is the talker of the group and he did another little whimper and as soon as I talked to them they all crawled over to me with tails wagging.............they proceeded to walk all over me, rub all over me and roll all over me. Needless to say the crying was over!!
It was the sweetest thing.
e
I heard a little whimper and opened my eyes...........about two feet from my face , laying side by side with their faces resting on their front paws and as still as they could be were three of the cutest cavaliers in the world. Six huge brown eyes staring at me and very still. I don't even know when they got on the bed. At first I just looked at them but Montgomery is the talker of the group and he did another little whimper and as soon as I talked to them they all crawled over to me with tails wagging.............they proceeded to walk all over me, rub all over me and roll all over me. Needless to say the crying was over!!
It was the sweetest thing.
e
E and Zeke go to the vet
I hope the Easter Bunny leaves you a basket full of love and good health and maybe a piece of really good chocolate!!
Zeke and I had an interesting afternoon this past week. He wasn't eating with his usual gusto and seemed to be on top of me at all times so I knew something was going on with him.....so after some feeling around I discovered true grossness encrusted all over his little package.....tried washing, trimming, more washing but nothing was working so I'm thinking he's got some terrible STD or worse as I had never seen anything quite like it before.The next afternoon Zeke and I went to the vet's office and found that my usual vet had sold his business and moved to Murrell's Inlet on Jan. 1. So there we were ..... new Vet, new dog, new office procedure and new ailment. Could have been a disaster but the new Vet was great, Zeke was his wonderful self and the encrusted wang was not nearly as bad as it looked (and smelled).
As soon as we walked in the door Zeke was the center of attention and everyone had to put their hands on him and talk baby talk etc. You would not believe.....no I guess you would probably have expected it as I do now. Besides his only competition at the time was a yappy little terrier of some kind and an ill tempered pomeranian.....give me a break. When we got in the examination room and they saw what I was talking about they decided to lay him on his back to clean him up and he wanted no part of it so I stepped in and told them to let me hold him and of course they were skeptical but said we'd give it a try....I picked him up and cradled him like a baby and he didn't move or make a sound for twenty minutes......he just looked at me and I kept telling him what a good boy he was. The vet and his assistant were really caring and gentle during the entire process .....they used a saline solution and some other stuff, trimmed some weird hairs growing in weird directions and then the vet grabs Zeke's shaft and says let's take a look at that penis....you are probably used to things like that but a thousand funny things popped into my head ...be honest they flashed in your mind too.....so I said geeze Doc your idea of foreplay stinks!!!!! It just came flying out of my mouth and they started laughing so hard so much so that the receptionist came back to see what was going on. Zeke was a champ through it all and the vet was impressed with him but there's no telling what he thought of me.
e
Zeke and I had an interesting afternoon this past week. He wasn't eating with his usual gusto and seemed to be on top of me at all times so I knew something was going on with him.....so after some feeling around I discovered true grossness encrusted all over his little package.....tried washing, trimming, more washing but nothing was working so I'm thinking he's got some terrible STD or worse as I had never seen anything quite like it before.The next afternoon Zeke and I went to the vet's office and found that my usual vet had sold his business and moved to Murrell's Inlet on Jan. 1. So there we were ..... new Vet, new dog, new office procedure and new ailment. Could have been a disaster but the new Vet was great, Zeke was his wonderful self and the encrusted wang was not nearly as bad as it looked (and smelled).
As soon as we walked in the door Zeke was the center of attention and everyone had to put their hands on him and talk baby talk etc. You would not believe.....no I guess you would probably have expected it as I do now. Besides his only competition at the time was a yappy little terrier of some kind and an ill tempered pomeranian.....give me a break. When we got in the examination room and they saw what I was talking about they decided to lay him on his back to clean him up and he wanted no part of it so I stepped in and told them to let me hold him and of course they were skeptical but said we'd give it a try....I picked him up and cradled him like a baby and he didn't move or make a sound for twenty minutes......he just looked at me and I kept telling him what a good boy he was. The vet and his assistant were really caring and gentle during the entire process .....they used a saline solution and some other stuff, trimmed some weird hairs growing in weird directions and then the vet grabs Zeke's shaft and says let's take a look at that penis....you are probably used to things like that but a thousand funny things popped into my head ...be honest they flashed in your mind too.....so I said geeze Doc your idea of foreplay stinks!!!!! It just came flying out of my mouth and they started laughing so hard so much so that the receptionist came back to see what was going on. Zeke was a champ through it all and the vet was impressed with him but there's no telling what he thought of me.
e
Needless to say
Well I told Brogie about his new grandchildren and although he looked at me as if he was listening we all know he can't hear a thing unless you yell.........and besides all he really cared about was me rubbing his belly. It took him a really long time to relax when someone was petting him.........it's not that he didn't like it .......but you could tell he was on edge as if something might happen. Not so anymore....as a matter of fact he probably asks for attention the most and of course he gets it. His head is on my foot right now........needless to say he has learned how to handle me.
e
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Brandon and the boys
Daughter Leslie has a significant other, Barry.........and he has a 3 year old son, Brandon, who will grab your heart in a skinny minute or at least that's what happened to me. Steve and I had him this weekend and as you can imagine our very quiet predictable weekend was anything but.........................it was a change for us but it was even more so for the boys. Brandon is not a rowdy kid but he is 3 and he is on the go ........so the boys were in shock at first. Montgomery got into the swing of things quickly and was soon playing fetch with balls and hotwheels............Zeke doesn't do the fetch thing but he did sit and watch as we built a lego tower and Brandon laughed so hard when Zeke knocked the whole thing down with his tail.........Zeke was interested in everything we did but most enjoyed nap time. Brogie is another story....he was very apprehensive all weekend. I think he was afraid Brandon would fall on him or something like that or maybe he had a bad experience in his past with a little one .......who knows. He kept his distance at all times and that is so unlike him. The funny thing is that today they all are exhausted and have been sleeping nonstop. I had to wake them up this morning and none of them was interested.........usually they are all so lovey dovey with tails wagging and kisses .......but not today. They went outside did their business, ate breakfast and went to sleep..........Brogie didn't even eat his breakfast. Their tails weren't even wagging!!!! They slept all day. My guess is that the boys are like Steve and I thinking that the best thing about grandchildren is that after the fun is over they go home.
e
e
Too Tall
A few years ago Rose Hill converted it's 27 hole golf course back to a normal 18 hole course...........so what do you do with all that property. Can't tell you what a hot topic it was here in our little part of the world. While the powers that be tried to decide what to do with it the residents of Rose Hill started using it just as it should be used.......the cart path is paved and is just over two miles long so walkers, joggers, bikers and skaters put it to good use. Flying kites and electric airplanes is a big activity also. But the people that use it the most are the dog owners. We even call it the dog park. There are two poop bag dispensers and trash containers so it is a great set up. The boys love it and we have been letting them off leash at the far end. Zeke runs as hard as he can for a few minutes and then goes in circles........then he runs back to us and circles us........you should see his little face. I swear he's smiling!!!!
I don't know if you'll believe this as we had a hard time believing our own eyes the first time but Brogie is a great little runner.......he keeps up with Zeke and Montgomery. He's not so good on the circling part but in a straight line he's right there with them and if there is a squirrel or bird he'll lead the way. We think he has a little bit of alzheimers because when he sees a big egret he forgets how stiff he is and hauls his butt as fast as he can......he gets pretty tired and seems to be happy when I put the leash back on.
As we were walking back to the car today a man with two very large great
danes was just starting their walk........and the funniest thing happened. Montgomery and Brogie went over to meet and greet and do the smell the butt routine but no matter how hard they stretched they couldn't get a good sniff.......Brogie got up on his hind legs and put his front paws on Montgomery's back and still couldn't get anywhere near where he needed to be for a proper sniff. The great danes were so sweet.......they just looked around and when their dad called them they trotted off. Of course Zeke was in his usual spot when big dogs are around....behind his mama.
e
I don't know if you'll believe this as we had a hard time believing our own eyes the first time but Brogie is a great little runner.......he keeps up with Zeke and Montgomery. He's not so good on the circling part but in a straight line he's right there with them and if there is a squirrel or bird he'll lead the way. We think he has a little bit of alzheimers because when he sees a big egret he forgets how stiff he is and hauls his butt as fast as he can......he gets pretty tired and seems to be happy when I put the leash back on.
As we were walking back to the car today a man with two very large great
danes was just starting their walk........and the funniest thing happened. Montgomery and Brogie went over to meet and greet and do the smell the butt routine but no matter how hard they stretched they couldn't get a good sniff.......Brogie got up on his hind legs and put his front paws on Montgomery's back and still couldn't get anywhere near where he needed to be for a proper sniff. The great danes were so sweet.......they just looked around and when their dad called them they trotted off. Of course Zeke was in his usual spot when big dogs are around....behind his mama.
e
Rock Statrs
What with all the rain and flooding and flu I haven't been out and about much recently so when we decided to pick up a pizza the other day I had forgotten how three handsome cavaliers invariably draw a crowd. We went to a local pizza place that is take out only so while Steve was inside I opened the back of the car as the boys love to take in all the sights and smells..........it didn't take long before I was answering all the usual questions and watching the love fest. It used to be...what kind of dogs are they? but more and more I'm hearing...are those King Charles? People still don't quite get the name but are much more aware of the breed now. We were coming out of a park and walking back to the car yesterday and a lady slammed on her brakes, jumped out of her car and left it running in the middle of the street .........the boys loved her and she was all over them and vice versa. Having ROCK STAR dogs is never dull.
e
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Cold, Wet Winter
Our front yard is under water and the only good thing is that I guess we could list it as "waterfront" property and market it to boaters.
I must have enjoyed the flu as I proceeded to have a relapse and can't seem to get back to normal.
In fact everyone I talk to these days is in the middle of some kind of turmoil whether it's marital problems or financial woes or health issues or grown children having to move back home and the list goes on. This is truly the winter of discontent............but I am so lucky to have my very own antidepressant available to me 24/7 and no prescription necessary. General Montgomery H Carson, Lord Broughan Carson and Zig Zag Zeke Carson shower me with affection and adoration each and every time they see me. They treat me like I'm the most magnificent person ever..........I get to smile over and over every day and not many people get to do that these days. Too bad I can't really bottle this stuff......I could call it CAVALIER CURE ALL.........garanteed to ease your pain , soothe your soul and bring you joy.
e
I must have enjoyed the flu as I proceeded to have a relapse and can't seem to get back to normal.
In fact everyone I talk to these days is in the middle of some kind of turmoil whether it's marital problems or financial woes or health issues or grown children having to move back home and the list goes on. This is truly the winter of discontent............but I am so lucky to have my very own antidepressant available to me 24/7 and no prescription necessary. General Montgomery H Carson, Lord Broughan Carson and Zig Zag Zeke Carson shower me with affection and adoration each and every time they see me. They treat me like I'm the most magnificent person ever..........I get to smile over and over every day and not many people get to do that these days. Too bad I can't really bottle this stuff......I could call it CAVALIER CURE ALL.........garanteed to ease your pain , soothe your soul and bring you joy.
e
Unbelievably Sweet Dogs
I am almost never sick........can't remember the last time I had a cold but this year I got a flu shot as that's all I heard about in the fall and since I'm "getting up in years" ........thought it was a good idea...so what happens..I got the worst case of flu that I have ever had.Who knows what I had as I was to sick to go to a doctor until 6 days later and that was too late. But that's not what I wanted to tell you about.
I got sick in the middle of the afternoon and spent that first night in and out of the bathroom and finally got settled into bed a little before dawn and I slept for 28 hours. Steve said that Brogie and Montgomery layed next to me with their heads on my legs the whole time except when they went out to potty or when they ate. How sweet is that!!!!!!!!!!
Now this is a little sad. Evidently Zeke was on a pillow beside mine and had his head on mine and would not move not even to eat. After about 20 hours Steve picked him up and took him outside to potty which he did quickly and ran back in to his position. He did not eat until I woke up 8 hours later. When I woke up his leg was across my neck and his chin was on my forehead. We think he thought I was dead and was in mourning. We are all recovering nicely and Zeke is making up for missed meals.
e
I got sick in the middle of the afternoon and spent that first night in and out of the bathroom and finally got settled into bed a little before dawn and I slept for 28 hours. Steve said that Brogie and Montgomery layed next to me with their heads on my legs the whole time except when they went out to potty or when they ate. How sweet is that!!!!!!!!!!
Now this is a little sad. Evidently Zeke was on a pillow beside mine and had his head on mine and would not move not even to eat. After about 20 hours Steve picked him up and took him outside to potty which he did quickly and ran back in to his position. He did not eat until I woke up 8 hours later. When I woke up his leg was across my neck and his chin was on my forehead. We think he thought I was dead and was in mourning. We are all recovering nicely and Zeke is making up for missed meals.
e
Puppy Love
OMG...........Zeke is in love! You would think a handsome fella like Zeke would have an eye for the spunky little poodle at the end of our street or maybe the fluffy lapso apso or our neighbor's corgi but noooooooooo.........he's got the hots for a HAT.
This love story began on Christmas. Steve got this cool hat as a gift........it's red and black plaid and has ear flaps but the main thing is that it's lined with rabbit fur. Steve has a very big head and this hat is huge and when it came out of the box all three dogs made a bee line for it. Brogie and Montgomery lost interest but Zeke was beside himself. Finally put it up and out of sight but I guess it wasn't out of smell as Zeke sat in front of the closet door and patiently waited.......and waited........and waited
I lured him away with food and Steve took the hat out to the garage. Zeke went back to the closet and knew it was gone so he went all over the house sniffing.....didn't give up for a long time. A few days later I heard Zeke out in the garage barking which is unusual so I investigated and he had spotted the hat on a high shelf and he was jumping and barking and totally revved up. That same day we went to an oyster roast and Steve wore the hat and when we got home he left it in the car. Steve putters around in the garage a lot and is often working on his car so a few days later I was in the kitchen and Zeke came running in the house with the beloved hat. I was afraid he was going to tear it up but I guess I didn't realize that this was "puppy love" for real. I tried to grab it but he ran over to the bed and jumped up and rubbed his head and all of his body all over the hat and then layed on top of it. I eventually got it but felt terrible when he looked at me with those huge brown eyes. We would give it to him if it was't such a nice hat. So now I'm on the look out for a cheap hat with rabbit fur.
e
This love story began on Christmas. Steve got this cool hat as a gift........it's red and black plaid and has ear flaps but the main thing is that it's lined with rabbit fur. Steve has a very big head and this hat is huge and when it came out of the box all three dogs made a bee line for it. Brogie and Montgomery lost interest but Zeke was beside himself. Finally put it up and out of sight but I guess it wasn't out of smell as Zeke sat in front of the closet door and patiently waited.......and waited........and waited
I lured him away with food and Steve took the hat out to the garage. Zeke went back to the closet and knew it was gone so he went all over the house sniffing.....didn't give up for a long time. A few days later I heard Zeke out in the garage barking which is unusual so I investigated and he had spotted the hat on a high shelf and he was jumping and barking and totally revved up. That same day we went to an oyster roast and Steve wore the hat and when we got home he left it in the car. Steve putters around in the garage a lot and is often working on his car so a few days later I was in the kitchen and Zeke came running in the house with the beloved hat. I was afraid he was going to tear it up but I guess I didn't realize that this was "puppy love" for real. I tried to grab it but he ran over to the bed and jumped up and rubbed his head and all of his body all over the hat and then layed on top of it. I eventually got it but felt terrible when he looked at me with those huge brown eyes. We would give it to him if it was't such a nice hat. So now I'm on the look out for a cheap hat with rabbit fur.
e
COLD
Steve and I wear down vests during the fall, winter, and spring and it's usually all you need here. Daughter Leslie gave all the pups a new vest for Christmas and we were happy to have them yesterday. We had to go on our walk early yesterday and when we left it was 27 degrees.........way cold for us. I was so bundled up that I looked like the Pilsbury dough boy and Steve was the Michelin Man........but the puppies were adorable.
Brogie has worn clothes before as he was comfortable getting dressed and moved normally but Zeke was a little concerned. He let me put his vest on but then he tried to rub it off........when it wouldn't come off he ran to me with that look...fix it Mom! Montgomery is used to it so he knew we were going out and he was happy. Brogie's vest has a pocket.....must be for his cell phone!!!!!!! When we got outside we were all happy to be dressed for the weather even Zeke. Today he didn't even try to rub it off.
e
Brogie has worn clothes before as he was comfortable getting dressed and moved normally but Zeke was a little concerned. He let me put his vest on but then he tried to rub it off........when it wouldn't come off he ran to me with that look...fix it Mom! Montgomery is used to it so he knew we were going out and he was happy. Brogie's vest has a pocket.....must be for his cell phone!!!!!!! When we got outside we were all happy to be dressed for the weather even Zeke. Today he didn't even try to rub it off.
e
Hair
Happy New Year
One of my friends called me at the last minute to substitute in her bridge club and I reluctantly agreed and threw on my fleece jacket, combed my hair etc and off I went. Hadn't seen some of the ladies in awhile but one of them said .........oh Emma you've got dog hair all over your jacket and she proceeded to try to brush it off!!!!!
Little did she know that I had already spent five minutes and three sections of sticky paper on it and I was well satisfied with how little hair was still on it.
e
One of my friends called me at the last minute to substitute in her bridge club and I reluctantly agreed and threw on my fleece jacket, combed my hair etc and off I went. Hadn't seen some of the ladies in awhile but one of them said .........oh Emma you've got dog hair all over your jacket and she proceeded to try to brush it off!!!!!
Little did she know that I had already spent five minutes and three sections of sticky paper on it and I was well satisfied with how little hair was still on it.
e
Wrapping
Couldn't put it off any longer so decided to wrap gifts last night.....I have turned into a scrooge as I find gift wrapping to be a pain and have even considered stuffing everything in a bag with tissue paper peeking over the top....just think it could be a theme Christmas...BAGS R US or SANTA SACKS or even better PRETTY PAPER POKES .....maybe next year.
In the midst of all the paper cutting and taping and bow making and just when I was completely sick of it all one of my little guys made me laugh out loud. I had bought Steve one of those nice rain jackets that has a zip in or out fleece jacket inside so it's good for all year wear as he has worn the same one for years now and it looks ruff. I had it laying in a big box but had not put the top on yet . Zeke was in the box on top of the jacket ON HIS BACK.
Jacket- $100.00.........Zeke in the box- Priceless
e
In the midst of all the paper cutting and taping and bow making and just when I was completely sick of it all one of my little guys made me laugh out loud. I had bought Steve one of those nice rain jackets that has a zip in or out fleece jacket inside so it's good for all year wear as he has worn the same one for years now and it looks ruff. I had it laying in a big box but had not put the top on yet . Zeke was in the box on top of the jacket ON HIS BACK.
Jacket- $100.00.........Zeke in the box- Priceless
e
Dirty Dishes
Have been having some backpain lately and was laying on the bed with the heating pad when I heard some dishes rattle ........ didn't think too much about it as I was very happy stretched out on the heating pad and thought maybe Steve was looking for a snack. But every 10 seconds or so I would hear another little rattle........curiosity got the best of me and I went to see........what's your guess?
The door to the dishwasher was open and sitting on top was Zeke.....he was licking the dirty dishes as quietly as possible......as soon as he saw me he dropped his little head like he was in BIG trouble......all I could do was laugh. He is so funny.
e
The door to the dishwasher was open and sitting on top was Zeke.....he was licking the dirty dishes as quietly as possible......as soon as he saw me he dropped his little head like he was in BIG trouble......all I could do was laugh. He is so funny.
e
The Tree
We have a zillion Christmas ornaments and lights and so I usually look for a chubby if not down right fat tree..........this year's tree is morbidly obese!!!!! Zeke helped me with the lights and some of the ornaments but Montgomery and Brogie only watched for 10 or 15 minutes and went back to the bedroom to nap. It was dark and rainy all day and they slept a long time. I was sitting on the floor taking a break and trying to untangle some ornaments when Brogie sauntered over to me for a little rubbing but I could tell he needed to go out ........he took a look at the tree and I knew what he was thinking.........so I watched him and just as he started to lift that leg I yelped at him so he preceded to go under the tree and all the way around and came out with two ornaments hanging on his fur......one was on his ear and one was on his tail.......I jumped up to get my camera but by the time I got back he had gotten them off.........it would have been a great Christmas card.
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TAG
Every night at about this time we see Brogie chasing Montgomery through the kitchen and into the great room and on to the bedroom........a few seconds later they do it all over again but this time Brogie leads the way. His health and overall fitness has improved even more since you were here and he walks everyday now. His ears are always up and we are soooooo happy to see him this way. He and Montgomery are VERY similar in almost everything and have become very close. Zeke has turned into a Mama's boy and prefers to be on my lap when at all possible. He watches the other two racing around but all he wants is some belly scratching..........and of course I'm more than happy to oblige.
Hope you are well.
e
Hope you are well.
e
After looking at these pictures you may want to review your screening procedures for prospective retiree adopters...........because it is obvious that two NUTS are responsible for two of your beloved puppies.
My favorite shot is the one that Brogie is kissing Santa..........Santa loved Brogie and we have noticed that when we are out and folks come over to us they almost always end up fawning over Brogie.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
e
Baking with Zeke
It is surely getting close to the holidays because this afternoon I decided to bake cookies and in my later life that doesn't happen very often..........same thing with real cooking and just about every other domestic thing I can think of ...........but today the old urge for home baked goodness got the best of me. Zeke is my kitchen buddy and when I started mulling around in the kitchen in the middle of the afternoon he was anxious to know what was up. He watched everything and smelled everything....butter, eggs, brown sugar oh my....I read the recipe out loud to him and he turned his head back and forth as if he knew exactly what was going on..........at one point I had to get a paper towel and wipe the drool off his mouth. He had two long strings hanging all the way to the floor!!!!!!!
We set our counter tops higher than normal because we are so tall and it's a good thing because if they were standard height I believe Z would jump right up there. Usually he just sits and watches me but today I think the smells got to him as he got so worked up he did the snort thing and did a little whining..........he was so cute.........and he loved his very own just out of the oven COOKIE!!!!!
e
We set our counter tops higher than normal because we are so tall and it's a good thing because if they were standard height I believe Z would jump right up there. Usually he just sits and watches me but today I think the smells got to him as he got so worked up he did the snort thing and did a little whining..........he was so cute.........and he loved his very own just out of the oven COOKIE!!!!!
e
Proud Parents
We had an interesting encounter on the trail this afternoon........a horse and rider came up behind us and it was the first time that has happened with Brogie and Z. Montgomery has never had any reaction to it but just didn't know what to expect from the others. We were at a narrow section of trail and we squeezed over to the side and the boys sat right beside us and never made a sound. The rider was on a very experience horse........didn't even have his feet in the stirrups......he started talking about our beautiful cavaliers and asked if we were showing them in Savannah right after Thanksgiving.
He sounded very knowledgeable and was surprised to find out Brogie's age. We talked a bit and as he walked on he said ......your cavaliers have wonderful manners maybe the best I've seen. Don't know if that's true but it was a nice thing for him to say. We were proud.
Our refrigerator has the freezer on the bottom so the actual frig is about three feet up.....I was a little late with supper tonight and when I opened the frig to get the hamburger Zeke tried to jump in the meat drawer. Never a dull moment.
e
He sounded very knowledgeable and was surprised to find out Brogie's age. We talked a bit and as he walked on he said ......your cavaliers have wonderful manners maybe the best I've seen. Don't know if that's true but it was a nice thing for him to say. We were proud.
Our refrigerator has the freezer on the bottom so the actual frig is about three feet up.....I was a little late with supper tonight and when I opened the frig to get the hamburger Zeke tried to jump in the meat drawer. Never a dull moment.
e
HO HO HO
We all know that I am looney tunes about the boys but in my defense all that I am about to tell you is in connection with a charity event for the Humane Society.........ok that makes me feel a little bit better I think.
After a few hours of bathing, blow drying, grooming, and brushing and of course Christmas bandana attaching we loaded up the boys and went to a local pet shop for pictures with the big guy....that's right ........SANTA
We arrived at our assigned time but they were running a bit late so we opened up the back of the car and the boys were on view......they were a hit as usual even though all the dogs I saw were beautiful......but let's face it they aren't cavaliers. The clientel at this little shop is represented by every manner of purebred canine you can think of and the Carson Pack was the hit of the day. Santa was one of the owners of the shop and he is a little guy and he was really good with all the dogs. When we were done he wanted to hold Brogie a little longer and Brogie looked at him with his big soulful eyes and Santa was hooked. He rubbed Brogie and talked to him for a good while........don't think he wanted to stop but the lapso aphso group right behind us was getting crazy.
They even took a few shots of all the Carsons on the sofa with Santa......we have lost our minds. I don't think any of the pictures will be very good as the boys were really excited and the photographer was not a professional.....but everyone made a nice donation and we all had a fun time and when we get the disk I'll send them to you.
We had some errands to do so by the time we got home the fellas were wasted as you can see in the enclosed photos........they slept for hours.
e
After a few hours of bathing, blow drying, grooming, and brushing and of course Christmas bandana attaching we loaded up the boys and went to a local pet shop for pictures with the big guy....that's right ........SANTA
We arrived at our assigned time but they were running a bit late so we opened up the back of the car and the boys were on view......they were a hit as usual even though all the dogs I saw were beautiful......but let's face it they aren't cavaliers. The clientel at this little shop is represented by every manner of purebred canine you can think of and the Carson Pack was the hit of the day. Santa was one of the owners of the shop and he is a little guy and he was really good with all the dogs. When we were done he wanted to hold Brogie a little longer and Brogie looked at him with his big soulful eyes and Santa was hooked. He rubbed Brogie and talked to him for a good while........don't think he wanted to stop but the lapso aphso group right behind us was getting crazy.
They even took a few shots of all the Carsons on the sofa with Santa......we have lost our minds. I don't think any of the pictures will be very good as the boys were really excited and the photographer was not a professional.....but everyone made a nice donation and we all had a fun time and when we get the disk I'll send them to you.
We had some errands to do so by the time we got home the fellas were wasted as you can see in the enclosed photos........they slept for hours.
e
Zeke Carson
Zeke has been soooooooooooo easy to love. He bonded with all of us quickly and seems to enjoy everything we do. He loves to fold clothes....I always empty the basket on the bed and fold there so I can watch TV as I fold.......Zeke inspects each piece of laundry, snorts, and rolls on top and don't get me started on the vacuum cleaner.....he especially likes the little crevice attachment...moves his head from side to side trying to figure out why it's making such a high pitched sound...........sucked up a dime one day and Z looked at me then the vacuum me vacuum me vacuum.........I got so tickled I sat down on the floor giggling and before you knew it I had three boys climbing all over me.
We have an office set up in the room over the garage and there's a single bed up there so when both Steve and I are working they all come up there and snooze on the bed. Montgomery and Brogie just lay down and rest but Z watches us for awhile.....can always tell when he lays down because the snoring begins. Another thing Zeke loves is the car .....don't open a car door around him unless you're ok with him jumping in......got groceries today and you know who got up in there and sniffed each bag. He really likes it when I am in the kitchen.......since he has been here I have not cooked one thing alone and he always helps loading the dishwasher.........he knows the refrigerator is a good thing and is intent when that door opens. He participates in everything and of course I talk to him all the time and he looks at me like we are really conversing...........I guess we are.
Of course his most favorite thing is going for a walk and I'll tell you all about that later just know he has a ball.
Holly, thank you for letting us have him so soon.....I was willing to wait for him for a year and a half but I didn't know him then.
By the way, Montgomery loves loves loves them. Through out this whole process he has been loving and kind to both of them. He is not a loner and having Bogie and Zeke has been wonderful for him too.
Z is loved deeply and I believe he is very happy.
E
We have an office set up in the room over the garage and there's a single bed up there so when both Steve and I are working they all come up there and snooze on the bed. Montgomery and Brogie just lay down and rest but Z watches us for awhile.....can always tell when he lays down because the snoring begins. Another thing Zeke loves is the car .....don't open a car door around him unless you're ok with him jumping in......got groceries today and you know who got up in there and sniffed each bag. He really likes it when I am in the kitchen.......since he has been here I have not cooked one thing alone and he always helps loading the dishwasher.........he knows the refrigerator is a good thing and is intent when that door opens. He participates in everything and of course I talk to him all the time and he looks at me like we are really conversing...........I guess we are.
Of course his most favorite thing is going for a walk and I'll tell you all about that later just know he has a ball.
Holly, thank you for letting us have him so soon.....I was willing to wait for him for a year and a half but I didn't know him then.
By the way, Montgomery loves loves loves them. Through out this whole process he has been loving and kind to both of them. He is not a loner and having Bogie and Zeke has been wonderful for him too.
Z is loved deeply and I believe he is very happy.
E
Occasionally in life when we put a little effort into something we see some rewards and I'm here to tell you that sometimes that little bit of effort can pay back BIGTIME. The first few days we had Brogie he was sweet, quiet, and always tried to do what we asked.........but when I looked in his little eyes all I saw was not really sadness but maybe the best description would be resignation. He wasn't eating much....he was lethargic........he never caused any trouble and he seemed to love any attention I gave him but he was not thriving. At first I thought maybe his age had gotten the best of him and he was too tired to try anymore but then I remembered our first trip up to your place and how he took off to go up to your house to visit the ladies. He was a dog on a mission and that was in early August so I began a new strategy with Lord Broughan. I knew he wasn't eating enough so I started feeding him in a room by himself and boy oh boy did that work...........he eats everything in his bowl and scratches on the door when he's done........it's done wonders for him and now he sits in the kitchen licking his chops while I get his bowl ready. The other thing I did was to spend some time alone with him each day....he has responded so well that I am amazed. I think Montgomery and Zeke are so much stronger and have so much more energy that they push Brogie to the side in their exuberence for food, treats, attention and whatever else is going on. They don't mean to hurt him or anything like that it's just the way it is. Brogie now trots over to me and asks for loving and I most always stop what I'm doing and hug on him and you should see the twinkle in his eyes.........he is a love muffin. We have been taking him on our walks every other day so that his little joints and muscles could rest but he is doing so well we're going to go to a two days on and one day to rest schedule. We wallk briskly for at least an hour an he can now keep pace and I swear he looks like he's enjoying it. He might be old but he's got a lot of living to do and I mean HAPPY living for him and me. I adore him.
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
Brogie
Occasionally in life when we put a little effort into something we see some rewards and I'm here to tell you that sometimes that little bit of effort can pay back BIGTIME. The first few days we had Brogie he was sweet, quiet, and always tried to do what we asked.........but when I looked in his little eyes all I saw was not really sadness but maybe the best description would be resignation. He wasn't eating much....he was lethargic........he never caused any trouble and he seemed to love any attention I gave him but he was not thriving. At first I thought maybe his age had gotten the best of him and he was too tired to try anymore but then I remembered our first trip up to your place and how he took off to go up to your house to visit the ladies. He was a dog on a mission and that was in early August so I began a new strategy with Lord Broughan. I knew he wasn't eating enough so I started feeding him in a room by himself and boy oh boy did that work...........he eats everything in his bowl and scratches on the door when he's done........it's done wonders for him and now he sits in the kitchen licking his chops while I get his bowl ready. The other thing I did was to spend some time alone with him each day....he has responded so well that I am amazed. I think Montgomery and Zeke are so much stronger and have so much more energy that they push Brogie to the side in their exuberence for food, treats, attention and whatever else is going on. They don't mean to hurt him or anything like that it's just the way it is. Brogie now trots over to me and asks for loving and I most always stop what I'm doing and hug on him and you should see the twinkle in his eyes.........he is a love muffin. We have been taking him on our walks every other day so that his little joints and muscles could rest but he is doing so well we're going to go to a two days on and one day to rest schedule. We wallk briskly for at least an hour an he can now keep pace and I swear he looks like he's enjoying it. He might be old but he's got a lot of living to do and I mean HAPPY living for him and me. I adore him.
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
Carson Boys
We have a very small family and I love all of them and I like most of them .... but family that you get to choose is one of life's true joys.
We have been thinking that Brogie is looking better and better........we know he's feeling good because he is so much more active and so much more into everything that we do....and today a neighbor who hasn't seen him in a few weeks couldn't get over how good he looked........it made us feel so good because let's face it he has us wrapped around his little paws and we want him to be around as long as possible.
Am attaching a few pictures of the pack snoozing together and one of Brogie that didn't turn out so good as he put his nose almost on the lens. I'm having to learn how to take shots of three at a time.....it's not as easy as I thought it would be.
e
We have been thinking that Brogie is looking better and better........we know he's feeling good because he is so much more active and so much more into everything that we do....and today a neighbor who hasn't seen him in a few weeks couldn't get over how good he looked........it made us feel so good because let's face it he has us wrapped around his little paws and we want him to be around as long as possible.
Am attaching a few pictures of the pack snoozing together and one of Brogie that didn't turn out so good as he put his nose almost on the lens. I'm having to learn how to take shots of three at a time.....it's not as easy as I thought it would be.
e
Puppy Tales
I have a small pantry just off the kitchen where I keep almost all nonperishable food etc..........and of course dog treats and it has become Zeke's most favorite place..........but only at certain times of the day....he has figured out when I am most likely to give them a treat and since the door is usually open part way he now goes inside this tiny pantry and waits. The first day they were here I realized that Zeke is food aggressive so he eats in the utility room by himself and the other two get their food in peace but when it comes to treats the first one that comes gets the first treat. Sometimes after they have been out to take care of business during the middle of the day I give them a little treat and I know where to find Z. He's so cute about being smart.
Have Brogie and Zeke been on heartworm prevention pills? Went by the Vet today as I only had 2 pills left and they said I would need to have bloodwork done on them unless you had some sort of documentation from vet showing a negative heartworm result. No problem if you don't I'll have them tested if need be.
e
Have Brogie and Zeke been on heartworm prevention pills? Went by the Vet today as I only had 2 pills left and they said I would need to have bloodwork done on them unless you had some sort of documentation from vet showing a negative heartworm result. No problem if you don't I'll have them tested if need be.
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E-mails
For the last ten years or so I have listened to my friends telling all sorts of stories about their grandchildren and have probably .....no, absolutely looked at 10,000 pictures of them. So you would think they wouldn't mind hearing about my puppies but they are definitely over it. I admit that I'm a little over the edge but I'm OK with that and I love being able to write to someone who is actually interested in the boys and enjoys my stories. I have always loved dogs but as I get older I am realizing that I like dogs more and people less.........dogs are so honest and so kind and ask so little.........wouldn't it be nice if you could say the same about humans.
E
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Brogie's Baby Boy
You told us right before we left with the boys that we would draw a crowd with three cavaliers..............you were right. The funniest thing about it is that almost everyone says the same thing. Oh they're so cute and they all look alike! OK I get it they are all one breed but really.......they are not even all the same color ........go figure. I think what happens is that when they see the boys they get an overdose of CUTENESS and just start blabbering anything that comes to mind whether it makes sense or not. It is so much fun.
E
E
Zeke Carson aka ZigZak Zeke aka Ziggie aka Z
Zeke has been soooooooooooo easy to love. He bonded with all of us quickly and seems to enjoy everything we do. He loves to fold clothes....I always empty the basket on the bed and fold there so I can watch TV as I fold.......Zeke inspects each piece of laundry, snorts, and rolls on top and don't get me started on the vacuum cleaner.....he especially likes the little crevice attachment...moves his head from side to side trying to figure out why it's making such a high pitched sound...........sucked up a dime one day and Z looked at me then the vacuum me vacuum me vacuum.........I got so tickled I sat down on the floor giggling and before you knew it I had three boys climbing all over me.
We have an office set up in the room over the garage and there's a single bed up there so when both Steve and I are working they all come up there and snooze on the bed. Montgomery and Brogie just lay down and rest but Z watches us for awhile.....can always tell when he lays down because the snoring begins. Another thing Zeke loves is the car .....don't open a car door around him unless you're ok with him jumping in......got groceries today and you know who got up in there and sniffed each bag. He really likes it when I am in the kitchen.......since he has been here I have not cooked one thing alone and he always helps loading the dishwasher.........he knows the refrigerator is a good thing and is intent when that door opens. He participates in everything and of course I talk to him all the time and he looks at me like we are really conversing...........I guess we are.
Of course his most favorite thing is going for a walk and I'll tell you all about that later just know he has a ball.
Holly, thank you for letting us have him so soon.....I was willing to wait for him for a year and a half but I didn't know him then.
By the way, Montgomery loves loves loves them. Through out this whole process he has been loving and kind to both of them. He is not a loner and having Bogie and Zeke has been wonderful for him too.
Z is loved deeply and I believe he is very happy.
E
We have an office set up in the room over the garage and there's a single bed up there so when both Steve and I are working they all come up there and snooze on the bed. Montgomery and Brogie just lay down and rest but Z watches us for awhile.....can always tell when he lays down because the snoring begins. Another thing Zeke loves is the car .....don't open a car door around him unless you're ok with him jumping in......got groceries today and you know who got up in there and sniffed each bag. He really likes it when I am in the kitchen.......since he has been here I have not cooked one thing alone and he always helps loading the dishwasher.........he knows the refrigerator is a good thing and is intent when that door opens. He participates in everything and of course I talk to him all the time and he looks at me like we are really conversing...........I guess we are.
Of course his most favorite thing is going for a walk and I'll tell you all about that later just know he has a ball.
Holly, thank you for letting us have him so soon.....I was willing to wait for him for a year and a half but I didn't know him then.
By the way, Montgomery loves loves loves them. Through out this whole process he has been loving and kind to both of them. He is not a loner and having Bogie and Zeke has been wonderful for him too.
Z is loved deeply and I believe he is very happy.
E
Brogie Carson
Occasionally in life when we put a little effort into something we see some rewards and I'm here to tell you that sometimes that little bit of effort can pay back BIGTIME. The first few days we had Brogie he was sweet, quiet, and always tried to do what we asked.........but when I looked in his little eyes all I saw was not really sadness but maybe the best description would be resignation. He wasn't eating much....he was lethargic........he never caused any trouble and he seemed to love any attention I gave him but he was not thriving. At first I thought maybe his age had gotten the best of him and he was too tired to try anymore but then I remembered our first trip up to your place and how he took off to go up to your house to visit the ladies. He was a dog on a mission and that was in early August so I began a new strategy with Lord Broughan. I knew he wasn't eating enough so I started feeding him in a room by himself and boy oh boy did that work...........he eats everything in his bowl and scratches on the door when he's done........it's done wonders for him and now he sits in the kitchen licking his chops while I get his bowl ready. The other thing I did was to spend some time alone with him each day....he has responded so well that I am amazed. I think Montgomery and Zeke are so much stronger and have so much more energy that they push Brogie to the side in their exuberence for food, treats, attention and whatever else is going on. They don't mean to hurt him or anything like that it's just the way it is. Brogie now trots over to me and asks for loving and I most always stop what I'm doing and hug on him and you should see the twinkle in his eyes.........he is a love muffin. We have been taking him on our walks every other day so that his little joints and muscles could rest but he is doing so well we're going to go to a two days on and one day to rest schedule. We wallk briskly for at least an hour an he can now keep pace and I swear he looks like he's enjoying it. He might be old but he's got a lot of living to do and I mean HAPPY living for him and me. I adore him.
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
I have a lot to tell about Zeke too but I'll do that next time.
E
Carson Boys
We had bath day on Wed. and as usual I learned a thing or two. I have always bragged about how good Montgomery is about taking a bath........so I bathed him first and dryed him with the hair dryer and trimmed a little around the ears.........so far so good. Next up Zeke. I didn't know what to expect but I figured at least I had one of them done and I'd get through the next two. Well turns out Zeke is absolutely wonderful getting a bath. He even did his patented snort when I scrubbed around his tail and behind his ears........his tail wagged most of the time annd when I blow dryed he laid down on the towels and I just rolled him over when I needed to get to another side. Every time I told him what a good boy he is he licked me and looked at me with those huge brown eyes. OK so at this point I am happy beyond words so even if Brogie turns out to be difficult I feel like it will work out fine. Now Brogie had been watching all of this as he was on my bed in the pillows and from there you can see the tub and vanity and I was pleased because at least he hadn't run off to hide. I try to be much more gentle with everything I do with Brogie because he is so stiff and I know a lot of things hurt him but you would never be able to tell that when he's getting a bath..........he was magnificent.........even lifted each leg when I asked and he loves to be rubbed on his chest and his private parts. Blow drying was equally good. He held his head up and seemed to love the air on his chest. He loves attention and he made the whole thing a real love fest. So now I can brag about how wonderful all of the boys are on bath day.
I'm attaching a few pictures taken right before and during one of our walks. They all have on their Halloween bandanas and I think they look very handsome. I will take more pictures soon just haven't gotten into that much yet.
E
I'm attaching a few pictures taken right before and during one of our walks. They all have on their Halloween bandanas and I think they look very handsome. I will take more pictures soon just haven't gotten into that much yet.
E
Meal Time
We live a fairly quiet life these days.......maybe it borders on boring.....but some of the things I might have missed during my busy years are no longer overlooked and often bring an unexpected smile or big laugh. We have settled into a routine at mealtime and the dogs and cat are fed first and they all must have watches as they start assembling at about the same time in the morning and in the evening. All three dogs are so much the same and so much different and mealtime is the perfect example. Now these guys spend all of their time together but I feed them in separate rooms for a number of reasons .........the most important being that it gives Brogie a chance to eat in peace and he does so well that way. Truth be told we do a lot of things a certain way to accomodate Brogie's age but then he is the kind of dog that makes you want to do that...........I wish we had gotten him many years ago.
While I am fixing their meal they are watching my every move......they have learned not to sit in front of the refrigerator or the microwave but the rest of the kitchen is theirs.......and they have fairly good patience.....up to a point.
Zeke is first....simply because he is the most enthusiastic which is a nice way to say he's hell bent on getting his food and getting it now! He is fed in the utility room and when I'm walking that way he moonwalks swiftly..........guess you might call it moontrots all the way never taking his big brown eyes off his bowl. You would think going backwards that fast that he would bump into something but he must have the route memorized as he never touches anything. To me it's the cutest thing and he does it everytime.
Brogie is next and his thing is to start licking his chops and walking in place.........I guess he has flat feet or fallen arches or something and we describe his style of walking as paddling ........I take his bowl to the bedroom and I hear him paddling behind me and when I put the bowl down he paddles into just the right position and let me tell you he moves around until he is in his most preferred position .........then he gets into it just as much as the others, teeth or no teeth.
Montgomery is last because it's OK with him to be last.........he is just as eager but is willing to wait. Now Montgomery is like his Mama when it comes to weight.........not breed standard.........more of us to love!!!!!!!!! He tells me how happy he is with his tail....instead of wagging from side to side it goes around in circles and then when I start to bend over to put his bowl down he goes around in a circle too! Does it every time.
What may be viewed as a chore to get the dogs fed has turned into a little comedy act that I get to enjoy twice a day.
e
While I am fixing their meal they are watching my every move......they have learned not to sit in front of the refrigerator or the microwave but the rest of the kitchen is theirs.......and they have fairly good patience.....up to a point.
Zeke is first....simply because he is the most enthusiastic which is a nice way to say he's hell bent on getting his food and getting it now! He is fed in the utility room and when I'm walking that way he moonwalks swiftly..........guess you might call it moontrots all the way never taking his big brown eyes off his bowl. You would think going backwards that fast that he would bump into something but he must have the route memorized as he never touches anything. To me it's the cutest thing and he does it everytime.
Brogie is next and his thing is to start licking his chops and walking in place.........I guess he has flat feet or fallen arches or something and we describe his style of walking as paddling ........I take his bowl to the bedroom and I hear him paddling behind me and when I put the bowl down he paddles into just the right position and let me tell you he moves around until he is in his most preferred position .........then he gets into it just as much as the others, teeth or no teeth.
Montgomery is last because it's OK with him to be last.........he is just as eager but is willing to wait. Now Montgomery is like his Mama when it comes to weight.........not breed standard.........more of us to love!!!!!!!!! He tells me how happy he is with his tail....instead of wagging from side to side it goes around in circles and then when I start to bend over to put his bowl down he goes around in a circle too! Does it every time.
What may be viewed as a chore to get the dogs fed has turned into a little comedy act that I get to enjoy twice a day.
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The Saga Begins
My husband and I became empty nesters later in life than most. It was bittersweet but we adjusted and got busy living our new life. All was well for several years until our 16 year old poodle died. Losing a beloved pet is always hard no matter what stage of life you are in but this time it was crushing. It took me a year to even think about getting a new dog and another 6 months to get serious about it.
We have always had cocker spaniels and then our little poodle and I thought it would be a cool idea to get a cockapoo. Our daughter wanted us to think about getting some dog called a CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL. She's pretty sharp......she told me all about cavaliers and then showed me pictures!!!!!!!!
I had to have one.....a tricolor. Someone was looking out for me because I did everything wrong .....no research, no visit to see facilities or parents, and no references from former clients. I saw the ad and called the number. Next thing you know I am pulling into the parking lot of a McDonalds just off I 20 and meeting a "breeder". She was parked by the dumpster but all I could see was the magnificent little puppy in her arms. In no time at all I was whipping out hundred dollar bills like they grew on trees. I got the paperwork and the puppy and headed off into the sunset. I am sure that if anyone was looking at the surveilance cameras for McDonalds the whole thing would look like a drug deal at twilight.
And so our CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL saga began.
I named him Montgomery but we mostly call him Gummie. Fortunately, his heart and knees are good and I later found out the seller is known to be a respectable person etc. For the next year I was deep into puppy love but as we all know one cavalier is never enough and Gummie loves other dogs.......but I just didn't want to start over again with a puppy..........I wanted an instant pal for Gummie. Again someone was looking out for me as one day I came upon a neat website........CAVALIERS BY CRUMLEY. I read everything on the site, looked at all the pictures, and did it all over again the next day. I was excited about the retiree section and decided that even though Holly had no idea who I was or what kind of person I was ..........well I was going to fill out the retiree application and somehow I would convince her that we would be a good fit for one of her beloved cavaliers.
In August 2009 we drove to Lula, GA to meet Holly and 10 year old Broughan aka Brogie. Gummie loved it. We got down on the floor amidst all the wagging and met precious Trudy and sweet Lily and handsome, handsome, handsome Zeke.
On October 10 2009 we returned to Lula to pick up the boys.......BROGIE and ZEKE............now we have a pack!!!
As Holly was saying her goodbyes to Brogie and Zeke, she teared up and I felt horrible even though I was so happy and I quickly said that we would stay in touch..............AND WE WILL
E
We have always had cocker spaniels and then our little poodle and I thought it would be a cool idea to get a cockapoo. Our daughter wanted us to think about getting some dog called a CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL. She's pretty sharp......she told me all about cavaliers and then showed me pictures!!!!!!!!
I had to have one.....a tricolor. Someone was looking out for me because I did everything wrong .....no research, no visit to see facilities or parents, and no references from former clients. I saw the ad and called the number. Next thing you know I am pulling into the parking lot of a McDonalds just off I 20 and meeting a "breeder". She was parked by the dumpster but all I could see was the magnificent little puppy in her arms. In no time at all I was whipping out hundred dollar bills like they grew on trees. I got the paperwork and the puppy and headed off into the sunset. I am sure that if anyone was looking at the surveilance cameras for McDonalds the whole thing would look like a drug deal at twilight.
And so our CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL saga began.
I named him Montgomery but we mostly call him Gummie. Fortunately, his heart and knees are good and I later found out the seller is known to be a respectable person etc. For the next year I was deep into puppy love but as we all know one cavalier is never enough and Gummie loves other dogs.......but I just didn't want to start over again with a puppy..........I wanted an instant pal for Gummie. Again someone was looking out for me as one day I came upon a neat website........CAVALIERS BY CRUMLEY. I read everything on the site, looked at all the pictures, and did it all over again the next day. I was excited about the retiree section and decided that even though Holly had no idea who I was or what kind of person I was ..........well I was going to fill out the retiree application and somehow I would convince her that we would be a good fit for one of her beloved cavaliers.
In August 2009 we drove to Lula, GA to meet Holly and 10 year old Broughan aka Brogie. Gummie loved it. We got down on the floor amidst all the wagging and met precious Trudy and sweet Lily and handsome, handsome, handsome Zeke.
On October 10 2009 we returned to Lula to pick up the boys.......BROGIE and ZEKE............now we have a pack!!!
As Holly was saying her goodbyes to Brogie and Zeke, she teared up and I felt horrible even though I was so happy and I quickly said that we would stay in touch..............AND WE WILL
E
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