Sigh. This is the reason Mom started putting Ember in the X-pen more. Seems Ember wants to redecorate the hall outside the bathroom.
Friday's weather was colder than before, but not as windy. I did not take Ember on a leash walk.
Saturday brought better resolve to mom and better temperatures to the area. We got out for a leash walk. During this walk she once again found the dead thing. She carried part of it halfway home to get an extra roll in its scent, plus took me around an extra block to check on the dead mouse we've already examined on three separate walks.
Friday one of her plush toys that had survived since August also bit the dust. The orange iguana got eviscerated, the squeaker and stuffing removed. To be honest she worked on that project both Friday and Saturday.
The formerly called treat counter has been barren ever since Thursday's episode of counter-surfing... no treat bag, no treat tubs, just flat, empty counter. It was amusing to watch her stare up at that empty counter, expecting it to produce chew sticks or cookies.
We played retrieve games in that yard with squeaky balls and tennis balls during the warmest (26 degrees F) part of the Friday. I know that next month 26 will seem "nice". We might as well get used to it.
We worked on training games in general to make up for the lack of a walk, too. Exercise the brain!
Saturday morning, we had a biting incident. Mommy is not happy about this one. I figure I caused this one with my clumsy mechanics on the "Treats in a corner" game. I can go back and second guess all day what I did there, but the bottom line is I triggered Ember into a frenzy of flashing teeth. She stripped off my protective sleeve; I slipped into the laundry room and closed the door while I took off my coat.
I put the calming dog TV music on, for her to settle while I prepared and ate my own breakfast, then we went outside on poo patrol, and returned inside where she went into the kennel for puppy nap #1. Order seemed to be restored, and Mom has plans for next steps involving that particular training game.
During puppy nap #1, I browned the sausages for the Christmas cheese puffs. When I announced I had enough for a whole batch with sausage bits at DIL's birthday dinner later, three faces lit up (DIL and her parents) and one face fell (son). Sigh. Guess I'll be making a mixed batch, some with olives. Have to keep them separate for transport so that son gets some of his favorites.
Dinner was at Tandoor. Very good food, very good company. Son's classic "forced smile". DIL making the best of her birthday being marred by it being the first day they woke up without little foster kiddo, since he had spent the night with his birth family. She was feeling a bit grumpy and worried for the kiddo, and quipped to her husband, "Is this how you feel every day?"
His reply was "Yeah, it kinda sucks, doesn't it?"
Son's father-in-law, his usual calm self, held down the other end of the table. And yes, I was there, too.
That about covers through Saturday evening, as the shortest daylight of the year faded as we enjoyed our early supper. I came home and let Ember have her "last call", and she of course sniffed me all over before bedding down for the night.
Life is good. Keep Sparking!
Wow, guess Ember thinks paint is better than wallpaper - LOL. Sounds like you are pretty busy full time and with lots of family time which is wonderful! Merry Christmas my blogger friend!
ReplyDeleteLOL! And good thing that hallway was already "on my list" and not just recently "re-done", too.
DeleteOH boy. Ember has the hunting instinct. OH NO on the biting incident.
ReplyDeleteOh my . . . big hugs for DS and DIL – it IS hard to adjust with the foster kiddo gone and you worry about them!
Hope today is a better day!
Hugs
Barb
1cd
I think Ember could easily be trained to become a great hunting dog. She's a joy to watch when she's in form.
DeleteFoster kiddo got "home" (meaning to my son and DIL's home) Sunday afternoon and from the photos DIL has shared, is having a fine time. He's with them until Tuesday afternoon at this point. Son and DIL are taking extra time off work to savor being with the fella.
Ember had a good Sunday, with a long visit to the dog park!
Poor little guy. Life transitions are difficult any time of the year. They are especially tough at Christmas. 🎄🎅🏼🎁
ReplyDeleteI well remember the Christmas I was separated from my parents and siblings. I was with cousins and an aunt and uncle and "extra gramma" who loved me, and it was a good Christmas anyway, and I was only four years old at the time. I was reunited with my parents and one sister a few months later at Easter, and I still remember my time "on the farm" with great fondness. But you are right, it was difficult, and I missed the family I was not with! Thankfully, the adults entrusted with my care did a great job!
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