Heart Pounding Experience

A few minute dog emergency and my heart is still pounding and my hands shaking two hours later. Thankfully both dogs are safe but for a few minutes I wasn't sure what the outcome would be. Oh my babies... I was reading and Trekker and Shiloh were wrestling, all quite normal. Then the tone changed. It took me a few seconds to figure out what had happening. Trekker's rolled leather collar had caught on Shiloh's teeth and wrapped on his lower jaw. The more they panicked and struggled the tighter the collar was getting until it bagan to cut off Trekker's air. I tried to untangle them all the while yelling for my husbands help. No luck. I tried unbuckle the collar. No luck it was too tight. It quickly became clear that if I couldn't unbuckle it I couldn't cut it off either. It was only with one of us holding Shiloh down and Trekker up that we could work them free. This was no easy feat with both dogs in a scared frenzy. Trekker was left wheezing and Shiloh rubbing his jaw on the carpet. After checking them over carefully there appears to be no real damge. Trekker's collar is now setting on the table and tomorrow he will have one that is safer for dog play. I thank my lucky stars that Rich was home and still shake at what could have happened.

Help Needed

Trekker and I need help. In the past few weeks Trekker seems to have come into his own and is doing great in weekly class. It was suggested today by our dog obedience instructor that we should try a rally novice competition. I've been searching the Internet and can't find exactly what we need to know, any suggestions on where to look? Thanks.

Favorite Place at New House

On the Mend

We checked in with our own doctor today. Trek will be on antibiotics for a week and will tire faster but is definitely on the mend. He agreed with my diagnosis of Trekker eating the wrong thing and not any of the scare pieces the emergency vet was throwing out. When I told him about the anti-corgi comment he was amazed that another vet would say something like that about a whole breed.

During your shows have you run into breeders in Arizona that you respected?

How to not spend the 4th of July!

My July 4th morning started early, about 2 am with Trekker throwing up all over our bed. At first I figured that he had just eaten the wrong thing in our day of yard work, I got him outside and the bed cleaned up. The throwing up continued. When everyone else's morning rolled around I tried to get our vet on the phone, no such luck. Dah, it's the 4th of July.

Off to the emergency clinic we go and wait and wait and wait. After two hours of waiting and being told it may be another 2 hours I decide to take him home. He hadn't thrown up in that amount of time and was taking water. His temp normal. Later he begins throwing up again and is now refusing water. He is one sick puppy. Back to the emergency room. This time it's less than an hour's wait. Of course they run tests and everything comes back right around the normal range, but he has become dehydrated. They give him fluids and a shot to keep from throwing up any more and we head for home. By this time it's 8 pm and I'm much poorer.

By morning he was taking water and interested in the world around him. As the day progressed Trekker is feeling better. He's run to investigate and is now eating small quantities of rice mixed with a little tuna. Tomorrow we'll visit our vet to make sure we're really mending. My best guess is that Trek got into weeds that Rich sprayed.

The vet at the emergency room I'm not too fond of. He tells me that he's not to fond of corgis because they are bad tempered. Mine is the first that isn't and he's a keeper. My thought--if Trekker hadn't been feeling so bad maybe he wouldn't have liked him either. Dogs usually are on the mark for their likes and dislikes. The vet is just not a keeper.

I

Work Begins As Move Is Made

Downsizing to half our material possessions, selling a house, finding a rental and moving has certainly taken its toll on training for our therapy dog certification. The move to the rental took place a week ago and as we wait for the job transfer to Arizona Trekker and I started back to training this morning. I am thrilled with his memory. His heal was right on the mark and he had great turns. On the other hand, his stays were short and he would prefer not to down. With the test the 21st of July I won’t be able to slack off anymore.
Back to the move…Every rental house that I saw as a possibility said no dogs. Being the brazen person that I am I called and said let me tell you why you’d like me and my dogs as a renters.
1. My house sold in 22 days with 2 dogs present…
2. The older dog has his canine good citizen and therapy dog certifications.
3. The younger dog is being trained and should have them before summer is out.
Each owner agreed that if we’d like to rent they would be happy for “all of us” to be there. We picked a house close by, but half the size of ours. It has a large fenced yard for the dogs. They were the ones we worried most about in this transition. Once the furniture arrived with their scent they were content. Where we are is home to them. Trekker quickly discovered that the chair in the front room has a perfect street view and the arm has become his perch to world. With Shiloh’s age it’s getting harder for him to climb up on furniture so he’s content to lie on the floor. When Trekker sounds the alarm he stands, looks out, and adds to the ruckus. Both seem to be well adjusted. I’m working on the fact that I don’t need to know about every person and car moving about outside. Me, I’m not sure that I’m cut out for renting and am counting my time. My hope is to move again by Christmas and not have to deal with icy roads.

Busy, Busy

Trekker here—our house is confusing. First my mom and dad cleaned like mad and kept putting away my toys. They kept picking up the toys from inside and outside the house and I kept trying to tell them NO, I like them out where I can get them. Then they started locking Shiloh in the crate next to mine in the morning when they’d leave. Shiloh hates it, but they just don’t seem to care. Me, I love having Shiloh keeping me company. While we’re locked up strange people walked through and looked all around. They didn’t pay any attention to me, only the house. Then as quickly as it started my toys have come back out and Shiloh has the run of the house again, but for some reason not me. Could it be that they care I chew a few pieces of left out paper and love the toilet paper rolls? She should just be happy that I have never taken out anything that isn’t paper! I’ve heard stories about what other dogs do.
Now these crates and boxes are coming out and being filled. The living room is a fun place because there are so many of them to race around. Before Mom would shoo me out of the room now I just hang out as she works. She doesn’t always appreciate my assistance and shoos me yet again. Shiloh is such a mama’s boy. He just lays there next to her and never gets into anything.
Strange people are coming. Since I’m out they play with me and tell me how cute I am, but when they leave they are taking furniture. Mom calls it downsizing. I heard her tell Luke last night that in a month we are moving into a rental house. They found one with a fence for me. Mom says it’s temporary until they find out about Arizona. I don’t know what that means but we are busy.

Dogs are cunning.

With the house on the market we thought a little color from Pansies were in order. While I was out front planting Rich decided that he'd take the dogs for a walk so that I could plant in peace. Shiloh, always the mama's boy, never wants to leave me especially if I'm outside. Rich was persistent that he was going too. Shiloh was being led away, all the while looking back to where I was working. My smart boy hoisted up his leg and began to limp heavily. Rich kept going. Once I was out of sight the injury was gone. He was faking a leg injury!

The Nose Knows

The weather is turning and we’re getting back outside. Shiloh has begun his rituals of checking the fence line for any furry invaders. He may not be able to see well but his nose appears to be working fine.

Life's Lessons

Patience is not my virtue! Last year at this time I was waiting for Trekker to grow enough to join our household. Time could not move fast enough. Now it seems hard to believe that we’ve only had him a year, he has weaved his way into all of our hearts and I can’t imagine not having him.

I have decide that this time of year comes only to teach me patience. IT’S NOT WORKING!!!! We are in limbo again. Will we be putting our house on the market and moving to Arizona or will we be staying? The control is out of my hands and is in the hands of the manager in the company my husband works for that I don’t know. He doesn’t seem to care that the limbo is killing me. In the meantime, we continue to prepare for both scenarios. Each day I expect the decision and each day we wait again.

On the positive note…we’re able to get outside and Shiloh is feeling pretty good. My two boys try to teach me to live in the moment. Will I ever learn?

New Discovery

Trekker here---I'm excited. I'm so excited. I found a rabbit and I chased that rabbit through the whole yard over and over again. I had to go faster than I've ever gone, I even passed Shiloh and Mom said she didn't know I was that fast. When Shiloh got tired and rested I kept going after the rabbit. I had him cornered when Mom called me for breakfast. What was I to do? I came running for a quick breakfast and then went right back out. That rabbit didn't wait for me! I checked the whole yard and couldn't find him. I finally know why Shiloh likes rabbit so much. No more am I going to only check the yard for Shiloh, I'm going rabbit hunting for me. Mom says next time she'll have the camera little more handy. Got to go there are rabbit to find!

Seeing Eye Dog

Trekker has found a new job at our house, seeing eye dog. The vet tells us that Shiloh’s sight is getting bad and Trekker seems to feel that it is his job to assist his best buddy.

Shiloh has always believed it is his job to keep our yard clear of squirrels and rabbits. Actually he’s done a good job, but over the past months he’s begun to miss some of the invaders. Trekker, on the other hand, has never cared whether they’re in the yard or not but was aware of Shiloh’s interest. As it became apparent to all of us that Shiloh couldn’t see the distant intruder, Trekker began to sound the alarm. Trekker spots the invader and runs for Shiloh. Shiloh becomes alert and Trekker leads him to squirrel or rabbit. Then other senses seem to kick in and Shiloh is on duty. With a job well done, Trekker heads off for more interesting adventures.

The dogs were kenneled while we were in Phoenix. I was told that while gone Trekker became very protective of his older charge and did not want Shiloh out of his sight. The only way to quiet him was to place Shiloh directly across from him so that he could stand guard.

Shiloh’s aging process is sad to watch and yet it’s gratifying to watch Trekker come into his own. He doesn’t herd livestock, but instead herds his buddy so that they both fulfill their destiny.

Assistance Given

Last summer we went through phase 1 of downsizing things out of our house. I waited for remorse over loosing long loved items and none came. I have enjoyed the freedom of more space. We are now into phase 2 and more things are going. Each weekend more rooms and closets are tackled also why the blogs are fewer and farther apart. This weekend it was the basement storage rooms. Shiloh, an old hand at jobs, finds a corner to lie in and settles in for a long nap. Occasionally he'll lift his head to make sure are progressing at a steady pace and once reassured goes back to sleep.

Trekker, on the other hand, feels that cleaning is a collaborative job. As a member of our family it was his job to help. His nose is into every nook and corner. We did not need a broom. Trekker found everything that had fallen under shelves over the years. He quickly discovered that if he ran with the item we would be right behind negotiating with food for the stolen item. Our trash pile grew and grew as we cleaned, but Trekker (the little helper that he is) took it upon himself to relocate much of that too. He felt the rec room sofa was a much more comfortable spot to check out his new treasures. When night fell I have never seen him so tired. He could barely lift his head. Or maybe it was such a full stomach for a smart negotiator.

Teacher in the Making

Mom told me to use education gargon to describe my teaching Shiloh to tunnel.

It's the called the gradual release of responsibility.

I started out doing all the work.
Here I'm demonstrating how to go into the tunnel.

See Shiloh watching.

Then I show him how to come out. Nothing to it.

I then encourage Shiloh to try it.

I use all sorts of positive reinforcements.

It looks like he might go in.

Look he's heading in.

Must be my strong use of modeling.

Oops.

He chickened out.

I'll continue to learn how to be a better teacher and try again.

I'll keep you informed on our progress. Trekker out.

Young and in Love

Trekker loves weekly Saturdaydog class. He likes the work and comradery with me , but more than that he likes the after class play. He is funny to watch. Trekker's favorite playmate is the pem corgi, they just race through the room . But his favorite dog is a Tallie, a Dalmation, he has a crush on. He follows her around like a lovestruck schoolboy. Check out his tail actoin when she's around.

Odd

What does a son get his father for a gift? A book of .... The creators of this book are dog owners who felt that something good should come out of their dog's po. So they created vignettes, took photographs and made them into a book (example above). I'm not sure who would be considered odder the creators, the son who bought the book or me who is telling you about the oddity.

Where's a Lawyer?

Shiloh here--I want a lawyer and I want to present the evidence.

Picture 1--Me minding my business
Picture 2--Being attacked by a snapping corgi. Look at those teeth coming at innocent me.
Picture 3--I'm a good dog and don't react. So what does the little rug rat do, but attack my head, nip, nip and pull, pull.
Picture 4--Then, THEN that little...goes around and starts nipping my heels to get me moving.

Does he not know I DON'T LIKE IT!!!This is old dog abuse and I want to sue!

Busy Boy

I was just finsished posting when I heard an unusual noise. When I went to investigate I found Trekker's boredom release (pictured). This is the second time this week he's been creative with the toliet paper. Monday night I came home and found the bathroom door closed. Rich had taped a note to the door stating, "YOUR DOG has been busy." I opened the door and found a full roll of toliet paper ripped to shreds all over the floor. I then went to investigate where everyone was. Rich was using the exercise machine, Trekker was grounded to his kennel, and Shiloh was lounging on the sofa with a smirk on his face. I know dogs don't have human feelings but it sure looked like he was pleased that Trekker was in trouble!

Go Away and Don't Come Another Day

The backyard has melted enough to be back to ice patches again. Trekker has the advantage being low to the ground, poor Shiloh just gingerly moves across the ice field. Starting tomorrow our temps are to be in the mid to high 40s through at least the weekend. We're all hoping by Sunday to see all the ice and snow gone. Longer days would be good too. It's hard to get pictures at this time of year too. I think it all means that I need to stay home and be a dog mom full time.

Step Backward

Trekker and I needed to take a little step backward so that we can move forward. In December I signed us up for handling class on Saturday and beginning agility on Sunday. At the time I thought "no problem". Wrong, it's more than we can take on. We had homework from both classes and weren't doing either well (more me than Trekker). So we've dropped agility so we can get a better handle on the basics. The new plan is to start back with agility in the late spring. Retiring to full time dog mom was the plan I liked the best but was vetoed.

Finding Your Right "Size"

THIS IS A TERRIFIC STORY, BUT YOU MUST READ IT,
DON'T JUST LOOK AT THE PICTURES!!!!!

'Puppy size,' Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to the animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer. 'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for. '

'I know... we have seen most of them,' the mom said in frustration. Just then Danielle came walking into the office. 'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.

'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed. 'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said. Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. 'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said. 'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. 'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Corgi Smell

As far as I can tell, Trekker uses more of sense of sight than smell. Even when I visit with other dogs he only needs a cursory sniff and is satisfied. That was until the night of the Winjammin' s chili supper last weekend. While there I had the opportunity to have corgi puppy play and came home smelling of "other corgis". It drove Trekker nuts. Literally for 45 minutes Trekker was on top of me sniffing. So now I have two more corgi facts--corgis smell different than other breeds and corgis like to play with other corgis more than other breeds (discovered at dog class two weeks ago).

Nine Tenths of the Law

Shiloh here—there’s a disagreement going on at our house as to who should sleep where on the bed. Mom has one side and Trekker snuggles in with her. Not me! I want to spread out. I’ve tried to nudging Dad out of his side. For a while I could stretch out and Dad would try not disturb me because I’m old. He found himself sleeping on the edge of the bed while I took my part out of the middle. When he almost fell out he kicked me out! Does he not remember that I have old bones? He just doesn’t care anymore. Well the jokes on him. He has to share a bed with Mom and Trekker, but I’ve found my own queen size bed. I share with no one! Thanks Luke, your bed is great, plenty of room to stretch out and my own pillows too. Mom did get grumpy when I kept making a nest out of your down comforter so she put it in the closest and got a quilt out. It isn’t near as nice to scrunch for comfort. I also have begun using my bed for daytime sleeping and window gazing. Possession is nine tenths of the law so I don’t know where you’re going to sleep Luke, but the bed is mine.

Tunnel Fun

Trekker here—I got this great tunnel for Christmas from my boy Luke. It’s great to duck in when I play with Shiloh. First I have to get the game going. What works is I nip his legs and bounce around until he turns to give chase. I do a few room laps and when I think he’s ready to bring me down I duck into the tunnel. He watches the end I just went in, but I barrel out the end, nip him again, and run. Ha…he doesn’t seem to learn that there are two ends! I could play this game over and over, but Shiloh will only stay interested for a short time so sometimes I just have to run the tunnel for the fun of doing it. Mom has taught me the word “tunnel” and I know to run through. I have to see which end she points to so I know where she wants me to go and then I run through. So far we haven’t done any of this in agility class, but I’m ready!

Wonderful Corgi Fix

Wow, did I get a corgi fix this weekend. Thank you so much Sherliyn and Russ for inviting me over after the dog show. It was great to put faces to the names that I see on the corgi blogs. And better yet was to get to have a little puppy play. I hadn’t realized how much Trekker had grown until I saw your pups. Also, thank you Cindy for so patiently answering corgi questions. It seems the more I know the more questions I have. Hope the Sunday show results went your way.

Warmth, Warmth

Come Again

Together Through the Cold

School was canceled for today at 5:00 last night due to cold weather and paralyzing wind chill. With 25 years of working in education it has never happened before. Snow and ice may stop us, but not cold. Unfortunately, Trekker and Shiloh did not seem to be aware that it was unnecessary for me to get up this morning. Did they not watch the news with me and see me do the happy dance? At 3:00 am, Trekker snuggles into his nitch between my neck and head. By 4:45 am both dogs were ready to go out for their early morning bathroom break. Since we live in a walk out on bad weather days I take the dogs to the lower level to let them out. I thought the 45 degree below warranted two floors of stairs, even at this early time. After carefully descending two flights of stairs in the dark I opened the door and let the dogs out. Trekker took one step out and turned around to come right back in. Too cold for him no matter how bad he had to go. After a few choice words, I wrapped the down blanket around me and went out too. Yep, it was COLD! The boys did their business quickly and were ready to go back in the house. ME too. Since I’m now wide awake, I’ll do a little prayer for all the animals and people who can’t go right back inside.

My next problem to solve will be how to exercise an active adolescent puppy enough to wear him out inside when he’s used to walking a couple miles a day. His interest in ball throwing and chase are limited.

Early Morning Alarm Clock

I hear in class every week how much dogs read body language. They understand signals that you don’t even know you are putting out. That must be the case with Trekker. About three each morning I must move or act differently in my sleep. Each morning about that time he moves to snuggle in between my head and shoulder with his head resting on my neck. Then Trek begins a soft almost purr. He’ll occasionally lift his head up and lick my neck or ear to let me know he’s there and content. On occasions like this morning, I wake a little more and give an another unknown signal because I then get not only kisses but nudges to make me aware that he’d like itched or stroked. If I stop he’ll move a little to put his body in contact with my unmoving hand but never enough that he looses his head position on my neck. It’s a very gentle, loving wake up alarm but I sure wish it would come about two hours later.

Unforeseen Consequences

The snow is now past Trekker’s belly and he has to bunny hop or plow through the yard, but it doesn’t lower his enthusiasm for the white stuff. Trek wiggles, barks, and nips Shiloh to get him to partake in a chase game through the new snow. Shiloh engages in the chase. Usually Trekker is able to run and weave quickly through the yard so that Shiloh’s double size is never a problem. Today what he hadn’t counted on was the snow slowing him. There was no contest. Trek runs and Shiloh brings him down. Trek runs Shiloh brings him down. The lesson of the day—chase game works better with one less inch of snow on the ground or only playing with someone else who also has short legs!

Thanks so much for the corgi insights. Being new to the corgi world I have no baseline info. It’s nice to hear from those that know.

More Corgi Questions

I've got another two corgi questions. Trekker is an extremely vocal dog. It's often like he's talking to me. He has all sorts of pitches he uses depending on what he's wanting. Trek even talks to Shiloh in play. Is that just his personality or typical corgi? Also, do corgis generally play with one of their own kind with more exuberance than other breeds. Trekker has played with all sorts of dogs but for the past two weeks there has been a pen at class and after the work is done they have off leash play. There is a marked difference in his play habits with another corgi than any other dog. Usual or just Trekker?

I was going to get some new pictures for the blog at our classes this weekend and of course forgot the camera.

Snow Brings A Step Back

What a whirlwind start to a new year, it seems to be going by in a blear. I really feel that the school system should understand that I’m really busy and just allow me to stay home for a while, with salary of course. Actually, school has been as busy if not busier than my home life with meetings, mid-year assessments, and new projects. It’s hard to believe that we’ve only been back in session for a week.

I’ve made Trekker a priority this week. Last week we went back to training unprepared. Fortunately he kicked it in better than I did. Today, I hope, we’re ready. We’ve practiced and are looking pretty sharp. Now the test will be—can we carry it over where there are distractions? This is the last session for the advanced handlers’ class. I’m hoping she’ll announce a continuation. With only three to four people it is tailored specifically to the handlers and dogs immediate needs. I’ve never had to work so hard in a class because you’re never out of the eye of the instructor. She is demanding and we’re improving because of it.

Then tomorrow we start our agility class. Since this is my first attempt at it I have no idea what to expect. Will we have the skills needed to do it? I have no doubt in Trekker’s ability; it’s his owner’s ability that I’m worried about.

You could almost hear a sigh of relief this morning from the dogs with the new snow covering the ground. Our backyard has gone from an ice rink to a winter wonderland where they can finally get traction and play. Trekker’s first mission was to nose plow the pristine snow. He’s so enamored with it that when he’s not out he’s up on the footstool looking out the window and sighing. Rich, on the other hand, not so thrilled. He too looked out and sighed too with a completely different meaning before heading out too to plow. His comment was, “I wouldn’t have to do this if we lived in Arizona. “

My hope is to bring life to a little slower pace this weekend before starting all over again Monday.

Back to Work

Ashamed of Trekker and my two week hiatus, we were back at class on Saturday. The first half of class we were pretty sad to watch, but the second half really looked up. You could almost hear Trekker say, “Oh yeah, we’re here to work. I know how to do this. I’ll make my lazy mom look good even though she hasn't earned it!” He handled it like a champ . Since then we have been kicking it into gear. The plan is to be most improved this week.

I met my first Pem puppy at class. She is 6 months old and made Trekker look huge. He’s getting to be a big boy!

Guilt Feelings

It's the first of a new year and seems to be my time to feel guilty. Not a useful feeling, but one that is here never the less.

1. The yard has melted enough that it has become a land mine of ice. Man and animal alike slide and have poor footing. Trekker hates walking on it but for Shiloh, in his old age, it's just dangerous. I feel guilty that there is nothing I can do to fix it for him except pray for a warm spell.
   
2. Because of the ice still on the sidewalks and I'm afraid of falling the dogs and I have not been walking. Thank goodness that Rich still ventures out because otherwise Trekker would be impossible to live with.


3. With my mom visiting for the holidays and Luke home from college Trekker's training has gone to nonexistance. Tomorrow we're back in class and we will not be coming home proud.


4. I was supposed to be dieting and like training that was nonexistent too.


5. Luke heads back to college tonight and already I've taken over his spaces. Yesterday Trekker and I took over the rec room on the lower level. It's become our new agility course. With only two of us here most of the time we don't need the space so I put most of the furniture at one end of the room or in the storage room and brought out my new equipment. And the boy hasn't even left yet, but his sheets and towels are already in the wash. Poor Luke, his mother taking over his areas and things.
   

For the rest of the day I'll wallow in guilt and knowing I'll be an empty nester again and tomorrow I'll get to changing what I can.