Spring Loaded!

I just love the way Havanese are "spring loaded". Why run when you can hop?

Go!

The very best part of any day is when someone says, "Let's go!"

10 Dog Commandments for Responsible Owners

Roxie, age 10 weeks... the day after we brought her home.

When Crazy Dog Ladies spend time on the web, they read dog blogs and search dog sites. Sometimes the find little things that touch them some way. This is one of those things.

The Ten Dog Commandments for Responsible Owners
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't want to do that. You always win that fight.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. I don't speak your language. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You will grow old too. You'll hope someone cares.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch," or "let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
-- Author Unknown

Fire Dog

Saturday Walgreens had a fundraiser called Pet Photo Shoot to raise money for the Delta Society and Best Friends Animal Society. For $5.99 you got to have your pet's photo taken in or on a firetruck, a 5x7 print of the picture, the photo on cd and bunches of coupons. The money was split between the organizations.

It was fun and, though the turnout wasn't great at my local Walgreens, I hope they will continue to do this. I am sure with time and word of mouth advertising it will grow. It was a nice way to do something positive for the doggie world as well as an opportunity for my dog to have a new experience.

It's Not Even My New Puppy!

A few weeks ago a neighbor called me because she'd heard I had a Havanese and she was thinking of getting one. I took Roxie over to her house, praying all the while she'd be a good dog and make a good impression so we wouldn't be responsible for her deciding she hated this breed! She acted about 100% better than normal :) and my friend asked could she bring her family by to meet Roxie one evening. So, flash forward a few weeks and they have a brand new family member... six month old Aidan. We are going to meet him tomorrow or the next day so Roxie and I went and bought "baby gifts". Roxie was a bit confused as to why she couldn't play with the toys though!!

Bringing Baby Home

FLASHBACK

After looking for an older puppy and a disagreement with one breeder, we end up with a 10 week old fluffy little Havanese... a girl, 3 and 1/2 pounds with a white tip on her tail and toes and one white paw. She is soooo cute. The boys decide to name her Roxanne.... which doesn't really suit me, but since they agreed on a name I figure I'll just give in. Suprisingly, she very quickly becomes Roxie which does fit her just fine!

I am suprised by the amount of stuff she needs... a crate, food, dishes, toys, brush, comb, treats, treats, treats.... the list goes on... sort of like when you bring home a baby!

Who Knew?

FLASHBACK

March 2008

Matt wants a dog. He's actually wanted a dog for a couple of years but he's finally come up with an argument that has gotten through the wall of resistance I've built up towards having a pet. Funny how that little blue eyed boy looked at me and pled his case and I caved. Maybe it's me who wants the dog... it's kind of lonely here at home during the day with Matt, at nearly ten years old, always out and about, playing with friends, playing ball, at school... he's growing up. And when Matt talks about Josh having just one more year at home and then how he'll be all alone... well, I am as scared as he is of the changes that are rushing towards us as I contemplate the next year of shcool.... Josh will be a senior. One more year at home. Where has the time gone?

"Mom, when Josh goes away to college I'm going to be all alone and even if we get a dog then it will just be my dog. I want a dog that is going to be Josh's too... our dog." So I'm caving in. All the years of saying no are coming to an end and we are going to get a dog.