What A Day!

Bandit telling me his side of this story

I had one of those...

OH MY GOSH! kind of days.

I could probably make this into six different post but I will try to reduce it into one.

I'm not even sure where to begin...

Might as well start with the beginning...

 I fell asleep around 3 am (problem sleeping whenever Hubby is out of town). I woke early to the sound of my cell phone  ringing at 4:39am. It was my youngest daughter (away at college).  Now, anyone with college children know the drill...

{WTH? the phone is ringing? OMGosh.. it's my daughter! what's wrong?}

but when I answered... silence... no voice, no sounds, nothing. It hangs up... I call her back and it goes to voice mail... I try again... and again... then I try texting... again... and again.

Somehow, I calmed myself, and actually feel back to sleep after much prayers!

At 7:22am I receive a text telling me, she thinks she must have "sleep called" me... strange child of mine. 

Made me think of my college roommate, Angela... and the MANY nights, she amused herself talking to me when I was asleep.  Apparently I was a chatty sleeper and you could get ALL kinds of honest information out of me when I was asleep. Quite entertaining so I am told.

Back to my day.. so relieved she was okay!

I "woke" up at 8:30am to start my day. (okay...hang on.. I am sure some of you are wondering, what the heck? 8:30? LAZY! But let me explain, I get off work at midnight, therefore I am entitled to a later morning).. So, I get up, have my cup of Joe, read some emails, fed the pets, take out the Dogs, and jump in the car to head to my 10am appointment with Betsy's.  If you are not a follower from way back, you may wonder who's Betsy.  She is my wonderful Angel ~ Therapist... that has taught me valuable coping skills and helps me to stay sane as well as keep things in check.

Great Session! whoa I love this Gal!  I'm on the right path & always feel fabulous after my Betsy hour.  See you in 6 weeks Betsy!

Now, I have just enough time to swing by Target before heading to my ASL classes, so in I pop.  They have WONDERFUL Dollar Deals, and to my pleasure the Dollar Easter Socks are in. So I pick up a couple dozen for my "Girls" to have (I am becoming, "that Dorm Supervisor that always gives out Holiday socks").  Which is fine, as you can never have too many socks & the girls get a kick out of them. 

I realize as I am in line to pay that I have to go pee really bad.  I am standing there doing my Kegals to keep myself together.  I think to myself, do I really want to go into that public restroom?

Naw...

I can hold it! At lest till I get to class.

OR NOT

As I am walking to my car in the parking lot I feel myself sprinkle as I take each step. I arrive to my car...with a big wet spot in my crotch.

OMG!

Did I really just pee myself?

Seriously?

Well, that is some serious... "Becoming an Oldie situation!"

So much for getting to class... I have no choice but to go home and clean up.

You'd think that would be enough...
NOPE!

lets move along to 1:00pm...

We live in a neighborhood that is picky about fences.  The type of fence I am allowed to place would cost us big bucks for the full back yard.  Not gonna happen. So, unfortunately, I am a Hillbilly that attaches my dogs leashes to a long tie down leash outside.  My Dogs LOVE being outside.  We hate having to keep them leashed but, well, Bandit is not real bright, and Riley gets very into scents (she is a Coon hound) and they will take off. We have been using this method for two years, as we debate buying the "Fence" or attempting the "Invisible Fences".
The Dogs were enjoying the sunshine, No barking, just relaxed and happy. They have managed to slip off the main leash a couple of times, but never venture past a neighbor house. Dakota, the little guy, does not require a leash. He stays put although he can be an instigator.
FIVE MINUTES...
I stepped inside for 5 minutes.
Then I checked on them. Dakota was a nervous Nelly, and Riley & Bandit were GONE.
I mean GONE.

I'm running around calling them. No barking, no howling.
I start to feel panicky.
I jump in the car and spin around the block.
Not a Pup in sight.
I drive around again adding the additional streets.

our neighborhood (we are "A")

Where the Heck did my Babies go?
OMG
I have asked every person I see in the neighborhood and NO ONE HAS SEEN THEM...
I exit the neighborhood and circle the exterior perimeter slightly terrified.
I start back into the neighborhood & receive a call. It's a Los Angeles number so I let it go to voice mail  (I'm a little busy).  Then I get another call, this one is from my Veterinarian. I answer...OMGosh..do you have our Dogs? Jenn (Vet Tech) says we have Riley... a Good Samaritan picked her up running down the middle of Brookville Road (very busy street with 55 speed limits).  Riley was with Bandit, who apparently was hit by a car...
He ran off though, she wasn't able to get him in her car, although big ole' Riley was tired of this adventure and more than happy to get her 110 pound butt in the nice lady's car.
Riley was taken to our Vet's Office, one of the Gals that work there headed out looking for my Bandit, as I also continued the search... I pulled off the side side of the road, where Bandit was last seen, calling & searching...but where did my Bandit go?
I get another call...
"Hi, I think I may have your Dog..."
OMGosh!
Is he okay? Where are you? I will come now!
Turns out, Bandit headed South after Riley got picked up.  Met another Dog and followed it home. The man that called, happened to have been a cilent of mine from my Real Estate days. He said Red, (the Dog that brought Bandit home) was a stray that he & his wife befriended & started feeding.  He came up the drive-way with Bandit. They found us through his tags.
I thanked him, loaded my very happy to see me but very exhausted Dog into the car & headed to the Vet.  Bandit has a couple of skinned spots on his leg, but other than than he is fine!  We picked up Riley who was very thrilled to see us.She started HOWLING as soon as she heard my voice.
I brought them home for a good long nap.

safely home

All this took place within one hour.
2:00pm

Off to work.
Now, work stuff I have to be careful what I am allowed to say. So I am gonna try to be brief but give you an idea of the craziness of the day.
3:00-3:15pm
Staff meeting... Grab vehicle keys & paperwork for off campus outing, open Dorm
3:15-3:45pm
Roll call, get Girls off to practices, take some to another Dorm and take one with me to get vehicle
3:55-5:45pm
At Med Check, for a Resident's Physical appointment, fill out a TON of paperwork, get parent on phone to talk to Med Check person, interrupt for my Girl, get HALF WAY FINISHED when they stop the check up & inform me they have made a serious mistake, and can not complete this.  She can not continue here due to out of network and an insurance issue (although, I have already paid out of pocket personally).  Without going into detail, I got reimbursed, and we left, two hours wasted.
6:00-6:30pm
Arby's with my disappointed Girl, talk about possibilities so we can get her IHSAA forms completed and get her playing her team sport. 
7:00-12:00am
Back to work, met with supervisor, take care of my 15 residental Girls, talk to three parents, dissolve some high school girl drama, meeting with supervisors & Dorm Counselor on an issue, tuck my Girls in, clean up Dorm, fill in Night Dorm Supervisor, and clock myself out.

12:30 - 2:30am
Get home, shower, chat with Hubby on phone, (he's in Detroit), grab a glass of wine & LOVE my Dogs.

As crazy as it was, I know it could have been a REALLY HORRIBLE Day.  So many things could have happened...
My Dogs! My precious spoiled Dogs could have been lost, hurt, or killed.
So I peed myself... probably not the last time and
my girlfriends and I have gotten quite a laugh over it.
Work craziness... I may not have gotten accomplished what I sat out to do, but I tried, and I did have a bonding experience with one of my Girls. She will survive and prehaps can get this issue resolved. It gets caotic but it also is wonderful. I love love love this job.  It brings me so much joy.

This all had a lot of value as well. I appreciate the good when I remember that things don't always go as planned. I have once again learned the value of laughing can help you through ANYTHING.
Life is good.

Who's Roscoe?

I came home from work the other night and Hubby was all fired up.  He is telling me that the feral cats are back under the house.  And there was a fight.
Mischa, our Kitty was running about slightly freaked, "hiding" from the cats she heard. And if you have ever not heard a cat fight, just take my word, cats scream & make the scariest sounds. 
Our Dogs, Riley, Bandit & even little Dakota, were completely going crazy trying to locate these cats.  Riley, the Coon~hound, was focused on the bathroom heat register.
Hubby said it was all so loud.  The cats below, started to fight, and he could hear the insulation ripping from the crawl ceiling. and all Hell breaking loose,  He said Roscoe was holding his own. 
uhm, Wait a minute...
Mischa... Riley... Bandit...Dakota... those are our pets. 
But "Who is Roscoe?"
Hubby, informs me Roscoe is the HUGE black cat that was among the cats.
Wait a minute...
Me:"Honey? Are you telling me you NAMED a feral cat?  How long have you known, "Roscoe".
Hubby: I don't know, he's been hanging around. He's a big strong cat. Reminds me of Rocky in his prime {Rocky is our 19 yr old cat that passed in December}.
hmmm.
Did my Hubby really just name a stray?
You have to understand, he was raised not like me. He didn't grow up with pets. He loves our pets but I'm the animal person. I'm the rescuer.
Now, since I have been home I haven't seen "Roscoe", or any of the feral cats for that matter.  There is evidence that they have returned.  They have bent and destroyed the air vents that take them into the crawl. 
But I haven't heard a peep...or should I say...
Meow?

Here We Go Again

While many are taking trees down and cleaning out the Christmas cheer, hauling boxes back into the attics and basements, I have another task at hand.
Do you remember two years ago January, when I posted about cats getting into our crawl space? Click HERE for that post. A neighbor cat went missing and I crawled into our crawl because of all the meowing going on below? Apparently the Feral Cat living there was having a party.. I ended the party sending everyone home! All 3 or 4 cats.  Then after we closed off the entrances, the big Ferel Cat moved into the neighbors crawl as this house was empty.  He continued to visit our porch particularly when Izzy was living with us, as she was a beauty he really wanted to get to know better. Click HERE for the post and clip of Izzy and her Tom.

So anyway...
The neighbor house has been bought and occupied.  Therefore the Feral moved out...

strong cat... not only bent but ripped out screen

He managed to break back into our crawl.  Which, honestly, I didn't mind too much at first.

Until this morning...
When he decided to mark our crawl as his territory.  Anyone familiar with male UN-neutered cats knows exactly what I am talking about...
We woke up to that unmistakable awful smell.

A plan is being plotted. I must make Tom the Feral move out, clean up that horrible smell, and fix the entrances he has made.
My dogs and cat are going crazy trying to find this cat they smell.
I think I will bring Bandit (middle dog) with me.  He should be able to chase it out, (and protect me.. Ferals aren't exactly friendly cats!)
It's 19 degrees out.  I am not looking forward to this.  My shoulder is acting up too.  Hubby wants to wait till the weekend when the weather warms up a bit, but I will be in Kentucky unable to help.
oh my goodness...
Maybe we should go get Izzy to chase him out! lol
Or anyone know the number to Feral Busters?

Whoopsie!

Oh Crap!
So, Hubby is out of town and I have been trying to get caught up in Blog World with this free time.  Which okay, truth be known, I can get rather consumed in the reading & commenting and not pay attention to whats going on around me.
I work a 9 hour shift and give myself time to get there & back so it makes for a long day for the dogs to be cooped up in their room.  I decided earlier to let them lounge outside and soak up this beautiful fall day as long as possible.
Okay, confession time... We are a little bit Hillbilly... just a little when need be. The one reason I did not want to buy this house is the stupid association rules that do not allow me to put a fence up in my backyard. Oh, wait a minute... I can put a fence up...to there liking which means a wrod iron fence to the sum of around $12,000 to surround my yard & not even give me privacy. It's my damn backyard & I really want my critters to be able to gallop about and enjoy the yard.  so anyway here's the Hillbilly thing. We have a stake in the yard with a long tie down leash (actually to make it more Hillbilly, it is two leashes linked together). I then link Riley's leash to the end of it, with Bandits leash handle through the tie downed leash so he can run the length as well.
Anyway.. every now & then they will pull the stake out and wander the yard. Not very often, but it has happened.  By The Way... Dakota isn't leashed, he just stays right next to Riley & Bandit.
So, I am engrossed in Blog reading with the dogs out, and I hear a dog howl...hmm, that sounds kind of like Riley. But I don't get up. There it is again.. But it sounds far.  hmm. Back to reading.

Then all Hell breaks loose & I am sure that is Riley's bark, although not in the back yard, accompanied by Bandits bad ass gonna kill you bark & Dakota's little yeah...that's right! yipping.
I dart out back, hear the dogs but not in sight.  I am calling them, trying to figure which direction to go. A neighbor a few homes down appears and waves telling me they are over here.  I run to find my dogs tangled with the Hillbilly leash stuck in between beautiful landscaped pine trees, making a mess & still trying to attack my neighbor Tim.  He had wanted to help them when he noticed them but they wont let him approach. Even with me present, they pretty much want to eat Tim.  Yes, I am that neighbor with the mean dogs.  The unpetable dogs in a neighborhood swarming with the friendliest dogs you'd ever meet. I thank him & apologize and we agree he needs to step off so I can get them untangled...  I can only imagine what he was thinking of me, the leash tiedown, and my unruly Dogs.

To make matters worse, I get a bunch of tree sap all over my hands and my fingers keep sticking together.  See? Nice how my ring finger is now attached to my middle finger.  AND I have an annoying habit of running my hand through my hair... It is sticking to the hair.  When I try to talk with my hands signing today, I will be a mess.  Scary hands.

Hey~ did you notice the cool crackle polish? Here's a better picture with a clean hand from last night. Im petting Riley.  I bought a bunch of polish for my girls at the School.  Their school colors are orange and black so I did the crackle with orange & black.  I know! I am so cool!  No wonder the girls all love me! I also braided hair last night. I hope no one ask tonight because my sticky hands will get caught in their hair.
I have been searching turtles as we thought it would be fun to have a pet turtle.  But I forgot we live in INDIANA, where little turtles are banned from selling. And the turtles over 4 inches (legal size) are so expensive. I have also realized with all this research that they really are not the pet we should be looking for.  I mean come on, my animals always outlive their normal life expectation and therefore could easily out live us all!  Nah... maybe I will look more at Hermit Crabs. Please don't mention gold fish..we already tried them. Long story..
Anyway...
I best be getting my butt off the couch & start getting ready for work.
Have a great one all!

Bandit..... my naughty boy

The Bandito Sleeping

I LOVE my little Bandit. He is such a precious sweet dog. He has anxiety issues, vision issues, jealousy issues, behavior issues. We shower him with love and affection. We have always treated him extremely well. He loves us and likes to be right up next to us. In fact, he insist on leaning on us or at least sitting on a foot.

I am very frustrated and near wits end over his marking problem. I have tried countless remedies, training tools & methods, and have been trying to correct this for YEARS. My Hubby has no idea how bad it is. He thinks it's an accident now & then. A jealous issue usually (because his mates/buddies are getting attention more than he or we left him too long, etc.)

I have tried things the Vet recommended. I have tried things friends suggest. I have been on Caesar's website and even requested a question about it (no reply). I can't afford a trainer or a Doggy Therapist. 
I need help my Bloggy Friends! I am open to any suggestions. If I put his Doggie Male Wrap on, it protects his targets but them he has a soggy wrap that must be washed right away.
His main targets are the corner of my bed and the curtains in my window seat. I wash these items daily and try all the expensive protein enzyme destroyers.
HELP PLEASE!
I love Bandit, but I've had enough of this pissy problem!

Trespassers

My Dogs are going CRAZY!
They have been in my bedroom window seat, barking, yapping & howling for some time.  They spotted trespassers in the yard and are not very happy about it.

The offenders are five Canadian Geese that decided to stop by for a visit.
Typically, they hang across the street, in my neighbors back yard as they have the pond.  But today, I have a few that wanted to visit our yard.
Currently they have made their way to the back section and are hunkering down by the bird feeder eating what has been kicked out of the feeder.

I don't mind so much.
As long as they do NOT decide to make a nest and have eggs...That would not work so well with my dogs.
That would not so well with me either.
Riley's howling (have you ever heard a coonhound howl?), Bandit's high pitch non-stop barking. And Dakota's little yippie yappy on and on. Geese poop is one of Dakota's favorite things to roll in. (I think he thinks it makes him not so fluffy & cute). Riley will give me a work-out as she gets hot on their scent when I take her out. And Bandit, well, he's just Dog enjoying the opportunity to be a protector.
A daily dose would not be welcomed.
Eventually these Geese will move on. There are such nicer quieter yards to choose from.

Bad Bad Dog!

Do you remember when I blogged about Bandit thinking about leaping over my pass through?
Well, I ended up having to move table top that sat on his crate so he couldn't jump up here anymore. He tried once and realized his feet get tangled in the crate wires and could get hurt, so he hasn't tried again lately. For a while...
Today he went Koo Koo as I put the gate up keeping Dakota and Bandit in my office (the room on the other side of my kitchen). They get enclosed every night and when we leave so this should not have been a big deal.

HOWEVER~ Miss Riley girl had to tattle and let the boys know that she was getting to go on an exclusive walk. Which Mr Jealous Bandit when crazy! Barking, howling and jumping around. Then it happend.. The big dummy climbed up the window, fell in the sink, knocking over and breaking stuff, then CRASHING from the kitchen counter to the floor. Lucky he didn't hurt himself, break a leg, or NECK!
Little P*ckerhead!
He had a timeout in the crate.

He has been a naughty boy lately. He keeps peeing in his little Male Wrap. (He really hates wearing it once he has wet himself. But he can't be trusted without it). He also jumped up on me the other night, tearing through my favorite pajama bottoms and scratching my knee. Lately he is just really being a jealous naughty little dog!
Even Dakota has been a bit mischievous and starting trouble. And the cats have been too. What the heck?
Bunch of hooligans! They are lucky I love them so much!

Snow Days

My last post was rather morose, so flipping to a lighter note...
Although our snow has melted today, I have a few pictures that I took last week that I want to share. I hope they will give you some smiles and giggles.

Bandit chasing Riley

Dakota & his favorite toy enjoying the snow

 

Old Man Rocky showing off his sweater to Riley

Bandit's New "Clothes"

I have been having a "problem" with my Bandit ever since Dakota came to live with us. That would be 3 years. He is an insecure dog.. he accepted Riley (she was in the household before Bandit). But, when Dakota came to live with us, Bandit became very jealous, he seems to love Dakota, /they are pretty inseparable and even chose to cuddle up and sleep together. The problem is he started "marking" territory. Huge problem.. I have tried so many things to break him of this. It's not like he has to pee... He will pee in 4-10 spots outside. I would think he is "empty"... but noooooooo. Next thing I know he has tinkled a bit on the door frame, chair, etc. (I know, pretty gross). I should have stock in Nature's Miracle & Odor Ban!
Anyway...  I think I have found a solution that will work. Fingers are crossed!
Introducing...

How about that?  I did a little research online and found many colors, sizes and types. Today I checked our local PetsMart and found they carried this one.
We tried it on Bandit, but first sidetracked him with new treats.

3 dog chews & Bandit's nose

Bandit choose first. But Riley and Dakota also got one.

Dakota got the pink icing one

Riley with her choice

Now please don't laugh, Bandit is sensitive, he barely noticed it.

Isn't he cute?
Surprisingly, he didn't try to pull it off. He was so happy to have free run of the house.  And of course, there was the distraction of that treat.
Eventually, he did try to lift his leg and mark something...BUT...like a well made diaper, it absorbed in the "wrap".
He is naked again right now, and sad to be back in my office/their room. But his wrap is in the washer and we will give it a another try.
Stylist Pup, eh? I think he looks pretty good in his new "clothes".

Stinker!

Bandit has discovered he can see what's going on by jumping on top his crate and peering through the pass through between my office and the kitchen. He is very curious and always wants to know what everyone is up too. He'd have freedom to enjoy the whole house if he could stop his urge to "mark" certain pieces of furniture!

Let's just hope he doesn't get brave & try to come through! Looks like he is thinking about it.

BANDIT living up to his Name

Dakota got a new toy!
Cute little rope horse.
He loved it.
Till it got stolen.

Bandit won't give it back... Carries it with him. Dakota loves him so much, he really doesn't care. He just went back to his old torn up lovey toy!

You Had Me At Ruff

Look at my adorable puppies!
They are snoozing in the window seat in my room. (Yes~ that is Mischa in the top picture, with her back to us, she is bird watching, ignoring the dogs).

My little, and not so little dogs make me happy. They are huge pain in the butts, stinky and costly. But bring me so much joy and love!

I have had my eye on this Dog Cushion for a while. I had hoped to find bigger ones. But, you get what you get, and don't throw a fit!

It's 24"x4". Removable quilted cover. I got it at TJ Maxx for just $13! The tag has this website for you folks without TJ Maxx if you are interested www.imjmarketinginc.com and is made by Palmilla Home Furnishings. It is so freakin' cute! Perfect for little Dakota. Both Riley & Bandit have dog beds. BUT... Bandit seems to be trying to claim this "pillow". He growled at Dakota kindof telling him to "back away! I saw it first!" Dakota did. And is now ignoring it (anything to please Bandit). Riley hasn't really noticed it. Bandit has tried to sit on it.... and started to carry it off. Hmm... I may have to work on this a bit. Maybe I can make one for Bandit that says, "Barking With Woofs", I saw that once too!

One, Two, Three...Cheese!

It's that time of year again! Our traditional Christmas picture! I try to get the shots done over Thanksgiving, so I can get them into cards and out the door on time for Christmas. We have tried to do this every year. However, we have been known to miss a year or two. Only twice have I completely not sent Christmas cards. Last year was one of those years. SO, it is of high priority that I get it done this year.

Trying to get the girls in matching little outfits use to be so easy. We use to do jammies, then many years of Cheer uniforms, then hats & scarfs, etc. Now, I just want them to work with me... I don't care what you wear (well, kindof but I try not to go into that battle. I really thought Sorority Sweatshirts would be cute... but they did seem to crazy about the ideal). So, I got the girls on board.

Then who is gonna be in the picture? We usually do it with the dogs. Once with the cats, never all at the same time. Emily wanted her Isabelle in the picture, but, Isabelle isn't the friendliest cat, let alone sociable with our pets. Scratch that ideal before she scratches someone else!

Back to the dogs. That is safe. Chaotic but safe. Besides, we almost lost our Riley with her Cancer, so, it is an extra Blessing to have her for another Christmas shot (besides her surgery was pretty much our Christmas to each other! Cha-Ching!)


I take the shots so Sergio has to help get them together. No fire in the fireplace... that was a scary mistake one year. BUT... where are the antlers? The girls have decided against the Christmas Hats but, by golly get the damn antlers on my dogs! Here we go!

Riley is expressing herself about the Antlers.


Riley is refusing to get into the picture, because of the antlers. Bandit is behaving because he has already been in the dog house for peeing on the tree...twice! Dakota is freaking over the antlers so much he is starting to sweat. Breathe Dakota!


Sergio is trying to talk her back into the picture (They don't make you look fat.. You look so pretty!)


Looks like Riley is saying. "If anyone makes fun of me, I am putting a curse on them with my Devil eyes!"


And it's a wrap!

Things that Make Me go Hmmm...

I learned a few things this week. I have been thinking alot about them, so let me share with you.

1. "Liquid Nails" is pretty powerful but not always glues what you intend. As I tried to repair an angels wings (Christmas decoration), the wings would NOT stay on the lovely angel. Instead, they GLUED on to my finger that was trying to hold it tightly together. It took me forever to get the wings off my index finger. Once I did, my finger prints are forever altered as part stayed on the wings. It's quite painful!

2. A bandage on your index finger makes it difficult to type on the computer.

3. Just because you feel great doesn't mean you are no longer depressed. Changing your medication dose without a Doctors consent isn't a good ideal. You feel better~ the medicine is working! Chemically imbalanced people need the correct dosage to become "balanced". Reducing meds can cause tears & fears.

4. My Sister will always be a better Cook. I am okay with that. I would be better with it if we lived closer so I could have her cook for me! No matter if the recipe is the same: Julie's version always taste better.

5. You can't win an argument with my Mom. Better to shut up and "pretend" to agree. Challenging it gets no where. So, apparently I have been married for 24 yrs come Dec 20th, silly me, I could swear 2009 - 1986 equals 23. Whatever.

6. You can't make someone treat you with more respect. Rude is rude. No matter how hard you try to teach it, people have to get it on their own. I am disappointed that our young adults talk to parents the way they do and make decisions without regard.

7. Buying an artificial tree does not guarantee the dog wont pee on it. Neither does having said dog, go pee multiple times outside first, guarantee he did not save some to mark that strange tree in the living room!

8. Some things never change nor will they.

Dog Days & Cat Naps

Had to share these with you. Riley, Bandit, & Dakota enjoying the sunbeams in the afternoon.
Mischa snoozing in a basket.
Rocky checking out Bandits breath! (Rocky hides when he naps!)
Good to be a pet in the Gonzalez Household!

A Lovely Family Outing

Saturday, Sergio, Dakota, Bandit and I drove up to Muncie to participate in Annie's sorority, Delta Zeta, fund raiser. It was a Run/Dog Walk in memory of a DZ sister that died. Proceeds went to The Riley Children's Hospital Burn Center.

We had a lovely day for the event.

Annie walked Dakota, with his spiffy DZ bandanna, while Emily walked Bandit, wearing a Chi-O bandanna.

Bandit was a bit "aggressive" barking alot and acting big & bad (he did frightened a few). And Dakota, was Mr. Friendly (surprise to us) wanting to meet every big dog there!

They did great! Bandit calmed down, and we did carry Dakota half the time because of his little handicap leg (he wanted to walk. but would have paid for it later, so we compromised, half walk / half carried). It would have been perfect if we could have brought Riley, but with her upcoming surgery, we felt it best not to bring her.

It was such fun for us all. I got to meet some of Annie's new friends. We had lunch with Emily's roommate and her family, which was great. I am so glad that Sergio was able to get away with me and have this day with the girls. Just spending time with my girls is always such a treat!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Finally, we got a good snow! It started yesterday afternoon and continued until just about an hour ago. They are saying we got 11 inches. But, with snow drifts, give or take a few inches here and there.

My husband has been plowing since 5:00 pm yesterday, stopping once at 2:00am for a quick sandwich, then stopping this morning at 7:30am to grab a shower and about 30 minutes of shut eye. He is back out now.

Happy Camper! Gets to "play" with that new snow plow. (gets to pay it off).

Annie, got snowed in at Aunt Delia's. She went over after school, then as the weather progressed, we felt best she stay there for the night. They dug her car out this morning and off she went for home. My heart in my throat. She has never driven in this much snow. Once about a year ago, she slid off the road, luckily was not hurt nor damaged the Tahoe. I was so happy to see her pull into the driveway. Her words when she came in, "That was so fun!" She is definitely her fathers daughter!

I let the dogs out this morning. Remember 11 inches of snow. Dakota is about 7 inches tall. He loved jumping through Riley & Bandit's footsteps. They played while I shoveled the patio and a path to the yard. They all had fun. Dakota was a bit confused though and pooped in the dining room. Stinker!

Well, I am off. We have errands to do and appointments to keep. I may even play in the snow (-:

My Little Bandit Boy

My little Bandit has been having some tremors lately. He is about two years old and he didn't start these till about a month back. They are slight seizure type jerking of his head. Just his head. He seems to be in no pain, just seems to confuse or scare him. We have noticed it three times. Each episode is brief, no more than 30 minutes total. He will tremor for a few seconds, be fine for a few minutes then start another "tremor". He lays or sits still during them, them licks his chops afterwards.

Today, he did it again and I goggled (don't you love google) head shaking tremors, etc. I got so much information! The good news is it looks like it is a condition that is common and can be treated. The bad news, looks like he is going to require meds. At least it looks like a simple fix. Some of the "problems" were severe and required MRIs and surgeries. We will be visiting Dr H. soon.


Bandit's favorite spot in the house is in the corner of this "L" Shape couch. (Trust me friends, you don't want to sit here! The dog hair is hard to get off and he always moves the blanket off). Anyway, especially since we had our little burglar attempt, he sits guard here. This is Dakota with him in 1700 hour watch! Bandit is pooped after a mile walk with sergio & I.

Disturbing My Peace

On Christmas evening, my husband shared something with me that he did not want to tell me. He loves me dearly and tries to protect me from unnecessary worry. This was something I needed to know and he decided he must let me in on it.

A couple of days prior to Christmas, someone tried to break into our home. Not earth shattering news, but enough to shake us up. To my knowledge, this is the first time this has happened to us, in our 22 years together.

I felt something was up. The dogs are especially jumpy and barked excessively since the 23rd. The slightest movement outside now rouse them. Particularly when someone bundled up in jacket, hat & gloves walked by. Bandit sits vigil on the couch propped up watching at the window 24/7 now.

Sergio showed me the marks on our front door. It looks as though someone pried the door open with a crowbar or something. Now the door pops open if not shut tight.

We suspect, that someone did this quietly during the day while we were out. Once the door opened it must have alerted the dogs and they scared off the intruder. Remember Riley is 105 pound Blue Tick Coon Hound and Bandit is a 60 pound Shepard mix with a snarl lip. (Quick scary when he wants!). Then Mr Dakota may only be a 10 pounder Pomeranian, but quite the ankle biter if he wants. Please that sharp piercing bark could make anyone run! Nothing was taken. And fortunately, my Dogs did not get hurt.

I truly believe they are the best security anyone could have. It is said that most Intruders will flee when a dog is in the house. It is too much of a hassle to deal with them.

I feel a piece of my sense of safety has been stolen. I don't blame the neighborhood. This can happen anywhere. A dear friend of ours lost all their electronics, Christmas presents and video games the week before Christmas. Our old neighborhood had several break ins through the years we lived there. We were just never hit. Again, we have always had dogs.

It is just another reminder that we must be careful. Also, good to have dogs.

Pow! Ow!

As much as I love our pets I either need to become quicker or smarter when playing with them. I know better, but I always get hurt!

Riley is a BIG dog! With big paws and big teeth.

Bandit is a medium sized dog but still a healthy 50-60 pounds of dog madness.

Speaking of madness.. Dakota is tiny but crazy. Very fast, loud and sharp little razor teeth.

Then there are the cats.

Mischa is a little she-devil that will turn on you and scratch your eyes out for no reason.

Rocky, well, Rocky is just a sweet old cat and doesn't play any more so he is excused.

I currently have cat scratch fever (if you have ever been scratched by a cat you know what that itchy burn feels like) Mischa gave me when she changed her mind about letting me pet her tummy last night. She got my hand in that pull & kick position that reminds me that she is in charge not me. I may have a fat lip and bruise cheek from playing with Bandit a little while ago. He is faster than me, and I had it coming. We were totally playing and he was concerned when he"got me". I also have some little tiny bruises on my calves from Dakota the piranha gave me when he chases me and quickly jumps at me from behind when I am walking down the stairs.

Riley is outside. She is barking though. I think she thinks it's her turn.