The End Of 2012

Wow!  2012 what a year.  There have been a lot of changes.  Last year I made 2 posts: One with what we had done and one with goals for the next year.  This year, just one post.  

I started out the year with the idea that I might add another dog to the family, but I wanted to put everything I  could into training Tibby.  Tibby's my baby girl.  With two dogs I thought there might not be enough resources to go around - time, money....love.

2012 was all about the puppy.

So I pushed Tibby and we went on many adventures and I was frustrated a lot.  A lot of dreams and jealousy of other people's dogs.  

Finally I decided I was going to add another dog to the family.  I made a list of what I wanted in a dog.  I thought about adoption.  Then I added my name to a list for a Tibetan Terrier puppy litter that was due in the late Fall.  To keep myself busy and not to frustrate Tibby any more, I volunteered to foster a dog.  I had a lot of fun fostering Ellie and I seriously thought about adopting her, but then I didn't.  I also thought about adopting a puppy from a different place, but then I didn't.  I also thought about taking my name off of the puppy list.  The puppies were so expensive and I felt really guilty spending so much money on one puppy.  Something just for me.  For the price of one puppy I could help a bunch of foster dogs.  What to do?

  Then I got the message that I had not only been moved from the fall litter, but that there was a puppy for me in a litter that was already born.  The last pick of the litter.  And it was a boy.

Wow, last pick and a boy.  I'd never had a boy and I'd always imagined that I would get another girl.  Also, last pick?  What to do?

I went with my heart and said I would take him.  I didn't feel any deep connection looking at his first pictures, but I knew that I wanted him.  Once the decision was made I stopped worrying. It felt like the right decision.

And it was.  So, so happy that I chose Dhali.  Last pick was THE BEST pick!!! :)

And surprise! my heart has plenty of room for two.

This was also the year that I made the big decision to take Tibby to the U of M and see a Behavioral Veterinarian.  Tibby started meds and we are still waiting to see what the future holds for Tibby, but the meds have helped her a lot.  She is calmer and more balanced.  I feel like I'm getting my Tibby back and her personality is starting to show.  

Goals for 2013:

Well, since I hardly met any of my goals for 2012 (see previous post) I will try to keep the 2013 goals modest.

For Tibby:  Go on a walk and not react to anyone or any thing.

For Dhali:  Oh, man I have so many dreams for Dhali.   He'll be a year old at the end of May.  He'll be 18 months old at the end of November.  Old enough to enter an agility trial (!!!!).

My goal is: Play and have fun.

That's it.  If other things happen this year, they will happen, if they don't - there is always 2014!



Our year in video!  Yes it is a long movie, BUT it goes by pretty fast.  We had a very busy year, but I say that every year!

See you next year!

We can't wait to start another year FULL of ADVENTURE!

Handstand Trick Progression

Dhali working on his handstand/back up trick.  I think he might actually get this trick!  He's doing really, really well.  We had a break through yesterday and he realized what I wanted when I said 'back'.  He's quick, so I have to pay attention.
I wasn't very hopefully for Tibby to get this trick, but I think Dhali might get very soon!  Tonight I tried moving next to him (instead of having him in front of me), but that was too confusing to him.  So I tried having him back up from between my legs.  He understood that a lot better.  Little steps!  But he is so rewarding to train!  I love it!  And he loves it too, so that makes it even more fun!

Countdown

When puppy things started arriving this week, it made the puppy's arrival really real.  It's happening!  Get ready.

Snuggle Puppie models the doggie carrier.

It's a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be.  Not bad for $8 though!  I think it looks nice and I should be able to take the baby everywhere with me in this.

I stopped at goodwill and found a few toys.  I bought everything, including the basket, for $9.  Not a bad deal at all!  I was very happy to find a bumble ball, because it looks like a fun, crazy toy.  Tibby thinks the bumble ball is possessed.  She's making sure it doesn't try to attack her again.

I thought it would be funny for the puppy to have his own boy toy instead of a dog toy.

Getting the area set up.

This is the crate I got for $32.  Tibby likes it a lot.  She hangs out in it and chews her bully sticks.  It's MUCH bigger than I thought it was going to be - 2 Tibby sized dogs could fit in it.  In the picture she's only half way into the crate.

I'm taking care of Zoe and her 'brother' Benji this weekend.  Benji had an appointment to be groomed.  He goes to the other groomer in town i.e. not Tibby's groomer.  I was really NOT impressed with them.  I took Benji this morning this was my conversation with the groomer:

Groomer, "Who's this?"

Me, "Oh, this is Benji.  I'm dropping him off to me groomed."  They also board dogs there.

Groomer checks Benji's name off her list, "Ok.  You want the same as last time?"

Me, "Sure.  I'm the pet sitter, so whatever they usually have done is fine."

Groomer, "Do you have a time you want to pick him up at?"

Me, "Uh, well, when will he be done?"

Groomer, "4:30." Then she walked away with Benji.

Me, calling to her as she walked away, "Ok....I'll be back at 4:30 to pick him up."

Then when I picked him up a different groomer was there.  At least she smiled once and seemed to like dogs.

Groomer 2, "What does Benji look like?"

Me, "Uh, he's white and about this big."

Groomer 2, "Does he have a red collar?  Or a blue collar?"

Me, "Um, I think it's orange with jewels on it?"

She had me go in the crate room and point out which dog Benji was.

Seriously?  You don't know which dog is which?

What if I took the wrong dog?  After all, I'm not Benji's family - I could be anyone!

Also, smile and at least ACT like you like dogs.  If you don't act nice while I'm there, that makes me think you probably don't act very nice when I'm not there.

I like Tibby's groomer MUCH better.  She knows Tibby and she talks to me.  She doesn't groom a huge number of dogs.  Also, when your dog is done she calls you right away, so your dog doesn't have to sit there all day and get stressed out.  She also is just nice.  You can walk in at any time and see her talking to the dog as she grooms them - this place takes them away into the back.  Anyway - I was not impressed with the other grooming place.

Puppy Open House

Meet the new puppy!  So much personality!

Today I went to a puppy open house to meet the new member of our family.

It was so much fun!  So much cute puppiness!

This is Ch Shey Own's the Red Carpet
"Scarlet" the Momma dog.

And this is Ch. Shey's Smokin'
"Diesel" the Daddy.  Oh my, I LOVE this dog!  I hope the puppy takes after his daddy.  Such a fun, happy, playful dog.  Seriously LOVE him - would take him home is a second LOL!!

Crazy, but still a lover boy.  Perfect!

The puppies - 5 boys, 1 girl. The girl is in the very center head pointing toward the top of the picture.  My boy is on the left - of the two pups playing with the toy.

Very relaxed.  Puppies are hard work!  She is very fine boned and delicate.

Ready for some fun!  Like opening the screen door - which he did!  Awesome dog :)

Sleepy.  We played with them and then they had a snack at the milk bar.  After that they all went to sleep.

Here he is!

He's so sweet!  He was giving me kisses!

I'm so glad I didn't have to choose.  I don't know how any one can choose between them!  They are all so perfect. 

I love his symmetry.

Teething!  He really liked my finger.

Awwww.

Playing with the camera cord.