Zaphod - In The Beginning - Part 1

Leading up to Zaphod's 5th birthday, I am going to write posts about his early days in our pack.

In the spring of 2012, the Man and I decided we were done living in the city and wanted to move to the country. The Man started looking for houses in Quebec, as Ottawa is right on the Ontario/Quebec boarder but with the Gatineau Hills, Quebec had the hills and lakes we wanted. As a person who speaks about 5 words of French, I was nervous about this, so I struck a deal, if we moved to Quebec, I got a second dog. In June of 2012 we found our dream home in Quebec, so the search for a second dog began. I contacted the rescue we had gotten Hailey from and said I wanted the opposite dog to her. They suggested Zaphod, we met, and Zaphod joined us at the new house 4 days after we moved. He walked into our house, lifted his leg on our bed (the only time he ever did such a thing) and landed in our hearts.

We have never been people to stop the dogs from getting on the furniture. Phody needed a lot of encouragement (he always looked like we were about to beat him) to hop up. He had a hard time relaxing. Now, he usually still waits for an invite if we are both on the couch, but is totally relaxed and comfortable. You can tell from this video (turn up the volume) how relaxed he is:

Over the weekend, the Man said "Do you remember how he use to be scared to get up?"  I said yes, and I said something like "I hope this means he has forgotten about the horrible things that happened before he was rescued." As I look at him sound asleep in the chair beside me, I think he has. Sometimes he doesn't even want to move if you ask him to! We may not be perfect pet owners, but we have created an environment of love and security. If only every pup could be so lucky!

Don't forget to submit your picture of you fooling around by March 27th for Zaphod's birthday bash!

Want to help even more. Abby's Lady has offered to donate the proceeds of any of her books sold that day to the Ontario SPCA. Been meaning to pick up a copy of The Book of Barkley or Saving Grace (which I won and read and really enjoyed, LBJ has a beautiful poetic style)? Order them on April 1! 

Throw Back Thursday

Hailey - 2012

She is always so cute when she is sleeping!

Tribute To Dr. Seuss

In honour of Dr. Seuss Day, we have composed a rhyme.

Toys, toys, toys, are ours to destroys!
It is really not tough to clean up the fluff,
we leave when we play, on a cold winters day.

Ear, ear, ear, the toys don't need to hear,
chew, chew if off, cause it is so soft,
fluff comes out, like water from a spout.

Feet, feet, feet, without them it looks neat.
Squeak they did do, it was annoying to you,
so now they are gone, and we sing this song.

Toys, toys, toys, are ours to destroys!
It is really not tough to clean up the fluff,
we leave when we play, on a cold winters day.

Parts, parts, parts, are laying all about.
Everywhere you look, is a piece that we took,
must carry the broom around every single room.

Sweep, sweep, sweep, we aren't allowed to keep,
the pieces we removed, so the toys were improved,
Lady is mean, cause she wants the house clean.

Toys, toys, toys, are ours to destroys!
It is really not tough to clean up the fluff,
we leave when we play, on a cold winters day.

Tasty Tuesday - A New Treat - By Hailey

The people left us forever and every on Saturday. We were sure they were never coming back. We were so sad and lonely. When they came back Lady had not only bought us food, she had a new big bag of treats. Turns out her going to Costco may be a good thing!

Lady says it can be hard to find good treats for us since Phod doesn't like fruit or veggies, but she knew these would be a hit. Have any of you had them?

Yes, please pop it right into my mouth!

Lady says the ingredients are important to her, I say if it tastes good who cares?

They are a good size for us. The bag says I should have 3 and Phod should have 4 a day. We hope Lady read that part.

Phod's crazy good cookie eyes!

My crazy new cookie eyes!

We are loving these treats and hope Costco has them when our bag runs out!

Mischief Monday - The Disc That Was

First, Happy Leap Day! Hope everyone enjoys the extra day this year!


When winter comes, Phod's Precious ball gets put away as we know it will get lost in the snow. Instead, we pull out his discs. This year I threw out 2 that no long flew, leaving him with 2. One which had been chewed a little and a great foam one which is perfect.

Phod is in love with his winter Precious, a now very chewed up disc that doesn't really fly.

Because sometimes it is so cold we don't want to play fetch, Phod leaves disc outside and it freezes into different shapes. It is stressful when he can't find it in the snow but 99% of the time he knows exactly where he left it. 

After Phod pulled it apart a little

"Throw it or else"

Bringing what is left of it back

Disc will stay for the rest of the winter and then will find its way to the garbage can.  I will make sure he has another similar one for next winter.

Black and White Sunday - On Guard

This picture was taken last summer. It is helping me imagine a time without so much snow and freezing rain. I am so over winter!

Hailey

Sepia Saturday - Please Throw It

Another natural sepia picture of Zaphod!