Hailey vs. the Baby

As I have mentioned before, Hailey is not a dog who enjoys children. They stress her out. Hosting family Easter dinner was stressful. We had a plan if Hailey couldn't settle down.

The first 15 minutes were hell. Maggie was crying a little. Maggie's crying made Hailey bark. Hailey's barking made Maggie cry. It became a vicious circle.

Once Maggie settle, Hailey settled and other than a few barks throughout the visit, she did fine. She did bark if Maggie cried and she barked when people picked Maggie up or walked with her. She was fairly easily redirected. She particularly liked Maggie during lunch and had to be called away many times. She was even caught licking Maggie's hand.  Throughout the visit I gave her cookies for being calm.

Hailey peaking at Maggie's tray

Eventually, she was even able to relax and have a little nap. Overall, we give her a B+.

I am proud of her for not having to be put in the crate or on leash. Maybe, oh maybe, she can get use to kids. (We may have been helped by the fact that Maggie didn't crawl today, she can, but decided not to).

Mischief Monday - Easter Outtakes

Here are just a few of the outtakes from our Easter shot.

Maybe I can will them off my head! 

Times up Lady

Maggie, we are in this together! 

Emma photobomb! 

Phod thinking about stealing the hat from the baby

Happy Easter!

From our pack to your pack, Happy Easter!

Hailey Bunny

Phody Bunny

Duckie - aka Cousin Emma

Two reluctant bunnies - Cousin Maggie and Phod

It was a Very Good Friday

Friday, I got up, checked the weather and nearly danced. Highs of 12 C/53 F. The warmest it has been in months. I decided it was time to go to the dog park.

Going anywhere in the car is an ordeal for us given Phod's carsickness problems. I had to give him his meds. We decided to try a slightly lower dose as he hasn't been as sick the past few times. He either heard me say he was having a pill or he heard me get it ready because he hid and wasn't thrilled. Then Hailey can be fed, but Phod can't be so I took him out to play while Hailey ate. Then there was getting us dressed for going to a wet and muddy park, getting the car ready in case he threw up and waiting at least 2 hours before leaving. 

Finally around 10:30 we were ready! It is an hour drive to the park. 

Impatient dogs in the park

For all the hassle of getting ready and the stress it caused Phod (although fortunately he wasn't sick) were worth it. They had so much fun at the park!

A happy Phod running to the next tree to pee

Hailey enjoying some off leash time. 

Look who joined us - Cousin Emma! She was excited to see us.
I was glad to be wearing my boots and splash pants. Lots of people were not wearing
appropriate footwear for the swampy, icy, muddy mess. 

Phod on the snow going around one of the huge puddles. 

Hailey getting a treat before being put on leash. She kept going too far away
and not listening to come back in a timely manner. 

A new memorial to dogs who are at the rainbow bridge. 

The reason Hailey had to be on leash. Lots and lots of squirrels.

Hailey watching the squirrel

My handsome boy. He won the hearts of many small dog owners with his gentle
 and slow interactions with their dogs. They couldn't believe how sweet he was!

An example of one of the ice swamps. 

Hailey making friends 

A happy girl, even if she was on leash! 

The dogs had a great time. We can't wait to get to the park over the spring and summer. It is worth the drive and we like giving Phod the opportunity to go in the car to great places! They were very quiet on the ride home!

Feline Friday - Living with an Ancient Cat

Stop disturbing my sleep to see if I am alive, I am!

Our Nin is ancient. He is 19 years 9 months old. He is starting to slow down. Some days he is a little "tippy" and his balance isn't great. However, for the time being his quality of life is good and he is not suffering.

We are realistic that our Nin is not going to live forever and since Baggy was lucky enough to go peacefully in his sleep last July, we are hoping for the same for Nin. In the morning if he hasn't starting singing as soon as we get up (often he as started before), we go and check him to make sure he is still alive. Every evening, the first person home (usually Man) checks him to make sure he is still alive. If we haven't seen him for a bit, we check to make sure he is still alive. Each time he is, we say "Glad to see you are still alive Nin."  This is our new reality. Every day or part day with our Nin is a blessing.

Training Thursday - A Game of Find It

One of the games we like to play in our house is find it. We lock the dogs away (if we don't Hailey watches and cheats), hid treats around and tell them to "Find it".  They both love to play!

Happy 4th Birthday Zaphod

We have no idea when his birthday is, but we have picked today as the day to celebrate. We picked today because it is also our Auntie K's birthday!

Happy Birthday Auntie K! 

Hailey: Happy Birthday Little Brother

Maybe if I curl up the hat will disappear!

Zaphod is 4!