Monday I had leftovers from the cookout for lunch. Nums!
Ember wished Mom could turn off the rain, but Mom does not control the weather! This is the rain gauge Monday morning, last emptied before this stretch of 3 days.
Next prediction of rain possibilities Wednesday. As of Thursday, the drought map being published shows we are finally back to normal!
Of course, all the moisture makes the ground soft, so when the motorized minibikes came racing through Sunday night and one of them lost a bit of control, he tore up my lawn! A muddy mess. And he just rode off into the sunset!
Tuesday was indeed drier. Ember headed off to day care and had a really good day there. I had my workout with the trainer, and did housework, including laundry.
I was later than usual picking Ember up from day care, and her group was out playing when I arrived. I said to let her finish her play time, so I got a very tired and happy pup to bring home.
I adjusted pickup time on Thursday to allow for her to get the extra playtime. I'm thinking this might become a regular thing.
I built "x-pen #2" in the family room as the extra panels had arrived. Note the mostly destroyed leather couch has had a couple of replacement cushions added, and some fabric draped, although it's still pretty trashed. Three partially chewed end tables are fenced off, as are the couch, the router, and the fireplace.
Ember showed curiosity about the new space, and I took her inside on leash, briefly, for her first visit in there. Then I shut the gate and turned off the lights. We'll go in again at various times, and it is my hope that it might become a training space.
I do purchase "destroy" toys, as well as allowing her to chew on certain "empties" (TP rolls, paper towel rolls, boxes of various kinds). Some days she's a wonderful shredding machine, other days, she's fine just licking the leftover yogurt out of the little tub and leaving the tub intact.
Thursday I was supposed to have the whole house electrician check but they rescheduled me, and I felt relieved. I spent the day cleaning and taking it easy.
Friday continued the cool and pleasant morning streak. The sunrise pinked up both east and western skies.
- walking on the other side of the street parallel to another dog she knows (Bella) for a couple of blocks leading up to Bella's home.
- Calmly coming with mom across the street to allow a little dog to do his business in his own front yard.
- Staying calm and walking on past a human walking in the street and a barking dog in his fence on the other side. (Competing distractions).
- Staying calm and getting past three, count 'em, three garage sales, including one where a man was carrying his purchase to his truck right across our path. She did pause to beg for pets and got a little excited after he obliged, but she didn't jump at his bungee cords!
- Last, but not least, she walked along the same side of the street where a garbage truck (big and noisy) was picking up other people's trash, and she didn't lunge at the garbage worker who was picking up and putting down the cans/bins. Yes, mom used up several treats along the way, but we "walked on", did not need to sit and wait.
- She got an extra half a block detour as reward / calm down time after the encounter with the garbage truck.
The day is starting off well. Hoping for a good weekend ahead!
Life is good. Spark on!
Lotsa rain! I know, Miss Lilly is not in favor of it, either!
ReplyDeleteGRrrrrr. On the minibiker who turfed you lawn and just rode off. *SIGH*
So glad that Ember did well. Progress. Wahoo!
And hope you and Ember have a good weekend!
Hugs
Barb
1cd
Thanks. Hope your household and extended loved ones have a good weekend, too!
DeleteThe predicted rain has missed us. The temp this morning is 46*. Between no rain and cooler temps, the grass has slowed growing. Less mowing. Yay me.
ReplyDeleteRude, destructive behavior seems to be the norm these days. Sadly, it's everywhere.
Sounds like the pup is beginning to show some adult behavior.
Have a wonderful weekend. 💖🤗
Week ahead is promising to be mostly dry, so I supposed I'd best turn the sprinklers back on. I agree about the "normalized" rude behavior these days, sadly. Thankfully there are enough examples to the contrary, of kindness and comfort, to balance it out somewhat.
DeleteYes, when I compare behavior to a year ago, definitely some growing up going on with Miss Ember!
Have a good weekend!
My hubby had a dog that would not do their business during the rain. No matter what, they held it, no messes in the house at all but she flew out the door when the rain stopped and went for ages, he could never get over how she would manage to have no accidents but never would go out during the rain. Ember seems to be improving all the time, hopefully no more accidental bites. You both have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMy sister's dog Benji does that... holds poop for two days if it's raining! Ember will go in the rain if I'm on top of it to entice her out. She's getting better about being out in misty weather, but still clings to the eaves when it comes down steadily, and she jumps at the thunder.
DeleteWhat a week! It sounds like Ember is making some great progress with her leash training, which is a huge accomplishment. It's smart of you to adjust her daycare pickup time so she can get that extra playtime in—a tired and happy pup is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteIt's also a bummer about your lawn, but at least the rain is a good thing for the drought! Here's hoping the new x-pen works out well as a training space. (((BIG HUGS)))
I think it really helps that she has off-leash day care, so gets exercise with other dogs and practice with other humans who are encouraging good canine manners.
DeleteMy lawn guys are going to spread some grass seed on the gashes, and I have some topsoil to add, too. Sigh.