Lovin' Linkables

Hey Everyone!

Ever since I saw the video on throwing out your food bowls, I have really reconsidered how I feed my dogs and what it's doing for them or not doing for them. We've always had plenty of interactive toys that we stuffed with treats for play times, but we only rarely used them as food dispensers. Well, I have now taken to feeding Hannah and Sam using those same interactive toys as a way of stimulating their minds and bodies. (It should be beneficial for Hannah's weight to have to work a little harder for her food) They really seem to enjoy even the simplest games, like scavenging food from the back yard after I've tossed it all over. (I'm guessing the birds enjoy the spoils of this game as well)

Our new Linkables (top shelf)

Anyway, last week we got a new toy, called Linkables, in the store and I couldn't wait to get them home. They come in three styles, an elbow, a twist and an orb. Each one has "threads" similar to a screw, so that you can connect them together easily. They're similar in concept to the Canine Genius, but easier to connect together and the openings are smaller, making them better for kibble than treats. The toys are made of a dense rubber (which I do have to say doesn't smell fantastic when new, but the dogs didn't seem to mind) I actually took all three pieces home because I wanted to challenge them as much as possible, since they're kind of old hat at interactive toys. Did they love them? Well, check it out for yourself!

Good Night, Sleep Tight!

Our new Molly Mutt duvets

Hey Everyone!

Last week we got in several new Molly Mutt duvet patterns.  I love the beautiful colors and patterns of Molly Mutt and I also love that the duvets allow you to re-use old dog beds, towel, clothes and so much more!  In addition, they are easy to take apart and wash (although I haven't gotten a chance to test that out yet.)  Today I cleaned the carpets in our house and I decided it was a great chance to re-do Hannah and Sam's beds, so they each got a new Molly Mutt duvet.  Sam's has a bird on it, of course, since Sam loves birds so much.  We simply put it over his old bed that we got at Walmart several years ago that had shredded after it's first washing.  Hannah got the Mr. Postman pattern, which is purple with a squirrel and was absolutely too cute to pass up. We filled Hannah's with Cary's old clothes, which served a couple purposes.  One, it cleaned out our closet, which was long overdue!  The second is that our clothes carry our scent, and since Hannah has separation anxiety and is nervous, especially at this time of year with the fireworks, our scents help to calm her in our absence.

 Sam's bed (left) and Hannah's bed (right)

Checking out their new beds!

Not Meant to be a Three Dog Bakery

Hey Everyone!

A little over a week ago I ask those of you with three dogs if you would recommend it. The overwhelming response was yes! So, last Thursday, Cary, Hannah, Sam and I went to the Humane Society. We let Hannah and Sam play at Murphy Dog Park with the hound puppy for a little while to try and get a feel for how they would do together. But, it was hot and the end of the day and there were lots if dogs at the park, so it was hard to get a good read. Clay was kind enough to allow us to bring the puppy, Huckleberry, home for the evening to get a better feel for the situation.

Huckleberry snoozes at the store.

Well, I am sorry to report that it didn't work out so well.  I was really most concerned about Hannah's reaction, because she tends to be a little anti-social. Turns out she was fine, but Sam was not! Sam was just grumpy and growly and generally not his happy-go-lucky self. (Cassie threw her vote in with Sam, by the way)

Sam while we had Huckleberry

I think maybe given time, Sam could have accepted Huck, but I don't think he would have ever loved him. So, unfortunately, we had to return Huck to the Humane Society, which was indescribably difficult, considering he only visited us for one day. Clay said they had already had a call about him, though, and he is a smart, sweet and gentle puppy, so I know he'll find a good home. Just not with us. Maybe in the future, we'll try again. I've learned a couple things from this experience, like Sam gets along with females better than males, and any dog that's going to be a part of our family needs to be fast to keep up with Hannah and Sam. And overall, I'll try to remember not to get too attached before Hannah and Sam get their say.

Sam's smile returned after we'd dropped Huck off.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Sam longs to be outside chasing birds

Sam at TYDTW Day at the Vision Chain Office

Wow, can you say "I Look Bored?"

OK, so I brought both Sam and Hannah to the Vision Chain office today. I brought Hannah this morning, and then traded them out with Sam in the afternoon. Both dogs enjoyed meeting Ron and Lance (Although I think Lance left for the day after lunch, so he might not have met Sam - sorry to bust you out like that Lance) and they were very well behaved. Sam did a lot more exploring of the office, as there are lots of nooks and crannies. (If anyone finds a "present" let me know and I will clean it up).

They apparently were well enough behaved to get invited back again. Since Charity expressed an interest in bringing her dogs on a day she can come, maybe we should schedule an "un-official" Vision Chain TYDTW Day. More photos should transpire!

They might not have been so bored if there were more dogs to play with. Good thing the geese were way down at the far end of the pond.