I think I will update this post throughout the day and evening, as things unfold here, so, check back please and see what the dogs are up to. Do you suppose they have any New Year’s Resolutions? I’ll have to ask them. Don’t ask me. I don’t do New Year Resolutions any longer. Life has a way of happening no matter what we resolve to do.
Early Morning:
News Flash! The dogs all slept an hour later than usual. That means, the dog-sitter also got to sleep an hour later than usual. What a gift, truly, for one exhausted bi-ped.
Breakfast has begun and we feed in shifts. Three of the dogs really have to get their meals with great urgency: Lola Toy Poodle is still on her bland diet and getting small, frequent meals. Parker Teacup Poodle is a minuscule little puppy. He also must get frequent small meals to avoid low blood sugar. And our dear Mr. Harry could probably wait a little while, but, with his history of liver shunt, I never take any chances with Mr. Harry’s meal-times.
The others are waiting patiently for the canned portions of their meals to come to room temperature, or for their kibble to soften. Ok. I lied. Cherry simply doesn’t do anything with patience. She wants her breakfast Now! Now!
So, back I go to feeding. More to follow later.
10:26 A.M. After Breakfast Everyone has eaten, done their pottying, been cleaned up after, and had their play time. News flash: Harry (Yorkie) and Parker (deaf puppy) have finally stopped ignoring each other and begun to play together. This is great news for Parker. One of the difficulties a deaf puppy or dog might have is engaging in social behavior with other dogs. The deaf one cannot hear a warning growl, should that happen, and won’t know to stop whatever it is that is annoying the other dog.
But Harry is perfect for a playful deaf puppy. Harry may play hard, but, he’s also small and very well experienced in dog play. One thing Harry does that I’ve always found amusing is that he goes up to another dog and does a very cat-like thing: he lifts one of his frong legs and extends a paw out to bop the other puppy, usually on the head, but, sometimes on the behind. This is Harry’s version of the play-bow I think. Parker (deaf puppy) mimicked Harry this morning and did the very same thing to initiate play.
I’m very encouraged by their playful behavior.
Early Afternoon: The Cardinals have arrived at our window feeder, much to the delight of the cats who are confined to the living room while the Christmas Dogs are visiting (much as I’m confined to the bedroom with the dogs). I had just enough sunflower seeds to satisfy the birds. If that danged squirrel shows up, the Cardinals are out of luck.
It is nap time here at the zoo. Puppy Parker had a delightful time careening around the room playing and investigating, and, practicing being quiet while I was out of sight. Good thing because I don’t have a set of those wonderful looking Bose Noise Cancelling headphones. I had them on my list for Santa, but, I guess my naughtyness cancelled out my goodness this year ’cause they weren’t in my stocking.
Lola Toy Poodle may be getting an appetite back again, finally. She was doing her circus walk (up on her hind legs) checking out the kennel I use to feed her. Since she is interested, I put her in with some of her regular dog food instead of the cooked chicken and rice. Eureka! She ate a few pieces of kibble. Going to try and get her back on a nomral feeding schedule this evening and hope for the best.
Puppy Parker is having his mid-day meal and then his nap. Mr. Harry and his brother Charlie, his cousins Giorgio and Cherry and Cybill too have all settled in for an afternoon sleep. The visitors will get the hint soon and before you know it we will all be having a good afternoon snooze.
I hope to wake up in time to be watching 2008 ring in at South Africa, where Mr. Harry and Charlie’s Mom is home for the holiday. I know they’ll want to be the first to wish her a very Happy New Year. I think we are seven hours behind her, so, we’ll be watching the clock at 5:00 our time.
Happy New Year From The Boyz Mr. Harry and Dear Charlie say Happy New Year to Mom in South Africa. The Boyz are asleep but I’m ringing in the New Year with my friends in South Africa at Nkroho. And here it is! Happy New Year Ronnie!
