Ember was a really good girl on Sunday. Mommy did not end up with any new wounds, and a few of her scabs are starting to fall off. I knock wood, don't want to brag too much (bad luck), but I really do feel like we are making progress on the "mistaking mom for a chew/tug toy" thing, and also on the puppy freak-out thing.
Adding to that, the issue with diarrhea did not recur, and Mommy got good sleep! That also helps with the morning routine. I didn't get up until nearly 6.
Monday morning on our walk, we encountered a man walking two large-breed dogs (I think it was a German Shepherd Dog and I'm not sure of the other one, but a similar size). I kind of said "uh-oh" as we were walking up the slope out of the park. The gentleman immediately recognized "puppy in training" and pulled his dogs into the driveway. We exchanged intentions of direction/path, and avoided any closer encounter as clearly his dogs would have defended their territory. He had it well in hand, so that I could calm Ember, give her a treat, and encourage her along on our walk.
We encountered them again on the other side of the park as we were on our way home, and we did a similar thing so that Ember could have a peaceful path home and a good, successful leash-walk experience. I am so grateful for other dog owners who have been through the drill and "get it". Puppies have to learn, and good experiences as puppies make them into calmer adult dogs!
I've started trying Ember on the next size up (medium) of Kong toy. Problem with this, first time out: I put in one of the big cookies that Carl has in his, along with her usual kibble. Ember has yet to figure out how to get the big cookie out. Carl needs to give her lessons!
Meanwhile, on the kitty front:
I have not been deliberately "training" The Prisoner (I mean, who trains a cat? They are self-taught!) But he is figuring some things out, despite this. I normally just talk English to him.
Since the arrival of Ember, there are times when he doesn't feel safe. So I started telling him, "It's OK, she's in her crate" or "in her den", or whatever, along with "you're safe", and escorting him to and from his luxury suite in the laundry room.
Add to this the fact that with all the flags in the yard, I have only brought Ember outside to the back yard with leash attached. So I have kept Ember from repeating the incident where she latched on to a kitty leg. I have continued the gentle talk to both of them, petting one and letting the other sniff Mommy's petting hand, etc.
Lately he has become more and more bold. Even some times when I warn him that "The puppy is loose, you're on your own". Today, knowing that the puppy was in her "safe space", The Prisoner asked to come out of his own. And he came into the family room, hopped on my lap for purrs, pets, and a selfie with Mom!
Mom's heart is soaring. The kids are adjusting to one another!
That's about enough for a Holiday morning. I'm remembering the service members that have lost their lives, including the 13 soldiers at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009. They are always close to my heart, having been the ones who most directly impacted my personal life. I think as a nation we are stronger when we all know we have been touched by the loss of someone.
Have a peaceful and grateful Memorial Day all my fellow US folks!
Life is good! Spark on.
It's nice there is a detente, sort of, between the critters. Poor kitty is such a sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteFormer friends and family take their places front and center in the memory section today. They are remembered and missed.
Have a pleasant evening. 🪖🎖️
"Remembered and missed" pretty much says it all, doesn't it?
DeleteHope your evening is pleasant and your week ahead peaceful!
Today, as each Memorial Day, I remember Herring, one of my platoon members. He died in the Spring of 1975 while we were on a field maneuver in Germany. He was a short-timer, enlistment almost up, and had a fiancee waiting for him at home.
ReplyDeleteEach loss has a complete story behind it, and broken hearts back home. One thing every service member seems to experience is the loss of brothers and sisters in arms, so even if they come home physically whole, they have been "aged". My son lost a fellow to a medical issue in the barracks, before they even graduated. Then of course the biggie, with a terrorist attack right on US soil.
DeleteSorry for your loss.
P.S. Prisoner looks so glad to be getting snuggles.
ReplyDeleteHe has been extra affectionate since Ember arrived. Yes, we both enjoyed those snuggles!
DeleteWahoo on Ember learning that Mom is NOT a chew toy! Progress indeed. And a disappearance of the diarrhea issue!
ReplyDeleteThat’s awesome that the other walker w/the 2 large dogs recognized Puppy In Training. And you could both make adjustments. Well done.
Awwwww, Prisoner is learning and sure looks content in the photo!
Yesterday was a day of remembrance for us, too. It was in September 2013 that 3 of John’s mates were killed by an IED and the next day DS himself was wounded on the same route. Just sad. But their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Hugs and blessings
Barb
1cd
I remember that loss, and exchanging messages about it on SP. That was a great group, the Military Mamas & Papas, and I still keep in touch with a few of them on FB.
DeleteHugs right back at you! Our children in uniform may leave service and live civilian adult lives, but that time they served and the experiences they had shape them for a lifetime.
I think cats do understand more than we think and I bet Prisoner does get when you tell him where Ember is. You are doing so great with the training of Ember, I can really see the progress since I have been here on and off (also the growth) Huge hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks. There is much love in the house!
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