My Freddy-Bear

Freddy is such a character. Since I consider myself a dachshund person more than anything, it surprises me how much I enjoy Freddy. I don't know if that makes me a pomeranian person, since Freddy isn't the typical pom. He is bigger and balder. Those two traits are part of what I love so much about him.

He likes to sleep in during the morning. When he wakes up, he barks from me to get him out of bed. When I do, he gives me a big hug. He is the size of a small toddler, and he really gives me a morning hug. He wraps his front legs around my neck and licks my face.

After we go out, he dances for his pill. I know some people have to fight with their dogs to give them pill and my silly guy asks for his. He still shys away like he thinks I am going to hit him, but if I am sitting next to him, he doesn't seem as nervous.

Being almost hairless works out perfect for us too, since swimming is just about a daily activity in the summer. I think if he had all the normal pommie fur it might be more difficult for him. On the days we don't go to the lake, I fill the tub with water. Freddy lets me know when he wants to swim. He will asked to be picked up. When I pick him up he will paddle his front feet. That is how he lets me know. He gets so excited as I put him in the tub. He starts wiggling his little paint brush of a tail.

No matter how bad a day is, Freddy makes me smile. I just can't imagine how his old people gave him away.

Some Like It Hot

This weekend is HOT HOT HOT, and HUMID, HUMID, HUMID. Joe and I spent yesterday afternoon at the lake. We usually bring a few dogs with us, but I really didn't want to have to watch them and I wanted just to relax. I felt bad leaving them in the hot house. So, before we left, we dipped them all in the tub. Even the cats. I put Tequila in the large crate with the fan blowing in.

We were lazy and took the motorcycle down to the lake rather than walking. The lake was dotted with boats and Jet-skis. In the 5 years we have lived here, I don't think I have ever seen it so busy. The water felt cool at first, but our body temperature adjusted quickly. I swam some, but mostly I just kicked around on the float. Since there were so many boats creating waves coming into shore, just kicking like that against them was a task. Apparently I got into a pretty good groove because at one point Joe said I should come in because people with Jet-skis were having to ride around me. I didn't realize it until I got back in, but I was half way to the island. I have rowed a raft out to the island in the past, but a lone swimmer out in the middle of the water, with all the boats around really isn't a good idea.

When I came in to dry off, Joe had the idea of letting me drive the motorcycle. In all the years, I have only rode as a passenger. He told me what to do, but I was nervous that I would fall over. But, I did it. I didn't go far, and I stalled out since I was going so slow. But it was fun. I may try again.

When we came back to the house, we had a cook out. We dried off much to quickly and honestly, I was wanting to go back to the lake, but I was just too tired.

Today is just as hot and humid. People often ask me why I live way out here. They point out that we are so far from work, stores, hospitals, etc. It is during weather like this, that I think people find their answer.

Recovery Continues

Tequila continues to recover. Some days are better than others. Sometimes he seems almost healed and other times he stumbles. He has been such a good boy about resting. I don't even need to keep the crate door closed. He is allowed up to eat, drink and potty. Then I just tell him "Go rest" and he does. I even let him sit out in the sun. He looks sad that he can't play with the other dogs, but he rests anyway.

Tequila resting with Bailey and Buddy

Happy Birthday Romeo

Romeo

I just can't believe it, but the cat I still call "My kitten-kitty" is 15 years old today!

He has been my best friend for 15 years. Through all my friends, boyfriends, and jobs that came and went. He has been there for me in good times and in bad. Always willing to cuddle when I needed to and understanding when my life was too busy to give him little more than food, water and a clean litter box.

He has adjusted to so many situations. He has been the only pet, he has been one of 14. He lived with me when I was single and he accepted my husband when we were married. I have lived in several places in the past 15 years, including in a tractor trailer. He took all the moves in stride and never complained.

Happy Birthday Romeo! You are the best cat that anyone could have ever hoped for.

Today's Thoughts

I am rather upset today. Tequila has a ruptured spine. This is the second time I have had a dog go down. We are hoping that with steroids and crate rest he will be able to avoid surgery. He is taking to the crate fine now, but as he starts to feel better it will be more of a battle.

I am also feeling a little sad today about another dog issue. On Wednesday it will be 6 months since we had the love of my life, Indy put to rest. I still cry over my little dog. I just loved him so much. I don't think my heart will ever be whole again. I miss him so much. Sometimes I still think I hear him barking. I don't go a day without thinking of him. Bailey reminds me a lot of him, and I can see Indy each time I see Bailey.

On a happier note, Bailey is 7 months old today. He is a happy, healthy, well adjusted pup. He is recovering nicely from his surgery. He brings much joy to my life. I would have loved to have had an opportunity for he and Indy to play together. The good Indy, before he became ill. I bet they would have loved each other.

Catching Up

It seems that either nothing is goes on to write about, or everything happens at once and there is no time to write. The past few days have been very full.

Today the puppy went to be neutered. I had planned on spending the day at my Mom's house rather than drive the hour back home, and then back to the vet in the evening to pick him up. However, it ended up that Joe was going to be running to Albany today, so I went and did the trip with him and we went and picked up Bailey together.

Bailey did great. He weighs 10 pounds. They said he was a very good boy, although I did hear him bark when we got to the vet. I think he heard our truck and new we were coming to get him.

He is still a little out of it, but he went potty already. I think he just needs some rest tonight.

:::Sigh::: My baby is all grown up.

Since today was not really a "fun" day for Bailey, yesterday we decided to do something fun. We took him down to the lake for the first time. We also took Buddy, Mila, Furby and Zena. They all had a great time swimming. I was surprised at how great Zena did. I didn't think her porky butt would be able to swim, but she zoomed right through the water.

Mila was a little fish too. I didn't know that swimming was a chihuahua thing, but I guess it is. The first time in the water Joe carried them. Mila liked it so much she kept going back on her own.

Bailey did well swimming, but he seemed to like it better when he could just splash around. As we headed back, he decided to stop and run back to the water. Then, of course, he had to roll in the sand.

On Memorial Day Furby went out on the boat with Joe and Jim & Nikki. I stayed home and got things ready for dinner. Furby loved it. I knew he would enjoy the wind in his face, but he liked being in the water. I guess my dogs are really a bunch of fish.