.... at least I hope that's all it is. Tink, Iggy, and I are going crazy. Tinker has been bumping around this house like its her job! She goes so fast and has been bumping so hard! She finds her bed and keeps on going. I can't figure her out! I usually put her on the couch to cool down, but she's peed on it twice now (my grandmother would have a cow if she found out her love seat has been peed on!) and I'm not so inclined to help her out in that way (is that bad of me?)
Iggy and I did go for a nice long and brisk walk this evening which was great for both of us, but he is so insistent upon finding his version of gold in every nook and cranny....we played fetch a little bit with a kong but when he gets too mouthy/growly, I quit and he's left to figure it out on his own!
I've noticed that Tink sleeps even more lately. When she's not bumping like a banchee she is sleeping. Maybe that's ok...
Another thing I've noticed about Tink having Iggys around: she is self-centered like Iggy but in a very different way. I don't know how to adequately explain that thought...While Iggy isn't generally considerate of her, she isn't considerate of Iggy either. She gets pushy around food, like a spoiled little one...you notice so much more about one dog when you have two, especially after having one for so long. I wouldn't have considered her spoiled in a negative way until I started to see her interact with Iggs. I love this little one to pieces and wouldn't trade her for the world... It's just interesting to watch her as she and Iggs hang out together.
Any hoo! I am so excited that some warmer weather is on it's way. The 3 of us can take some long relaxing walks (ha! That's crazy to think about walking the 2 of them together!) while we wait for Nick to come home from internship stuff!
Are we ready for spring yet?!?!? YES!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A Kodak Moment...
..If i could have actually located my camera before Iggy jumped off the couch. Had I have snapped the picture you would have seen Tinker and Iggy snuggled on the couch together. Tink laying with her back again the back of the couch and Iggy laying with his head on hind quarters. Both of them snuggled under their respective blankets. There was peace from the relentless Iggy for 3 glorious minutes : ) And it was priceless. And now I'm annoyed that I still can't find my camera!
Aby Gale A Christmas Surprise
Aby Gale came into our lives when I was in early high school... she was Larry's birthday gift 11 year ago, born on Christmas. A few weeks ago, Aby took her last walk and road trip and is now resting in peace. I know she is no longer in pain or restless any more. I'm just attempting to assimilate and work through all the emotions that have been walking through my brain...
Aby is the entire reason we have Tink, the reason why I am so madly in love with Bostons, and the reason why I'm involved in the rescue.
She loved to play ball. She used to rip the fuzz off tennis balls and go crazy for basket balls. One time she grabbed a partially deflated basketball from the neighbors yard across the street. She ran across the street just as the Schwann's truck was driving by...if it weren't for the basketball she would have been run over. The rear tire of the truck popped the basketball and shot her backwards away from the truck and harm's way. She barely let mom look at her before she wanted back outside looking for the basketball.
Aby was the dog that helped me realize that I don't want puppies. When she was real little she used to sleep on my chest while I watched TV on the couch but as she grew and played more and slept less, I realized very quickly that puppies were not for me. At one point, I actually thought I hated Aby. Fortunately for the both of us, we both grew up and actually got along quite well if i do say so myself. She was the reason that I almost missed the bus every morning those first few years. She would jump up into my bed 10 minutes before my alarm rang every morning. I never got out of bed in time with her snuggled up close to me keeping me warm in the winter months. (some things never change do they Miss Tink...)
Aby certainly had her faults, but she was a Boston Terrorist through and through. She enjoyed walks when they suited her, she loved the water, and hated the cold. She was a chow hound and
her habits and schedule rivalved many children with Autism. She would sit and wait or hound you until you gave her a cookie if she felt she deserved one.
Crabby Aby even though you were special, you will be missed. But know that your legacy of Boston loving kids will live on in Larry and me and in all the Boston generations that will follow Tink and Penny.
I love you Abs...you will not be forgotten
Aby is the entire reason we have Tink, the reason why I am so madly in love with Bostons, and the reason why I'm involved in the rescue.
She loved to play ball. She used to rip the fuzz off tennis balls and go crazy for basket balls. One time she grabbed a partially deflated basketball from the neighbors yard across the street. She ran across the street just as the Schwann's truck was driving by...if it weren't for the basketball she would have been run over. The rear tire of the truck popped the basketball and shot her backwards away from the truck and harm's way. She barely let mom look at her before she wanted back outside looking for the basketball.
Aby was the dog that helped me realize that I don't want puppies. When she was real little she used to sleep on my chest while I watched TV on the couch but as she grew and played more and slept less, I realized very quickly that puppies were not for me. At one point, I actually thought I hated Aby. Fortunately for the both of us, we both grew up and actually got along quite well if i do say so myself. She was the reason that I almost missed the bus every morning those first few years. She would jump up into my bed 10 minutes before my alarm rang every morning. I never got out of bed in time with her snuggled up close to me keeping me warm in the winter months. (some things never change do they Miss Tink...)
Aby certainly had her faults, but she was a Boston Terrorist through and through. She enjoyed walks when they suited her, she loved the water, and hated the cold. She was a chow hound and
her habits and schedule rivalved many children with Autism. She would sit and wait or hound you until you gave her a cookie if she felt she deserved one.
Crabby Aby even though you were special, you will be missed. But know that your legacy of Boston loving kids will live on in Larry and me and in all the Boston generations that will follow Tink and Penny.
I love you Abs...you will not be forgotten
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Iggy Update
So Iggy has been on a search and rescue mission for all the extraneous toys and bones that Tink has meticulously hidden around the apartment over the past 3 years we've lived here. His most recent discovery was Tink's long lost kong which was buried underneath our bed way in the middle. So Iggy bravely crawled under the bed to retrieve it! To date he has found a bully stick in the front closet, a bone under my dresser, the kong under the bed, and countless treats around Tink's crate. And as a result of these findings he continues to search every nook and cranny in the house REPEATEDLY!
Yesterday Nick and I finally gave the beefcake a bath and while he didn't like it by any stretch he did ok and endured it just fine. He is soooo soft and shiny now! I love the neem oil products for these dogs' coats! Beautiful!
Iggy is doing better with his growling and being possessive over high value treats and chews. He's learning that we're not going to take them and that we will play with him when he is nice and not when he is mean. Because he is so completely food motivated a behavior modification plan works very nicely for him. We've been working on "drop it" with high value items giving another high value item for dropping it and then giving the first item back to help establish a positive experience with dropping a valued item. I have to sneak the treats out of the container because if he even thinks I have one, he drops the bully stick or bone or whatever else and waits for a treat before the command is given!
Definitely improvement overall although he did bark and almost snap at Tink who got too close to him this evening while he was chewing on a bully....I will say in his defense he moved away from her and she sought him out. But still....so any suggestions on how to work with the growling at another dog around a highly valued item I would be happy to hear!
We've figured out the roles that Tink and Iggy have in this house--Tinker is the princess and Iggy is the court jester. He has that goofy but self-absorbed attitude and is generally a laid back guy! He won't move out of the way for Tink though...he lets her bump into him repeatedly and then get confused and bump into the walls trying get through and well it's not such a nice scene for the Little One...
Iggy has a strong chew drive which has been working out for Tink quite nicely. He chews the bullys and gets them all soft and white and then drops them for something else to do. She comes along and because they've been started and are soft, she will sit down and chew on the bully for 5 or so minutes in heaven! It's so cute! And Iggs is pretty good at leaving her alone with minimal reminders, but some supervision.
There's been a nice flow and routine to the house over the past week or so. We've had Iggy for 3 weeks and he is getting into a groove with us. Tink gets into bed in the middle of the night and for the past few mornings around 6 or so, we left Iggy out of his crate and he sleeps under the covers for the last hour or so of sleeping. It's amazing how much more he trusts and is comfortable in the house too... he was always a fairly trusting dog, but even so, it has deepened and really shown in his attitude with bones and with sleeping and hanging out...
I want the best home possible for this beefy guy. Nick and I feel a home that doesn't have young kids that has a dog or maybe not would be best for this guy. Also a home that people don't work crazy long work hours. He's such a social people dog, it wouldn't be fair for him to be alone for 10 plus hours.
So, if you're interested, fill out an application with NEBtRescue....
Yesterday Nick and I finally gave the beefcake a bath and while he didn't like it by any stretch he did ok and endured it just fine. He is soooo soft and shiny now! I love the neem oil products for these dogs' coats! Beautiful!
Iggy is doing better with his growling and being possessive over high value treats and chews. He's learning that we're not going to take them and that we will play with him when he is nice and not when he is mean. Because he is so completely food motivated a behavior modification plan works very nicely for him. We've been working on "drop it" with high value items giving another high value item for dropping it and then giving the first item back to help establish a positive experience with dropping a valued item. I have to sneak the treats out of the container because if he even thinks I have one, he drops the bully stick or bone or whatever else and waits for a treat before the command is given!
Definitely improvement overall although he did bark and almost snap at Tink who got too close to him this evening while he was chewing on a bully....I will say in his defense he moved away from her and she sought him out. But still....so any suggestions on how to work with the growling at another dog around a highly valued item I would be happy to hear!
We've figured out the roles that Tink and Iggy have in this house--Tinker is the princess and Iggy is the court jester. He has that goofy but self-absorbed attitude and is generally a laid back guy! He won't move out of the way for Tink though...he lets her bump into him repeatedly and then get confused and bump into the walls trying get through and well it's not such a nice scene for the Little One...
Iggy has a strong chew drive which has been working out for Tink quite nicely. He chews the bullys and gets them all soft and white and then drops them for something else to do. She comes along and because they've been started and are soft, she will sit down and chew on the bully for 5 or so minutes in heaven! It's so cute! And Iggs is pretty good at leaving her alone with minimal reminders, but some supervision.
There's been a nice flow and routine to the house over the past week or so. We've had Iggy for 3 weeks and he is getting into a groove with us. Tink gets into bed in the middle of the night and for the past few mornings around 6 or so, we left Iggy out of his crate and he sleeps under the covers for the last hour or so of sleeping. It's amazing how much more he trusts and is comfortable in the house too... he was always a fairly trusting dog, but even so, it has deepened and really shown in his attitude with bones and with sleeping and hanging out...
I want the best home possible for this beefy guy. Nick and I feel a home that doesn't have young kids that has a dog or maybe not would be best for this guy. Also a home that people don't work crazy long work hours. He's such a social people dog, it wouldn't be fair for him to be alone for 10 plus hours.
So, if you're interested, fill out an application with NEBtRescue....
Tinker goes to the....
....Chiropractor!
Yup, last Saturday we took her to a nice chiropractor man who knew what he was doing with dogs and adjusted her. It seemed to help and I need to call and make another appointment! She had some discomfort in her shoulder area and in her left hip...the shoulders didn't surprise me since she bumps all the time...
oh the places my little princess goes...
Yup, last Saturday we took her to a nice chiropractor man who knew what he was doing with dogs and adjusted her. It seemed to help and I need to call and make another appointment! She had some discomfort in her shoulder area and in her left hip...the shoulders didn't surprise me since she bumps all the time...
oh the places my little princess goes...
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Really...?
So Nick went to move Iggy's crate from the bedroom into the middle room this morning and it felt about 15 pounds heavier than it should be...wouldn't you know, Tink was in there happy as can be on the soft blankets. Goofy girl!
Things continue to go very well with Mr. Iggy and Tink--the weather is ridiculously cold to walk, but playing in the apartment works quite well for Iggs. Tink on the other hand is sacked out on the couch.
This morning, to keep track of both dogs while we got ready, I flipped up the covers for Iggy to crawl under and put Tink on top of the down comforter which she contently slept on until we went outside. It was really cute and I wished I could have joined the 2 of them!
Things continue to go very well with Mr. Iggy and Tink--the weather is ridiculously cold to walk, but playing in the apartment works quite well for Iggs. Tink on the other hand is sacked out on the couch.
This morning, to keep track of both dogs while we got ready, I flipped up the covers for Iggy to crawl under and put Tink on top of the down comforter which she contently slept on until we went outside. It was really cute and I wished I could have joined the 2 of them!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Oh Happy Day...
...Is what Iggy is singing. Tink gets a raw snack before bed each night and until last night Iggy was going for his last potty or already in his crate while Tink snacked away. Well last night, he was sitting there so nice and I couldn't help but give him just a taste of a raw medallion... needless to say his was in doggy heaven. Getting him outside was quite the task at that point. And Nick just laughs with the "you love to spoil these guys." Which is true. However, I do maintain that I spoil in a positive way and do my best to not create "brats."
Which brings me to this morning... I get up early on tuesdays. It's the one day I get out of bed before Nick. I took Iggy out to go potty and then brought him back to the bedroom. He seemed to instinctively know that if the covers get lifted just a little he could sneak up and into bed. Which of course he did! So he laid at Nick's feet on one side and Tink laid by his head on the other side! Ha! So much for the no Iggy in bed! But will 5 minutes in the morning hurt any one or thing? I didn't think so : )
Tink is doing so well with Iggy. He actually didn't attempt to hump her at all today. They walk pretty well together and Iggy is learning to let Tink bump against him and keep her steady without bumping into other things that could hurt her! We've actually been taking Iggy out first and then take Tink out with Iggy. It works well for both 'cause Iggs loves walks so he thinks he's hit the jackpot going on 2 and Tink hates this weather so she's pleased she's only going on one! As a result of having Iggy around, Tink, Nick and I have all been more active!
It is so cool to have 2 little bostons sitting side by side waiting for dinner, peacefully! I still feel like I am living in a dream having this foster. I am so amazed and priviledged to be a part of Iggy's bigger picture--to be one piece of his puzzle! Nick and I are so blessed to be a part of God's bigger plan. It amazes me how God cares for every part of his creation, including little Boston babies that need homes. Iggy is such a sweetie and even though he and Tink will never be best buds, they are certainly cute hanging out on the couch together!
As I finish typing, Tink is sleeping on the couch while Iggy has claimed the chair, under a blanket of course! More pictures soon!
Which brings me to this morning... I get up early on tuesdays. It's the one day I get out of bed before Nick. I took Iggy out to go potty and then brought him back to the bedroom. He seemed to instinctively know that if the covers get lifted just a little he could sneak up and into bed. Which of course he did! So he laid at Nick's feet on one side and Tink laid by his head on the other side! Ha! So much for the no Iggy in bed! But will 5 minutes in the morning hurt any one or thing? I didn't think so : )
Tink is doing so well with Iggy. He actually didn't attempt to hump her at all today. They walk pretty well together and Iggy is learning to let Tink bump against him and keep her steady without bumping into other things that could hurt her! We've actually been taking Iggy out first and then take Tink out with Iggy. It works well for both 'cause Iggs loves walks so he thinks he's hit the jackpot going on 2 and Tink hates this weather so she's pleased she's only going on one! As a result of having Iggy around, Tink, Nick and I have all been more active!
It is so cool to have 2 little bostons sitting side by side waiting for dinner, peacefully! I still feel like I am living in a dream having this foster. I am so amazed and priviledged to be a part of Iggy's bigger picture--to be one piece of his puzzle! Nick and I are so blessed to be a part of God's bigger plan. It amazes me how God cares for every part of his creation, including little Boston babies that need homes. Iggy is such a sweetie and even though he and Tink will never be best buds, they are certainly cute hanging out on the couch together!
As I finish typing, Tink is sleeping on the couch while Iggy has claimed the chair, under a blanket of course! More pictures soon!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Iggs & Tink
So Iggs, is turning out to be a pretty mellow guy. He's not food aggressive, although we watch the two of them very carefully around any food period. We have begun a little routine where Tink gets up and out first and starts eating breakfast. Then Iggy goes out to potty and starts to eat his breakfast. They still finish at the same time---He's a fast eater and certainly not picky!
Iggy chilling out. He wanted to get under the covers of our bed so badly this morning after breakfast and I just couldn't bring myself to let him yet. The bed is Tink's snuggle grounds after she eats and I don't want him having too much free reign yet.
Hence this picture. I wanted to snuggle with both of them for a sunday afternoon nap. Tink was in her bed so here we are. Iggy and I did move to the couch where he promptly snoozed under the covers with me!
Let's just say it's not the easiest thing getting this 2 to stay. Tink has made it quite clear that she's top dog. We've helped that along as well by feeding her first and letting her in the bed.
They're pretty good on the whole together. Iggy occasionally likes to try and hump Tink but thats a firm no and quick time to find something else to do maneuver. The weather was in the 50's yesterday and the 4 of us went for a nice walk together. Iggy loves loves loves to walk and Tink enjoys it slightly more with another do so it worked well. Iggy isn't affected by the cold a whole lot either. Even on a cold and blustery saturday he walked without a coat. He has a fido fleece with the bottom cut...don't ask I need to sew it back together, but on the whole he does ok without.
Iggy chewing while getting some love!
Look at his tail!!! it's long and crooked and wags all the time!
Tinker could care less!
Iggy chilling out. He wanted to get under the covers of our bed so badly this morning after breakfast and I just couldn't bring myself to let him yet. The bed is Tink's snuggle grounds after she eats and I don't want him having too much free reign yet.
Hence this picture. I wanted to snuggle with both of them for a sunday afternoon nap. Tink was in her bed so here we are. Iggy and I did move to the couch where he promptly snoozed under the covers with me!
Let's just say it's not the easiest thing getting this 2 to stay. Tink has made it quite clear that she's top dog. We've helped that along as well by feeding her first and letting her in the bed.
Syncronized camera avoidance!
They're pretty good on the whole together. Iggy occasionally likes to try and hump Tink but thats a firm no and quick time to find something else to do maneuver. The weather was in the 50's yesterday and the 4 of us went for a nice walk together. Iggy loves loves loves to walk and Tink enjoys it slightly more with another do so it worked well. Iggy isn't affected by the cold a whole lot either. Even on a cold and blustery saturday he walked without a coat. He has a fido fleece with the bottom cut...don't ask I need to sew it back together, but on the whole he does ok without.
Iggy chewing while getting some love!
Look at his tail!!! it's long and crooked and wags all the time!
Tinker could care less!
I learned this morning that he doesn't like his jowls played with...we'll desensitive him later, hopefully. I've been trying very hard to take things slowly with him. I have 3 of his 4 paws clipped. The 4th one hopefully tonight. We haven't bathed him yet either-again I'm trying not to do too much at once. I'm sure I overloaded Tink when we got her home initially. She took everything in stride (or in shock.) This guy would let me know and I don't want any outbursts. The more he is trusting us, the less little issues we're seeing.
He crates beautifully and sleeps in there the entire night. I feel badly having him crated at night since he's in it during the day too, but it's his routine and it's the safest for everyone. He hasn't seem depressed or anything since he's come to us. Lots of treats and rubs and praise I guess is easing his transition. I'm afraid to type this, but no accidents either. He's good about going to the door and Nick and I have been good about keeping an eye on him. He's currently sleeping on his bed under a blanket of course in here while I type.
This has gotten very long and disorganized and I apologize! But it's all out and we're pretty up to date! Time to get the day rolling with walks so I can get some paperwork done before I'm off to sing and play the day away!
He crates beautifully and sleeps in there the entire night. I feel badly having him crated at night since he's in it during the day too, but it's his routine and it's the safest for everyone. He hasn't seem depressed or anything since he's come to us. Lots of treats and rubs and praise I guess is easing his transition. I'm afraid to type this, but no accidents either. He's good about going to the door and Nick and I have been good about keeping an eye on him. He's currently sleeping on his bed under a blanket of course in here while I type.
This has gotten very long and disorganized and I apologize! But it's all out and we're pretty up to date! Time to get the day rolling with walks so I can get some paperwork done before I'm off to sing and play the day away!
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