The robins were out in force. This chipper young fellow was singing his heart out on the backyard fence Sunday afternoon.
This was while Ember and I were out playing chase the ball. She did her business, came inside and decided she needed den time, even though it was not yet suppertime.
Ember had a big day on Sunday. We have introduced a new game related to getting The Prisoner safely inside when his schedule and Ember's don't quite dovetail with avoidance. Ember goes "four paws in" to her den, and we close her in just long enough for Mommy to carry The Prisoner to the steps to the laundry room. Prisoner goes about his business, Ember comes out to play or continue her lessons, or whatever.
On a late afternoon "big girl leash" walk, Ember met a man named Greg who has two big dogs (the dogs were not out with him), but he went to pet her, she rolled on her back and then nipped at him. He was bleeding! I felt so bad! He shrugged it off... puppies, and "I should know better".
Monday morning dawned foggy. Our routine went fairly smoothly. The cat got his breakfast, the puppy got hers, and mommy got hers as well, with the puppy being a good girl and not disturbing mommy while she ate! Victory! She got an extra blueberry for a reward.
We played some ball chase, mom did poo patrol for the overnight collections, and then Ember and mom went on a big girl leash walk. During this walk we encountered Barnaby the rough-coated collie, and Bella, an aging looks like a yellow lab. Bella was such a sweet girl, and I petted her while her daddy made a fuss over Ember. I know this is one of those TMI things, but mommy practically cheered: this was the first time that Ember took a poo on a big girl leash walk! And she was good about waiting for mommy to pick it up.
Despite my concerns expressed at puppy class, Ember for the most part does not pull at the leash. Mom stops when she does. And mom treats to get her started again. She was pretty polite meeting Bella, although she kind of takes more liberties with Barnaby because she knows him and he's nice to her. But he needed a longer walk than she did, so we parted ways.
Ember pulling the "Oliver" line, "Please can I have some more?" Puppies always seem to be hungry. Until they are not. During Sunday morning puppy class, Ember decided she didn't care about the treats, she just wanted to play! But we persevered.
The plumber is here now, he's replacing the kitchen faucet this morning, and the aerator on the wet bar sink. He is putting a part on order for the upstairs main bath shower, and will let me know when it comes in.
Those are all items I had on my list before he got here, and other than that, he's doing a general check of the systems.
Ember is in her den, but I did let her out long enough to meet Jesse the plumber. He likes big dogs, so that's always a good thing. She went back in with a little whining and complaining off and on. During one of her quiet spells I gave her a couple of kibbles and told her she was being a good puppy.
The Prisoner is inside, but immediately made himself invisible with the arrival of Jesse. This is par for the course.
And that is life at the House of the Animals (as opposed to Animal House, the movie). Life is Good. Spark on!
Well, glad your establishing a routine with Ember and the Prisoner for when things aren’t exactly aligned as usual with their schedules.
ReplyDeleteOH NO, Ember! Glad that gentleman was understanding.
Isn’t it amazing being the HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD, but being last in the pecking order. LOL Funny how that works. Here, too.
Ohhhhh, I get the ‘pooh cheer’. LOL Good job, Ember.
Good luck w/the plumber. Glad Ember behaved with him there.
Here’s to a good Monday. Beautiful day here, so off to the park with Miss Lilly. Won’t be many opportunities the rest of the week.
Hugs
Barb
1cd
Last in line is a farmer's lot in life. I remember the days on the farm when I was tiny. I stayed with my dad's sister and her family on the farm when my mom was hospitalized for an extended time. I learned that Marge milked the cow and Uncle Richard fed the animals before we all sat down to breakfast. Pretty good lessons to learn young, huh?
DeleteThe plumber was great. I now have a new faucet for my kitchen sink, and another guy coming to give me an estimate for replacing my upstairs tub/shower with a walk-in one. This from my regular plumbing, heating, A/C and electric folks, not just someone who advertises on the web or knocks on doors. There's a certain level of confidence that gives me. But we shall see what the anticipated price tag might be.
We were told that when a dog rolls on its back and exposes its underside, that it a sign of submission. I think we must have been given wrong information. It's a good thing the guy was so understanding.
ReplyDeleteLots of repairs and updates going on in your home. WooHoo!!
🤗💖😸🐶
It's interesting about dogs rolling on their backs. I watched one training video on puppy nipping that said in essence, that when they roll on their back they are preparing to bite! So, those who are "begging for belly rubs"... before they have learned to suppress biting humans? Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!
DeleteYes, repairs, making the home livable into the future... and probably flattening the "emergency fund" for a while, too. But what's it for if not to manage these kinds of needs?
Well, I wonder if Ember was feeling somehow fearful when she nipped the gentleman? It's probably just puppy behavior, but perhaps he reminded her of someone she had reason to worry about, or she sensed something about him?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are able to prepare your home for your ongoing comfort and livability!
That's a good question... or could she have sensed his Mastiff's scent on him, and being a little puppy gone into defense mode?
DeleteI'm grateful to have a reliable firm to handle the home repair issues that come up. There's always something needing a fix!