Whisker Walk 2011

Mom put the banner up on the blog for Whisker Walk as soon as she heard about the event. Many rescue groups are coming together at the Lancaster Fairgrounds in Massachusetts on Sunday, June 5, 2011. The event includes a walk and lots of family and dog related activities to raise money for local shelters.

Bailey and I are hoping Mom and Dad get better so we can go. We are even supposed to be joining some of Dad's doggless family. Mom and Dad really need to pick up the pace on this healing stuff. Dad bought Katy a new leash for Paws in the Park and she is very disappointed that she did not get to show it off. She is getting rather impatient with this sickness stuff. I want to get out and finally go to an event that is about dogs.

Mom says to tell you that the directions or the address for those who like to plug it into their GPS system are available here.

Send healing wishes our way, as Bailey and I really need to get Mom and Dad out of the house.

Remembering Memorial Day

Mom explained to us the meaning of Memorial Day. It is not just a day when Dad is home from work and able to spend more time with us. It is a day our country honors those who have died fighting for their country.

This day we pause and remember the efforts of those who give all so our country stays free.

Picture Credit: http://morguefile.com/archive/display/668457

Even When Wet Dad's Wings Worked

Katy is still not buying that those big metal contraptions fly despite Dad's absence and safe return. She was a bit stand offish last night when he came through the door. I did not mind because I had Dad all to myself for a change. Dad being fair sought out Katy and spent some time giving her attention. I think she was looking for those wings. Either way, she was punishing him for being gone and I knew she could not hold out long.

Sure enough, who was snuggled in bed with Mom, Dad, and me this morning?

Wordless Wednesday

Dad Thinks He Can Fly

Dad told us he was going to be flying for business. I know Dad likes to tease, but people do not have wings. How does he think he is going to fly?

Bailey says he has done it before. In fact, he says he knows dogs that have flown. He says Grandma's schnauzer Shadow has flown on something called an airplane. He tried to show me a picture of this huge machine on TV last night, but I am not buying it. There are all kinds of crazy things on TV and Dad told me they are not real and I do not need to be scared. So why would I believe that Dad is going to fly in a metal container?

The flying thing confuses Katy, but Dad does get on that metal thing. Shadow told me about his trips with Grandma. I would not want to do it, but he said it was fine. He has to stay in the kennel when he does not travel with Grandma, so I can see why he would rather make the trip. Katy and I get to go to play group so it is less scary than getting on a plane or a long car ride.

We Missed Paws in the Park

First Dad got sick, then Mom. Mom had something Bailey thought sounded like broccoli. He immediately started lecturing me that this was our chance to convince Mom and Dad that veggie gardens were dangerous. I pointed out to him that Dad had said bronchitis, not broccoli and he then just started sitting on Mom’s feet leaving me to do all the doggy nursing for Mom and Dad. I am exhausted. There is much to learn about humans. First, Dad has finally convinced me that Mom is not barking in a hostile tone, he calls it coughing. I was confused because she would be petting my ears, or rubbing my back and then start in this very rude tone. Mom has never been known to bark and it was upsetting. Bailey seemed to know about coughing. I guess this is not his first experience with it.

Bailey was more upset about missing Paws in the Park then I was, although the dog massage sounded interesting. Mom says we have another event coming up in June if everyone gets and stays healthy.

Katy and Grandma

My Mom was up to visit at Christmas, so she and Katy did meet. However, the house was crowded and Katy was overwhelmed with the changes to the house and the number of people who seemed to find a all her favorite spots fun to hang out in. Bailey enjoyed Grandma's attention while Katy hid away from all the excitement.

Mom usually makes a spring or summer visit. Last year she came for her granddaughter’s graduation, this year around Mother's Day and her birthday. She came by the house for a birthday lunch and was determined to meet the newest doggy grandchild.

Some people have suggested Katy may be shy by nature. However, I have seen signs that Katy really wants to join the family gatherings, she just is afraid of the outcome. I have tried a strategy of placing her on her favorite couch, petting her and comforting her and having someone sit in a chair next to the couch and just scratching her ears or lightly petting her. This strategy has been effective. She has licked a few of these people and when released even tried to overcome her fears and approach them. She has seen Bailey get lots of Grandma love and she wants in on Bailey's action. Bailey is content to let Katy stay on the outside looking in. He is more than happy to have the guests to himself, especially Grandma. Bailey's reaction has encouraged Katy to try even harder to overcome her fears.

She is making huge progress. It is hard for outsiders to see, but I can see confidence that was not present in September.