You are fortunate. I think there are just so many opportunities at the farm. I hope she maintains her dignity and stays out of the poo! It's too late for my kids.;o)

Brian - thanks 4 your kind words about Kai - he's feeling a bit better - Luna's doing her best to stay still and keep him company. BTW - both my dogs love the ocean - we'll get Kai back their as soon as he's back on his feet!

I started washing them in the shower as well. It just seems to be faster and they seem more comfortable. As much as they like water they still don't like baths. Maybe they are just upset I'm taking off all the good smells that they worked so hard at getting into just the right places!

Charlie is the same way, good and bad days, but many, many, many more good days once he figured out that we don't move if the leash is tight. He even heeled right next to my leg with full eye contact for a couple of blocks yesterday without me asking him to "Heel". I was surprised and delighted! I let him get ahead, lag behind or go off to the side...as long as there is slack in the leash, so for him to "volunteer" a formal heel bowled me over.

I'd glad the harness stopped Brynn's leash chewing! Puppies are great at teaching us humans how to have more patience and figure out different solutions, huh? Keep up the good work! : - )

I've spent a little bit of time in Washington and I can only imagine how beautiful Oregon must be. The only plans I have this weekend are at home. It has been a busy work week and I will enjoy being home at the farm. It is supposed to be up to 50 on Saturday...quite warm compared to what it has been. I think that means lots of puppy baths, the snow is melting and that means muddy puppies!

when is/was the big surgery day for your little one?

lincoln recovered just fine ... a little to fine for the vet's liking though. he was really active and the vet was worried that he would open his wound.

I think it is great that you travel with Brynn. I love to take our group with us when we travel. The Corgis all travel well. I even built a platform so they can be at the window level when they are in the back of our Durango. They are more content when they can look outside. Out senior black lab/golden gets carsick and stresses in the car so we usually have a dog sitter watch her. We have found several dog friendly hotels, but sometimes that can be a challenge. State and National Parks seem to be good options since they typically allow pets in cabins. I don't enjoy traveling as much when they aren't with us. I have even been known to take my kids when I travel across the state for work. I just find doggie day care for while I am in my meetings. My travels don't seem to be a scenic as yours.

Hi Brian, Thanks for asking about new kitty, she is doing great. She is the sweetest thing. I still can't believe somebody dumped her...but she's mine now!!! My dogs use to chew the leash when they were small also. I think they were really excited, but she's also probaly going to start losing her baby teeth soon. Keep on the lookout while vacuuming. Give her plenty of other stuff to chew also. Charlotte loves ice cubes, cold bones!

Hmmm...Bitter Apple and still leash chewing? You might try teaching her "Leave It" with the leash off her and give her a treat for not touching it. Then transfer the "Leave It" to when the leash is attached.

Or, try holding the leash but as long as she is chewing it, totally ignore her: no walking, no talking, no eye contact, nothing. At the point (could take a few minutes at first) she wonders why you're being so boring, she should let go and look at you. Then you can "Good Girl! Let's go walk!" If she chews, stop all activity and be boring again until she drops it.

Brynn is getting so big and more grown up looking. Looks like you guys had a great weekend!

Hi Brian, Took new kitty to get spayed, have to pick her up tomorrow. Doggies go to the groomer in the morning. Your trip sounds like fun!.. We just keep having snow, ice, sleet, etc. I took a really cool pic of Roy out in the snow today. He's the only cat I've ever had that loves snow, rain, etc. I had a cat named Henry. She was the best!! I had her for 14 years. When she died, I got Roy. Have a great trip,can't wait to see the pics!!!!

You might try putting some rocks in her food bowl to slow her down. (Obviously larger rocks than what she might swallow.) She'll have to pick around the rocks and that'll take her more time. Let me know how the Bitter Apple works on her leash. :)

I'm afraid I don't know how to keep Brynn from putting the leash in her mouth. Charlie finally chewed straight through his first leash trying to play tug of war when I first put it on. LOL I moved up from a thin 3/8" leash to a thicker 5/8" leash which he seems to chew on less (don't know why)...maybe he just outgrew leash chewing? He does seem to like to "carry" it for the first few minutes. As long as he's not pulling, I'm ok with it. I've heard of people spraying the leash with Bitter Apple.

I would keep an eye on her gagging on her food. I'm not sure what might cause that, but if wetting it down is working, it's probably not something for too much worry. Maybe she's eating too fast?

Brian...Are you still rocking???? Start looking for a good groomer now. I've gone through several, before I found one I really liked. One brushed Augie so hard , he got sores, and scabs, echh. Liked Petsmarts groomers, they were very good with the dogs. Now I'm with a groomer at the vet. But....you still have to brush between groomings....Sorry...

Hi Brian,

Yes the walks are still much better for the most part. Charlie does understand now that he's not supposed to pull...but occassional does that "teenage" testing of the rules to see if he can get away with it. : ) How is Brynn doing?

Hi Brian, I got the camera to work!!!! Check out my pics of the giant pile of fur!!! My pics of the dogs aren't as cute as yours. Charlotte doesn't like having her picture taken!!

Thanks for your comment. Congrats on your new PWC as well. I hope Brynn is not too traumatized from the meet-up. If she is, there is always Caesar to the rescue! Have fun and enjoy your PWC.

Good Morning Brian,
Brynn is sooooooo cute ! Beautiful color too ..
Thank you for your kind word ...
It is very nice meeting you

Let me just tell you we call that tube around Lincoln's neck a lifesaver (it looks like one and it REALLY IS a lifesaver of sorts).

Lincoln held his potty for 14 hours straight and we couldn't figure out why. It was because he was getting his cone stuck in the ground (such a little guy) and he couldn't move freely.

We took the cone off and he immediately pottied right then and there. :)

We searched online for Neuterings and we came across another messageboard and they were talking about these things. We said what the heck and went to Petco (Petsmart does not sell them at this time) and bought it. You literally blow 5x into the thing and it is blown up. We have to add air every other day or so cause it does get deflated a little. You actually put your pups collar right through the straps on the inside so he wears as his collar. You can still get a leash on them too without much trouble.

Lincoln doesn't even mind us putting it on him either. NO fussing!

Good Luck - please let me know how it goes!